Tomi sets the tone for the two days ahead: a celebration of curiosity, connection and courageous thinking. His words remind us why we gather — to transcend boundaries, challenge old assumptions and light up new pathways for business, creativity and future-making. More info...

Browse the SOHJO program by day, stage, or event area. SOHJO side events are also included - with more details available on Side Events.
The program is being updated and finalized during February.
SOHJO 2026 Program
SOHJO Day 1
-
15:00SOHJO Day 1 Start & Opening Words by Business Joensuu Oy
- Susicorn Stage
- Tomi Haring, CEO of Business Joensuu
-
-
15:30KeynoteIrene Viinikkala: Beyond Creativity: How to Turn Tech, Chaos & Strategy into Growth
- Susicorn Stage
- Irene Viinikkala
-
Irene opens the festival with a keynote that sets the tone for two days of bold thinking. Irene’s Keynote Beyond Creativity: How to Turn Tech, Chaos & Strategy into Growth will explore how startups can harness both technology and creativity to build luminous futures — and why this fusion is no longer optional but essential. More info...
-
16:00KeynoteKari Kola: Lighting the Sound: Creative Power, Global Stage - Streaming from Australia
- Susicorn Stage / Teams
- Kari Kola
-
Kola will deliver an exclusive keynote online from Australia, where he has just premiered Lighting the Sound — the world’s largest light installation, stretching across the dramatic coastal landscape of Western Australia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, scale, and vision behind a globally significant art project. More info...
-
16:30KeynoteIna Mikkola: Glitter, Guts and Growth: What I’ve Learned in the Spotlight
- Susicorn Stage
- Ina Mikkola
-
In her keynote “Glitter, Guts and Growth: What I’ve Learned in the Spotlight”, Ina reflects on visibility, vulnerability, and personal power — and how creative courage builds both careers and culture. Her talk invites audiences to rethink what it means to shine in a noisy world, and how authenticity is the new superpower in both business and branding. More info...
-
17:00Fire ChatTo Be Announced
- Susicorn Stage
-
17:00To Be Announced
- Luminous Stage
-
17:30Matti Tikanmäki: Colleagues or Competitors? Humanoids in the Future of Work. Featuring Arska & Dolly
- Susicorn Stage
- Matti Tikanmäki, Arska & Dolly
-
Matti takes the Susicorn Stage to tackle a question that's becoming increasingly relevant: what kind of relationship will we build with robots that look and move like us? With over 20 years of hands-on experience in deploying robotics in real-world settings, Matti brings a grounded perspective to the hype. Are humanoids the ultimate co-workers, efficient tools, or something we haven't quite figured out yet? He is joined on stage by Probot's charismatic robot duo: Arska the humanoid and Dolly the mobile robot. More info...
-
18:00Erja Retzén & Thomas Mathews: Nasdaq's Q&A with ABLOY & Closing Bell Ceremony
- Susicorn Stage
- Erja Retzén, Thomas Mathews
-
At SOHJO, Erja Retzén will host a special Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony, an exclusive moment where the legendary exchange bell rings not in Helsinki — but right here in Joensuu. During the Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony Erja also shares insights into the future of listings, why visibility still matters, and how startups from unexpected regions — like North Karelia — can find their way to the spotlight and the stock exchange. More about Erja...
Thomas Mathews joins Erja on the Susicorn Stage for a special Q&A session exploring what it means to lead innovation in a highly trusted legacy brand with the support of ASSA ABLOY, and how a company built on more than a century of expertise continues to evolve in a fast-changing world. More about Thomas...
-
18:30KeynoteTaavi Kuisma: Curious case of AI: How far has the world gotten in the AI journey?
- Susicorn Stage
- Taavi Kuisma
-
At SOHJO 2026, Taavi takes the stage with his keynote: Curious case of AI
In this keynote, Taavi invites both creative professionals and technologists to rethink how they look at AI and its use case. Looking past the FOMO and shallow interpretation of generative AI, we explore the AI rabbit hole from a new perspective. How can humans and machines co‑create a future that is not only efficient, but meaningful, ethical, and progressive? More info...
-
18:30Fire ChatJoonas Karvinen: TRUST: Sparkling Secret of Sales Success
- Luminous Stage
- Joonas Karvinen
-
In this fire chat - TRUST – The Sparkling Secret of Sales Success - we’ll dive into the real drivers of exceptional sales performance: trust, courage, discipline – and relentless execution.
This session isn’t just about selling – it’s about rethinking how we connect, commit and close in today’s luminous business world.
-
19:00KeynoteSanna Rautio: East of Bold: Building Growth Stories from the Edge of Europe
- Susicorn Stage
- Sanna Rautio
-
In her keynote "East of Bold: Building Growth Stories from the Edge of Europe" Sanna shares insights from Eastern Finland’s most inspiring transformation stories, where courage, creativity and collaboration have replaced pessimism. A talk for anyone who believes that great ideas don’t come from the centre – they come from the edge. More info...
-
19:00SOHJO Hacks Hackathon - Winner Announcement and Awards
- Luminous Stage
-
Sohjo Hacks — a 30-hour international hackathon — culminates on the Luminous Stage. Here, teams of developers, designers, and innovators bring their boldest ideas to life, solving real research and commercial challenges. The most impactful solutions rise to the top — and are awarded on stage. More info...
-
20:00Closing words, networking and the Official SOHJO Afterparty by JOES @ Hub Joensuu
- HUB Joensuu, Rantakatu 30, 80100 Joensuu
-
After the closing words, the Official SOHJO Afterparty by JOES will begin at HUB Joensuu, Rantakatu 30.
SOHJO Day 2
-
10:00SOHJO Day 2 Opening Words
- Susicorn Stage
- Minna Hendolin
-
Minna will challenge us to rethink the role of universities in competitiveness and ask: How do we create more bold ideas? How do we accelerate innovation? And how do we build ecosystems where science truly drives business success? More info...
-
10:30To Be Announced
- Susicorn Stage
-
10:30KeynoteHermanni Hakalisto: POWERLOAD with a Breath: Recharge, Refocus, Reboot.
- Luminous Stage
- Hermanni Hakalisto
-
At SOHJO 2026, Hermanni brings an energizing blend of science, presence and guided practice to kick off SOHJO Day 2 on the Luminous Stage with a Keynote: “POWERLOAD with a Breath: Recharge, Refocus, Reboot.”. This isn’t just wellness — this is about building the mental stamina and emotional edge that the future demands. More info...
-
11:00KeynoteRonny Eriksson: ODD, Bold & Brilliant: How the Next Generation Creates Impact
- Susicorn Stage
- Ronny Eriksson
-
At SOHJO 2026, Ronny takes the stage with the keynote "ODD, Bold & Brilliant: How the Next Generation Creates Impact" – a vibrant exploration of creativity, self-expression, and entrepreneurial courage in a world that rewards the original. More info...
-
11:00To Be Announced
- Luminous Stage
-
11:30To Be Announced
- Susicorn Stage
-
12:00KeynoteStacy K Vaughn: Beyond Borders: Doing Business with the U.S. Government
- Susicorn Stage
- Stacy K Vaughn
-
Stacy brings her radiant expertise to the Susicorn stage with a keynote: "Beyond Borders: Doing Business with the U.S. Government". This session casts light on how Nordic startups and scaleups can plug into American demand — and turn creativity into contracts. From defense to innovation, Stacy will unveil practical insights into how international companies can enter and thrive within federal supply chains. More info...
-
12:00KeynoteKaisa Rönkkö: Who Shapes the Future – Technology, Politics or Creativity?
- Luminous Stage
- Kaisa Rönkkö
-
At SOHJO 2026, Kaisa steps into the spotlight in an inspiring session exploring the power dynamics that shape our collective tomorrow. Is the future molded by markets, politics, or the untamed force of creativity? With deep roots in Finnish arts and a vision tuned to the horizon, Kaisa brings clarity, courage and curiosity to the conversation. More info...
-
12:30KeynoteJiri Jormakka: From Joensuu to NATO Skies – The Story of Kelluu
- Susicorn Stage
- Jiri Jormakka
-
In his keynote, Jiri shares how a Joensuu-based company navigated international defence ecosystems, built trust in complex markets, and scaled a high-ambition vision from regional roots to global skies. Expect insights into dual-use innovation, long-term thinking and what it really takes to turn bold Nordic engineering into international impact. More info...
-
12:30To Be Announced
- Luminous Stage
-
13:00KeynotePeter Vesterbacka: Impossible is Nothing
- Susicorn Stage
- Peter Vesterbacka
-
With deep roots in international business, education reform, and bold megaprojects like the FinEst Bay Area tunnel between Finland and Estonia, Peter’s keynote “Impossible is Nothing” is more than a speech – it’s a call to dream bigger, build bolder, and pitch harder. More info...
-
13:30Susicorn Startup CompetitionPitch for the Brightest
- Susicorn Stage
-
Six finalists of the Susicorn Startup Competition will pitch their innovations to the Susicorn jury. More info...
-
14:30Susicorn Startup CompetitionTo Be Announced
- Susicorn Stage
-
15:00Susicorn Startup CompetitionSusicorn Startup Competition – Winner Announcement and Awards
- Susicorn Stage
-
The jury will crown the Susicorn winner, who will receive an exciting prize package valued at €15,000, including a monetary award and workspace, as well as an exclusive direct entry to FiBAN Pitch Finland in spring 2026. More info...
-
15:30SOHJO 2026 Aftermovie, Closing Words & Networking
- Susicorn Stage
-
SOHJO Business Event comes together in a luminous aftermovie, capturing the moments that mattered most.
-
March 26th 2026 15:00SOHJO Day 1 Start & Opening words by Business Joensuu Oy
- Susicorn Stage
- Tomi Haring, CEO of Business Joensuu
-
Tomi sets the tone for the two days ahead: a celebration of curiosity, connection and courageous thinking. His words remind us why we gather — to transcend boundaries, challenge old assumptions and light up new pathways for business, creativity and future-making. More info...
-
March 26th 2026 15:30KeynoteIrene Viinikkala: Beyond Creativity: How to Turn Tech, Chaos & Strategy into Growth
- Susicorn Stage
- Irene Viinikkala
-
Irene opens the festival with a keynote that sets the tone for two days of bold thinking. Irene’s Keynote Beyond Creativity: How to Turn Tech, Chaos & Strategy into Growth will explore how startups can harness both technology and creativity to build luminous futures — and why this fusion is no longer optional but essential. More info...
-
March 26th 2026 16:00KeynoteKari Kola: Lighting the Sound: Creative Power, Global Stage - Streaming from Australia
- Susicorn Stage / Teams
- Kari Kola
-
Kola will deliver an exclusive keynote online from Australia, where he has just premiered Lighting the Sound — the world’s largest light installation, stretching across the dramatic coastal landscape of Western Australia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, scale, and vision behind a globally significant art project. More info...
-
March 26th 2026 16:30KeynoteIna Mikkola: Glitter, Guts and Growth: What I’ve Learned in the Spotlight
- Susicorn Stage
- Ina Mikkola
-
In her keynote “Glitter, Guts and Growth: What I’ve Learned in the Spotlight”, Ina reflects on visibility, vulnerability, and personal power — and how creative courage builds both careers and culture. Her talk invites audiences to rethink what it means to shine in a noisy world, and how authenticity is the new superpower in both business and branding. More info...
-
March 26th 2026 17:00To Be Announced
- Susicorn Stage
-
March 26th 2026 17:30Matti Tikanmäki: Colleagues or Competitors? Humanoids in the Future of Work. Featuring Arska & Dolly
- Susicorn Stage
- Matti Tikanmäki, Arska & Dolly
-
Matti takes the Susicorn Stage to tackle a question that's becoming increasingly relevant: what kind of relationship will we build with robots that look and move like us? With over 20 years of hands-on experience in deploying robotics in real-world settings, Matti brings a grounded perspective to the hype. Are humanoids the ultimate co-workers, efficient tools, or something we haven't quite figured out yet? He is joined on stage by Probot's charismatic robot duo: Arska the humanoid and Dolly the mobile robot. More info...
-
March 26th 2026 18:00Erja Retzén & Thomas Mathews: Nasdaq's Q&A with ABLOY & Closing Bell Ceremony
- Susicorn Stage
- Erja Retzén, Thomas Mathews
-
At SOHJO, Erja Retzén will host a special Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony, an exclusive moment where the legendary exchange bell rings not in Helsinki — but right here in Joensuu. During the Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony Erja also shares insights into the future of listings, why visibility still matters, and how startups from unexpected regions — like North Karelia — can find their way to the spotlight and the stock exchange. More about Erja...
Thomas Mathews joins Erja on the Susicorn Stage for a special Q&A session exploring what it means to lead innovation in a highly trusted legacy brand with the support of ASSA ABLOY, and how a company built on more than a century of expertise continues to evolve in a fast-changing world. More about Thomas...
-
March 26th 2026 18:30KeynoteTaavi Kuisma: Curious case of AI: How far has the world gotten in the AI journey?
- Susicorn Stage
- Taavi Kuisma
-
At SOHJO 2026, Taavi takes the stage with his keynote: Curious case of AI
In this keynote, Taavi invites both creative professionals and technologists to rethink how they look at AI and its use case. Looking past the FOMO and shallow interpretation of generative AI, we explore the AI rabbit hole from a new perspective. How can humans and machines co‑create a future that is not only efficient, but meaningful, ethical, and progressive? More info...
-
March 26th 2026 19:00KeynoteSanna Rautio: East of Bold: Building Growth Stories from the Edge of Europe
- Susicorn Stage
- Sanna Rautio
-
In her keynote "East of Bold: Building Growth Stories from the Edge of Europe" Sanna shares insights from Eastern Finland’s most inspiring transformation stories, where courage, creativity and collaboration have replaced pessimism. A talk for anyone who believes that great ideas don’t come from the centre – they come from the edge. More info...
-
March 26th 2026 20:00Closing words, networking and the Official SOHJO Afterparty by JOES @ Hub Joensuu
- HUB Joensuu, Rantakatu 30, 80100 Joensuu
-
After the closing words, the Official SOHJO Afterparty by JOES will begin at HUB Joensuu, Rantakatu 30.
-
March 27th 2026 10:00SOHJO Day 2 Opening Words
- Susicorn Stage
- Minna Hendolin
-
Minna will challenge us to rethink the role of universities in competitiveness and ask: How do we create more bold ideas? How do we accelerate innovation? And how do we build ecosystems where science truly drives business success? More info...
-
March 27th 2026 10:30To Be Announced
- Susicorn Stage
-
March 27th 2026 11:00KeynoteRonny Eriksson: ODD, Bold & Brilliant: How the Next Generation Creates Impact
- Susicorn Stage
- Ronny Eriksson
-
Ronny takes the stage with the keynote "ODD, Bold & Brilliant: How the Next Generation Creates Impact" – a vibrant exploration of creativity, self-expression, and entrepreneurial courage in a world that rewards the original. More info...
-
March 27th 2026 11:30To Be Announced
- Susicorn Stage
-
March 27th 2026 12:00KeynoteStacy K Vaughn: Beyond Borders: Doing Business with the U.S. Government
- Susicorn Stage
- Stacy K Vaughn
-
Stacy brings her radiant expertise to the Susicorn stage with a keynote: "Beyond Borders: Doing Business with the U.S. Government". This session casts light on how Nordic startups and scaleups can plug into American demand — and turn creativity into contracts. From defense to innovation, Stacy will unveil practical insights into how international companies can enter and thrive within federal supply chains. More info...
-
March 27th 2026 12:30KeynoteJiri Jormakka: From Joensuu to NATO Skies – The Story of Kelluu
- Susicorn Stage
- Jiri Jormakka
-
In his keynote, Jiri shares how a Joensuu-based company navigated international defence ecosystems, built trust in complex markets, and scaled a high-ambition vision from regional roots to global skies. Expect insights into dual-use innovation, long-term thinking and what it really takes to turn bold Nordic engineering into international impact. More info...
-
March 27th 2026 13:00KeynotePeter Vesterbacka: Impossible is Nothing
- Susicorn Stage
- Peter Vesterbacka
-
With deep roots in international business, education reform, and bold megaprojects like the FinEst Bay Area tunnel between Finland and Estonia, Peter’s keynote “Impossible is Nothing” is more than a speech – it’s a call to dream bigger, build bolder, and pitch harder. More info...
-
March 27th 2026 13:30Susicorn Startup CompetitionPitch for the Brightest
- Susicorn Stage
-
Six finalists of the Susicorn Startup Competition will pitch their innovations to the Susicorn jury. More info...
-
March 27th 2026 14:30To Be Announced
- Susicorn Stage
-
March 27th 2026 15:00Susicorn Startup CompetitionSusicorn Startup Competition – Winner Announcement and Awards
- Susicorn Stage
-
The jury will crown the Susicorn winner, who will receive an exciting prize package valued at €15,000, including a monetary award and workspace, as well as an exclusive direct entry to FiBAN Pitch Finland in spring 2026. More info...
-
March 27th 2026 15:00SOHJO 2026 Aftermovie, Closing Words & Networking
- Susicorn Stage
-
SOHJO Business Event comes together in a luminous aftermovie, capturing the moments that mattered most.
-
March 26th 2026 17:00To Be Announced
- Luminous Stage
-
March 26th 2026 18:30Fire ChatJoonas Karvinen: TRUST: Sparkling Secret of Sales Success
- Luminous Stage
- Joonas Karvinen
-
In this fire chat - TRUST – The Sparkling Secret of Sales Success - we’ll dive into the real drivers of exceptional sales performance: trust, courage, discipline – and relentless execution.
This session isn’t just about selling – it’s about rethinking how we connect, commit and close in today’s luminous business world.
-
March 26th 2026 19:00SOHJO Hacks Hackathon - Winner Announcement and Awards
- Luminous Stage
-
Sohjo Hacks — a 30-hour international hackathon — culminates on the Luminous Stage. Here, teams of developers, designers, and innovators bring their boldest ideas to life, solving real research and commercial challenges. The most impactful solutions rise to the top — and are awarded on stage. More info...
-
March 27th 2026 10:30KeynoteHermanni Hakalisto: POWERLOAD with a Breath: Recharge, Refocus, Reboot.
- Luminous Stage
- Hermanni Hakalisto
-
At SOHJO 2026, Hermanni brings an energizing blend of science, presence and guided practice to kick off SOHJO Day 2 on the Luminous Stage with a Keynote: “POWERLOAD with a Breath: Recharge, Refocus, Reboot.”. This isn’t just wellness — this is about building the mental stamina and emotional edge that the future demands. More info...
-
March 27th 2026 11:00To Be Announced
- Luminous Stage
-
March 27th 2026 12:00KeynoteKaisa Rönkkö: Who Shapes the Future – Technology, Politics or Creativity?
- Luminous Stage
- Kaisa Rönkkö
-
At SOHJO 2026, Kaisa steps into the spotlight in an inspiring Fire Chat session exploring the power dynamics that shape our collective tomorrow. Is the future molded by markets, politics, or the untamed force of creativity? With deep roots in Finnish arts and a vision tuned to the horizon, Kaisa brings clarity, courage and curiosity to the conversation. More info...
-
March 27th 2026 12:30To Be Announced
- Luminous Stage
Official SOHJO Side Events
-
March 25th 2026 10:00 - 14:00Karelia Entrepreneurship Expo
- Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Wärtsilä Campus, Karjalankatu 3, 80200 Joensuu
-
An entrepreneurship event aimed at the staff and students of Karelia University of Applied Sciences as well as representatives of the surrounding region at Wärtsilä Campus.
-
March 25th 2026 16:30-18:30PICS & CHIPS – How photonics is changing the future of chips
- Botania Joensuu, Heinäpurontie 70, 80110 Joensuu
-
After work event at Botania, Joensuu.
-
March 26th 2026 12:00-14:15FiBAN Startup x Industry Connect
- Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel, Itäranta 1, 80100 Joensuu
-
A pitching and networking afternoon at Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel.
-
March 26th 2026 20:00-1:00Official SOHJO 2026 Afterparty by JOES
- HUB Joensuu, Rantakatu 30, 80100 Joensuu
-
The Official SOHJO 2026 Afterparty after Day 1 at HUB Joensuu. More info...
