Keynote:
Beyond Creativity: How to Turn Tech, Chaos & Strategy into Growth

Irene Viinikkala is a bold force in Finland’s tech and startup scene — a strategist, entrepreneur, and active angel investor who’s spent her career at the intersection of business, innovation and transformation. With roots in both the corporate world and the agile startup ecosystem, Irene brings a rare perspective on how tomorrow’s growth stories are shaped today. As a long-standing member of FiBAN, Irene also mentors early-stage companies and supports founders navigating the first waves of growth.

At SOHJO 2026, 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. Her keynote reflects SOHJO’s core themes — technology, creativity and the future — offering inspiration for the innovators, investors and idea-builders in the room. 

In addition to her keynote, Irene will also join the jury as one of the Wolves in the Wolf’s Den: Susicorn Startup Competition Final – Pitch for the Brightest, culminating in a high-stakes pitch showdown on the SOHJO Susicorn stage.

Get ready to kick off SOHJO 2026 with clarity, courage and creativity.