Startup Summit Kuopio 2026
About this Event
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 brings together founders, investors, entrepreneurs, students, researchers, business professionals and ecosystem builders for one focused afternoon in Kuopio.
The event is built around practical insights, real startup stories and meaningful connections — with a programme designed to support early-stage growth, investment readiness and regional startup collaboration.
What to expect
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 includes:
- Keynotes from startup operators, investors and experienced business builders
- A startup pitch competition
- A panel discussion
- Open networking with founders, investors and ecosystem actors
- Opportunities to meet people building and supporting new business in Eastern Finland
Who should attend
The event is relevant for:
- Startup founders and startup teams
- Students and aspiring entrepreneurs
- Investors and business professionals
- Researchers and innovation-driven teams
- Organisations supporting entrepreneurship, growth and regional development
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 is part of the wider regional startup ecosystem development work and is connected to ongoing initiatives such as the Kipinä Program.
Date: 18 August 2026
Location: Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kampussydän, Kuopio
Event language: English
Early bird ticket: €20
Agenda
🕑: 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Host 2026
Host: Saara Närä
Info: Saara Närä is the host of Startup Summit Kuopio 2026. She is a Kuopio-based speaker, social media professional, and founder & CEO of Kupla Social, with strong experience in communications, content creation and live event hosting.
Speaker
Host: Vilma Torstila
Info: Vilma Torstila is an experienced entrepreneur and investor, serving as Partner and Investment Director at Bocap, one of Finland’s private equity companies focused on SMEs. She has worked closely with growth companies as an advisor, investor and board professional.
Speaker
Host: Minna Hendolin
Info: Minna Hendolin (Director of Impact, University of Eastern Finland) works at the intersection of science, innovation and scalable business growth. With over 25 years of experience across academia, industry and innovation, she helps turn science into real-world impact.Minna Hendolin works at the intersection of science, innovation and scalable business growth. With over 25 years of experience across academia, industry and innovation, she helps turn science into real-world impact.
Speaker
Host: Antti Väänänen
Info: Antti Väänänen is the CEO and Founder of Vireum Oy, a Kuopio-based company building vision AI solutions for smarter industrial production. His work focuses on computer vision, industrial intelligence, applied AI and turning production data into practical tools for quality control, analytics and growth.
Speaker
Host: Noora Tuikka
Info: Noora Tuikka is a startup investor and growth company developer with wide experience in international technology startups. As CEO and Partner at Nostetta Ventures, she works with regional early-stage startup funds and supports founders in funding, growth and business development.
Speaker
Host: Petri Kalliokoski
Info: Petri Kalliokoski is Entrepreneur, investor, chairperson and board member in several startups. He has previously held senior leadership roles at VTT, including Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President, with experience in innovation, strategy and business development.
Speaker
Host: Timo Antikainen
Info: Timo Antikainen is the Director of City and Economic Development at the City of Kuopio. He has extensive experience in city development, business development, international investments and the technology sector. Before joining the City of Kuopio, he worked as Business Development Director at the City of Tampere and at Invest in Finland, where he promoted Finnish investment opportunities to international companies and supported major foreign direct investment projects in Finland.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 30.00
