Venture Science Center: Founders & Innovators Day will take place on 26 March 2026 at Agora, SAMK. The event runs from 9 to 16, with networking continuing until 20. Participants are welcome to join at any point during the day.

The programme features a full day of inspiring talks, engaging activities for students, and the chance to win exciting prizes. The event brings together founders, innovators, and the next generation of changemakers around the theme Dream It. Build It.

More detailed information will be published closer to the event. Follow our LinkedIn channel for updates.

Programme

09:00–09:15 — Welcome & plan of the day
09:15–09:30 — Challenge briefing: competition format & prize
09:30–10:00 — Keynote 1, Jari Iisakkala (Dean, SAMK)
10:00–10:30 — Keynote 2, Youssef Zad (Chief economist, Finnish Startup Community)
10:30–12:00 — Parallel workshops

• Building the Right Mindset
• Pitching workshop (+ online guest)

12:00–13:00 — Lunch break
13:00–14:00 — Panel discussion: Mikko Löfbacka (Mayor, Ulvila), Lauri Inna (Mayor, Pori), Kari Vari (CEO, Satakunnan yrittäjät), Heikki Haaparanta (Vice president, SAMK), Youssef Zad (Chief economist, Finnish Startup Community), Sam Leijonanmieli (Mayor, Vimpeli)
14:00–15:00 — Workshop: IP for Students + student challenge work
15:00–15:30 — Keynote 3, Sanna Lindgren (Researching senior lecturer, SAMK)
15:30–17:00 — Parallel workshops / mentoring

• From Idea to Investor: Funding Your First Business
• IP for Researchers

16:00–17:00 — Mentoring / coaching for students 
14:00–17:00 — Local Business Booths in the Agora
17:00–18:00 — Student pitching
18:00–18:30 — Winner announcement & closing

The Venture Science Center is part of the GT4T (Greentech for Transformation) project, funded by EIT Higher Education Initiative (Climate KIC) and supported by the EU.