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

Programme

13:00–14:00 Panel discussion: How to build innovative and solution driven mindset across the society 

Moderator: Minttu Porri

Panelists: Mikko Löfbacka (Ulvila mayor), Lauri Inna (Pori mayor), Kari Varis (Satakunnan Yrittäjät CEO), Heikki Haaparanta (SAMK Vice President for Research), Youssef Zad (Finnish Startup Comunity, Head Economist), Sam Leijonanmieli (Vimpeli chief executive)

Keynote Speakers

09:30–10:00 Entrepreneurship in SAMK 30 years - Jari Iisakkala (Faculty of Business and Management Dean, SAMK)

Dive into the history, concepts and programs of entrepreneurship in SAMK

10:00–10:30 Keynote TBA - Youssef Zad (Finnish Startup Comunity, Head Economist)

15:00–15:30 Beyond Green - Sanna Lindgren (Researching senior lecturer, SAMK)

Many innovations look green on paper, but their impact depends on what happens over time in real use. This keynote shows how an energy and life cycle lens helps asses when circular solutions truly reduce emissions and when impacts are simply shifted.

Workshops

10:30–12:00 Pitching workshop (+ online guest) – Ali Tavakoli (Researcher, SAMK)

10:30–12:00 Building the Right Mindset – Minttu Porri

Dive into startup mindset: how to test ideas fast, turn feedback into fuel, and move forward through experimentation instead of waiting for perfection.

14:00–15:00 IP for Students – Jamie Haanpää (Senior Lecturer, SAMK)

The essentials of intellectual property, including types of copyrights, their protection and duration, academic use, and the role of WIPO.

15:30–17:0 From Idea to Investor: Funding Your First Business – Minttu Porri

Get a clear overview of the key funding options for early-stage businesses and projects and how to apply for them.

16:00–17:00 IP for Researchers – Jamie Haanpää (Senior Lecturer, SAMK)

The introduction to IP, WIPO, and IPR in academia, covering ethical research concepts like infringement and Fair Use, with optional follow-up mentoring through GT4T.

Register here

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.