Ignite Your Vision
How Startup Founders Get Their Ideas?
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion where dynamic entrepreneurs pull back the curtain on the moments that sparked their ventures. Discover about the role a vision of a better future and the mission founders set on to pursue may play in building a company.
If you’re simply curious about the entrepreneurial journey, this panel offers a rare glimpse into the creative process that fuels successful startups.
PANELISTS
Max Ahonen – Dora Health
Driven by a mission to transform pet health through science and technology, Max is developing innovative health-monitoring solutions for dogs that shift care from reactive to proactive. With a background in chemistry and entrepreneurship, he has pitched on national TV, gaining recognition while leading his team to redefine the future of pet care.
Dr. Mohammad Alzeer – EcoGeo
Dr. Mohammad Alzeer is a materials chemist and University Lecturer at the University of Helsinki, advancing sustainability through teaching, research, and commercialisation. Driven by an application-oriented mindset, he focuses on translating research into real-world impact. Dr Alzeer is the Principal Investigator of EcoGeo, a Research-to-Business project funded by Business Finland, developing a new benchmark solid CO₂ sorbent. His work bridges academia and entrepreneurship, combining academic leadership, innovation, and green-tech business development.
Erik Kymäläinen – Bought
CEO & Co-founder of Bought, a new AI-powered secondhand marketplace launched in March 2025. With Bought, Erik aims to unlock the 95% of resellable items stashed away in people's closets by making secondhand selling stupidly easy.
Host Eeva Siika-aho
CEO Helsinki Think Company
What to expect
Vision & mission – learn how founders turn big dreams into a guiding vision and a mission that drives everyday decisions.
Original stories – hear founders recount the “aha!” moments, setbacks, and serendipities that turned their ideas into a scalable business.
Practical takeaways – discover the mindsets, tools, and pivots that helped them move from concept to market.
Live Q&A – ask your burning questions and get actionable advice straight from those who’ve walked the path.
WHEN: Thursday, 13 Nov • 5 –7 pm
WHERE: Think Nook space, Think Corner second floor, Yliopistonkatu 4, Helsinki
Bring your curiosity, and leave with fresh inspiration to level‑up your own venture.
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Starting Up Workshops
Inspiring and supporting entrepreneurship workshop series
Panel discussion evening is the first event of the entrepreneur workshop series aimed to inspire and support the ones who are questioning their ideas and future as an entrepreneur. Whether you’re just sketching the first lines of a future‑shaping startup or already searching a team to work with, our five‑part workshop series is designed to turn inspiration to an ambition.
Flexible participation – You may join us for an evening or every evening!
Dates for the Starting Up Workshop evenings:
2025 Thursday, 13 Nov • Thursday, 4 Dec
2026 Thursday, 29 Jan • Thursday, 12 Feb • Thursday, 26 Feb