Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland 2026
Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland returns to Kuopio on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, bringing together bold science, fresh ideas, and an inspiring audience. During this in‑person event, students and early‑career researchers pitch their innovative, science‑based ideas in just 3 minutes to a multidisciplinary jury.
The program features breakthrough pitches, inspiring keynote speakers, and a panel discussion with experts from academia, investment, and business, public sector and foundation, as well as a demo area for showcasing innovations and providing information, and plenty of opportunities to network with innovators and ecosystem partners. The winner of Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland will receive a ticket to the Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin in November, representing Finland and competing among 100 global winners (All travel and participation costs for the winner are covered).
So, if you have a science‑based idea — or know a student or researcher with a breakthrough idea who’s looking for a stage to present their work — apply by May 21 and take your research out of the lab and onto the stage. Pitch your idea, receive valuable expert feedback, and compete for the chance to become the winner of Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland 2026.
🚀 Apply your science-based idea for pitching here by May 21.
Not pitching? No problem. You’re warmly welcome to attend the event, get inspired, and connect with the innovation ecosystem.
🎟️ Audience participation is free, but seats are limited.
✅ Registration is now open. Register here and secure your seat!
🗣️ Language: English
👉 Read more about Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland: https://www.businesskuopio.fi/fwl-eastern-finland/
Agenda:
11:30 – 12:00 Registration
12:00 – 12:15 Welcoming notes and Sharing experiences of last year’s FWL EF finalists
12:15 – 12:25 Opening words, Timo Antikainen, Director of Economic Development, City of Kuopio
12:25 – 12:50 Keynote speaker: Samu Lehtonen, CEO of Marginum
From research to Business, success story
12:50 – 13:00 Pitching intro and introducing the jury members
13:00 – 13:30 Pitching batch #1
13:30 – 14:00 Coffee break and networking
14:00 – 14:25 Keynote speaker: Anssi Uimonen, Founding Partner
Nordic Science Investments
14:25 – 15:00 Panel Discussion
15:00 – 15:30 Pitching batch #2
15:30 – 16:30 Networking and demo area visit
16:30 – 17:00 Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
17:00 End of event!
Contact if you have questions:
Parastoo Jalili, Business Kuopio, +358 44 718 2034, Parastoo.jalili(at)Kuopio.fi
Tomi Tuovinen, UEF, +358 50 571 5046, tomi.tuovinen(at)uef.fi
Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland 2026 is mainly funded by the KAUTE säätiö grant and contribution of its main partners (Business Kuopio, UEF, Business Joensuu, Novapolis). Other supporting partners of the event are Nostetta Ventures, Hub Panostamo, Business Center North Savo, and FiBAN (Finnish Business Angels Network). The event is organized by Business Kuopio and UEF.