Throughout the evening, the importance of collaboration between universities and the business sector, the role of entrepreneurship and innovation, and the education of multiskilled professionals to meet the workforce demands were discussed. Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen opened the event with a speech highlighting the significance of international talent and innovative professionals trained by universities for Finland's future.
Marttinen emphasised the upcoming Master's Programme in Technologies for Sustainable Use of Renewable Resources, set to start in the autumn of 2026, which combines technology and sustainability in the utilisation of renewable resources.
The faculty’s Vice Dean, Janna Pietikäinen, described the unique features of the programme in her presentation, such as close collaboration with the workforce as an integral part of the master's studies.
– Regional and business collaboration is extremely central throughout the studies. The programme is implemented in multiple locations, with studies taking place on the Viikki Campus and partly with partners, particularly in the Satakunta region, Pietikäinen explained.
Dean Mari Sandell, on the other hand, described the programme’s uniqueness during the evening’s panel discussion, emphasising the internationally rare combination where the agriculture, forestry, and food sectors are interconnected across traditional boundaries.
During the discussions, students also had their voices heard. Joonas Kylliö, Chair of the Union of MMYL ry, asked the panelists what they considered to be the most important skill learned during their studies for the working life. The panelists’ answers highlighted collaboration skills, curiosity, passion for discovering new opportunities, international experience, and practical financial expertise.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Professor Kirsi Mikkonen from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, presented her international research group’s work, which examines wood fibers and fungal mycelium from interdisciplinary perspectives.
The panel discussion featured experts from various fields, including Katariina Kemppainen, SVP Group R&D at Metsä Group; Santtu Vekkeli, Founder of SuperGround Oy; Mika Kukkurainen, Partner and Founder of Nordic Foodtech VC; Pekka Pesonen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; and Dean Mari Sandell.
The event was organised by the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Helsinki in collaboration with