Events

The second Impact & Innovation event will be held in pikkujoulu spirit on December 3rd 2025, at 3.30–6pm at CoolHead Brew (Koetilantie 1, 00790 Helsinki)!

The event is aimed for researchers and staff interested in turning research into practice and exploring themes of research impact. There will also be an opportunity for one-on-one discussions with our experts. The evening continues with afterwork!

AGENDA

Opening the event

, Viikki Wood and Forest Innovation Hub coordinator

Workshop

Panel discussion

, new dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry University of Helsinki

, head of Food Chemistry and Biotechnology department TalTech

, Founding partner Nordic Science Investments NSI 

Discussion around the topic led by the experts

Pizza and refreshments will be served!

Viikki Wood & Forest InnoHub from University of Helsinki and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) invite future shapers of the forest and nature sector to join a two-stage pitching competition. We are looking for the most promising early-stage startups and teams developing future commercial solutions to promote sustainable forest bioeconomy, halt nature loss and strengthen biodiversity – turning ideas into impactful innovations. The solutions should be at minimum at a level where they have been validated in the relevant environment.  

The first stage will take place at Forest Industry Days (, 23 October 2025), where participants can meet leading experts, companies, and decision-makers in forest use by pitching their solution. The top teams will advance to the final at Slush side-event, (19 November 2025), connecting with investors, innovators, and global networks. 

FOR-013 Circular Wood Product Innovation Challenge is a master level project course, regardless of the field of study. The course is organized as part of the , , and Viikki Wood and Forest Innovation Hub’s Innovation Challenge, which encourages companies and students to explore new solutions for the circular economy of wood and wood-based products.

One of the main objectives of Viikki Wood and Forest Innovation Hub is to develop innovation-oriented education at University of Helsinki. The Innovation Challenge project course, included in the master’s level innovation studies module, is the first initiative toward achieving this goal.

IMAGYM, a unique imagination-driven development program designed to support researchers in exploring how their research could contribute to meaningful change. 

IMAGYM is a three-part program facilitated by imagination coach , and it invites participants to reflect on one central question:  “What if your research could change the world?” Yoad is an experienced mentor and has worked previously with researchers at e.g. Helsinki Incubators, Aalto University and Tallinn University of Technology.

Program Timeline: 

Kickoff Activation Workshop – August 27 

Core 2-Day Workshop – September 17–18 

Impact Demo Day – September 30 

Through this journey, participants will: 

• Strengthen their identity as impact-oriented researchers
• Learn tools for envisioning and communicating long-term impact
• Build confidence in expressing visionary ideas
• Connect across disciplines to spark collaboration and new pathways 

IMAGYM is open to Viikki Campus academic staff via application. Seats are limited. 

Apply by 21st of August!

This initiative is part of our broader commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the development of future-ready researchers. We hope you will join us. If any questions, do not hesitate to ask!