Events

Welcome to help build a more sustainable forest and wood industry!
Nature and forest Startup Pitching Competition

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. 
IMAGYM – Imagination-Driven Impact Program

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!