For the main organizer of the event, KASVA – Sustainable Growth for Micro and Small Enterprises through Regional Collaboration between RDI Actors and Business Services – this was the first regional networking event for creative entrepreneurs in Northern Ostrobothnia, with a focus on building connections and developing businesses. At the same time, it highlighted KASVA’s innovation goals. For Artificial intelligence in the creative and cultural ecosystem – LuovAIn! project, the event marked the first stop of its Northern Finland Roadshow, combining expert content, AI opportunities, and collaborative innovation.
The event featured insights from both entrepreneurs and experts on how to utilize networks. Jussi Riikonen, CEO of Videcam Oy and Chair of the Board for Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Yrittäjät, discussed networks and collaboration as platforms for entrepreneurship. Katja Lindholm, a customer coach at Business Finland, spoke about networks and funding as drivers of growth. Entrepreneur Tommi Kallberg from Oulangan Taika Ltd shared how a hobby evolved into a business. Marjo Määttä, CEO of Salonki Travels, also opened up about her company’s journey. In addition, a "RDI Boost" session led by Hanna Tölli, project manager of the KASVA project at Centria, explained how creative entrepreneurs can turn innovations into products and services.
KASVA project managers Mirva Grann from Naturpolis and Minna Paakkola from Northern Ostrobothnia Entrepreneurs described the event as a truly joint effort and a model of successful project collaboration.
“Events like this are powerful when you combine expertise, facilitation, and shared vision”, said Eeva Leinonen, project manager of LuovAIn! at the University of Oulu’s Kerttu Saalasti Institute.
Liekkipiste was characterized by a forward-looking spirit that created an encouraging and hopeful atmosphere. The entrepreneurs’ stories highlighted the importance of daring to experiment, asking for advice, and connecting with others.
There is always room for new innovations in the creative industries. AI expert Eemeli Alanne from Taikasatukulma reminded participants that entrepreneurial thinking can—and should—begin early.
“Entrepreneurship education should start in childhood. Small experiments at school can ignite a spark that lasts through university and into working life”, said Alanne.
He also emphasized the importance of networks in the entrepreneurial growth journey. While networking may not immediately translate into profits, it can open doors and boost self-confidence.
A central theme of the event was also the growing role of AI in creative fields. The emergence of new technologies raised questions about ethics and copyright, but Alanne emphasized that AI is not a threat - it’s a tool.
“It’s important to recognize what makes your expertise unique. AI cannot take away what is deeply human and personal”, he stated.
The highlight of the event was an innovation workshop led by Mirva Grann and Minna Paakkola, where participants developed new business ideas in just a few hours. The ideas were pitched to a jury that included Katja Lindholm, Marjo Määttä, Eemeli Alanne, and Kaisa Niemelä, Chair of the Kuusamo Women Entrepreneurs.
The groups’ creative ideas were propelled forward by AI, which was used to refine concepts and create prototypes.
“It was amazing to see how quickly participants integrated AI into their ideation”, said Eeva Leinonen.
The judging criteria emphasized team members’ expertise, feasibility, funding potential, customer perspective, use of AI, innovation, and creativity.
A small prize was promised for the best pitch, which motivated participants to give their best. However, a creative idea alone wasn’t enough to win; the pitch had to showcase collective know-how and form a cohesive concept.
The workshop resulted in imaginative ideas ranging from mobile relaxation spaces to art tours in wind farms. The winning idea came from a team that used AI to create a working prototype of LuontoMun, a gamified app for identifying plants.
The goal of the LuovAIn! project is to build an ecosystem where AI and creativity meet - where knowledge, experimentation, and people move freely. Similarly, KASVA aims to foster strong entrepreneurial networks. These goals came to life at *Liekkipiste*, where AI was used practically, entrepreneurship was discussed with enthusiasm, and new connections were made in a relaxed atmosphere.
“It was wonderful to see that by the end of the event, participants themselves wanted to stay in touch, continue developing ideas, and keep the dialogue going”, Grann and Paakkola shared joyfully.
Liekkipiste reminded us that creativity is not a solitary struggle but a shared spark. When combined with the latest tools and courageous networking, that spark can grow into a flame that lights the way far into the future.
Eeva Leinonen was pleased that the event allowed for experimenting with different Roadshow elements. At Ruka Salong, participants could try out *AINO*, the LuovAIn! project’s AI that creates images on request.
“All of our Roadshow events feature something hands-on. This time, it was our workshop. In the future, we’ll introduce more showroom elements like AINO,” said Leinonen.
The LuovAIn! Roadshow will visit over ten locations across Finland and culminate in Oulu’s Capital of Culture year in 2026. International stops are also planned, including the Creative Skills Week in Prague in September 2025.
Each Roadshow event will spotlight project-generated knowledge, local talent, success stories, and best practices. Participants will have opportunities to connect, build partnerships, and later receive peer support. Broader discussions will also explore how AI is reshaping work content, organization, responsibility, and ethics.
Both projects are Co-funded by European Union.
Read more about the projects:
KASVA - Sustainable growth in SMEs through regional collaboration of research, innovation, and business development services
Artificial intelligence in the creative and cultural ecosystem – LuovAIn!
Authors: Maaria Tuisku, M.A., media student and Minna Kilpeläinen, M.A., M.Ed., communications specialist, University of Oulu, Kerttu Saalasti Institute
Photo: Maaria Tuisku
This article was originally published in Finnish on LuovAIn! website on 16th June 2025.
In Kerttu Saalasti Institute's blog we write about the topics of the Institute's research groups, micro entrepreneurship education and the Institute's general topics. The authors are researchers, experts and members of networks.
Our topics are: micro entrenepreneurship, future manufacturing technologies, regional excellence, micro entrepreneurship education