POHJAT Entrepreneurship Week

Way back in history, some unknown geniuses set their eyes on this remote and sparsely populated land and deemed it fit for living. And the ones carrying the consequences are us, the ones trying to live and prosper on this coarse soil.

That’s why we have Pohjat. The entrepreneurship week is held in order to celebrate the relentless spirit of northern entrepreneurship. By bringing like-minded folk together, we share ideas and discussions. We learn from each other, and by doing so, gather tools that lay the road towards our goals.

The bottom line is that talks, workshops, and networking shall serve as a solid groundwork for successful entrepreneurship. Together, they form a rock-solid basis that endures even in the conditions of this northern land.

Pohjat Festival is brought to you by: Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Yrittäjät, Oulu2026, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, University of Oulu, Kaleva Media, Business Oulu, Lähitapiola, Talenom, Pohjolan OP, Oulun seudun Uusyrityskeskus, StartUp Oulu, and Oulu Chamber of Commerce.

Events in English

Most of the events during Pohjat are held in Finnish. These are the events in English. Some of the events require enrollment in advance. If so, remember to enroll yourself in the event that intrigues you. Whether the event requires enrollment or not, it is mentioned in the event’s description.

The full program and registrations: https://pohjatfest.fi/ohjelma/

Wednesday 3.9.

12:00-14:00 @ Business Corner, Linnanmaa campus, Yliopistokatu 9, door 5C

Go Glocal: Build Success with International Talent

At this event, you will learn how to find employment in Oulu as an international talent. Companies will share success stories about various opportunities for recruiting international students and employees. You’ll also hear top tips on how to stand out in the job market and present your skills – perhaps even employ yourself as an entrepreneur!

Program:

• 12:00-12:15 Coffee
• 12:15-12:30 Welcome and information session on hiring international experts – Jannika Leinonen and Silja Hyrkäs, BusinessOulu, and Mari Viirelä, Chamber of Commerce
• 12:30-13:20 Case Stories
  • Student Project: Student and the founder of MailSped Curtis Thomas (Oamk), talking about how to build a company during studies
  • Internship: Intern Mandy Idema and mentor John Rantala (Fingersoft)
  • In Working Life: Muhammad-Talha Arshad and his supervisor Jukka Kyröläinen (Keysight)
• 13:20-13:50 Key Tips to Stand Out and Get Hired – StartUp Oulu
• 13:50-14:00 Closing Remarks – Mari Viirelä, Chamber of Commerce

Participation in the event requires registration.
Register here: https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/goglocal

Thursday 4.9.

10:00-12:00 @ Business Corner, Linnanmaan kampus, Yliopistokatu 9, door 5C

StartupOulu’s Season Opening & Oulu2026 Event Calendar Launch

Exciting new Oulu2026 programs will be announced soon, and we’re inviting you to join us for a live stream viewing and StartUpOulu’s season opening!

Curious about startup entrepreneurship? While catching the live reveal of the Oulu2026 Event Calendar, discover Oulu’s inspiring startup culture in StartupOulu’s Season Opening.

Whether you’re curious about the future of culture in our region, looking for creative energy, or just want to be part of something exciting, this is a great opportunity to get involved and see what Oulu2026 and StartupOulu have in store.

Register here: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/48215AE5B9678D12

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12.30–15.00 @ OYSTER Incubator, Kiviharjunlenkki 1B, 90220 Oulu

OYSTER Incubator Open House

Welcome to an inspiring afternoon at the heart of Oulu’s health and wellbeing innovation hub! At the OYSTER Incubator Open House, you’ll get a glimpse into the startup-driven development in the region, network with others, and hear how ideas evolve into enterprises.

Program

• 12:30–13:00 Coffee service begins
  • Open networking and tour of the OYSTER Incubator facilities
• 13:00–13:20: Minna Komu: From Idea to Enterprise – OYSTER and Oulu’s Health & Life Science sector
  • Learn how the Oulu region supports the birth and growth of health and well-being startups.
• 13:20-14:00: Startup Stories: Mikko Katajamäki and Tejesvi Mysore
  • Come listen and engage in conversation with Mikko and Tejesvi as they share their entrepreneurial journeys, experiences at the OYSTER Incubator, and how they’ve developed their business ideas toward market readiness.
• 14:00–15:00: Networking and conversations among participants
• A chance to meet other professionals in the field and exchange ideas.

The event is organized by the EU co-funded OYSTER Health and Life Science Incubator project. The project is coordinated by BusinessOulu, with partners including the Kerttu Saalasti Institute and the Martti Ahtisaari Institute from the University of Oulu, as well as Oulu University of Applied Sciences.

Registration by September 3rd via this link.

Friday 5.9.

17:00–20:00 @ Restaurant Tuba, Mannenkatu 2, 90130 Oulu

Entrepreneur’s Day Afterwork – Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Networking

Join us for a relaxed after-work evening to wrap up the Pohjat week, celebrate entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, meet each other. Expect genuine connections, new acquaintances, and great vibes with cocktail bites and bubbly! This is the perfect opportunity to expand your network, share ideas, and recharge your energy among fellow entrepreneurs and professionals. The event is mainly held in Finnish, but international guests are also very welcome to join!

Agenda:

• 17:00 Opening remarks by Lauri Nikula, Chair of Oulu City Council
• Networking tips from Anela Denic, European Champion of the Junior Chamber International public speaking competition
• Bingo
• Performance by the band Hymyhuulet
• Networking

You are welcome to stay and continue the evening at the restaurant when the official program is over.

Participation requires registration.
Register here: https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/Yrittajanpaiva__Yrittajyyden_arkea_ja_juhlaa_5041