University Business Forum 2025

AI-powered human performance for research, innovation and business — Get ready to be inspired!

AI is driving unprecedented efficiency and innovation — amplifying our abilities, accelerating innovation, and redefining productivity across sectors. We have begun to see how AI tools can transform our work and creativity, and we have also learned how to mitigate their risks and inefficiencies — and realized that AI is not only about technology. Or have we? What comes next? How do we lead this change responsibly and effectively?

Join us for an experience filled with inspiration, networking, latest research and collaboration opportunities.

This half-day event is free of charge. The language of the event is English.

Registration is closed.

Preliminary program

• 08:30–09:00 Coffee, registration and networking (Saalasti Hall)
• 09:00–09:15 Welcome words by Petteri Alahuhta, Vice Rector for Cooperation
• 09:15–09:35 Keynote: AI, innovation, economics: A clear path to success? Heli Koski, Research Director, ETLA
• 09:35–09:55 Keynote: Lessons learned and visions for our AI journey, Sasu Tarkoma, Professor, University of Helsinki
• 09:55–10:25 Keynote: From AI projects and technology to AI culture: Successful implementation
  • Part 1: Global perspective, John Bailey, Director of AI, CGI
  • Part 2: Local perspective, Heidi Kananen, CEO, Valve Branding
• 10:25–10:40 Introduction and transition to thematic sessions (Tellus)
  • Keep the conversation going — join us at Tellus for hot coffee, cake, and great discussions! Choose your two favorite workshops on AI-powered human performance, and explore collaboration in research, innovation, and business.
• 10:40–11:20 Short thematic sessions for focused discussions, part 1
  • Advancing AI-powered infrastructure platforms for medical data and biomedical discovery
  • Implementing AI in architecture, engineering and construction business
  • AI in technology education: smarter learning, stronger innovation
  • Rethinking AI beyond the hype
  • From campus to commerce: Students building startups
  • From campus to commerce: Research to revenue
• 11:20–12:00 Short thematic sessions for focused discussions, part 2
  • Bio-based nanomaterials in action: from molecular design to industrial applications
  • Quantum roadmap for Finnish industries
  • Empowering the industry through upskilling
  • Human-AI interaction research for Hybrid Intelligence
  • OYSTER Health and Life Science Incubator – Fostering entrepreneurship
  • AI in technology research: bolder breakthroughs, better business value
• 12:00–13:00 Lunch at Saalasti Hall

Thematic session titles

You can attend two thematic sessions, each lasting 30–45 minutes, that offer opportunities for interaction. The session titles are listed below.

Advancing AI-powered infrastructure platforms for medical data and biomedical discovery

Join us for a dynamic session showcasing two pioneering initiatives from the University of Oulu:

• Oulu Medical Data Infrastructure: A regional effort, in collaboration with Pohde, building a scalable infrastructure for processing sensitive data, supporting AI-driven analytics and predictive modeling.
• BioParts: A cutting-edge platform for nanoparticle research, leveraging AI in structural analysis, simulation, and molecular modeling.

We invite you to share your views on how these future infrastructures would best serve to strengthen local expertise and accelerate research, development, and innovation activities. This session is ideal for companies in biotech, health tech, data services and AI development looking to engage with academic partners, and vice versa, and to gain insights into emerging collaboration opportunities and technology transfer potential.

Session facilitators:

• Irja Kärkkäinen, Customer Manager, Faculty of Medicine
• Mirva Saaranen, Customer Manager and Senior Researcher, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
• Teija Kekonen, Director of Research, Development, and Innovation, Pohde
• Henna Härkönen, Project Manager, OMDI
• Outi Lampela, Project Manager, BioParts

Bio-based nanomaterials in action: from molecular design to industrial applications

This workshop aims to bring together leading researchers and industry innovators to explore the full lifecycle of bio-based nanomaterials from molecular engineering and advanced characterization to scalable applications in coatings, composites, electronics and biomedicine. Participants will gain insights into how nanostructured materials are being engineered for enhanced performance and how biological nanoparticle infrastructure enables precise material validation and AI-driven modeling. Whether you're developing sustainable materials, optimizing production processes, or exploring new frontiers in bioeconomy or biomedicine, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and co-create across disciplines.

Session facilitators:

• Henrikki Liimatainen, Professor
• Outi Lampela, Project Manager, BioParts
• Mirva Saaranen, Customer Manager and Senior Researcher, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

AI in technology education: Smarter learning, stronger innovation

How is AI reshaping the way we teach, learn, and innovate in the tech world? Join us to discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping tech education and accelerating innovation across industries. Real-world case examples show how AI enhances learning efficiency, supports educators with personalized tools, and bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs. AI-powered systems streamline processes, enable smarter decision-making, and fuel rapid innovation through predictive analytics and automation. Don't miss the opportunity to hear how AI creates impact in both education and technology!

• Applications of generative AI in Industrial Engineering and Management education (Osmo Kauppila, Kirsi Aaltonen)
  • AI Tutor: First impressions of generative AI powered academic advising
  • Generative AI driven solutions for active learning and case study learning
• Avatars in teaching – methods and applications (Mika Ruusunen)

Session facilitators:

• Osmo Kauppila, Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology
• Kirsi Aaltonen, Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology
• Mika Ruusunen, Control Engineering research group/Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology
  

AI in technology research: Bolder breakthroughs, bigger business value

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the landscape of technology research, driving real-world innovation and delivering measurable business impact. Through compelling case examples, an overview is given, how AI accelerates breakthroughs, enhances decision-making, and transforms ideas into tangible results. Join us in exploring the future of Tech research!

• Supporting innovation and creativity with generative AI (Nina Jackson, Kari-Pekka Heikkinen, Jaakko Kujala)
• Interpretable machine learning for transparent industrial applications (Markku Ohenoja)
• Digital Twins in Practice - Building-level heat demand prediction at city-scale (Petri Hietaharju)

Session facilitators:

• Nina Jackson, Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology
• Kari-Pekka Heikkinen, Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology
• Jaakko Kujala, Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology
• Markku Ohenoja, Control Engineering research group/Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology
• Petri Hietaharju, Control Engineering research group/Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology
  

Empowering the industry through upskilling

The universities can provide a valuable head start in innovation. Access to world class research, cutting edge technologies and academic expertise often gives companies the advantage they need to launch and grow. But how can this head start be maintained in the long run? The answer lies in continuous learning. Universities are not only places where innovations are born but they are long term partners in renewing skills, fostering new competencies and supporting organizations in adapting to technological change.

Through the REBOOT SKILLS project we are developing new ways to connect academic knowledge with industrial needs, helping companies to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

This session offers a unique opportunity to:

• Share your perspective on the competencies your workforce needs in the AI field
• Influence how future training offerings are designed and delivered
• Strengthen your organization’s ability to transform research into lasting business value and competitiveness

Let us not stop at the first breakthrough. Together we can turn early innovation into sustainable growth and long term competitiveness powered by continuous learning and strong collaboration.

Session facilitators:

• Anna Sachinopoulou, University of Oulu
• Elina Salla, University of Oulu
• Salla Muuraiskangas, University of Oulu
  
  

Human-AI interaction research for Hybrid Intelligence

This workshop brings together researchers from the Hybrid Intelligence research programme.While today’s data-driven AI is powerful, it remains narrow, lacking social and emotional depth. Hybrid Intelligence (HI), by contrast, emphasizes mutual collaboration in between humans and AI, and the creation of multi-reality spaces where physical and virtual dimensions converge. In this workshop, we will share our progress in this multidisciplinary research and explore how humans and AI can augment one another working side by side to strengthen human learning, thinking, and decision-making. We will particularly highlight Hybrid Intelligence research cases in education and healthcare.

Session facilitators:

• Sanna Järvelä, Professor, Learning Sciences and Educational Technology
• Kristina Mikkonen, Professor, Health Sciences

HI Demos:

• Justin Edwards, Postdoctoral researcher: Learning and learning processes: MAI metacognitive AI agent facilitating socially shared regulation in collaborative learning.
• Andy Nguyen, Tenure-track Professor (Assistant): Learning and learning processes: Kai — An Embodied AI Agent in Mixed Reality for Active Learning.
• Dimitra Gkounta, PhD student, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology: Enhancing Clinical Education: The Role of Human-Centered Extended Reality in Healthcare Student Learning.
  
  
  

From campus to commerce: Students building startups

Get ready to hear about the local student entrepreneurship initiatives and how the university community supports them along the journey. During this session, you will hear how driven students build their own businesses, learn relevant skills, and build crucial networks for the future. This is also a great opportunity for you to get involved and discuss with the doers!

Session facilitator:

• Ville Saarenpää, Business Specialist, Student entrepreneurship affairs, University of Oulu

Confirmed speakers:

• StartupOulu
• Oulu Entrepreneurship Society
• Polar Bear Pitching
  

From campus to commerce: Research to revenue

Deep tech and research-based businesses are always rooted in academic discoveries. At the University of Oulu, societal impact is a strategic priority alongside world-class research and education. It could be argued that research only reaches its full potential when it extends beyond academia, and one pathway for reaching the real world is through the commercialization of research results.

This session outlines the typical research commercialization journey:

• Identifying promising inventions
• Proof of Concept -projects to develop and validate ideas further
• Research to Business -projects to advance toward commercialization
• Launching spin-off companies that finally bring science to society

Session facilitators:

• Markku Känsäkoski, Business Development Manager, University of Oulu
• Janne Haverinen, Business Development Manager, University of Oulu

Implementing AI in architecture, engineering and construction business

AI is reshaping workflows in the businesses, but how do we turn potential into real impact? This session begins with a case: Ramboll’s Quacky, an AI assistant that helps young designers learn parametric scripting. After the case, we’ll open the floor for an interactive discussion on experiences, opportunities, risks, and future directions for AI in business.

Session facilitators:

• Tuomo Palomaa, Development Manager, Ramboll
• Timo Pohjosenperä, Postdoctoral researcher, Customer Manager, Oulu Business School
  

OYSTER Health and Life Science Incubator – Fostering entrepreneurship

Business Oulu, Oulu University of Applied Sciences and the University of Oulu have joined forces to support the emergence of new businesses with the OYSTER Health and Life Science Incubator. The incubator serves as a platform for advancing research-based business ideas and refining innovative concepts developed by student groups. Find out what it's all about and what incubator customers expect from this new piece of the OuluHealth ecosystem.

• Background, objectives, needs and plans. (Petri Ahokangas)
• Pre-incubator and incubator programs (Heikki Ailinpieti)
• The Role of University of Oulu's research teams
• Business ideas and expectations for OYSTER Incubator (3 pre-incubates and/or incubates)

Session facilitators:

• Petri Ahokangas, Professor
• Heikki Ailinpieti, Project Researcher
• Martti Saarela, Research Director, Kerttu Saalasti Institute's MicroENTRE team
• Raushan Aman, Post-doc Researcher, Martti Ahtisaari Institute

Rethinking AI beyond the hype

In this discussion-based thematic session we will look beyond the hype of AI and ask if the AI has lived up to our expectations. You will first hear a brief presentation on the trends in the study of knowledge-based work and AI. This is followed by a discussion on what are the possibilities of developing sustainable and humane working practices and conditions in AI-enhanced information environments. How to take advantage on AI based solutions sustainably, where is their use justified and crucial, and where a critical stance would be needed?

Session facilitators:

• Heidi Enwald, University Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities
• Anna Suorsa, University Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities
  

Quantum roadmap for Finnish industries

Quantum technology has potential to disruptively transform fields ranging from optimization via materials simulations to finance. It is similar to AI as it roots in developments of both the computing algorithms and hardware. Compared to AI, quantum technologies are behind in maturity and wide adoption. Then the relevant business questions are: When will quantum hardware be mature enough for company-specific use-cases? When is the right time to invest in quantum technology, and which parts of it will provide the most added value? In this session we will review the expected roadmaps for quantum hardware, software and computing use-case. We outline perspectives that quantum computing and quantum technologies can provide to Finnish industries.

Session facilitators:

• Matti Silveri, Associate Professor, Nano and Molecular Systems Research Unit
• Jussi Paakkari, Research Director, Quantum Institute

Our speakers

Petteri Alahuhta

Petteri Alahuhta serves as Vice Rector for Cooperation at the University of Oulu. Drawing on his prior leadership roles at VTT, he has extensive experience at the intersection of research, innovation, and industry, with a background in AI, data, and emerging technologies. He holds a PhD in Computer Science and an Executive MBA, and works to strengthen connections between academia, business, and society.

Heli Koski

Heli Koski, PhD (Economics), is Research Director at ETLA Economic Research. She has previously served as Research Director at Aalto University, where she led the Strategic Research Council (STN) program Disruptive Technologies and Changing Institutions. She has also lectured at the London School of Economics and held a professorship in Technology Management at the Helsinki School of Economics. Her current research focuses on the data economy, competition, and the economics of innovation and business strategies.

Sasu Tarkoma

Sasu Tarkoma is Dean of the Faculty of Science and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki, and a Visiting Professor at the University of Oulu. He is affiliated with the 6G Flagship and the Finnish Center for AI (FCAI). He has authored over 350 scientific articles and four books published by Wiley, CRC Press, and Cambridge University Press. He also holds 13 granted US patents and over 20 international patent applications. His research has been recognized with multiple Best Paper awards, including the ACM SenSys Test of Time Award, as well as awards from IEEE PerCom, ACM CCR, and ACM OSR.

John Bailey

John Bailey is Director of AI at CGI. With almost twenty years of experience in ideating, designing, and developing digital and AI-assisted services, my mission is to promote the development of responsible AI applications by clarifying the value creation opportunities of AI and reducing the uncertainty surrounding it.

Heidi Kananen

Heidi Kananen (M.Sc. in Economics, M.Soc.Sc.) works as the CEO at Valve Branding. In addition, she is an entrepreneur focusing on the business utilization of artificial intelligence. She is also researching the effects of artificial intelligence on strategic management in her doctoral dissertation. Heidi will provide a practical perspective on how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership and how it can be integrated into companies’ everyday operations.

UBF is the University of Oulu’s main event for industry–university collaboration and is now being organized for the 7th time. The event has annually attracted around 150–250 participants on-site at the Linnanmaa campus. In recent years, over one-third of the participants have come from the university, another third from companies, and the rest from the public sector. Previous speakers have included, for example, professional board member Kaisa Hietala, Juha Vidgrén (Ponsse), Sari Heinonen (OP, now at LähiTapiola), Katarina Segerståhl (Aava, now running her own consultancy), Markku Heikura (Finnish Tax Administration), and Subho Mukherjee (Nokia).

Past UBF events

2024: People, planet, profit
2023: Future proofing and future boosting
2022: Power to renew
2021: Sustainable future