University Business Forum 2025

AI-powered human performance for research, innovation and business — Valmistaudu inspiroitumaan!

Tekoäly vauhdittaa tehokkuutta ja uudistumista ennennäkemättömällä tavalla — se laajentaa kykyjämme, kiihdyttää innovointia ja määrittelee tuottavuuden uudelleen. Olemme nähneet, kuinka tekoäly muovaa työtämme ja luovuuttamme. Olemme myös oppineet vähentämään tekoälyn käyttöön liittyviä ongelmia ja ymmärtäneet, ettei tekoäly ole pelkkää teknologiaa. Vai olemmeko? Mitä seuraavaksi on odotettavissa? Ja miten johdamme tätä muutosta vastuullisesti ja vaikuttavasti?

Liity mukaan tapahtumaan, joka tarjoaa inspiraatiota, verkostoitumista, tuoreinta tutkimustietoa ja uusia mahdollisuuksia yhteistyöhön.

Tapahtuma on englanninkielinen. Osallistuminen tapahtumaan on ilmaista.

Rekisteröidy tapahtumaan

Ohjelma

• 08:30–09:00 Kahvia, ilmoittautuminen ja verkostoitumista (Saalastinsali)
• 09:00–09:15 Tervetulosanat: Petteri Alahuhta, Yhteistyösuhteiden vararehtori
• 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, professori, Helsingin yliopisto
• 09:55–10:25 Keynote: Insights from business: It's not only about technology.
  • Osa 1: Globaali näkökulma, John Bailey, Director of AI, CGI
  • Osa 2: Paikallinen näkökulma, Heidi Kananen, CEO, Valve Branding
• 10:25–10:40 Johdanto ja siirtyminen teemasessioihin (Tellus)
  • Jatketaan keskustelua Telluksessa kuuman kahvin ja mielenkiintoisten puheenaiheiden äärellä! Valitse kaksi sinua eniten puhuttelevaa työpajaa ja tutustu yhteistyömahdollisuuksiin tutkimuksen, innovoinnin ja liiketoiminnan saralla.
• 10:40–11:20 Teemasessiot, osa 1
• 11:20–12:00 Teemasessiot, osa 2
• 12:00–13:00 Lounas Saalastinsalissa
  
  

Teemasessiot

Voit osallistua kahteen teemasessioon, joista kukin kestää 30–45 minuuttia.

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
  

Puhujamme

Petteri Alahuhta

Oulun yliopiston yhteistyösuhteiden vararehtorina Petteri Alahuhta haluaa vahvistaa yliopiston, yritysmaailman ja yhteiskunnan välisiä yhteyksiä. Aiemmista johtotehtävistään VTT:llä hänelle on kertynyt laaja kokemus tutkimuksesta, innovaatioista ja elinkeinoelämästä erityisesti tekoälyn, datan ja uusien teknologioiden aloilta. Alahuhta on koulutukseltaan tietojenkäsittelytieteiden tohtori ja Executive MBA.

Heli Koski

Heli Koski on kauppatieteiden tohtori ja toimii Elinkeinoelämän tutkimuslaitoksen (ETLA) tutkimusjohtajana. Hän on aiemmin toiminut tutkimusjohtajana Aalto-yliopistossa, jossa hän johti Strategisen tutkimuksen neuvoston (STN) ohjelmaa Disruptive Technologies and Changing Institutions. Lisäksi hän on luennoinut London School of Economicsissa ja toiminut teknologian johtamisen professorina Helsingin kauppakorkeakoulussa. Hänen ajankohtainen tutkimuksensa keskittyy dataekonomiaan, kilpailuun sekä innovaation ja liiketoimintastrategioiden taloustieteeseen.

Sasu Tarkoma

Sasu Tarkoma on Helsingin yliopiston matemaattis-luonnontieteellisen tiedekunnan dekaani ja tietojenkäsittelytieteen professori sekä Oulun yliopiston vieraileva professori. Hän on mukana 6G Flagship -ohjelmassa ja Suomen tekoälykeskuksessa (FCAI). Hän on kirjoittanut yli 350 tieteellistä artikkelia sekä neljä kirjaa, jotka on julkaistu Wileyn, CRC Pressin ja Cambridge University Pressin toimesta. Lisäksi hänellä on 13 myönnettyä yhdysvaltalaista patenttia ja yli 20 kansainvälistä patenttihakemusta. Hänen tutkimuksensa on saanut useita Best Paper -palkintoja, muun muassa ACM SenSys Test of Time Award -palkinnon, sekä tunnustuksia IEEE PerCom-, ACM CCR- ja ACM OSR -konferensseissa.

John Bailey

John Bailey on johtava tekoälyasiantuntija CGI:llä. Hänellä on lähes 20 vuoden kokemus digitaalisten ja tekoälyavusteisten palveluiden ideoinnista, suunnittelusta ja kehittämisestä. Baileyn missiona on edistää vastuullisten tekoälysovellusten kehitystä selkeyttämällä tekoälyn arvonluontimahdollisuuksia ja vähentämällä siihen liittyvää epätietoisuutta.

Heidi Kananen

Heidi Kananen (KTM, YTM) on Valve Brandingin toimitusjohtaja — yrittäjä, joka keskittyy tekoälyn liiketoiminnalliseen hyödyntämiseen. Väitöskirjassaan hän tutkii tekoälyn vaikutuksia strategiseen johtamiseen. Heidi tuo käytännönläheisen näkökulman siihen, miten tekoäly muuttaa johtamista ja kuinka sitä voidaan integroida yritysten jokapäiväiseen toimintaan.

Oulun yliopiston yritys- ja sidosryhmäyhteistyön päätapahtuma University Business Forum järjestetään tänä vuonna jo seitsemättä kertaa. Vuosittain tapahtuma kerää Linnanmaan kampukselle noin 150–250 osallistujaa. Viime vuosina reilu kolmannes osallistujista on tullut yliopistolta, toinen kolmannes yrityksistä ja loput julkiselta sektorilta.

Aiempien vuosien puhujina ovat olleet muun muassa Kaisa Hietala, Juha Vidgrén (Ponsse), Sari Heinonen (OP, nykyisin LähiTapiola), Katarina Segerståhl (Aava, nykyisin yrittäjänä), Markku Heikura (Verohallinto) ja Subho Mukherjee (Nokia).

Rekisteröidy tapahtumaan

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