Idearace
final
11.4.2025
Idearace final brings together the most promising start-ups and innovative ideas in South Karelia. You will be among the first to hear the most exciting ideas from the region and network with other curious participants!
In the final, a jury of business professionals will select the best idea, which will be rewarded with €5,000 for business idea development. There will also be a prize for the most developable idea as well for audience favourite.
The Idearace 2025 final took place on Friday, April 11, from 12:00 to 17:00 at the Viipuri Hall of LUT University in Lappeenranta. Around 200 people gathered to hear the next wave of business innovation!
Idearace will return next year – stay tuned!
12.00
12.15
13.00
13.35
13.45
14.15
15.50
16.15
16.45
Welcome
Keynote Pia-Maria Nikcström
Keynote Aape Pohjavirta
Fernando Trolia Slamic / Vaisala
Networking break
IDEARACE business idea competition
Networking break
Keynote Markus Melander
Award ceremony
After the event, the winners’ celebration continues at an open-for-all after-work gathering at Teerenpeli!
Pia-Maria Nickström is the CEO of Startup Foundation. Her background is in entrepreneurship: before joining the foundation, she co-founded a media-tech startup and is also the founder Mimmit sijoittaa -media. Pia-Maria will talk about the very earliest stages of entrepreneurship: How to get from -1 to 1.
Aape Pohjavirta is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate coach, dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through knowledge and innovation. Aape has held entrepreneurial and leadership roles in digital innovation since 1988. He’s an expert on education, business and product development, and technology strategies.
Markus Melander is an experienced, passionate, and energetic serial entrepreneur. He has co-founded several companies and is an active angel investor and mentor to younger entrepreneurs. He will share the key pillars of entrepreneurship in his talk – "Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur."
