AI Connect by AIStart Incubator on 6 October
Business Helsinki and the project partners invite you to the AIStart community event, where we will explore how strong networks can fuel AI innovation and business growth.
When: 6 October, 2026 at 15–18
Where: Maria 01, Event space, Lapinlahdenkatu 16, 00180 Helsinki
Organiser: the AIStart project
Preliminary Programme
15:00–16:00 Networking, Refreshments & Ecosystem Showcase
Join us for an informal networking session and discover the support services, resources, and opportunities available for startups within the Helsinki innovation ecosystem.
Ecosystem Showcase
– Meet Business Helsinki services and ecosystem partners
– Learn about funding, internationalization, testbed opportunities, incubation, and startup support services
– Explore collaboration opportunities with ecosystem organizations
Networking & Refreshments
– Registration and welcome
– Coffee and refreshments
– Open networking with startups, researchers, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders
16:00–16:15 Welcome & AIStart Introduction
Welcome Words & Agenda Overview
Aline de Santa Izabel Alves, Networks & Ecosystems Manager, AIStart Incubator
Topics:
– Welcome to AI Connect
– Introduction to the event programme
– Why ecosystem collaboration matters for AI innovation and startup growth
AIStart Support Services
Teijo Javanainen, Project Manager, AIStart Incubator
Topics:
– Overview of AIStart services and activities
– Support opportunities for AI startups and ecosystem stakeholders
– Upcoming initiatives, events, and collaboration opportunities
16:15–16:45 Panel Discussion From Innovation to Impact: How Ecosystem Collaboration Helps Companies Leverage AI for Growth
Moderator
Aline de Santa Izabel Alves
Networks & Ecosystems Manager, AIStart Incubator
Panelists
– Mari Kirjalainen, COO, FIBAN (Finnish Business Angels Network)
– Reidar Wasenius, AI Researcher, Aalto University
– Iara Dias, Founder & CEO, IKKIO
16:45–18:00 Ecosystem Networking Reception
Continue the conversation with fellow entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and ecosystem partners!
– Open networking
– Meet the panelists and featured ecosystem organizations
– Explore collaboration opportunities
– Refreshments and informal discussions
Welcome to AI Connect and the AIStart ecosystem community!
