AIStart Community event on 6 October: AI Connect – Building connections for innovation and growth

When: 6 October, 2026 at 15–17.30
Where: Maria 01, Event space, Lapinlahdenkatu 16, 00180 Helsinki
Organiser: the AIStart project

Join us for AI Connect, a networking event bringing together startups, investors, innovation hubs, researchers, and ecosystem leaders to explore how strong networks can accelerate AI development and business growth.

The event will kick off with a panel discussion on the importance of access to national and international networks in the AI ecosystem. Experts from research, startup, investment, and innovation communities will share insights on how connections can help companies access talent, funding, partnerships, and international opportunities.

Following the discussion, participants are invited to continue the conversation during a relaxed networking session with refreshments.

Whether you are building an AI startup, supporting innovation, investing in emerging technologies, or looking to connect with key ecosystem players, AI Connect offers an excellent opportunity to expand your network and discover new collaboration opportunities.

Who should attend?

• Founders and entrepreneurs
• Startups and scaleups
• Investors and business angels
• Innovation hubs and ecosystem organizations
• Researchers and AI experts
• Public sector and business support organizations
• Corporate innovation leaders

Preliminary Program 

15:00–15:10 | Welcome and AIStart Introduction

Welcome Words & Agenda Overview
Aline Santa Izabel, Networks and Ecosystems Manager, AIStart

• Welcome to AI Connect
• Introduction to the day’s program
• The role of ecosystem collaboration in AI innovation

AIStart Support Services
Teijo Javanainen, Project Manager, AIStart

• Overview of AIStart support service
• Opportunities for startups and ecosystem stakeholders
• Upcoming AIStart activities and initiatives

15:10–15:40 | Panel Discussion
Importance of Access to National and International Networks in AI Development

Moderator
Aline Santa Izabel, Networks and Ecosystems Manager, AIStart

Panelists

Representative (TBC), ELLIS Institute Finland
AI research ecosystem and development support

Sarita Runeberg, Maria 01
Building innovation communities and startup growth ecosystems

Angeliki (TBC), FIBAN
The role of angel investor networks in startup growth and funding

Dave Vasquez, Rollyy
Startup founder perspective on leveraging ecosystem networks for growth and internationalization

Discussion topics:

• Why ecosystem networks matter for AI startups
• Accessing talent, expertise, and research collaboration
• The value of innovation hubs and startup communities
• Building international partnerships and market access
• Lessons learned from successful ecosystem collaboration
• Opportunities and challenges in today’s AI ecosystem
  

15:40–17:30 | Community Networking & Refreshments

Welcome!