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FRUSH26 program

FRUSH main event on April 23, 2026 at the HAMK campus.

08.30 Morning Coffee and Networking Event

Come and get into the mood of the day and meet other participants for morning coffee. The refreshments are self-paid.

09:00 Event opening

Timo Kivinen

Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces 2019-2024

09.30 Raimo Karjalainen

Member of the Board, Sako Oy

10.00 StartUp Competition Final

Finalists' pitches in front of the audience and jury. Languages: Finnish and English.

10.30 Hannu Nikurautio

Research Director, University of Oulu

11.00 Panel Discussion

Life cycle assessment in the defense industry

11.30 TBC

12.00 Lunch

FRUSH lunch buffet is provided by Restaurant Vanha Värjäri in the Frush event space as well as at Restaurant Vanha Värjäri on the ground floor. The buffet is self-service.

12.45 Henri Kivioja

Founder / CEO, RAIN.global Oy

13.15 TBC

13.45 StartUp award ceremony

The best innovations are rewarded. The prizes are sponsored by the Häme Chamber of Commerce, SAMK, Commu App, and Fiban.

14.05 Panel Discussion

Total security and emergency preparedness

14:35 Closing Summary

Teemu Seppälä

Director of Technology and Innovation, City of Riihimäki

FRUSH26 pre-party

April 22, 2026, from 18:00. At Restaurant Status.

18.00 - 19.00

Buffet table open

19.00 Opening speech

FYK's CEO Riikka Riihimäki

19.05 Start-Up competition

FRUSH26 StartUp Competition Semifinal

20.00 Magician Timo Tiikkainen

Stand-up magic show and networking

21.00 StartUp semifinal results

Top 3 pitches advance to the final

21.30 Networking

Free socializing

Speakers and panelists

Timo Kivinen

Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces 2019-2024

General (ret.) Timo Kivinen served as the Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces from 2019 to 2024. He has over four decades of experience in military leadership and international cooperation. Kivinen has served in demanding domestic and international positions. His tenure as commander coincided with an exceptionally significant period: the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and Finland's accession to NATO. He led the Defence Forces steadily through this transitional period and strengthened Finland's defense capability and international status. Kivinen is known as a clear-spoken, broadly educated, and forward-looking leader. He has a valuable perspective on the importance of security, sustainability, and resilience – themes closely related to FRUSH's goals of encouraging new solutions and sustainable growth. At FRUSH26, General Kivinen will offer his insights at the beginning of the event on how change and uncertainty can be addressed purposefully and constructively.

Raimo Karjalainen

Member of the Board, Sako Oy

Industrial Counselor, Engineer Raimo Karjalainen served as the CEO of the Finnish arms and ammunition manufacturer Sako Oy from 2006 to 2022. Currently, Raimo Karjalainen is a member of the Board of Directors of Sako Oy. Before his career at Sako, he worked for many years, among others, at Agco Power Oy. Sako Oy is part of the Italian Beretta Group. During Raimo Karjalainen's tenure, Sako's production volumes and turnover have increased significantly. The number of Sako employees has doubled, and turnover has nearly quadrupled between 2006 and 2022. Many significant agreements have also been signed, for example, the historic framework agreement on a joint handgun family signed by the Finnish and Swedish Defence Forces, which has a substantial impact on the joint defense capability and security of supply of both countries. Additionally, the project has a very large significance for future investments at Sako and for subcontractors in Finland.

Henri Kivioja

Founder / CEO, RAIN.global Oy

Henri Kivioja is a visionary entrepreneur and AI expert. He has developed AI-based solutions that enhance the operation of critical infrastructure and improve safety in dual-use applications. Henri is among the leading innovators in the telecom sector and drives change forward with a growing international client base.

Hannu Nikurautio

Research Director, University of Oulu

Hannu Nikurautio has decades of international leadership experience in the technology sector, particularly in wireless communication technologies (2G-6G), including positions at Nokia and FLEX. Since November 2023, he has served as the Research Director of the 6G Flagship at the University of Oulu, responsible for the Security & Defence program and the 6G Technology Center, which operates in close collaboration with NATO's DIANA program. In this role, he has focused on research and innovation for secure and reliable 6G networks, especially for defense and critical infrastructure needs, including in extreme conditions.

Teemu Anttila

Founder / CEO, Finnish Operations Center

Teemu Anttila is an experienced and versatile leader with a strong background in both defense and information technology. He holds a Master of Science in Digital Communications and Information Management and is a graduate of the Finnish National Defence University’s officer program. With the military rank of Major, Anttila has served in several leadership positions and has been awarded multiple honors, including the Knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland. Anttila has held numerous key roles such as CEO, CIO, and senior advisor, and his career spans both the Ministry of Defence and leadership roles in the private sector. He has been responsible for complex IT and defense projects and has led large organizations both in Finland and in international crisis management operations. He has served as CIO of the Finnish Ministry of Defence and led the defense business of a Nordic ICT group. In addition, he has operational and leadership experience within the Finnish Defence Forces and missions in East Africa. As CEO of the Finnish Operations Center, Anttila is responsible for the strategic development and management of the growth. company. Together with Harri Kulmala, he brings together deep expertise and leadership to build a business network that supports companies in succeeding in NATO markets.

Ilkka Korkiamäki

Lieutenant General (res.), Licentiate of Technology

Ilkka Korkiamäki has had a long career as an officer in the Defence Forces. During his career as an officer, he has mainly worked in various positions related to command systems and other technical fields at the General Staff, the Western Regional Defence Command, the Electronics Establishment, and the National Defence University. His last positions in the Defence Forces were Head of Command Systems at the General Staff, Principal of the National Defence University, and Chief of Personnel of the Finnish Defence Forces, from which position he transitioned to the reserves at the beginning of 2021. He has also gained international experience from the KFOR operation in Kosovo and studies at the Harvard Kennedy School. After his career as an officer, Ilkka has continued his professional life as an entrepreneur and consultant, building networks in the defence and security sector to foster new innovations and expand business activities in the field. The DEFINE innovation network being built in Riihimäki is currently his largest work project.

Teemu Seppälä

Director of Technology and Innovation, City of Riihimäki

Teemu Seppälä, the Director of Technology and Innovation for the City of Riihimäki, is responsible for Riihimäki's robotics and circular economy activities, smart city solutions, and the defense and security ecosystem DEFINE. Through his unit, Teemu builds regional vitality through new innovations – aiming to foster the creation of new companies, support growth, and increase employment. "There is always a way to do things better. The time is here and now – small actions lead to big outcomes." In his talks, Teemu emphasizes the importance of education, trust, and collaboration in combating climate change and building a sustainable society.

Host

Miki Wallenius

Journalist, YLE