Start Me Up Award Gala
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2024, at 14:00 - 18:00
Venue: Joensuu, Science Park, Temple of Challenge hall (Building 3A, 4th floor), Länsikatu 15, 80100 Joensuu
Which business idea will win the Start Me Up 2024 Business Idea Competition? And which ideas will shine in other competition categories?
Welcome to get excited and listen to the best business ideas and draw inspiration! The Start Me Up 2024 Awards Gala will be held on May 15, 2024, at Joensuu, Science Park's Temple of Challenge hall.
The keynote speaker is Josefiina Kotilainen, the CEO of Startup Foundation. She will explore the environment and success factors of growth entrepreneurship and high-growth startup companies in Finland, offering valuable insights and guidance for Start Me Up competitors, businesses, and all interested listeners on the topic.
The event is open to everyone and free of charge. However, seats are limited, so secure your spot by registering for the Gala well in advance, by May 10, 2024, at 16.00 at the latest by completing the registration form below.
Gala program
14.00–14.05 - Opening of the event, Joona Kotilainen
14.05–14.10 - Welcome to the Gala, CEO Tomi Haring, Business Joensuu
14.10–14.25 - Start Me Up case: From VTT's idea to research and business, CEO Mikko Utriainen, Chipmetrics Oy
14.25–15.00 - Keynote speech: Growth Entrepreneurship and Startups, CEO Josefiina Kotilainen, Startup Foundation
15.00–15.10 - Break
15.10–15.20 - Introduction to the Start Me Up 2024 Business Idea Competition: Statistics and presentation of the jury, Joona Kotilainen and Kari Pulkkinen, Business Joensuu
15.20–16.50 - Announcement of the Start Me Up category winners and the winner of the main prize
16.50–17.00 - Winners on stage and closing remarks, Joona Kotilainen and Tomi Haring
Start Me Up Afterparty from 17.00 to 18.00:
The celebration continues casually at the Start Me Up Afterparty at the adjacent Serendipity Café:
- Start with welcome drinks and delicious cocktail service.
- Network - meet competitors and others attendees, exchange thoughts and ideas, and build new collaborations!
- At the Afterparty, the media will have the opportunity to interview winners and get firsthand information about the competitors and their business ideas!
The event ends at 6:00 PM.
You are warmly welcomed!
For more information: