AI BOOST: Supercharge Your Business with AIStart
Let’s talk (and play) AI – join the AIStart community event on August 19th at Maria 01! Whether you’re just curious or already experimenting with AI, this relaxed afterwork-style gathering brings together startups, SMEs, experts, and newcomers to explore how AI can support smarter business – with real stories, future talk, and good vibes.
Curious about AI, but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’re already testing the waters and want to meet others on the same path? Either way – this is your event.
Join us on August 19th at Maria 01 in Helsinki for the second AIStart Community Event – an easygoing afternoon full of inspiration, real-life AI stories, future talk, and fun networking (yes, there’s pizza.
What’s happening?
We’ll kick off with a warm welcome and an intro to AIStart and the AI BOOST journey, followed by an inspiring keynote on how AI is transforming businesses in practice. You’ll hear from real startups using AI today, and get to join a future-focused panel discussion on what’s next for AI in Helsinki – from tools and talent to funding and collaboration. We’ll wrap up with relaxed networking, a fun bingo challenge, and good vibes over pizza and mocktails.
Let’s explore how AI can support smarter decisions, new growth, and bold experiments – together.
Date: August 19, 2025
Time: 16:00–18:00 (doors open at 15:30)
Location: Maria 01, Helsinki
For: Startups, SMEs, universities, ecosystem builders & future collaborators
Hosted by AIStart – a joint project by Haaga-Helia, Metropolia, the cities of Helsinki, Vantaa, and Espoo, supporting inclusive and practical AI adoption in business.
Unfortunately the event is full, and we are not able to take more registrations. We hope to see you in our upcoming events!
Program Highlights:
16:00–16:10 | Welcome & Opening Remarks by Teijo Javanainen and Aline de Santa Izabel, AIStart team
16:10–16:25 | Keynote: AI for Growth – A Strategic Perspective by Farhad Eftekhari, Founder and CEO of TechClass
16:25–16:35 | Startup Spotlight: AI in Action by Lisa Theman, Founder of Lensor
16:35–17:00 | Panel: Scaling with AI in Helsinki – What’s Next?
With Reidar Wasenius, Janset Shawash, Andres Archila, Jenni Selosmaa
17:00–18:00 | Networking Bingo + Pizza & Mocktails
Unfortunately the event is full, and we are not able to take more registrations. We hope to see you in our upcoming events!
Speakers
Farhad Eftekhari
is the Founder and CEO of TechClass, a Finland-based eLearning company established in 2017. He specializes in digitalization in education, AI in learning environments, and cybersecurity. With over 12 academic publications, he brings deep expertise to the intersection of technology and education. Farhad has led impactful initiatives through EU-funded projects and international partnerships.
Dr. Janset Shawash,
Researcher and XR expert at Helsinki XR Center and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
Dr. Janset Shawash is a researcher and XR expert at Helsinki XR Center and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. She has a background in urban planning and education, and explores how immersive technologies can support inclusive city-making, critical heritage interpretation, and creative learning. Her work combines XR, participatory design, and design research to address real-world challenges in cultural and urban contexts.
Jenni Selosmaa,
Senior Advisor, City of Espoo | Service Lead, Finnish AI Region (FAIR)
Jenni Selosmaa drives AI adoption and digital innovation across public and private sectors. At the City of Espoo and FAIR—one of Finland’s European Digital Innovation Hubs—she helps businesses explore cutting-edge technologies and accelerate sustainable growth. Jenni is passionate about creating future-proof cities and enabling SMEs to leverage AI, XR, and high-performance computing for real-world impact.
Lisa Theman,
Founder of Lensor
Lisa Theman is a climate-tech founder and innovator at heart. She founded Lensor, a startup making biodiversity compliance AI-backed and digital for cities and urban developers. Bootstrapped from day one, she and her team have earned traction, trust, and recognition for their work.”
