Program 2023

Program

09:00 Registration and welcome coffee 

09.30 Opening remarks and introduction to themes

Markku Kivistö, Head of Industry, Cleantech, BusinessFinland (remotely)
David Lindström, CEO, Cursor Oy
Heidi Sjögren, Head of Research Group, XAMK
Ilari Soosalu, Mayor, City of Hamina
Jukka Vainonen, Site Operations Manager, Google

10:00 Theme 1

A region made for large scale production

Panelists
Eduardo Albuquerque, Energy & Location Strategy, Portfolio Manager, Google
Markku Hannonen, Director of Urban Planning, City of Kotka
Vesa Koivisto, Senior Vice President, Battery Value Chain, Finnish Minerals Group
Thorsten Lahrs, CEO, CNGR Finland Oy
Eija Rossi, Commercial Director, Port of HaminaKotka
Tiina Salonen, Development Manager, Ren-Gas Oy
Kari Savolainen, Chairman of the Board, Steveco Oy

11:00 BREAK

11:30 Theme 2

A region with the right workforce in place

Panelists
Mari Kainiemi, CEO, Danisco Sweeteners Oy
Kimmo Kallioniemi, Vice Principle, Ekami
Santeri Koivisto, Head of International Affairs and Education Export, XAMK
Elina Koskela, Vice President, Global Manpower Solution, Barona Oy
Kaisu Pallaskallio, CEO, Code School Finland
Mikko Valtonen, Senior Advisor (education, employment and immigration), Keskuskauppakamari / Finland Chamber of Commerce
Miia Vanhainen, Continuous Learning Manager, LUT University

12:30 LUNCH

14:00 Theme 3

A region connected to a digital future

Panelists
Mikko Green, Data Center Operations Manager, Google
Mikko Kiviharju, Professor of Practice, Cyber Security XAMK and Aalto University, Computer Science
Ari Kurvi, Chief Development Officer, Hyperco Oy
Teemu Saarelainen, Senior Lecturer, Game programming, research and AI development projects, XAMK

15:00 BREAK

15:30 The possibilities of Finland and the Kotkan-Hamina region as a target for new investments
Henna Virkkunen, MEP (Remotely from Brussels)

15:45 Finland’s Future Opportunities
Pekka Haavisto, Member of Parliament

16:15 Summary and closing remarks

A region transforming, actions needed! 

Marika Kirjavainen, CEO, Kymenlaakso Chamber of Commerce
Sirpa Paatero, Former Minister of Local and Regional Government (2019-2023), City Council Member of the City of Kotka
Sari Paljakka, Director of the Business and Infrastructure Center, City of Loviisa
Toni Vanhala, Director, City Development and Communication, City of Kotka

Organizeres reserve the right to changes.

SUPPORTING PROGRAM DURING THE EVENT

09:00 – 17:00 Special Feature: Google’s Data Center & Sustainability Tour

09:00 – 17:00 Regional operators and companies with stands and experts available for discussions