About
Dr. Katsuhiko Kawazoe
Dr. Katsuhiko Kawazoe
Schedules
8:30 Venue Opens
8:30–9:30 Morning Coffee, Snacks & EXPO
9:30–9:40 Opening Gala With a Musical Performance | Conference Moderators: Eeva Esse & Katariina Tamm
9:40–11:30 Session 1 | Foundations for Future
9:40–10:10 Unlimited Innovation for a Global Sustainable Society
The human race faces a number of crises, such as COVID-19, climate change, natural disasters, and a divided world. We couldn’t forecast these misfortunes. The technology we have at present is not enough to solve those. Therefore, we must enhance ICT technologies more and more, but there is a big problem caused by the Internet. Internet traffic is growing exponentially. Hence, we use a lot of network and computer equipment to process these large amounts of data. As a result, energy consumption is skyrocketing. This presentation will introduce “IOWN” which can break through the current limitations by optical-based technologies.
10:10–10:40 Building Tomorrow: Future-Proofing Through Technology and People
Insights on thriving in a fast-changing world through agility, collaboration, and innovation. In today’s uncertain economy, our greatest resource is our people—empowered to drive resilience, sustainability, and progress. Discover how emerging technologies and forward-thinking leadership come together to propel us toward a future-ready world.
10:40–11:10 Europe's New Competitiveness Agenda
Competitiveness and specificities of the countries that give opportunities for business growth. What do foreign investors monitor? Important trends and factors to pay attention to when growing an international business. How can countries create significant competitive advantages? What makes Estonia stand out, where are the opportunities for business growth here?
11:10–11:30 Break & EXPO
11:30–13:05 Session 2 | Building Blocks for Breakthroughs
11:30–12:00 When Nothing is Certain, Everything is Possible
The future is often thought to be an enhanced version of the present – as if what we have now will soon be simply better, faster and more efficient. What if the future is something completely different? The idea of disruptive innovation starts from the premise that the world is not changed by fighting against the current solution, but by creating an alternative that makes the current solution look unnecessary. Information technologies, platform economies and a globally networked world have created huge opportunities. We need to figure out where the real change is coming from and what the competition actually is.
12:00–12:40 Panel: State, Community and Talents as Catalysts of Growth
The panel discussion will focus on investment opportunities for foreign investors in Estonia. What are the strategic approaches of Estonia in business support, basic technologies, and scalability? What are the new opportunities and the state of the talent market for growth in engineering? How to create a supporting ecosystem for your business, including partners and community?
12:40–13:35 Lunch & EXPO
13:35–14:50 Session 3 | Execution for Excellence
14:50–15:20 Break & EXPO
15:20–16:50 Session 4 | Space for Synergy
15:20–15:35 Ülemiste City Community
15:35–15:55 Importance of Community in Sustainable Business
Nordea’s purpose is to enable dreams and aspirations for a greater good. Nordea strives to be personal, expert and responsible – to deliver great customer service and contribute to successful and sustainable economic development in the Nordics. Nordea believes that great results and high achievements are only possible together with their core stakeholders – customers, employees, investors, suppliers, regulators, and the wider communities in which we operate. In her presentation Anja Hannerz will focus on why Nordea believes in success through collaboration with stakeholders, what are the benefits of having community as part of business strategy, and how that supports the business success of Nordea.
15:55–16:25 Panel: Building Businesses. Connecting Communities
16:25–16:50 Action for Growth
Action for Growth In a world shaped by innovation, crisis and rapid AI transformation, what does meaningful growth look like? In this interactive talk closing the first day, you are invited to activate your future self, and take regenerative, AI-augmented action. Not just a talk—this is your turning point.
16:50–17:00 Conference Conclusions
17:00–18:30 Networking
8:30–14:00 | Öpik Conference Center | Kosmos
1Technology and Innovation
The session will focus on technologies needed for future growth, for example, innovation, data science, intellectual property, cybersecurity, technology partnerships, and aerospace engineering. The speakers will introduce different visions and skills needed for building lasting businesses for the future.
Speakers: visionary Linnar Viik; Mervi Sepp Rei, Klaus; Silver Kelk, Mainor Ülemiste; Henrik Johan Kitt, Delft University of Technology.
Moderator: Ursel Velve, CEO, Mainor Ülemiste
MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
8:30–14:00 | Öpik Conference Center | Supernoova
2Academia to Business Matchmaking: Building Bridges for an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The session gives research-intensive startups and spinoffs the opportunity to pitch their innovative products and services to businesses. The program is designed to build bridges between scientific research and industries seeking innovative solutions.
The matchmaking format is a 7-minute pitch in English followed by a 3-minute round of questions and answers. The event will focus on products and services that would be of interest to technology, real estate, and industry companies. The pitches will be given feedback by a panel of growth and large companies who are interested in finding collaboration partners for their R&D or B2B. Later, the companies can continue discussions with those providers whose products and services are of interest.
The event is open, but there is a charge for listeners, and registration is required.
Moderator: Vahur Lepik, Service Experience Manager, Mainor Ülemiste
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8:30–14:00 | Öpik Conference Center | Universum
3Collective Dreaming. What Kind of Economy Do We Want for Estonia?
The session is part of an Estonian-wide initiative "Hakkab looma!" a bold nationwide initiative inviting at least 30 000 Estonians to dream together about what our country could look like in 2050. This movement isn’t just about imagining the future—it’s about empowering everyone to co-create it. By contributing your vision, you become part of a shared story that will inspire real change and set the course for Estonia’s future. This session is your chance to join the movement, dream big, and make your voice heard.
To spark our imagination and help us dream boldly, the session will feature an inspiring talk by Sari Stenfors, a visionary speaker who believes dreaming is essential, especially in challenging times and especially when we try to shape the future. Drawing on Estonia’s history of resilience, Sari will explore how dreaming can ignite hope, creativity, and a shared vision for the future. Her motivational speech will highlight how even difficult moments can fuel innovation and collaboration.
Whether you’re an innovator, a dreamer, or a leader, this is your opportunity to contribute to Estonia’s future and be inspired by those around you.
Moderators: Karmen Karus & Cassandra Luik
MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
14:00–16:00 | | Öpik Conference Center | Universum
4Enhancing Innovation Procurement in Mobility – Addressing Key Challenges
This consultative workshop is part of a broader initiative aimed at increasing the adoption of innovation procurement in the mobility and transport sector by local government/s in Estonia. This session will focus on mapping the key challenges faced by national / municipal government offices and identify the barriers to green transition in the sector. The workshop is organized and facilitated by Eesti Rohetehnoloogia Liit, EIT Urban Mobility and Estonian Business School.
The working language will be Estonian; however, we will facilitate one working group in English. English speaking colleagues are most welcome to attend and share their key experiences on innovation procurement. Prior registration is required for attendance.
9:30–16:30
5International Talents Program
The session is organised in collaboration with Ericsson Group and the Estonian Entrepreneurship Univesity of Applied Sciences.
Talents Program is open to international and Estonian students and consists of a visit to Ericsson Estonia, inspirational speeches and a hackathon. The program is designed to help students find their talents and present their skills.
INVITE-ONLY PROGRAM
Technology and Innovation
8:30–9:00 Morning Coffee & Snacks
9:30–10:00 Powering the Future of Reliable Connectivity
In today's interconnected world, mission-critical communications stand as the backbone of safety, innovation, and sustained growth. At Ericsson, we recognize that the future demands not only cutting-edge technologies but also visionary strategies in cybersecurity, data science, and dynamic partnerships. We’ll share how embracing innovation, safeguarding intellectual property, and fostering robust technological collaborations are essential to building resilient businesses and a secure, thriving society for generations to come.
10:30–11:00 Why Data Science Projects Fail? How to Make Most of Your Data Science Team
In today's data-driven world, the potential of data science to transform business operations and drive smarter decision-making is immense. However, many organizations struggle to realize the full potential of their data science teams. This presentation will explore the common pitfalls that lead to data science project failures and what can you do to overcome them.
11:00–11:30 Coffee Break & Networking
11:30–12:00 Urban Testbeds Unlocked: How Public-Private Synergies Fuel Cross-Border Innovation
In this panel discussion, we’ll explore how municipalities, private districts, startups, and corporates collectively transform urban spaces into dynamic testbeds for innovation. Industry leaders from Ülemiste City, City of Tallinn, City of Helsinki, and KONE Innovations discuss the opportunities, complexities, and untapped potential of cross-border collaboration. Discover how integrated ecosystems can turn cities into powerful living labs, scaling bold ideas into impactful urban solutions.
12:20–12:40 Is Profiting From R&D Even Possible for “Traditional” Industry?
If R&D is the art of creating knowledge out of money then innovation is the craft of making money out of knowledge. As with any craft, it takes first principles, a lot of practice and probably quite a bit of failure. So, if failure is guaranteed, where’s the money coming from? Here’s a quick look at the prerequisites for creating a profitable innovation programme in any company.
12:40–13:00 Why Study Aerospace Engineering?
What are the differences between educational systems and what are the values they emphasize? Drawing from my experience studying at Delft in a truly international community, this talk will analyse different approaches to education. I’ll be doing this through the lens of an engineering undergraduate.
13:00–13:15 Conclusions
13:15–14:00 Lunch
Academia to Business Matchmaking: Building Bridges for an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
8:30–9:30 Morning Coffee & Snacks
9:30–9:45 Introduction
9:45–10:35 First Pitching Session
Asvel
EsaDres
SelectZero
Antscape
10:35–11:00 Feedback From the Panel
Panel:
11:00–11:45 Coffee & Networking
11:45–12:35 Second Pitching Session
Galttec
7sense
ÄIO
12:35–13:00 Feedback From the Panel
Panel:
13:00–13:15 Closing Words
13:30–14:00 Lunch
Collective Dreaming. What Kind of Economy Do We Want for Estonia?
8:30–9:30 Morning Coffee & Snacks
9:30–9:45 Introduction to Inititative „Hakkab Looma!“
Get to know Hakkab Looma! – a nationwide initiative inviting at least 30 000 people across Estonia to collectively dream about the future of our country. This movement encourages citizens of all ages and backgrounds to imagine what Estonia could and should look like in the year 2050. The goal? To spark hope, foster imagination, and build a shared vision that can guide us towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and thriving future.
Moderators: Karmen Karus & Cassandra Luik
9:45–10:25 How to Create a Hopeful Future?
Hope is not naive—it’s neurological. In this powerful session, Dr. Stenfors explores how we can train our minds to imagine and build better futures. Grounded in foresight, neuroscience, psychology and real-world transformation, this talk reveals why visioning is vital, how our brains resist change, and what it takes to rewire both for collective action and inner resilience.
10:25–11:00 Move to Imagine: A Gentle Warm-up for Dreaming the Future
Before we dive into collective dreaming, let’s reconnect with our bodies – powerful tools for intuition, imagination, and creativity. In this 35-minute guided session, choreographer David leads a gentle movement experience designed to release tension, ground your energy, and spark your imagination. Through simple exercises and music, we’ll clear the mental clutter and awaken the body-mind connection – making space for bold and visionary thinking.
No prior experience needed – just bring an open mind and a willingness to move.
Choreographer: David Truusa
11:00–11:45 Coffee Break
11:45–13:30 Collective Dreaming Workshop
In this hands-on session, we dream big together. Participants will imagine bold, positive futures for Estonia in 2050, explore values and visions that matter most, and create stories that reflect our collective hopes. Through facilitated dialogue and creative exercises, we’ll co-create visions that are both inspiring and grounded – a powerful first step toward real change.