On October 8th, 2025, Häme University of Applied Sciences hosted an inspiring networking event at the Visamäki campus, focused on startup collaboration. The event was part of the RUN InnoBoost project and organized by project manager Kirsi Vesterinen. HAMK representatives Marika Tamminen, Jukka Raitanen, Vesa Tuomela, and Katriina Peuhkuri also participated.
The event featured talks from two experienced startup entrepreneurs, Jyri Leinonen and Juho Jokinen, both members of FIBAN, who shared their insights on the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship.
One of the highlights was the introduction of HAMK Entrepreneurship Society (HAMKES), a fully student-led entrepreneurship community founded at HAMK’s Riihimäki campus. HAMKES aims to promote entrepreneurial spirit among students and support those pursuing the startup path. The community helps students develop business ideas, build entrepreneurial skills, and connect with key stakeholders — especially funders and business networks. Students Veronika Janstova, Casandra Julin, Emmanuel Kyere-Frempong, and Thompson Zaglago were present at the event.
HAMKES is open to all HAMK students interested in exploring entrepreneurship, growing their skills, and building connections with the business world. The association offers a low-threshold platform where ideas can grow and evolve into real business ventures.
What does “startup” mean?
A startup is typically a new, innovative, and growth-oriented company that aims to solve a problem in a novel way. Startups are known for their agility, rapid development, and willingness to take risks. They can emerge from student projects, research ideas, or simple everyday observations.
RUN InnoBoost goals by 2030: The RUN InnoBoost network is committed to ambitious targets for promoting entrepreneurship:
- Help 10% of graduates become entrepreneurs
- Ensure 75% of researchers complete entrepreneurship training
- Support at least 10 new startups every year
- Contribute to 20% of regional startups across partner regions
The presentations were recorded and will be available for viewing afterward.
Video 1: Juho Jokinen
Innovation Activities Juho Jokinen
Video 2: Jyri Leinonen
Innovation Activities Jyri Leinonen
Video 3: Emmanuel Keyere-Frempong HAMKES
Innovation Activities Jyri Leinonen
Sources:
Boosting Innovation & Entrepreneurship Across Europe
text, photographs: Katriina Peuhkuri (M.Soc.Sc.) Project Specialist, RUN InnoBoost Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), School of Bioeconomy