PRODEKOSEMINAR
Building the Next Wave of Growth
Date
May 22, 2026
Time
13:00–>
Venue
Hybrid Arena Hype
Event started!

Theme

This year, Prodeko Seminar celebrates its tenth edition, while also marking Prodeko’s 60-year journey in the impressive setting of Hype Arena in Espoo. The seminar tackles a question that is central to Finland’s future: how will the next period of growth emerge? Economic growth has been weak and global competition has intensified. At the same time, strong potential is visible across the economy — ambition, innovation, and entrepreneurial drive can be found both in established industries and in emerging growth companies.

The Prodeko community operates at the intersection of technology, business, and society, bringing together a broad range of talent from experienced leaders and growth entrepreneurs to students and future decision-makers. By focusing on how companies are built, scaled, and renewed, the community plays an important role in turning Finland’s strengths into sustainable growth. During the seminar day, we will hear perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders — from startups and scale-ups to corporations and investors. The event offers inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking discussions, and an excellent opportunity to network with the Prodeko community and growth drivers across industries.

Schedule

13:00–14:00
Arrival and welcome coffee
by Terveystalo
14:00–17:15
The Seminar
  • Jukka Maksimainen, McKinsey & Company
  • Marianne Vikkula, Wolt
  • Jens Schmidt – What's up at TUTA
  • Announcing the Teacher of the Year
Coffee break by Star IT
  • Seppo Aaltonen, Iceye
  • Panel discussion hosted by Timo Ahopelto
    Viljami Meriläinen, Jarkko Sairanen, Katariina Korhonen
  • TUTA vision & workshop
  • Prodeko Ventures
  • Prodeko Historiikki60 trailer
17:15-18:00
Cocktail hour
by Maki.vc
18:00-23:00
Evening festivities and dinner
Buffet dinner, live music & sauna!

Arrival

You can arrive at the seminar venue starting from 13:00. The event will be held at Hype Arena, located at Vanha Jorvaksentie 3, 02320 Espoo. Arrival instructions are available here.

Speakers

Keynote
Senior Partner and Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company

Jukka Maksimainen

An IEM alumnus from the early 2000s. A career built almost entirely within one of the world's leading consulting firms. Today, he leads across the Nordics and shapes global thinking in energy and materials. With experience spanning six continents, their work ranges from building renewable energy systems and greenfield cities to turning around major industrial players.

Keynote
CEO, Wolt

Marianne Vikkula

Started studying IEM in the early 2010s and served on the Prodeko board during her student years. She joined Wolt and played a key role in building the company from a Nordic startup into one of Europe's most recognized unicorn platform businesses. Having grown with the company through its rapid scaling and international expansion, she now leads Wolt as its CEO.

Keynote
VP, Nordics & NATO of Iceye

Seppo Aaltonen

Studied IEM in the late 1990's. Built extensive leadership experience working at companies such as Nokia, Suunto Oy and Varjo Technologies Oy. Currently holding a leadership position at a high-tech company based in Otaniemi. Works in a role that supports cooperation beyond national borders.