Celebrating our growing entrepreneurial ecosystem
GESK
Who we are?
South Karelia Startup Day is being organized by LUT’s GESK (Building a Community for Growth Entrepreneurship in South Karelia) project, funded by the South Karelian Council and the City of Lappeenranta. We have met many innovative and entrepreneurial companies, researchers and students in South Karelia and have created this event to give them all a forum to network and collaborate with each other.
We hope that you will join us to see the extent to which the South Karelian entrepreneurial ecosystem is thriving!
Event location
Kehruuhuone Lappeenranta
Kristiinankatu 20
53900 Lappeenranta
Event program
15:00 - 16:00
Fireside Chat with Young South Karelian Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in shaping the future economic success of South Karelia. It’s great to see that young South Karelians are increasingly starting their own businesses in recent years. Come and join us for an exciting Fireside Chat with Johannes Salmisaari (Droppe) and other young entrepreneurs TBA! We’ll be exploring what inspired and motivated them to take that leap, and we can’t wait to hear their stories.
16:00 - 17:00
South Karelia Funding Landscape
Money, as the saying goes, is needed to make money. Come join us for an exciting discussion about the various funding opportunities available and learn how to position your company to take full advantage of them!
17:00 - 17:30
1-on-1 meetings
You’ll have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local supporting resources and discover their amazing offerings! To discover more, book a meeting with them.
18:00 - 20:00
Gala
Join in on being a part of an exciting evening event that celebrates and showcases entrepreneurship in South Karelia! It’s great to see our local entrepreneurs thriving and making a positive impact on the world. They are constantly growing their companies, developing innovative and novel products, and addressing vital issues globally. The gala will feature an awards ceremony highlighting these achievements, followed by a celebratory dinner.
2023
Ecosystem Awards
Time frame TBD
Nomination process
People nominate companies in South Karelia for the different award categories
Nominations are open now!
Awards categories
- Fastest growing company (revenue)
- Most sustainable innovation
- Most innovative new product or service
Jury selection
TBD
Nominate a company for an award
Partners
