EBAN: Jyväskylä Business Rally Investor Day 2024

In the vibrant heart of Jyväskylä, Finland, the 2024 edition of the Jyväskylä Business Rally – Investor Day roared into action, blending innovation, sustainability, and the adrenaline of rally racing into an event that captivated entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. Co-organised by Business Jyväskylä, the newly established Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof), FiBAN, EBAN, and the The Startup Factory this year’s Investor Day was a powerful testament to the region’s commitment to fostering a carbon-neutral future, with a special focus on hydrogen technologies.

Green Innovation Takes Center Stage

This year’s event, the ninth of its kind, drew an enthusiastic crowd of around 90 participants, including local and international investors, all eager to witness the latest in sustainable business ventures. The stakes were high, with startups competing not just for recognition but for significant opportunities, including two tickets to the European Angel Investment Summit (EAIS) in Brussels this October and a two-year incubation program at the Yritystehdas, Startup Factory in Jyväskylä.

Cefmof, officially launched in January 2024 after years of planning, was a key player in this year’s event. Executive Director Haruka Arai highlighted the foundation’s ambitious goals: to halt biodiversity loss, reduce reliance on oil, and minimise the social and environmental impacts of urban development. With Toyota’s support in providing hydrogen solutions, Cefmof aims to transform Jyväskylä into a global leader in sustainable urban planning, expanding these innovations across Finland and beyond.

Startups in the Spotlight

The highlight of the day was, of course, the startup pitches. Eight innovative companies from across the globe took to the stage, presenting their groundbreaking solutions to a discerning jury. The startups represented a diverse array of sectors, from green energy to advanced urban mobility:

• Remoted (Tampere, Finland): Autonomous vehicle operator specializing in shared-use robot e-buses.
• Aizily (Mougins, France): Innovator in AI-driven urban solutions.
• Cityspotting® (Jyväskylä, Finland): Platform for enhancing urban experiences.
• Green Carbon (Jyväskylä, Finland): Developer of carbon capture and utilization technologies.
• ONIT Sport (Jyväskylä, Finland): Sports technology company.
• Soletair Power (Lappeenranta, Finland): Creator of carbon capture systems for urban environments.
• Tespack Ltd (Espoo, Finland): Provider of smart mobile micro-grids for remote locations.
• xCura (Fukuoka, Japan): Health tech company focused on AI-driven diagnostics.

The jury consisted of Haruka Arai from Cefmof, Jean-Louis Brelet from SBA, Audra Elena Shallal from SBA and EBAN, Elina Koivumäki from FiBAN, and Jussi Heinila from FiBAN.

Keynotes that Sparked Insight and Inspiration

While the jury deliberated the winner, the Investor Day went on with a series of compelling keynotes. Suvi Collin, Head of Legal & ESG at the Finnish Venture Capital Association (FVCA), presented a deep dive into “Venture Capital Investments in Finland.” She underscored the critical role of venture capital in shaping Finland’s economy, noting that 30% of the country’s 500 largest companies have received private equity funding, contributing to the emergence of 14 Finnish unicorns. Collin emphasised the importance of investing in green innovations and enhancing ESG practices across portfolios to drive sustainable development.

Matti Malkamäki, Founder and Chairman of the Board at Hycamite TCD Technologies Oy, followed with an engaging talk on “Company Journey Towards H2 Investment.” Malkamäki shared insights into methane splitting as a promising technology for producing low-carbon hydrogen, a key element in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

And the Winners Are…

Mika Rytkönen, Remoted; Mario Aguiler, Tespack

After intense deliberation, the jury, composed of experts from Cefmof, EBAN, and FiBAN, announced the winners. Tespack Ltd from Espoo, Finland, emerged victorious, securing two tickets to the European Angel Investment Summit (EAIS) in Brussels, where they will showcase their innovative energy solutions to a broader European audience.

Cefmof also recognised Remoted with a special opportunity to join a two-year incubation program at the Yritystehdas, Startup Factory in Jyväskylä. “We see great potential in collaborating with Remoted, especially as we explorenew possibilities in hydrogen and sustainable urban mobility,” remarked Haruka Arai.

A Day of Networking and New Horizons

As the day wound down, participants gathered for cocktails and networking, before heading to the Harju Stage for an exclusive rally experience, a fitting end to a day that perfectly combined business and excitement. The Jyväskylä Business Rally – Investor Day 2024 not only showcased the innovative spirit of its participants but also underscored Jyväskylä’s growing role as a hub for sustainable development and cutting-edge technologies.

With the roar of rally cars echoing in the background, the message was clear: the race towards a carbon-neutral future is on, and Jyväskylä is leading the charge. See you next year for another round of high-speed innovation and sustainable success! See you this October in Brussels!

Text: Elena Stefanatou, European Business Angels Network EBAN
Photos: Jaakko Jylhä, DEED Creative