GEM Cluster & Accelerator Launch
GEM Cluster & Accelerator Launch
Powering the Future of Electric and Intelligent Mobility
Slush Side Event
17 November 2026 | 10:30–14:00
Tavastia, Helsinki
Join us at Tavastia for the launch of the renewed Green Electrification of Mobility (GEM) Cluster and the new GEM Accelerator.
This Slush side event brings together startups, growth companies, industry leaders, researchers, investors and ecosystem partners working to shape the future of electric, autonomous, connected and data-driven mobility. The event will introduce GEM’s renewed international ambition, explore the role of research and industry collaboration, and present the operator and approach of the new GEM Accelerator.
Come and meet the people behind GEM, discover new opportunities for cooperation and connect with leading actors in the Finnish and international mobility ecosystem.
Programme
10:30 – Doors open and registration
Registration, coffee and informal networking.
11:00 – Opening of the event
Isto Vanhamäki, Business Lahti
11:05 – Introducing the renewed GEM Cluster
Jyri Lintunen, Business Lahti
The renewed GEM identity, its international ambition and the role of the GEM Supercluster in connecting companies, research, investors, cities and global mobility ecosystems.
11:20 – From research excellence to mobility innovation
Ville Tikka, LUT University Electric Mobility Research Center – LUT EMRC
How research, testing, industry collaboration and research-based innovation can accelerate the development and commercialisation of next-generation mobility solutions.
11:35 – From innovation to global scale: an industry perspective
Mikko Veikkolainen, Kempower
What established mobility companies expect from emerging technologies and startups – and what it takes to move from a promising solution to customer validation, commercial cooperation and international growth.
11:50 – Meet the new GEM Accelerator operator
Representative of the selected GEM Accelerator operator
Introduction to the new accelerator, its international approach and the opportunities it will offer to startups, growth companies, research-based teams and ecosystem partners.
12:05 – Networking break and refreshments
An opportunity to meet the speakers, the GEM team and other participants.
12:45 – Panel discussion: Building the next generation of mobility solutions
How can startups, established companies, research organisations and regional ecosystems work together to turn new technologies into internationally scalable business?
Panellists:
- Ville Naumanen, LUT EMRC
- Mikko Veikkolainen, Kempower
- Ulla Ristkari, StartHub Lahti
- Representative of the selected GEM Accelerator operator
13:20 – Networking and informal discussions
Meet potential partners and learn more about the GEM Supercluster, the GEM Accelerator and opportunities for future cooperation.
14:00 – Event closes
The event is organised by Business Lahti in cooperation with LUT University and GEM ecosystem partners. Participation is subject to registration.
Speakers and programme details are subject to change.
Please note that photography and video recording will take place during the event. The material may be used in event communications, marketing and promotional purposes.
The events and actions of the Lahti GEM cluster have been implemented as a part of projects: Lahti GEM Supercluster 2026-2028, funded by the EU Sustainable Urban Development programme (EAKR) under the Lahti ecosystem agreement. The project is managed by Lahden seutu - Lahti Region Oy, with LUT University as a co-implementer.
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