Rails Ahead- Metaverse, Oulu

Join us for Rails Ahead Spring 2025, an exclusive event designed to foster collaboration between leading corporations and SMEs, accelerating digital transformation through AI, Metaverse, and emerging technologies. This event offers a unique opportunity to access new deal flow, explore funding opportunities, and engage in high-impact networking.
Why Attend?
Gain invaluable insights into the latest trends in Digitalization, Metaverse, and AI, discovering real-world industrial use cases and groundbreaking business opportunities. Engage with startups, corporations, and investors to expand your network and explore potential collaborations. Learn about available funding options from Vinnova, Business Finland, and FOV Ventures, while immersing yourself in interactive workshops and cutting-edge tech demos designed to bring innovation to life.
What to Expect?
✔ Keynotes from industry leaders
✔ Corporate challenges and collaboration opportunities
✔ Startup pitches & funding discussions
✔ Hands-on workshops and idea sprints
✔ Networking sessions with top decision-makers
Time: 3.4.2025, 8:30–17:00
Place: Saalastinsali, University of Oulu
This is a must-attend event for those looking to leverage the full potential of AI and the Metaverse to drive economic growth and industry transformation.
Organizers: Ouluversumi, Dimecc/MEFI and SW4E ecosystems, Business Oulu, Business Finland, University of Oulu, Oulu University of Applied Sciences Producer & Host: Jani Vallirinne (Dimecc — Ecosystems MEFI and SW4E)
Program
Morning 8:30–12:00
08:30 Registration & Coffee
09:00 Opening Remarks, Jussi Leponiemi/Business Oulu
09:10 Metaverse and AI: Jani Vallirinne/Metaverse Ecosystem Finland
09:30 Chris Ebeling, Epic Games
09:50 Veturit Introduction: Key Industry Players
Veturit challenges introduced: Nokia, Bittium
coffee break
11:00 Financing opportunities
Private funding: Petri Rajahalme, FOV Ventures
Horizon funding: New calls/Metaverse, Jeannette Spühler, Vinnova Sweden
Funding & Internationalization, Sanni Siltanen, Business Finland
11:30 Startup/small companies Pitches — Rajeeka Hannes
Demola pitch
Cineshare new Avatar
12:00 Lunch Break
Afternoon 13:00–17:00
13:00 Introduction to ELLIS Institute Finland / Prof. Guoying Zhao
13:30 – 16:00 Concurrent Sessions — coffee served
Tech Demos, Stands, Projects, OAMK/Demola innovation teams
13.45–14.45 Workshop 1: Pre-gathered challenges from Veturi programs
14.50–16.00 Workshop 2: Driving forces (digitalization, XR and AI)
14.50–16.00 Workshop 3: Metaverse Health (digitalization, XR and AI)
14.50–16.00 Workshop 4: Metaverse Oulu 2026 (digitalization, XR and AI
16:00 Wrap-Up & Evening Program/Networking
Contact person
Jani Vallirinne
jani.vallirinne@dimecc.com