Future Expert Launchpad kicked off in Oulu – new application round now open

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The Future Expert Launchpad (FELP), launched in Oulu, brings together professionals from different fields, companies, and best practices in innovation work. Over the course of eight weeks, participants develop solutions to real business challenges, receive guidance from experts, and discover new directions for their careers. FELP offers an opportunity to step into a creative and energetic environment where ideas grow into concepts.

Market driven needs at the core

The Future Expert Launchpad (FELP) kicked off in March in Oulu as a collaboration between BusinessOulu and Demola. This intensive eight‑week program offers current and future innovation professionals from various fields the opportunity to develop new product and service concepts and demos in teams. The goal is to support the employment and skills development of highly educated professionals, international talents, and jobseekers looking for a new direction in their careers.

In FELP, participants work on Demola's development projects driven by real needs identified by companies. Participants receive support and coaching from Demola experts, and during the program, local companies and startups are invited to explore the teams’ solutions.

In Oulu, the first teams were formed in mid‑March, and work has started at a brisk pace. During the first weeks, teams have brainstormed in virtual collaboration spaces and progressed their projects intensively through remote tools. Weekly meetings bring the entire group together and offer face‑to‑face sparring with Demola’s experts.

Energy from Teamwork

Maria, Hiruni, Ojo, Puja, and Kirsi are developing a solution for intelligent spaces that adapt to different situations. Their team is exploring four different angles — from emotion‑sensing solutions to automatically adjustable workplace furniture. They approach the challenge from multiple perspectives and draw strength and support from each other.

- The ideas we presented during the first week were completely different from where we are now. You really need to think and refine your thoughts. On my own, I might have given up already,” Ojo says, describing the power of working together.

- The team definitely gives energy! You can brainstorm by yourself, but you need others to move ideas forward—doing it alone simply doesn’t work,” Kirsi adds.

 

 

Soon the group will need to choose one clear direction, as in just a few weeks the teams will present their first demo.

Moving toward concrete solutions

Arto Tervola’s team is exploring the possibilities of digital mine clearance. The project has had a fast-paced start, and the team has already begun working on concrete solutions in a short time. Tervola is waiting for the rest of the team to arrive at the weekly meeting; already during the first week they have arranged a meeting with a technology company whose solutions could support their project.

- We’ve been able to develop our ideas quite far with the team in such a short time. The project is so inspiring that I found myself thinking about it even over the weekend, Tervola says.

 

 

Tervola, who has a long career in industry and automation and experience from the startup world, is a seasoned professional. He hopes the project will accelerate his path to employment, but already finds the collaborative work rewarding in itself.

- This is definitely better than trying to develop ideas alone. If you want to create something new and challenge your own thinking, you should absolutely apply. In this way of working, you need to bring your thoughts forward boldly—you can’t remain just a listener; you need to grab the ball and run with it,” Tervola reflects.

Imagination Fuels Ideas and Inspiration

Anne Pudas has also found the first weeks inspiring. Her team is developing solutions to make cities more vibrant, and the work has progressed quickly from the start.

- We were all new to each other and came from very different life situations. Still, we bonded quickly and found a theme everyone is excited about. We’ve met remotely several times, and already during the first week we had a sparring session with Demola’s Joonas, Pudas explains.

With a background in vocational education, Pudas has discovered new ways of thinking and practical tools through the program.

- I’ve come across new tools and ways of working, but it has felt good. The schedule is tight and there’s surprisingly much to do, but the small interim tasks help move the thinking forward quite effortlessly, she says.

 

 

At first, Pudas wasn’t entirely sure what kind of program she was applying to , but her doubts disappeared quickly. She emphasizes that what you need most for the journey is curiosity and the courage to step into situations where you don’t yet know everything.

- I was nervous about joining, but I’m glad I did. I would encourage others to seize the opportunity boldly.

For Pudas, who has studied futures research, the program has offered a rare chance to let her imagination run free.

- We should dare to use our imagination more. We already know what’s possible, but on your own you don’t always have the courage to pursue it. Here, you have the freedom to think big and generate ideas! she sums up.

Demola x BusinessOulu – Apply Now!

If you are a jobseeker, you can participate in the FELP program without losing your earnings-related or other unemployment benefits. Job searching and other processes continue normally during participation.

The application period for the Future Expert Launchpad program ends on 14 April 2026.

Schedule

  • Kick-off: 21–22 April 2026

  • Mid-event: 11 May 2026

  • Finals: 3 June 2026

  • Additional: Weekly meetings with the Oulu group and ongoing work with your project team

Information Sessions

Demola will host two info events where you can learn more about the projects, ways of working, and how to apply. The sessions cover topics such as:

  • What does Demola actually do in practice?
  • Who is the program for and what kind of skills are needed?
  • How to apply and what does the selection process look like?
  • Why is it worth applying?

Demola Info Webinar (online, in English)

Wednesday 8 April 2026, 13:00–14:00
Join via Teams: Demola.net

Pop-up Event (in Oulu)

Monday 13 April 2026, 13:00–17:00
Oulu City Library Saari, Event Space Laituri


A short info session will be held from 14:00–15:00; the rest of the time is reserved for meeting interested participants and informal discussion. You can drop in at any time to ask questions and discuss the program and projects.

More Information

Jere Wessman
Head of Talent Development, Demola
jere@demola.net | +358 40 631 4029

Joonas Kemppainen
COO, Demola
joonas@demola.net | +358 50 529 1845

Learn More About the Future Expert Launchpad

  • Oulu region employment area
  • Oulu