InvestED

InvestED Returns to Slush Week: Build, Test and Invest Helsinki Education Hub (helsinki.fi ↗) organizes the side event "InvestED" during Slush week, just as we have in previous years. The event brings together investors, startups and researchers in EdTech. Are you curious how EdTech gets built, tested, and validated? Come connect with the people driving that work. The event takes place at the University of Helsinki's iconic main building. Event Details: Date: 17.11.2026 Time: 16.00–20.00 Location: Agora, University of Helsinki main building Event language: English Program: 15.30 Doors open 16.00–16.30 Networking 16.30 Welcoming words — Kirsti Lonka, Professor at University of Helsinki & Academic Director of Helsinki Education Hub 16.40–17.00 Intro to EdTech Testbeds — Alison Clark-Wilson, Professor at UCL Institute of Education and Director, Global EdTech Testbed Network 17.00–17.30 NOLAI: a case study of the Dutch model with an AI infusion — Inge Volman, Lead Business & Innovation, NOLAI 17.30–18.00 From local experiments to national learning: shaping the future of EdTech testbeds — Marjo Kenttälä, Project Lead, EdTech Testbed Helsinki; Annelies Volckaert, Innovation & Research, EdTech Station; and Inge Volman, Lead Business & Innovation, NOLAI. Hosted by Anna Åkerfeldt, Associate Professor, Linköpings universitet & Global EdTech Testbed Network. 18.00–18.30 Break: food, drinks & networking 18.30–19.00 Funding and Founding the Future of Learning and Work in Europe — Benoit Wirz, Founding Partner, Brighteye VC. 19.00–19.30 Building for a moving target: How a tech founders' office is helping Finland figure out AI in education— Iida Pyy, Head of AI for Education, Ilkka Paananen Foundation & Illusian. 19.30–20.00 Building the Future of Learning together. Introducing Aretos — Risto Vahanen, Founder & Investor, Aretos Group; and Taina Mikkola, COO, Aretos Group. 21.00 Doors close InvestED happens right on campus, so you don't need a Slush ticket to attend. It's a rare chance to meet domestic and international EdTech founders, investors and researchers face to face. If you want to know the latest trends in digital learning, this event gives you a snapshot of where the field stands today. Bring your questions, your ideas, or just your curiosity. We look forward to seeing you there!