Circular Forerunners

This group of WCEF2019 side events focuses on business and financing and consists of five parallel sessions, followed by a joint networking event for the whole group.

Published

April 17, 2019

Wednesday 5 June

Parallel side events

Bear’s Den

Six companies will get the chance to pitch and convince our panel of judges about their business plans in the Bear’s Den. The name Bear’s Den derives from the grilling the companies will receive from our panel, and from you, the audience. The companies will not know in advance the questions they’ll be asked.

Time: 14.00-15.30
Location: Amanda, Etelä-Esplanadi 8, Helsinki
Organisers: Kasvu Open

Boost growth in product manufacturing: 10 reasons why you should sell outcomes instead of products (product–as–a-service model)

The event is addressed to CEOs and industrial leaders who are driving growth strategies in product manufacturing. Through inspiring case examples and small group discussions we will share experiences about the product–as–a–service business model as a driver for growth. You are warmly welcome to join the event to learn from others and share your own experiences about this transformation that is already disrupting today’s industrial markets.

Time: 14.00-16.00
Location: Klaus K Hotel, Rake-sali, address: Bulevardi 2-4, Helsinki
Organisers: Kasvuryhmä (Growth Collective Finland)

Circular Economy Development in Eco Industrial Parks

The main objective of the event is to provide a forum in which to discuss and exchange experiences about developing the Eco Industrial Parks. The event will begin with a brief introductory segment and a presentation on the new Eco Industrial Park development concept launched in Finland. The main focus of the event will be the Eco Industrial Parks’ international panel, featuring speakers with broad experience of Eco Industrial Parks and representatives from the Finnish Eco Industrial Park Group.

Time: 14.00-15.30
Location: Oodi Helsinki Central Library, Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki
Organisers: Digipolis Oy

How to respond to changing consumer needs and move towards circular economy business models

Consumers are demanding that companies be sustainable and move towards a circular economy. This puts pressure on corporations but also opens up possibilities to engage consumers in building new business models. For example, how have Mudjeans and Fjong built their business around consumers’ willingness to participate in circular economy business models? Come and hear real-life stories from those who have already started and spar with our venturing experts on how to get started yourself.

Time: 14.00-16.00
Location: Avanto Ventures, Mechelininkatu 3d, 00100 Helsinki
Organisers: Avanto Ventures

Sustainable Materials Changing The World

Sustainable materials offer huge business potential for solving global challenges. The networking afternoon showcases Finland’s most promising sustainable materials including innovative bio-based materials that can replace plastics and new solutions for textiles and packaging. You will be able to meet the key people behind these innovations in prearranged one-to-one meetings. This in an exclusive invitation-only networking reception. Please sign up now, as space is limited.

Time: 14.00-16.00
Location: Etelä Esplanadi 8, Amanda
Organisers: Business Finland

Joint networking event

Circular Forerunners Networking

Meet the most interesting Finnish and international companies, investors and other stakeholders working in the circular economy and bioeconomy fields. There is also an opportunity to book meetings via the app in advance and take part in some interesting discussions around the theme tables. The event is targeted at attendees of all five WCEF2019 side events under the title “Circular Forerunners”.