Program
Explore the program of Aalto Alumni Weekend 2025.
Registration for Alumni Weekend 2025 is officially closed. You can still ask for available spots via email: alumni@aalto.fi.
Alumni Weekend celebrates the impact of Aalto alumni in our society. The event includes an inspiring day program with four thematic tracks and a joyful evening party. Participation in the day program is free of charge. The evening party ticket costs 30 euros. Alumni Weekend will take place in Dipoli in the Aalto University campus.
The main speakers are president Ilkka Niemelä, industrial designer and entrepreneur Maija Itkonen, philosopher Esa Saarinen, and technology visionary and entrepreneur Tero Ojanperä. The stage will also feature the six alumni of the year. The day will be hosted by Mia Sirkiä, chair of the Alumni Network Board.
On the four program tracks, you can learn about the future of innovation, changing leadership, multipurpose technologies, and the relationship between circular economy and energy transition.
During the evening party, you can enjoy the exciting festivities accompanied by Boston Promenade, meet your study-time friends and network with fellow alumni from technology, business, and art and design. You will also have a chance to watch unique short films made by film students, and the film Radical Creatives documentary directed by alum Emilia Hernesniemi.
Prior to the event, campus tours will be organized during an Open Otaniemi event. To sign up for a campus tour, register .
Note! Changes to the program may occur.
Time | Program |
---|---|
12.00-13.00 |
Networking and coffee (available all day) Lunch at your own expense at Reima restaurant in Dipoli (open until 3 pm) |
13.00-14.00 |
Joint opening programme Greetings to alumni by President Ilkka Niemelä Keynote speech by Maija Itkonen Keynote speech by Tero Ojanperä |
14.15-15.45 |
Program tracks The program tracks consist of speeches, some in English and some in Finnish. The presentation language will be published soon.
|
15.45-16.15 | Networking |
16.15-17.15 |
Joint closing program Aalto Alumni of the Year Interview: Mikko Koskinen, Kyrö Distillery Closing keynote speech by Esa Saarinen |
17.15-18.00 | Networking |
18.30-18.45 |
Alumnien interview: student Tilda Leikola interviews alum Mia Sirkiä and Esa Arola and rector Ilkka Niemelä |
18.45-19.45 | DJ, networking, Aalto community and alumni association stands |
19.00-21.00 | Alumni Weekend cinema - short films by ELO students and a showing of Radical Creatives hosted by the dean of the School of arts, design and architecture Tuomas Auvinen |
20.00-20.45 | Boston Promenade |
20.45-21.15 | DJ, networking, Aalto community and alumni association stands |
21.15-22.15 | Boston Promenade |
22.15-22.55 | DJ |
Alumni Weekend 2023 feedbackFrom the very beginning, the event showcased Aalto's unique presence, an enriching combination of fields of expertise, and especially how this combination can produce solutions to the sustainability challenge. Aalto University has fulfilled its promise!
Film Screenings
During the evening program of Alumni Weekend, you will have the chance to explore short films created by Aalto ARTS students, as well as the award-winning film Radical Creatives.
The screenings will take place in the Lumituuli Hall at Dipoli. You can enjoy a pleasant break during the evening and explore top-notch short films!
Screening Schedule
19.00 - 19.20 MATALAPAINE (The Lightning Rod), 2025
19.20 - 19.30 ETSIJÄT (Seekers), 2025
19.30 - 19.40 MERENELÄVIÄ (Fish River Anthology), 2024
19.40 - 20.00 MY NAME IS HOPE, 2025
20.00 - 21.00 Radical Creatives, 2025
The Lightning Rod
A young mother, Irina, is on the run from her poisonous relationship. She thinks her grandmother’s house is a safe place, but learns that grandma has her own wounds too.
A young mother, Irina, fleeing from a poisonous relationship, seeks safety from her grandmother’s house. Instead of protection, she is greeted by her grandma’s hostility towards her needs. In the midst of a raging summer storm the two women of different generations have to face the consequences of repressing one’s feelings for too long.
The Seekers
A young and naive self-taught researcher tries to save magic in the world before the old traditions and heritage disappear under industrialization
Nuppu wants to collect the spells that are passed down through the world as traditional knowledge before the knowledge is forgotten. As the only spellcaster in her village, she believes that magic still has a place in the developing world. The world used to be full of magic, but spellcasting was time-consuming and unreliable. Nuppu travels to the big city to find the last remaining spellcasters who still have some knowledge. The task is not easy, as spellcasters get into trouble when practicing their skills. Nuppu has to work on her project on the outskirts of the city and is in constant danger of being caught.
Fish River Anhology
A little song before it’s closing time.
The supermarket is nearing its closing time, and the last customers are queuing for their turn at the fish
counter. The agonizing wait offers a chance for existential reflection and a little song.
My Name Is Hope
You are alive as long as someone remembers your name.
In a Syrian intelligence service prison, a university student witnesses, through the narrow food hatch of his cell, events that mirror the horrific reality of his nation. Hope is born, as prisoners keep alive the fading light of resistance in a world that has chosen to forget them.
There’s no set formula for changing the world, it takes radical creativity. Radical Creatives, a documentary directed by Emilia Hernesniemi, is a deep dive into the nature of creativity. Artistically and visually striking, the film tells a story of overcoming doubt and discovering the power of collective creative energy. Appearing in the film are scientists, designers, engineers, human rights activists, startup entrepreneurs, peace negotiators, architects, students, philosophers, and artists.
Join us to network, learn and reconnect with familiar faces!
Explore the program of Aalto Alumni Weekend 2025.
Learn about Aalto Alumni Weekend program tracks
See who else is coming!