My 3 Personal Picks for SHIFT 2019

The time has come. Our team's year-long work shift finally reaches its crescendo tomorrow with two days packed with mind-blowing program, crazy partner booths and unique festival spirit. I've been with this group for three years now and I have to say - this year is going to be something completely different with all the right pieces coming together at Ruissalon Telakka.

Unfortunately, I will myself spend both festival days as Stage Manager for Kes?teatteri Stage making sure the program there runs smoothly, so I don't have a chance to enjoy the fruits of my labor. But I decided to leave you with three personal choices from this year's program in case you needed help combing through the different treats we offer for your body and soul. Would I not be bounded by my duties, I would go and participate in these programs on Thursday and Friday.

1.Meyer Turku's Open Innovation Session

I really like Meyer Turku. I like the way they are open to discussion and new ideas, despite being a traditional family-owned global-scale company giant. I like what they do as an industrial company to the economy of Southwestern Finland. I like how they approach their partner network and engage in collaboration with them.

As proof of their openness, Meyer Turku is hosting an Open Innovation Session on the first SHIFT day. The goal of the session is to find new ways for Meyer to engage in more horizontal and effective discussions with their network about corporate responsibility and values - sustainability being one of the most pressing from the many.

The ideas and approaches can be completely new technical innovations, or for example based on your own experiences and practices in your company. The whole point is to have as many viewpoints from different backgrounds as possible, so feel free to join whether you be a software engineer or a sociology major. Please secure your seat at the table from here and join Tapani Mylly and Kalle Koskinen on Thursday at 14:00.

Also, read this interview with Meyer's Mika Heiskanen in case you want some background about Meyer and the Innovation Session.

2.Paul Ahlgren, AWS - Machine Learning and the Future of Analytics

I have a funny feeling that when it comes to data, Amazon Web Services knows a few things about it. It's been a real pleasure working together with Sandra T?rm? and Mika Ruokonen at Futurice and they are bringing Paul Ahlgren to talk about the future of analytics as part of our Intelligent Maritime -program track.

Paul's expertise and a couple of case examples from maritime and transportation fields should leave you with substantial tips on how to develop your own data strategy. In addition to this, we'll also hear former Rolls-Royce chief Iiro Lindborg's keynote: "How Data & AI will change the R&D as we know it".

Head over to Kes?teatteri Stage on Friday at 14:00 to participate.

3.Panel discussion with FAIA, Silo.AI and Houston Analytics

Our former CEO Alexander T?rnroth hosts a discussion with two diamond-sharp AI -professionals: Silo.AI's Tero Ojanper? and Colin Shearer from Houston Analytics. Both of them have long-ranging careers working with AI and analytics and they have both founded and worked with a host of companies across the board. This conversation is bound to go deep and stay brutally honest, so make sure you find yourself at Kes?teatteri Stage 12:30 on Friday.

One last thing! If you're coming to SHIFT to find future tech talents for your company I have one more treat for you!

In addition to these programs, I'm really excited about the work we've done with Fitech to bring 100 international tech talents to SHIFT. In addition to this Fitech hosts Tech Talents Lounge on Thursday evening at 18:00 for the students and companies to meet. No need to prepare slide shows or speeches - contact Maiju Torkkeli directly [email protected] to secure your seat at the lounge.

Hope this helps you to find your way at SHIFT and love to see you all on Thursday!

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