Towards 2025: Unwrapping 2024 and Charting the Course for a Transformative Year Ahead with Agentic AI within Digital Ecosystems

Introduction

Before diving into my reflections on 2024 and our vision for 2025, I invite you to watch a short video titled Life with an AI Twin. This video offers a glimpse into a future where AI seamlessly integrates into our personal lives, enhancing efficiency, personalization, and protection.

Now. As I reflect on the transformative year of 2024, it’s clear that our collective journeys aren’t just about technological advancement—it’s about preparing ourselves, our teams, our customers, and the broader markets for the 2025.

This past year has been pivotal for me personally, not only because of the achievements and recognitions we've received but also because it marks a profound shift towards harnessing the full potential of AI within digital ecosystems.

This includes the connected realms of personal data and innovation ecosystems involving products and services, where I have dedicated more than a decade to aligning these domains with the transformative potential of the new LLM driven AI. My journey has been deeply rooted in working with innovation ecosystems, advancing platform economy development, and designing cutting-edge digital infrastructures as a product architect, Customer Experience Lead and UX mentor.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible collaboration of amazing team members, visionary customers, and trusted partners, who have been instrumental in bringing these ambitious concepts to life. - Thank you and also to my family for your support in this journey.

My drive to move the world forward is deeply rooted in a commitment to ensure that no motivated individual or company is left behind.

As we look ahead to 2025, it's about leveraging the clear vision and solid groundwork we've established in 2024 to empower as many individuals, companies, and teams as possible to navigate and thrive in the emerging AI economy powered by AI agents of many kinds.

Summarizing 2024

Personal Reflections and Collaborative Achievements

Sitra Recognition: Leading the Revolution in Personal Data Ownership

The recognition by Sitra as one of Europe’s most innovative data economy companies early in the year set a formidable tone for 2024. This acknowledgment highlighted Prifina’s revolutionary approach to personal data management, a vision where individuals reclaim ownership and control of their data. By providing consumers with personal data clouds, Prifina enables users to manage and leverage their data securely, while app developers can build solutions that interact directly with these data clouds—without storing user data on their own servers.

This recognition was a testament to years of work focused on shifting the paradigm of data ownership. Traditionally, personal data is controlled by large corporations, creating challenges for both privacy-conscious users and companies burdened by increasing data protection regulations. Prifina’s architecture transforms this model, allowing users to retain full control of their data while enabling companies to focus on their core business without the complexities of data storage.

At a major Cybersecurity event in Finland, I had the opportunity to reflect on the collaborative achievements of Prifina and Digiole, underscoring the synergy between long-standing expertise and innovative product development.

Cybersecurity Event: Showcasing AI Innovations and Personal Data Empowerment

In March 2024, I delivered a keynote at a major Cybersecurity event in Finland, organized by Liikenne- ja viestint?virasto Traficom / Transport- och kommunikationsverket Traficom and Huoltovarmuuskeskus , attended by over 100 invited guests in person and close to 3,000 online. This event was a pivotal moment to highlight groundbreaking advancements in personal data empowerment and the New AI.

I shared Prifina's core vision: empowering individuals to reclaim ownership of their personal data. These secure environments allow users to manage their data while enabling apps to operate directly within their private data cloud—eliminating the need for companies to store sensitive user information.

I also showcased Digiole's expertise in building digital ecosystems for governments, cities, and businesses, helping them design platforms that drive innovation and growth.

A key highlight of the presentation was the first-ever live demonstration of Prifina’s AI Twin product. I introduced my own AI twin, Valto AI, and invited the audience to interact with it in real-time via a QR code. This not only demonstrated the functionality of the AI Twin but also its potential to revolutionize how individuals engage with their data and AI-powered solutions. Over 600 interactions during my 15-minute keynote provided valuable insights into the audience’s interests and reaffirmed the market potential of this innovative concept.

I also emphasized the critical role of public sector efforts, such as GDPR, in driving meaningful change. These frameworks have laid the foundation for technologies like Prifina to align with privacy and user empowerment principles—essential for the progress we’re seeing today.

The keynote also explored the early rise of agentic AI ecosystems, where personal AI agents act as intermediaries, transforming user interactions with products and services. I discussed the evolution of user interfaces, moving from clunky tools to seamless, human-centric interactions powered by personal AI agents. This shift prioritizes individual needs and values while redefining how we experience technology.

This event helped to connect decades of work in platform architecture, privacy-focused ecosystems, and AI innovation, demonstrating how these efforts are reshaping the future of technology. It also underscored the urgency of addressing the personal data dilemma, where fragmented data remains out of user control—highlighting the need for solutions that empower individuals to manage their digital lives securely and effectively.

AI Monday: Introducing Talking Product AI to the World

At the end of September 2024, I had the honor of presenting Talking Product AI for the first time publicly at AI Monday, an event organized by DAIN Studios and held at the University of Helsinki.

AI Monday provided the ideal platform to unveil Talking Product AI, a groundbreaking solution developed by Digiole. This innovation transforms products into digital personas, enabling AI-powered products to “talk” directly to customers. By offering personalized, context-aware responses, Talking Product AI redefines how consumers interact with products, creating entirely new engagement possibilities.

During my presentation, I demonstrated practical applications of Talking Product AI, including a talking beer can and a Oravakauha - talking sauna scoop with a heartfelt story about its family-owned origins. Attendees scanned QR codes to interact with these products in real-time, gaining a firsthand experience of how Talking Product AI enhances the customer journey. These interactions showcased how AI can extend a product’s value from the shelf to the home and even throughout its lifecycle, fostering deeper connections with users.

Vision Competition Breakthrough

In the latter part of 2024, together with Oscar Ramirez from Digiole, took part in the prestigious Elisa AI Vision Challenge, a competition organized by one of Finland’s leading telecom operators, Elisa , in collaboration with 微软 . The competition aimed to inspire innovation by exploring how AI could shape modern and sustainable interactions between customers and organizations, as well as within organizations. The challenge encouraged participants to envision transformative scenarios that AI could enable in the future—beyond current technological limitations.

Our entry centered on an integrated AI ecosystem where AI agents seamlessly interact within digital platforms to enhance both consumer and organizational experiences. We proposed a future where personal AI twins and product AI agents collaborate to revolutionize how individuals and businesses connect, communicate, and transact. By crafting a detailed narrative, we demonstrated how these AI agents could create smart, sustainable interactions, offering unparalleled efficiency, personalization, and accessibility.

A key component of our submission was a three-and-a-half-minute video that vividly illustrated our vision. This process demanded the distillation of complex ideas into an engaging and easily understandable format. The video showcased real-world scenarios where personal AI twins and product AI agents transformed daily interactions—whether for consumers navigating their daily lives or businesses optimizing internal operations.

The competition was intense, featuring entries from professionals, students, and organizations. Ultimately, our vision secured second place in the professional category and was voted the audience favorite, a particularly rewarding recognition. This dual success was not just an acknowledgment of our ideas but also validation of the transformative potential of our approach.

This competition also provided a extremely valuable opportunity to align our vision with the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven interactions, reaffirming our commitment to making AI accessible, impactful, and aligned with individual and organizational needs.

Participating in the Elisa AI Vision Challenge was an incredible experience, offering a platform to articulate and refine our vision for a future where AI ecosystems empower smarter, more meaningful interactions. This recognition has further strengthened our resolve to continue pioneering solutions that bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI and practical, real-world applications.

CXPA Finland: Bringing Vision and Practice Together with Personal AI and Talking Products

The CXPA Finland AI event in December was a dynamic convergence of vision, innovation, and hands-on learning. Co-hosted by Sirte Pihlaja, CCXP , the driving force behind the event, and held at Enreach’s headquarters, this sold-out gathering showcased the transformative potential of AI in customer experience. The venue, generously provided by Enreach , set the stage for a day of groundbreaking discussions and interactive sessions.

Exploring Agentic AI and Personal AI Twins

As a co-presenter, I had the opportunity to further communicate the vision of Agentic AI, focusing on how personal AI twins empower individuals and redefine customer interaction. These AI twins act as digital extensions of users, offering personalized and intelligent support across various touchpoints. Attendees explored the practical applications of this technology and created their own AI twins during the event’s interactive workshop, gaining a deeper understanding of its consumer-side experience.

Talking Products in Action

Matias Nurmi , Co-founder and Product Lead at Digiole, introduced the concept of Talking Product AI, illustrating how products can transform into interactive digital personas that engage customers at every stage of the product lifecycle. From providing instant support to delivering personalized insights, these talking products highlight the untapped potential of product-user relationships.

To bring these concepts to life, the event featured “Talking Gl?gi” and a talking product embedded in Enreach’s giveaway gift, giving attendees firsthand experience of how AI can elevate even the simplest interactions.

Major Highlights and Practical Wins

The event seamlessly bridged vision and practice, offering actionable insights through a series of engaging sessions. A standout moment was the workshop where over 100 participants created their own AI twins, demonstrating the technology’s accessibility and potential to enrich both personal and organizational contexts.

Additionally, two lucky winners left with more than just inspiration:

1. AI Twin for Six Months: One winner secured free access to their own personal AI twin for six months, allowing them to fully experience its capabilities in managing interactions and enhancing productivity.
2. AI Ecosystem Workshop: Another winner earned a half-day Talking Product AI workshop for their organization, focusing on how AI can revolutionize customer experience and accelerate business growth. The workshop included hands-on exercises, practical insights, and AI twin setups for participants, ensuring a comprehensive introduction to this transformative technology.

Recognition and Gratitude

This event would not have been possible without the dedication and vision of Sirte Pihlaja, who ensured a seamless and inspiring experience for all attendees. A special thanks also goes to Henna Rundgren and Enreach for hosting the event in their beautiful space, which provided the perfect environment for learning, networking, and exploration.

The CXPA Finland event was a testament to the tangible impact of AI on customer experience. By combining vision with actionable applications, it highlighted how AI-powered solutions like personal AI twins and talking products are already reshaping the way we interact with the world around us.

Evolution of Work and Impact

Long-Term Trends Converge

Over the years, my focus on megatrends like digital ecosystems, user experience, and personal data management has guided our efforts. In 2024, these threads came together, resulting in a transformative year where vision met execution. The solutions we’ve developed are no longer abstract concepts—they are practical tools ready to empower organizations and individuals alike in navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Collaboration and Collective Success

None of this would have been possible without the incredible teams and collaborators at Prifina, Digiole, and beyond. Together, we’ve taken ambitious ideas and turned them into impactful solutions. These partnerships have been instrumental in addressing complex challenges and creating technologies that truly make a difference.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As these achievements show, 2024 was about laying the foundation for transformative AI solutions. Looking ahead, 2025 will be the year of scaling these innovations into practical tools for the market.

A Year of Growth and Engagement

The clarity and momentum gained in 2024 have set the stage for an even more impactful 2025. This year, the focus shifts to scaling solutions, sharing insights, and enabling others to adopt and leverage these transformative technologies.

Workshops, direct engagements, and community collaborations will play a central role in this effort, ensuring that individuals and organizations can seamlessly integrate these innovations into their strategies and operations.

Expanding Impact

I’m particularly excited about extending the reach of AI-powered tools such as personal AI twins and Talking Product AI. These solutions have already proven their value in redefining user experiences, driving operational efficiency, and opening new opportunities for growth. By fostering broader adoption, we aim to make these innovations accessible to everyone, ensuring no one is left behind in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.

A Funny Anecdote

While reconnecting with an old contact this year, they joked, "Where have you been hiding all these years?" It was a funny yet meaningful moment that underscored how deeply immersed I’ve been in building the systems and technologies we’re now unveiling. I laughed and replied, "I’ve been busy laying the foundation—now it’s time to bring it to the world."

This humorous moment encapsulates how the foundational work of 2024 has set the stage for 2025, where we will move from development to broad market impact.

Scaling the Vision: Empowering the Markets in 2025

To truly realize this vision, 2025 will be about scaling these ideas into the markets through a mix of public and private workshops designed for companies and individuals alike. We’ll organize collaborative sessions with AI Twin enthusiasts, tailored workshops for top management and product leadership teams, and hands-on training that equips participants with immediate, practical insights.

The focus is to ensure everyone—whether as individuals or as product and service owners—gains actionable experience. Each session will enable participants to leave with tangible prototypes of their solutions and a clear path to market. From AI-driven business consulting to leadership workshops, these initiatives will help unlock the full potential of the new AI economy.

I'm also looking forward to expanding this vision by scaling consulting and training through a network of partner consultants and trainers. Together, we can empower more organizations and individuals to navigate the transition into AI-driven ecosystems and build a sustainable, inclusive future. PM me if you are interested.

Conclusion

Reflecting on 2024 fills me with pride and excitement for the future. The progress we’ve made is only the beginning of a journey toward a more intuitive and connected digital future. Our mission remains clear: to empower individuals and organizations with the tools and insights needed to thrive in this new era.

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Further Reading and Videos:

• Award Winning Vision Video (4mins): Life with an AI Twin - The Future with Your Own AI
• Keynote Speech (15 min): Talking Product AI - Revolutionize Product Experience & Gain Unprecedented Insights
• Newsletter: Talking Products - How AI is turning everyday products into smart solutions, elevating customer experiences with real-time interaction.
• Newsletter: Life with Personal AI Twin - Explore how a personal AI twin can simplify your life, streamline tasks, and enhance communication—at work and beyond.
• Newsletter: Digital Economy Development - ‘Knowledge sharing for creating new digital businesses and for making organizational transitions in digital economy’.
• Newsletter: Personal Data & Privacy - Exploring all aspects of personal information management, privacy, and the evolving landscape of digital security.
• Keynote Speech (30mins): Personal AI’s and Data Ownership - Personal Data Ownership, Data Clouds, AI, and Cybersecurity
• Keynote Speech: Raising ecosystems from the ground up - How do you develop them? How do you raise ecosystems from the ground up and know what is relevant and why?

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