These questions will take centre stage during Ulysseus Helsinki Week, 6–8 October 2026, bringing together researchers, educators, students, business representatives and innovation actors from across Europe at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.
Exploring the future of applied AI
The three-day programme begins on 6 October with the Ulysseus R&I Conference 2026, under the theme “Applied AI in Business and Education: Research, Innovation and Responsibility.” The conference explores recent developments in the practical application of artificial intelligence through three main perspectives: AI in business, AI in education, and responsibility, trust and sustainability in the age of AI.
– Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping both workplaces and learning environments, says Julia Reinhard, Development Manager and Ulysseus Helsinki Week organiser.
– The conference aims to strengthen research networks, promote the adoption of research-based innovations and create new opportunities for European collaboration. At the same time, it provides an important space for discussing how AI can be developed and implemented responsibly.
The conference programme includes keynote presentations, parallel research sessions, panel discussions and a poster exhibition highlighting the work of emerging researchers.
Connecting universities, businesses and innovators
The focus then shifts from research exchange towards collaboration and implementation during the Ulysseus Innovation Hub Days on 7–8 October, presenting the Ulysseus Innovation Hub of Applied AI for Business & Education. The two-day programme is designed to make ongoing work across the alliance visible, connect people and projects, and identify new opportunities for cooperation.
The first day introduces the vision, achievements and future plans of the Innovation Hub and includes a keynote from , a panel discussion on “Beyond the Output: Expertise, Learning and Value in the Age of AI,” as well as an AI Project Marketplace & Company Demo Corner, creating opportunities for researchers, companies and other participants to exchange ideas and explore practical applications of AI.
– The Innovation Hub Days take the conversation a step further. They are an opportunity to bring together research, education, business and innovation ecosystems, share what has already been achieved by our Innovation Hub and explore how ideas and expertise can develop into new projects, partnerships and practical solutions, Reinhard says
On the second day, participants will take part in parallel workshops before continuing to Maria 01, where the programme includes a guided tour, an ecosystem presentation and encounters with selected start-ups.
Together, the Ulysseus R&I Conference and Innovation Hub Days create a continuous journey from research and knowledge exchange to experimentation, networking and practical collaboration. By bringing together universities, researchers, students, businesses and innovation ecosystems, Ulysseus Helsinki Week aims to strengthen European cooperation around the responsible and impactful use of artificial intelligence.
