October 22, 2025 | 13:00–16:00 EEST (12:00–15:00 CET)
The Nordic and Baltic region is entering a new chapter in AI collaboration. New Nordics AI – the Nordic-Baltic AI Center will accelerate AI adoption and innovation by bringing together top experts, policymakers, and business leaders across borders. The official launch event will now also be available via livestream – open to everyone interested.
Program highlights include:
- Keynotes from Nordic ministers on collaboration, innovation, and the future of AI
- Presentation of the Center’s vision and first initiatives
- Panel: What Nordic companies need to thrive in the AI era featuring industry leaders from all Nordic countries
Be part of the launch of a stronger, more collaborative AI future for the Nordics and Baltics!
About New Nordics AI
Formed by AI Sweden, AI Finland, Digital Dogme (Denmark), TEK Norge and Almannarómur (Iceland) – with Baltic participation anticipated – New Nordics AI aims to:
- Foster cross-border collaboration
- Support forward-looking AI policy development
- Attract top international AI talent
- Strengthen national AI ecosystems
- Promote a unified Nordic-Baltic AI identity
Agenda, The Launch, October 22
13:00 EEST OPENING & WELCOME
Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Finland
13.05 EEST NORDIC COLLABORATION PERSPECTIVES
Anders Adlercreutz, Minister of Education and Nordic cooperation, Finland
13.10 THE VISION AND GOALS FOR THE NEW NORDICS AI CENTER
Iida Lähdemäki, Interim Managing Director, New Nordics AI
Mikael Ljungblom, Interim Managing Director, New Nordics AI
Mikael Ljungblom, Interim Managing Director, New Nordics AI
13.35 EEST FROM VISION TO REALITY
In conversation with Karen Ellemann, Secretary General, Nordic Council of Ministers
FIRESIDE CHAT: BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
Sindre Bornstein, CEO, Nordic Innovation
Christine Sørensen, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy Google, Northern Europe
Teemu Vidgren, Managing Director, Microsoft Finland
FIRESIDE CHAT: BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
Sindre Bornstein, CEO, Nordic Innovation
Christine Sørensen, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy Google, Northern Europe
Teemu Vidgren, Managing Director, Microsoft Finland
13.55 EEST AI FOR STRONGER COMMUNITIES: LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NORDIC COLLABORATION
Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Minister of Local and Regional Government of Finland
14.00 EEST PANEL DISCUSSION: WHAT DO NORDIC COMPANIES NEED TO THRIVE IN THE AI ERA
Peder Blomgren, Vice President, Head of Data Office, R&D, AstraZeneca, Sweden
Ásta Fjeldsted, CEO, Festi, Iceland
Henry Tirri, CTO, Nokia Technologies, Finland
Christian Saugman, CIO, Copenhagen Airport, Denmark
Elise Lindeberg, CEO, Skygard, Norway
Ásta Fjeldsted, CEO, Festi, Iceland
Henry Tirri, CTO, Nokia Technologies, Finland
Christian Saugman, CIO, Copenhagen Airport, Denmark
Elise Lindeberg, CEO, Skygard, Norway
(14.40 COFFEE BREAK)
15.00 EEST PANEL DISCUSSION: THE NORDIC STATES AS ENABLERS - CREATING CONDITIONS FOR COMPETITIVENESS
Logi Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education Iceland
Cecilie Myrseth, Minister of Trade and Industry, Norway
Ingrid Zetterman, Minister of Internal and EU Affairs, Åland
Cecilie Myrseth, Minister of Trade and Industry, Norway
Ingrid Zetterman, Minister of Internal and EU Affairs, Åland
15.35 EEST LOOKING AHEAD AND EXPECTATIONS FOR THE CENTER
Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs, Finland
15:40 EEST CLOSING REMARKS
Katri Makkonen, moderator
The event will be moderated by Katri Makkonen