Strategic Forum 2025
Strategic Forum 2025 brought the Finnish–U.S. business community together in New York for a full day of conversation around defence, cybersecurity, AI, and quantum technologies — and their growing role in transatlantic cooperation.
The forum featured keynote talks and panel discussions with speakers including Ambassadors Jarmo Sarevaand Tom Shannon, Risto Siilasmaa, Tero Ojanperä, and leaders from organizations such as NASA, Palantir, TactoTek, Emberion, and KuvaSpace. Conversations reflected timely themes shaped by Finland’s NATO membership, Arctic expertise, and leadership in emerging technologies.
The day concluded with FACC-NY’s Little Christmas Party, giving nearly 150 participants the chance to continue conversations in a relaxed, festive setting.
Fabian Sepulveda (Digital Defence Ecosystem) moderated the panel “Defence Sector and Dual-Use Technology”, between Jim Cirenza (DNB Markets), Joakin Westerlund (Forcit), Sami Kyllönen (Emberion) and Jussi Harvela (TactoTek)
Juhani Siren (Business Finland) moderated the panel “Cybersecurity on the Frontline”, between Petri Toljamo (Bittium), Jerry Kettunen (Savox Communication) and Tero Ojanperä (Aalto University chair of the board)
Christyl Johnson (NASA) moderated the panel “Communication On and Off the Battlefield”, between Risto Siilasmaa (former Nokia chair of board) and Combiz Richard Abdolrahimi (ServiceNow)
Janna Salokangas (Mia AI) moderated the panel “AI and Quantum Technology” between Jerry Welsh (Kuva Space), Mark Friedman (ICEYE US), Irina Storian (Palantir) and Tero Ojanperä
Fireside chat “Two Perspectives” between Risto Siilasmaa and Tero Ojanperä
After the main event the Finnish Little Christmas Party relaxed celebration began
More of Little Christmas Party
Gateway to New York
New York and Helsinki form a powerful transatlantic corridor for innovation, investment, talent, and trade between Europe and the United States.
Helsinki serves as a gateway to the Nordic region, while New York remains a leading gateway to the U.S. market. Together, the two hubs foster collaboration across technology, infrastructure, sustainability, and economic growth through strong public-private partnerships and strategic exchange.
Finnish–U.S. Life Science Accelerator Forum
The Finnish–U.S. Life Science Accelerator Forum 2026 hosted with DNB Carnegie | Back Bay. The transatlantic forum brought together leaders from life sciences, health tech, investment, and policy to advance collaboration and health innovation between Finland and the United States.
The program featured keynote remarks, expert panels, focused presentations, and curated networking across medtech, biotech, neurotechnology, AI-driven diagnostics, and next-generation health innovation.
Women’s Leadership Program Luncheon
On the 9th of March, more than 60 women gathered at Scandinavia House in New York for the inaugural luncheon of the FACC-NY Women’s Leadership Circle.
The initiative creates a platform for dialogue, mentorship, and connection among women leading across industries within the Finnish–U.S. community.
In her keynote address, Kristiina Helenius reflected on a global career spanning journalism, diplomacy, and international business, highlighting the growing geopolitical importance of critical minerals and the strategic role they play in today’s global competition.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in launching this new platform for leadership and exchange.
