Arctic Futures: Icebreakers, Innovation, and Ecosystems

Helsinki Think Corner
Photo of icebreakers behind a blue gradient background

This event is part of the Fulbright Finland-U.S. Icebreaker Capacity Building Program.

Date and time: November 9, 2026, 15:00-17:00
Location: Helsinki Think Corner, Yliopistonkatu 4, Helsinki
This event is free of charge and open to the public. Advance registration is required. Register by October 25.

The event will be livestreamed. 

Icebreakers are often seen as a highly specialized maritime technology, but their significance extends far beyond engineering. Positioned at the intersection of technology, economics, and communities, icebreaking capability shapes national security, international cooperation, environmental resilience, and life in northern regions.

The Arctic has become an increasingly important arena for international politics, security, science, and economic cooperation. Through the lens of Arctic international research, innovation, and cooperation, this event will explore how changing geopolitical, environmental, and economic realities are shaping current and future presence in the Arctic, and the role of icebreakers in enabling access, collaboration, and sustainable development.

Join us for an engaging conversation on the future of the Arctic, where technology, geopolitics, innovation, and environmental change intersect and create impact far beyond the polar region.

PROGRAM

15:00-15:10

Welcome

  • Robert Sundman, Political Journalist, Suomen Kuvalehti
  • Terhi Mölsä, Chief Executive Officer, Fulbright Finland Foundation
15:10-15:20

Future Outlook on Arctic Cooperation

  • Mahlet Mesfin, Principal & Founder, Adera Advisors; Nonresident Fellow, the Environmental Security Program, Stimson Center
15:25-15:45

Keynote

  • Reko-Antti Suojanen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
15:50-16:35

Panel Discussion: Arctic Futures: Icebreakers, Innovation, and Ecosystems

Panelists:

  • Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen, Professor in Russian Environmental Studies, University of Helsinki
  • Jukka Tuhkuri, Professor, Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University
  • Sannamaaria Vanamo, Deputy Director General at the Department for Euro-Atlantic Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
  • Elina Andersson, Secretary General, Finnish Marine Industries, Technology Industries of Finland

Moderator: Robert Sundman, Political Journalist, Suomen Kuvalehti

16:35-16:45Audience Q&A
16:45-16:55

Looking Forward: Technology, Innovation, and International Collaboration

  • Kevin Maki, Professor of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of Michigan
16:55-17:00

Wrap-up

  • Robert Sundman, Political Journalist, Suomen Kuvalehti

Changes to the program are still possible.

Program partners

The Fulbright Finland-U.S. ICECAP program is funded by the Fulbright Finland Foundation with support from the U.S. State Department. The Fulbright Finland Foundation administers the program in collaboration with The National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA). The program is designed and implemented in collaboration with the Finnish-American Research & Innovation Accelerator (FARIA), Aalto University, and University of Helsinki, and in consultation with the Team Finland Knowledge (TFK) network / Science Counselor at the Embassy of Finland, Washington, D.C.

Logos of Fulbright Finland-U.S. ICECAP partners
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Arctic Futures: Icebreakers, Innovation, and Ecosystems 9 November Helsinki Think Corner
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