Talent Hack Day 2025: Shaping the Future of International talents and Businesses Collaboration
On March 6th, 2025, Talent Vantaa hosted the highly anticipated Talent Hack Day for the third consecutive year at the Vantaa Startup Runway. The event attracted over 100 applicants from 16 universities across Finland, each eager to bring fresh perspectives to the business challenges. Among the applicants, 50% were bachelor’s degree holders, 43% had earned their master’s degrees, 5% held PhDs, and the rest 2% had certificates and other qualifications. Of these, 44 participants were chosen as participants for the Talent Hack Day, to work on and collaborate on creating solutions for the challenges posed by our esteemed partners: Vaisala, Paahtu, and Startup Refugees.
Tackling Real-World Challenges Together:
The event centered around the challenges, each aligned with challenge owners’ strategic goals. Vaisala, known for its advanced measurement instruments and commitment to climate action, tasked participants with reimagining employer branding to attract young professionals. Paahtu, an innovative startup transforming used coffee grounds into burnable logs, sought for strategies to scale its coffee waste collection in a sustainable manner. Meanwhile, Startup Refugees, an NGO working to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into the workforce, asked participants to amplify their impact and broaden their reach beyond mere numbers. Within just a single day, teams collaborated to develop creative and actionable solutions, then pitched their ideas to challenge owners, in which they were able to demonstrate their resourcefulness and talent.
Challenge owners evaluated the solutions based on predefined criteria, and each challenge owner selected the winning team. As a special reward, companies offered unique experiences to the winning teams. Vaisala, for example, extended an invitation for a company visit, while Startup Refugees offered a rewarding job shadowing day.
Mentorship and Networking: A Collaborative Journey:
Facilitated by Ultrahack and with the support of our dedicated mentors from Business Vantaa, Talent Hack Day was not only about solving challenges, but also about creating a space for collaboration and connection. The event's supportive atmosphere and the guidance of experienced mentors helped foster a sense of community, making it a truly special experience for all involved.
Why Talent Hack Day Matters:
- For Students and Job Seekers: Talent Hack Day provided invaluable opportunities to network, gain hands-on experience with leading companies, and become part of a vibrant, supportive community.
- For Companies: Businesses had the chance to tackle critical challenges and tap into the innovative ideas of diverse international teams. The event also offered an exceptional platform for employer branding and making meaningful connections with the next generation of professionals.
- For the City of Vantaa: The event strengthened ties between local businesses and international talent, helping to position Vantaa as an inclusive, forward-thinking city with abundant opportunities for students and job seekers alike. It also served as an important tool in fostering collaboration across diverse backgrounds, contributing to student retention and creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation.
We also collaborated with the Tourism students from Ammattiopisto Varia, who assisted with event registration and logistics. Their support ensured a seamless day, and their contribution was key to the event's overall success.
A Winning Moment to Remember:
One of the most heartwarming moments of Talent Hack Day 2025 came when a team of Tourism students from Varia Ammattiopisto emerged as winners of the Startup Refugees challenge. Having come together as an impromptu group that same morning, their victory showcased the incredible potential of international students when given the right support and opportunities.
Looking Ahead:
Talent Hack Day 2025 was a success, reaffirming the vast potential of international talent. The event highlighted the City of Vantaa's commitment to creating an innovative, collaborative environment where businesses, students, and job seekers can thrive together.
Photo Credit:
The energy and spirit of the day were beautifully captured by Luca Zaitsev, an intern from Varia, whose photography perfectly encapsulated the excitement and sense of community at Talent Hack Day.
