BioFinland Pitching Competition 15.4.2026

Date: 15.4.2026

Time: 10.30–13.00

Place: Chembio Finland Event,
Messukeskus, Helsinki

Program

10:30 — Doors Open Welcoming drinks

10:45 — Welcome Speech Alexandra Peth · Finnish Bioindustries

10:50 — Keynote Manlio Fusciello · University of Helsinki

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Pitching Competition

11:05 — Introduction to the Jury Aleksandra Dobrego · Terkko Health Hub

Phyconova  Radin Dabbagh Rezaeiyeh · University of Turku

NeutroMap  Arina Värä · University of Helsinki

Abbis Oy  Rebecka Nygård · University of Helsinki

Breathome Analytics  Javi Jorganes · Metropolia AMK

Pluma Bio Enrique Romero · Turku AMK

Each pitch follows the format: 1 min intro · 5 min pitch · 4 min Q&A

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Break & Jury Deliberation

12:02 — Closing Remarks 

12:03 — Networking

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Awards Ceremony

12:45 — Award Announcement 

13:00 — End of Event

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Keynote

Manlio Fusciello, PhD, MBA, is a biomedical senior scientist developing cancer vaccines at the ImmunoViroTherapy Laboratory, University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, under the supervision of Prof. Vincenzo Cerullo. His work focuses on harnessing the immune system to eliminate cancer through next-generation immunotherapy strategies. He was recognized among the University of Helsinki’s outstanding doctoral theses and received the Career Progression Award from the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, highlighting emerging leaders in the field. After completing an MBA at Aalto University School of Business, he co-founded GlobeVAC, a biotechnology spinout developing thermostable formulations to eliminate cold-chain requirements, reduce distribution costs, and improve global access to vaccines and biologics.

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Team Presentations

Phyconova

Product: PhycoFuel

Presenter: Radin Dabbagh Rezaeiyeh, University of Turku

Team: Radin Dabbagh Rezaeiyeh, Emren Borhan

Project description:

AlgaPro/PhycoFuel is an algae-powered foundation for modern nutrition: supporting recovery, resilience, and sustainable performance for everyone. Built on microalgal biotechnology expertise at the University of Turku, the team translates academic science into practical solutions where biotechnology meets everyday strength.

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NeutroMap

Presenter: Arina Värä, University of Helsinki

Project description:

NeutroMap is a project intended to facilitate the clinical decision-making for treatment of cancer patients with BNCT and immunotherapy.

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Abbis Oy

Presenter: Rebecka Nygård, University of Helsinki

Team:  Henrik Pajunen, Rebecka Nygård, Antti Tuovio

Project description:

Abbis is founded by Finnish veterinary students based on a simple observation during our veterinary studies: Many pets arrive at the clinic only when symptoms are already visible. We believe preventive care should be easier to access. Through affordable and straightforward lab testing, we want to give pet owners better insight into their pet’s health before problems arise. Our mission is to support longer, healthier lives for pets through early detection and proactive care.

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Breathome Analytics

Presenter: Javier Jorganes, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

Project description:

Breathome Analytics is building a handheld breath acetone analyzer that lets people see their fat metabolism in real time, no blood, no guesswork. We're targeting the consumer wellness market, starting with people who struggle to know whether their diet and exercise efforts are actually working.

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Pluma Kai

Presenter: Enrique Romero, Turku University of Applied Sciences

Team: Enrique Romero, Aida Nyman

Project description:

Pluma Kai converts chicken feather waste into a biodegradable keratin carrier for controlled-release nutrient and bio stimulant delivery. The Finnish early-stage startup is developing a circular, bio-based alternative to synthetic hydrogels for agricultural input companies.