Over the past year, I have made it a habit to attend events at Epicenter Helsinki. I first went around last year’s International Women’s Day, and since then I have joined many different formats — networking meetups, community sessions, workshops and talks. All of them have been valuable in their own way.
Among all of these, one series stands out for me in relation to my own work with technology and digital transformation: AI Campfire, hosted by Reidar Wasenius from Aalto University. When I first started attending AI Campfire, the discussions were mostly exploratory. We talked about how artificial intelligence might change organisations, knowledge work and business models. Over time, the focus has clearly shifted toward applied development. Participants now bring concrete tools, early-stage products and working prototypes into the sessions, using the space to test ideas, receive feedback and refine their thinking.
Epicenter as a platform for collaboration
Epicenter Helsinki is not just a coworking space, but a digital innovation hub that connects startups, developers, researchers and business leaders. Open culture makes it easy to engage, learn and collaborate. AI Campfire fits naturally into this environment. The sessions are designed to encourage participation and reflection, guided by academic insight and practical relevance. A recurring theme at AI Campfire is the idea that AI should be seen as a capability multiplier rather than a replacement. Used thoughtfully, it enhances efficiency, scalability and decision-making while keeping people at the center of work.
From ideas to real demos
Recent sessions have highlighted concrete progress through demos, for example
- Startupblueprint.dev helps founders structure ideas into executable business and product concepts, guiding thinking with AI rather than replacing it.
- Cloop.io focuses on continuous learning loops, enabling teams to capture insights, test assumptions and improve workflows with AI embedded in everyday work.
Who you meet at AI Campfire
Participants include developers, startup founders, designers, researchers and project professionals. The diversity of backgrounds creates rich discussions where ideas are examined from multiple perspectives in an open, non-commercial atmosphere. AI Campfire supports reflective, structured learning that is closely connected to real practice. Each session offers perspectives that challenge assumptions and support the meaningful adoption of AI. I meet like-minded people, have inspiring conversations, and often agree to follow-up meetings to explore potential collaboration. Networking happens naturally as part of the process.
Summary
Epicenter Helsinki is a community-driven innovation hub that brings people and ideas together. AI Campfire is a monthly applied AI event focused on collaboration and real tools.
Monthly registrations for AI Campfire can be found on the Epicenter Helsinki website or via Reidar Wasenius’ LinkedIn profile. You’re also welcome to reach out to me directly on WhatsApp at +358 50 572 4752.
About Nexpert
Nexpert is a Finnish consulting company working at the intersection of emerging technologies, learning, and human-centered change. Nexpert focuses on practical collaboration, adoption, and building solutions together with people.
About the Author
Tanja Karonen is the founder of Nexpert. Her work is guided by values, collaboration, and the belief that sustainable progress happens when people are actively involved in shaping what they are part of.
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