Entrepreneurial growth is not limited to startups. Established companies also generate growth initiatives that challenge the conventional agenda and can evolve into significant new businesses when given sufficient freedom and resources. This is known as corporate entrepreneurship. International research has identified it as a powerful source of growth for both companies and national economies.
“Finland’s economic renewal in the 2010s was largely driven by young companies. Today, the greatest untapped growth potential lies within established large and mid-sized companies,” says Mika Maliranta, Director of Labore and a member of the competition jury.
The competition aims to showcase role models of corporate entrepreneurship by highlighting what is being built inside Finnish companies and what others can learn from these efforts. At the same time, it seeks to stimulate broader discussion about the conditions required for Finland’s future economic growth. The initiative was founded by Torkel Tallqvist, Professor of Practice at Hanken and a specialist in corporate entrepreneurship.
Entries will be evaluated based on their business impact, level of ambition, organisational support, and achieved results. A project may represent a new strategic venture or an initiative that strengthens a company’s existing position.
Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae, professional board member and jury member, emphasises the importance of corporate culture and leadership:
“We need metrics and practices that enable companies to lead for courage throughout the organisation and build confidence among employees that challenging the status quo is not only allowed but encouraged.”
In addition to Suvanto-Harsaae, Maliranta and Tallqvist, the jury includes Kirsi Puntila, CEO of Anora Group; Christoph Vitzthum, President and CEO of Fazer Group; and professional board member Ville Voipio.
The competition is open to companies with annual revenue exceeding €100 million and at least 200 employees. Participation is free of charge.
Applications can be submitted between 19 October and 31 December 2026 at vuodenpoikkeustekijat.fi. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in March 2027.
Further Information and Interview Requests
Torkel Tallqvist
Founder, Corporate Entrepreneurship Awards
Professor of Practice, Hanken School of Economics
[email protected] / +358 40 752 5962