How could AI be used to support integration? What does sustainable integration work look like in the future? And how could we strengthen people’s opportunities to participate and have a say in society?
The Integration 2026 Elevator Pitch Competition is looking for new ideas, approaches and practices that can make a concrete contribution to integration.
Integration 2026, Finland’s national flagship event on integration and refugee reception, will take place at Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport in Vantaa on 28–29 October 2026. The event brings together integration professionals, decision-makers, associations, public authorities, researchers and other actors from across Finland.
As part of the programme, selected participants will take the stage to present their ideas to the Integration 2026 audience in a short and compelling elevator pitch. You can find the application form at the end of this article.
What are we looking for?
This year, we are looking for ideas, approaches and practices that promote integration from three perspectives:
- Digitalisation and AI: How could technology, digital solutions or artificial intelligence help address challenges related to integration or create new opportunities?
- Sustainable development: How can we promote integration in ways that contribute to a socially, environmentally or economically sustainable society in the long term?
- Promoting participation: How can we strengthen migrants’ opportunities to participate, influence society, build communities and take an active role in Finnish society?
Your idea can be a good practice that is already in use, a solution currently being developed or a completely new initiative. It does not need to be a finished project or a fully developed concept. What matters is that you can explain what problem you want to solve, what solution you propose and what kind of change your idea could create.
Who can apply?
The Elevator Pitch Competition is open to everyone.
You can apply as a representative of an association, municipality, wellbeing services county, educational institution, company, project or other community, or simply as an individual with your own idea. No background organisation is required.
We particularly encourage people from different backgrounds and different parts of Finland to participate. You do not need to be an experienced speaker or pitcher. Selected participants will be offered elevator pitch training before the event to help them sharpen their idea and prepare their presentation.
Pitches can be delivered in Finnish or English.
How are participants selected?
Moniheli and Diak will select the competition participants based on the applications.
We will pay particular attention to:
- the relevance of the idea to integration
- the originality of the idea or perspective
- the potential to implement or further develop the idea in practice
- the potential impact of the idea.
The selection will also take into account diversity among participants, target groups, approaches and geographical areas.
An expert jury and the event audience will select the winners of the competition. The prize will offer the winners an opportunity to take their idea forward in a concrete way. In previous years, prizes have included a lunch meeting with a minister and a mentoring session with a leading expert.
A good idea deserves to be heard. Apply by September 20th and bring yours to the Integration 2026 stage!