More Than Just Training
Future Expert Launchpad is not about completing exercises. Instead, participants develop solutions to real business needs. Teams from different professional backgrounds work on a selected development challenge over an eight-week period. The teams meet regularly, refine their ideas, and at the end of the program present the concept, prototype, or other solution they have developed.
Demola’s experts mentor the teams throughout the process, helping them move forward and discover new perspectives. After eight weeks, participants gain not only new contacts and experience, but also a tangible project portfolio, work samples, and proven evidence of their ability to solve real development challenges.
Some projects may even serve as the foundation for a future business idea. Under Demola’s operating model, the ideas and outcomes created during the projects belong to the participants. As a result, the program can potentially grow into something much bigger than an eight-week project.
What Kind of Challenges Will Be Solved?
One of Future Expert Launchpad’s strengths is the diversity of its projects. Challenges come from a wide range of sectors, including technology, industry, services, healthcare, education, and creative industries. What all projects have in common is the search for fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to real-world challenges through multidisciplinary teamwork.
The best ideas often emerge when people with different backgrounds collaborate and examine challenges from multiple angles. A single team may include, for example, an engineer, a nurse, a marketing specialist, a teacher, and an international professional. Therefore, applicants from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Participants are not expected to have ready-made business ideas or special expertise in innovation. The most important qualities are curiosity, a willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for developing new solutions together with others.
Development challenges are presented in Demola’s online portal, where applicants can explore available projects: Demola Portal (demola.net)
You can also download sector-specific project brochures:
Making Skills Visible Through Action
During the program, participants strengthen their skills while working closely with other professionals and companies. Having recent, concrete evidence of one’s capabilities can enhance job-seeking efforts, and the networks built during the program may open doors to employment opportunities and future collaborations.
Applications Are Now Open
Demola and BusinessOulu are offering job seekers in Oulu the opportunity to participate in the Future Expert Launchpad program during autumn 2026. Highly educated job seekers from all fields are welcome to apply. Participants can take part in the program without losing earnings-related unemployment benefits or other unemployment security benefits.
Schedule and Application Period
Project period: 5 October to 2 December 2026
Application deadline: 27 September 2026
Applications and project information are available through Demola’s online portal:
Additional Information
Demola will participate in the MegaMatchmaking recruitment event on 23 September at Tullisali, Oulu. Visitors can learn more about the available projects and discuss the program directly with Demola representatives.
Contacts
Jere Wessman
Head of Talent Development
jere@demola.net
+358 40 631 4029
Joonas Kemppainen
COO
joonas@demola.net
+358 50 529 1845
Read our article from the previous Future Expert Launchpad program in Oulu:
Future Expert Launchpad kicked off in Oulu – new application round now open (31.3.2026)
Or watch an introductory video about the program: