“The Best Thing About Spring Was Everything” – Spring 2025 Closing Celebration Held at EMMA
The Spring Idea Competition concluded in style on the last day of June, as participating youth, a group of top professionals who supported them, sponsors of the competition, and Spring alumni gathered at the Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA) to celebrate the past season of Spring.
At the Spring 2025 closing celebration, the three winning teams of the Spring Idea Competition presented their ideas, which had taken significant steps forward during their one-month summer job. The celebration of youth innovation at EMMA – the Espoo Museum of Modern Art – was made possible by the Saastamoinen Foundation, one of the supporters of the Spring competition.
“It’s been incredible to see how young people have embraced challenges and developed bold, inventive solutions. Their passion and commitment have deeply impressed us all,” said Petteri Karttunen, Chair of the Board at the Saastamoinen Foundation.
The event also marked the culmination of the participants’ successful summer job experience. During the program, the youth worked in teams, received mentorship from experts in various fields, and had the chance to test and develop their ideas in practice. A study trip to Lisbon in June offered them fresh perspectives and inspiration through international collaboration.
New Opportunities and Connections
“I never would’ve thought a summer job could be this exciting. Our team really bonded, and we achieved a lot. So many new doors opened for us. The final celebration felt amazing – the museum was opened just for us, and there were so many distinguished guests present. Hearing their feedback, tips, and thoughts about our idea was truly special,” said 17-year-old Hilda from the team Kalaheijastimet, whose members all study at Otaniemi Upper Secondary School.
ThriftySwipe, from Tampere, became the youngest team ever to win the Spring competition. The team members attend the Tampere International School. Here’s how 15-year-old Mikaela described their experience:
“Spring has given us so many opportunities, and honestly, the best part has been everything. We’re incredibly grateful for this journey. We’ve gained so much insight into what makes an impactful idea and how to take it further. We’re really proud of how we presented our idea today to such a distinguished audience.”
Why You Should Apply
The Spring program offers 15–19-year-olds the opportunity to develop ideas that make the future brighter. Applications for the next round of Spring open in September and close at the end of the year. The youth who attended the closing event were unanimous: applying to Spring is absolutely worth it.
“The best thing about Spring was being able to really make a difference and explore something meaningful to us. I’ll definitely remember all the contacts we made throughout the process. Thanks to Spring, my public speaking skills have improved a lot – I’ve presented our idea in so many places, even in Lisbon. I highly recommend applying,” said Markus, 18, from the BioLöBö team, who studies at Janakkala Upper Secondary School.
The Spring Idea Competition in 2025 is organized with the support of the Saastamoinen Foundation, Yksityisyrittäjäin Säätiö, UPM, and the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation.
Read more about the winners of 2025 Spring Idea Competition
Pictures: Miikka Pirinen
