Helsinki XR Center invites early-stage and established SMEs to participate in an AIStart – Tekoälyhautomo Project Workshop on the 6th of November, 2025.
AI agents are intelligent systems designed to perform tasks autonomously, such as searching for information, analyzing data, generating reports, or automating communication. They can act as research assistants, market analysts, financial helpers, or even social media copywriters, depending on the goals and tools they’re given. For small and growing companies, AI agents provide a practical way to integrate artificial intelligence into everyday operations, without requiring deep technical expertise.
This workshop is organized by the AI Start – Tekoälyhautomo project and hosted under the Immersive Sustainability Lab at the Helsinki XR Center. The lab explores how AI and XR can be adopted in sustainable, responsible, and innovative ways to strengthen digital maturity across Finnish industries.
Workshop Goals and Objectives
The workshop is designed to help SMEs and startups:
- Understand the concept of AI agents and how they differ from traditional AI tools.
- Explore practical use cases of AI agents for business development and growth.
- Experiment hands-on with a selection of AI agents (e.g., research, market analysis, financial support, content creation, customer communication).
- Learn workflows and principles that enable non-programmers to implement AI agents in real business contexts.
- Develop ideas for their own solutions, tailored to their company’s needs.
Workshop Facilitators
Narmeen Marji
XR Expert at Metropolia UAS/ HXRC, where she leads the Virtual Creation Core and works on applying AI and immersive technologies to multi-sectoral innovation. Her expertise spans AI agents, augmented and virtual reality, and speculative design, with experience in projects ranging from cultural heritage to future city planning. She is also conducting her doctoral research at Tampere University on how emerging technologies shape urban imaginaries.
Janina Rannikko, PhD
RDI specialist at Metropolia UAS/ HXRC and Project Manager of the AI Start – Tekoälyhautomo project. She has a background in research and project development, with experience in coordinating initiatives that connect emerging technologies such as AI and XR with sustainability and business innovation.
Janset Shawash, PhD
Urban XR Expert at Metropolia UAS/ HXRC, focusing on extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence, and smart and sustainable cities. Her work explores how emerging technologies can be applied in creative industries and urban environments to foster innovation and accessibility.
Workshop Agenda
12:45 | Arrival, coffee and registration
13:00 | Kickoff & Welcome: Introducing the AIStart Tekoälyhautomo Project and Helsinki XR Center
13:10 | AI Agents in Action: Practical Tools for Business Growth (Narmeen Marji)
14:30 | Coffee Break
14:45 | Continuation of AI Agents in Action
16:00 | Group discussion and next steps (Janina Rannikko & Janset Shawash)
17:00 | Networking & snacks
Venue and Registration Details
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- 🗓️ Date and Time: The workshop will be held on Thursday 6.11.2025, from 13:00 to 17:00.
- ⏰ Registration Deadline: Monday, 27.10.2025.
- 📍 Location: Helsinki XR Center, Hämeentie 135A, 3rd floor, Helsinki.
- 🌍 Language: The event will be conducted in English, catering to a diverse audience.
- 💰 Cost: Free! This workshop is offered at no charge as part of the AI Start – Tekoälyhautomo.
- 🔒 Limited Seats: Only 20 spots are available. Given the limited capacity, interested parties are encouraged to register promptly to secure a seat.
Background
The AIStart – Tekoälyhautomo project aims to support early-stage and low-digital-maturity companies, particularly SMEs, in leveraging artificial intelligence and digital solutions. By increasing their digital maturity, the project empowers businesses to transition toward secure and effective use of AI. Key objectives include developing advisory services, fostering innovation clusters, and creating unified test environments for experimentation. The project integrates sustainability and digital transformation through initiatives like the Immersive Sustainability Lab, which serves as a testbed for XR and AI-driven solutions.
Any questions?
Contact us at:
- Janina Rannikko (Project Manager) janina.rannikko(at)metropolia.fi
- Janset Shawash (XR Expert) janset.shawash(at)metropolia.fi