The DEI4SME Hackathon I (Finland & Online) concluded on February 19, 2025, with a vibrant closing event held at the University of Vaasa and streamed online, celebrating innovative solutions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) challenges in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Adam Smale, Dean of the School of Management, and Aušrinė Šilenskytė, DEI4SME Project Leader and Program Manager. Their addresses set an enthusiastic tone, emphasizing the importance of integrating DEI into business strategies.

Attendees were inspired by keynote speeches from industry experts:

• Elisa Bevilacqua, Senior Sustainability Technical Manager at EFRAG, Belgium, discussed European regulations and directives on social sustainability and DEI.
• Tiina Partanen, Head of Sustainability and PMO at Foamit Group, Finland, explored the role of sustainability accreditations in SMEs.
• Juha Simola, a psychologist and long-term entrepreneur from Finland, provided insights into managing DEI-related challenges from a psychological perspective.
• Chenthuran Jayton, Executive Director of Equity Labs, USA, shared global best practices for DEI in SMEs.

The event featured expressions of gratitude and distribution of souvenirs to company representatives, mentors, and the international evaluation committee for their invaluable contributions. Student teams were recognized for their innovative solutions, reflecting the collaborative spirit and dedication prevalent throughout the hackathon.

Participants engaged in networking, fostering connections that promise to advance DEI initiatives in SMEs and those who joined online also enjoyed tasty treats. The DEI4SME Hackathon I (Finland & Online) not only highlighted the significance of DEI in business but also equipped participants with practical skills to implement inclusive practices in their professional endeavors.

Here are the slides from the closing event (click on the photo or on HERE to download):