Our Business Collaboration Staff
Our business collaboration experts connect companies and entrepreneurs with LAB’s expertise, services, and networks. We support business development and growth as well as the creation of new businesses through startup accelerator programmes, services for new businesses, and other forms of business collaboration.
Sales & Continuous Learning
Minna Hietanen, Account Manager
Over 30 years of experience in sales, service and product development for corporate, public sector, and B2B clients. At LAB, Minna is focusing on business and stakeholder cooperation, education and service development, as well as LUT Universities collaboration. Expertise in entrepreneurship, key account management, textile and rental business, and large client-specific projects.
Business Mill
We walk with you throughout your business’s life cycle. We help, advise, support and guide you and your business to a path of growth. Our expert services are free for everyone, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Emma Latvala
Emma works as the team leader of the Business Mill. Her work focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, supporting the development of new business ideas, and strengthening entrepreneurial competencies. Latvala collaborates closely with students, researchers, companies, and regional stakeholders to design impactful services and practices that support business creation and growth. Her research interests are strongly centered on entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Elsa Melkko
Elsa works as an RDI Specialist and Project Manager in the Tech2Scale project, which aims to develop a coaching model for technology-driven startup teams. In addition, Elsa is responsible for communications at the Business Mill business incubator. Her strengths include managing complex projects, organisation and initiative. Her professional interests include communications development, service design and team learning.
Jose Piiroinen
Jose is an RDI Specialist. His work focuses on business development, entrepreneurship promotion, and supporting new business ideas. Jose works closely with entrepreneurs, students, companies, and regional stakeholders to foster growth, renewal, and internationalization. His professional interests include entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, customer-driven development, and the use of technology to support business growth.
Vesa Punkka
Vesa supports business growth and development. Through his diverse professional background, he has gained extensive knowledge of companies and business development needs across the South Karelia region. Vesa works closely with entrepreneurs to identify growth opportunities, refine business ideas, and create practical development pathways. He is known for his solution-oriented mindset, hands-on approach, and reliable support.
Laura Rotinen
Laura works as a business advisor at Business Mill, focusing on strengthening the vitality of companies in the South Karelia region and developing and refining new business ideas into viable businesses. Her work is particularly driven by sustainability themes, and she possesses a strong background in the sports and wellness sector. Additionally, Laura is responsible for event management at Business Mill. She holds a Master of Science degree in Economics and Business Administration.
Mikko Toiviainen
Mikko serves as an RDI Specialist at Business Mill, guiding entrepreneurs and students in transforming raw ideas into viable businesses. He brings extensive expertise in organizational renewal and customer-centric development. Beyond coaching early-stage startups, Mikko acts as a vital bridge connecting South Karelian businesses with campus education and services.
StartHub
We are a close-knit community in Lahti, connecting startups with supportive business partners. Together, we meet, share knowledge, and help new entrepreneurs take their first steps toward success.
Ulla Ristkari
Eric Littell
Eric works as a Community Manager at StartHub, where he is responsible for developing the startup community, events, and services supporting entrepreneurship. His expertise includes community building, international collaboration, project coordination, and developing programmes that connect people, ideas, and opportunities. He has previous experience in developing and coordinating international communities and internship programmes.
Mikko Kittelä
Chinmay Deshmukh
LAB Studio
We create impactful video, photography, audio and live content, and build your brand through visual concepts – from logos to websites.
Nina Tuominen
Nina leads LAB Studio and works as a Development Specialist. She is responsible for audiovisual productions for projects and companies, as well as service development. Her expertise includes audiovisual communication, project management, and customer-oriented service development.
Jani Nieminen
Jani works at LAB Studio as a Customer Service and Development Specialist. His strengths include providing personalized and impactful customer service, as well as creative problem-solving, even under pressure. Jani is also responsible for maintaining the customer relationship management system and providing training on its use. In addition, Jani is a professional in the events industry, making him a true all-rounder with a wide range of skills.
Luca Eskelinen
Luca works as an Information Designer. Luca designs and produces visual communications, photography, digital content, and marketing and event materials for LAB Studio and StartHub. His work focuses on brand development, customer experience, and digital services, combining creative design, content production, photography, and practical implementation.
Eetu Karppinen
Eetu works at LAB Studio as an information designer and visual communication specialist. His expertise includes photography, video production, graphic and web design, and concept development. His strengths lie in creative visual thinking and the ability to turn ideas into clear, functional and impactful outcomes.
Teppo Krogerus
Teppo works as a specialist at LAB Studio. Their areas of expertise include video production, photography, podcasts and training. They are also particularly familiar with digital accessibility, ensuring that LAB Studio's productions do not fall outside the EU accessibility directives. Krogerus' strengths also include strong journalistic skills, a good understanding of neurodivergent individuals and an understanding of the importance of a safe space.
Anssi Lundahl
Anssi works as a technician at LAB Studio. His areas of expertise include podcasts, photography, video production, livestreams and creating music. His strengths include precision in production and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Oona Rouhiainen
Oona works at LAB Studio as an Information Designer. Her expertise includes visual design, infographics, and publication layout. Her strengths are clear visual thinking and the ability to transform information into understandable and impactful visual solutions.