Business opportunities in the circular economy can be found in partnerships. This spring, ARKI 135 Hub invites businesses to work together to turn real challenges into new opportunities.
Does your company have material side streams, unused materials, or underutilised resources that could create value but currently remain unused? Through co-creation and cross-company collaboration, these can be turned into shared value.
The ARKI 135 Value Co-creation Lab offers a structured, facilitated process to transform untapped opportunities into concrete circular solutions. By providing dedicated time and access to a network of partners, the Lab brings together case companies and co-creators to explore multi-partner initiatives and generate new value across the entire value chain.
The participants are committed to participate in three working sessions and one optional showcase event that will be held during April.
- 25.2.2026, from 14.00–17.00
- 11.3.2026, from 14.00–17.00
- 25.3.2026, from 14.00–17.00
- 15.4.2026 15.00–17.00 (Showcase event)
All sessions are held at the ARKI 135 Hub, Hämeentie 135 A, 4th floor, Helsinki.
How can you join?
Companies can join as case companies or co-creators. Participation is free of charge, but requires commitment to all three sessions and active participation.
The ARKI 135 Value Co-creation Lab working languages are Finnish and English.
Case companies
Case companies are invited to bring forward opportunities they wish to explore, such as underutilised side streams or resources in their operations. They may have a need for a circular solution, such as packaging material or a digital tool.
What case companies gain:
- Structured support to explore and develop solutions to their case
- Access to cross-sector perspectives and circular value creation expertise
- Test ideas in a facilitated, low-risk environment
- Identify concrete next steps and potential collaborations
The case company participants are expected to:
- Participate actively in all sessions
- Provide comments and input to co-creators between sessions
- Contribute open-minded to the co-creation process
Only 3-5 case companies will be selected to participate. Submitting an application does not require a fully defined idea. Early-stage ideas and opportunities are welcome.
The facilitated support for case companies provided through the process is considered de minimis aid (link in Finnish), which can be granted up to € 300 000 over three fiscal years. Participation requires submitting a completed de minimis aid declaration to the Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki project. Companies that have already reached their de minimis aid limit for the three-year period are not eligible to participate.
Co-creators
Co-creator companies are organisations with a product or service, researchers, or individual industry specialists with willingness to contribute to the development of a circular solution together with the case companies.
Participation as a co-creator offers companies the opportunity to:
- Apply solution in real-life business contexts
- Explore new markets, partnerships, and use cases
- Gain visibility within a circular economy ecosystem.
Co-creators are expected to:
- Participate actively in all sessions
- Engage in agreed activities between sessions, such as testing ideas or gathering feedback
- Contribute open-minded to the co-creation process
Researchers and circular economy experts can also join as co-creators.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A limited number of participants will be selected to ensure an effective co-creation process.
Applying period
Apply as early as possible to secure your place in the ARKI 135 Value Co-creation Lab, but no later than 15th Feb 2026.
Contact
Interested in participating but unsure which role fits your organisation or you?
We are happy to discuss your situation, challenge, or idea and help you decide whether joining as a case company or a co-creator is the right option. Participation is free of charge, but requires commitment to all three sessions and active participation.
For questions about the ARKI 135 Value Co-creation Lab, participation, or the application process, please contact:
Alisa Mick,
Mixi Center
alisa@mixicenter.com
Suvi Ferraz
Learnsy
suvi@learnsy.fi
Olivia Fokeerah
Forum Virium Helsinki
olivia.fokeerah@forumvirium.fi
The ARKI 135 Value Co-creation Lab is part of Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki project. The process is facilitated by MiXi and Learnsy.
Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki supports the business activities, production processes, product innovations, as well as regional and international R&D collaboration of small and medium-sized circular economy companies. The project is co-funded by the European Union and the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council (ERDF).