Let’s design
the future together.
Join DASH, a community of creatives, builders, and innovators coming together across Helsinki & Espoo to explore where design meets AI.
the future together.
Join DASH, a community of creatives, builders, and innovators coming together across Helsinki & Espoo to explore where design meets AI.
Trusted by industry leaders
Driving Design Thinking Since 2017
DASH began at Aalto University with a simple mission: to inject design thinking into the core
of Finnish business and technology. Today, we bring together students and professionals from all fields
for weekend-long sprints that solve real-world partner challenges.
10
Years of
design thinking
design thinking
1800+
Participants over
9 years
9 years
70+
Nationalities
40+
Disciplines
SpeakerKatja Vakula, Chief Design Officer at Hion
VenueThe Garage, Aalto Design Factory
AI makes it easier than ever to get answers, generate ideas, and get work done. But are we still learning, thinking, and creating for ourselves or are we slowly letting AI do too much of the work? What really creates value?
Drawing on experience leading AI and customer experience work, alongside insights from yoga and body awareness, Katja explores the habits that help us get the best out of AI without sacrificing our ability to think critically, stay focused, and look after our well-being. Expect real-life examples of what works, what doesn’t, and practical ways to make AI work for you, not the other way around.
Information
Completely free and open to all — but seats are limited, so register early!
Register at: https://luma.com/ravdelk7
Meet The Studios
Artek - The Iconic Finnish furniture and design company founded by Alvar Aalto.
KOKO3 - Spatial and interior design that puts people at the centre of every space.
Kuudes - Insight-driven brand, retail and service design.
Pentagon Design - Strategic design across brand, product and service.
At each stop, the studio team opens up a real project and shares how they work, followed by time to talk with the people behind it.
Important InformationSign-ups open Monday 26.10 and 13:00 at: https://luma.com/3mndzi72
Bus leaves from Otaniemi at 14:15
Spots are limited, sign-up early!
Multidisciplinary Teams.
Real-World Challenges.
The DASH Sprint is not your typical hackathon. And that is the point. We bring together engineers, business students, doctors, designers, and curious minds to turn ideas into something real.
In just 48 hours, teams work on real-world challenges from our partners, going from rough ideas to concrete prototypes with the help of experienced mentors.
Fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and a bit chaotic (in the best way).
For partners
Collaborate with us to shape the future of design. DASH offers you a unique opportunity to engage with a highly talented, diverse pool of students, providing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to your pressing problems.
Why partner with DASH?
Discover R&D Opportunities
Access a diverse talent pool
Maximise brand visibility
Access a diverse talent pool
Maximise brand visibility
For volunteers
Help us make the magic happen behind the scenes. Volunteers are the backbone of DASH.
Help with registration, guide participants, assist mentors, and ensure everything runs smoothly. It's a great way to be part of the community while gaining behind-the-scenes experience of a major design event.
Why partner with DASH?
Access to all sessions
Networking opportunity
Meals and refreshments
Networking opportunity
Meals and refreshments
Help with registration, guide participants, assist mentors, and ensure everything runs smoothly. It's a great way to be part of the community while gaining behind-the-scenes experience of a major design event.
For participants
As a Sprint participant, you'll collaborate with students, early-career talents, and innovators to solve real-world challenges. Work in cross-functional teams, learn from industry experts, and prototype solutions that matter. Right now, you can join our upcoming events!
FAQ
What is DASH and who can participate?
We’re a community for interdisciplinary minds: a space where students, early-career talents, and creatives from all backgrounds come together to practice design, design thinking, and challenge themselves to build something that matters.
What makes DASH 2026 special?
This year, we’re focusing on the intersection of AI and human-centered design. Participants will have access to cutting-edge AI tools, work with industry mentors, and explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the design landscape.
What’s the difference between DASH Sprint and DASH Bits?
DASH Sprint is a 3-day intensive workshop where teams collaborate on real challenges. DASH Bits are smaller evening keynote events throughout the year, featuring thought leaders discussing specific aspects of AI in design.