TNC26 in Helsinki, Finland. 8-12 June 2026
Everything you need to know about TNC26
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Time to get to know Helsinki better
Helsinki is the capital of the happiest country in the world – explore some of the highlights to get a sense of what awaits you. Here you will find more recommendations.
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TNC26 theme revealed!
The Finnish word sisu is untranslatable, but overall it can be explained as a concept encompassing inner strength, tenacity, determination, and courage, particularly in the face of adversity.
In a changing world, the TNC26 theme seems very fitting: our community needs to embrace the idea of sisu to ensure our future as a community. With this action-orientated mindset, we need the courage to make difficult decisions about our response to world events, to ensure a sustainable future for our activities and to maintain the strong ecosystem we have built.
Sisu is an all-purpose philosophy of life and as such it underpins all aspects of the NREN community.
Maria Ritola is a Finnish entrepreneur, an awarded technology influencer, and an experienced speaker.
She is one of the founders of the multi award-winning technology company Iris.ai, where she has built AIbased applications to help researchers utilize scientific articles more quickly and comprehensively
Maria has studied exponential technologies at Singularity University, Silicon Valley, has been selected as the Young Achiever of the Year, and is among the influential women in technology in the Nordic countries. She is a regular on the Finnish morning TV program Jälkidigi, where she discusses technological phenomena.
Samuli is an information security specialist at the Finnish National Cyber Security Centre, where he works at the frontlines of national security. He advises decision makers, organisations, and the public on navigating the modern threat landscape.
Samuli has studied leadership and strategy at the National Defence University and cyber security technologies at the University of Turku. Through his diverse background he has developed a deep expertise in how information technologies can be weaponised. Underlying his work is a conviction that security is inseparable from the human element; information environments don’t just change around us, but also transform the way we think, believe, and decide.
Get ready to be part of TNC26 in Helsinki!
Missed the Early Bird registration? Do not worry, you can still register to attend the event in Helsinki! Regular passes are available until 5 June 2026 (midnight CET). Don’t forget that in order to attend the Monday and/or Friday side meeting(s), it is mandatory to purchase a ‘Side Meeting Pass’. This Pass can be purchased alongside the Regular Pass as well as the Speaker Pass.
The concert hall at Musiikkitalo is home to one of the most remarkable instruments in the world. Unveiled in 2024, its grand organ is the largest modern concert hall organ in the world. It is a colossal 124-stop instrument. The project was given a significant boost by a million-euro donation from celebrated Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, a gesture that speaks to the deep bond between Finnish musical culture and this extraordinary venue. The organ will dominate the scene on the TNC26 stage!
Musiikkitalo’s art begins before you even walk through the door. Outside, Reijo Hukkanen’s ‘Song Trees’ is impossible not to notice. The sculpture depicts a pike lunging skyward, drawing on the Finnish mythology and folklore. Inside, Kirsi Kaulanen’s Gaia hangs suspended from the lobby ceiling, named after the ancient Greek earth goddess and honouring 28 of the 150 plant species currently at risk of extinction in Finland. Together, the two works set the tone for a building where nature and culture merge.
Tuesday 9 June Opening Plenary
Maria Ritola is a Finnish entrepreneur, an awarded technology influencer, and an experienced speaker.
She is one of the founders of the multi award-winning technology company Iris.ai, where she has built AIbased applications to help researchers utilize scientific articles more quickly and comprehensively
Maria has studied exponential technologies at Singularity University, Silicon Valley, has been selected as the Young Achiever of the Year, and is among the influential women in technology in the Nordic countries. She is a regular on the Finnish morning TV program Jälkidigi, where she discusses technological phenomena.
Thursday 11 June Closing Plenary
Samuli is an information security specialist at the Finnish National Cyber Security Centre, where he works at the frontlines of national security. He advises decision makers, organisations, and the public on navigating the modern threat landscape.Samuli has studied leadership and strategy at the National Defence University and cyber security technologies at the University of Turku. Through his diverse background he has developed a deep expertise in how information technologies can be weaponised. Underlying his work is a conviction that security is inseparable from the human element; information environments don’t just change around us, but also transform the way we think, believe, and decide.
