Design Forum Finland Scholarship Recipients Begin Their Stanford Journey

The recipients of Design Forum Finland’s 150th anniversary scholarships have begun their journey to Stanford. In September, Lea Aarinen-Koski, Timo Helosuo and Maija Koski will participate in Stanford University’s Design Thinking Bootcamp. The scholarship programme aims to strengthen the strategic use of design thinking in Finnish companies.

Earlier this year, Design Forum Finland awarded scholarships to three Finnish business leaders: Commercial Director Lea Aarinen-Koski, CEO Timo Helosuo and Director Maija Koski. The scholarships are part of Design Forum Finland’s Growth and Competitiveness through Design campaign, which highlights the role of design as a driver of business success and a source of intangible value.

Stanford University’s Design Thinking Bootcamp provides participants with tools for understanding changing operating environments, addressing complex business challenges and advancing innovation. The programme aims to strengthen their ability to apply design thinking to strategic decision-making and business development.

The programme was originally scheduled for spring 2026, but was postponed to autumn due to changes in Stanford University’s programme arrangements. The scholarships remained valid, and all three recipients are taking part in the autumn programme, which begins this week.

Follow the scholarship recipients’ journey

What insights will the participants take away from the intensive week at Stanford? Design Forum Finland will follow their journey on its social media channels, sharing thoughts, experiences and key takeaways directly from the programme throughout the week.

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Photos: Design Forum Finland / Lea Aarinen-Koski, © Mikael Pettersson, Timo Helosuo, © Jaakko Lukumaa ja Maija Koski, © Timo Pyykkö