Trailblazers’ Camp

About

The camp focuses on entrepreneurial skills within the start-up ecosystem, with
particular emphasis on global challenges related to sustainability, the future
economy, and climate action.
This hands-on camp combines the relaxed atmosphere of South-Eastern Finland
with high-level scientific expertise provided by LUT University. LUT University
ranks among the world’s top 30 universities in climate action (THE Impact
Rankings, SDG 13), and LUT Business School is ranked 11th globally in research
quality (THE World University Rankings by Subject).
The Trailblazers’ Camp is particularly well suited for IB students who are planning
or conducting research-based work such as the Extended Essay.
The program offers structured academic guidance, access to university-level
research environments, and opportunities to develop inquiry, critical thinking, and
interdisciplinary perspectives.
Students work on real-world sustainability and entrepreneurship challenges while
strengthening skills essential for IB success, including independent research,
reflection, and international collaboration.
The camp is hosted on the LUT Campus in Skinnarila, close to Lake Saimaa. It
offers an authentic Finnish summer experience, including leisure activities such as
rowing, canoeing, swimming, sauna, and lake cruises. Participants will even have the
opportunity to incorporate the lake itself into a music composition!
Accommodation is provided in LOAS student apartments. Meals are served four
times a day at the campus restaurant, and packed meals will be provided for
excursions. Participants are insured for accidents and sudden illnesses during the
camp. Insurance for personal belongings and travel must be arranged individually
by each participant.
A certificate of participation will be awarded jointly by Development Centre
Opinkirjo and LUT University.
The all-inclusive participation fee is €3,980 (including taxes). The first installment
of €2,000 is payable upon acceptance to the camp in April. The remaining €1,980 is
payable in June.
APPLICATION LETTER
Applicants must submit an open application letter describing their motivation for
participating in the camp and their expectations. A maximum of 20 students will be
selected.
Applications must be submitted no later than March 15, 2026. Motivation letters
should be addressed to: Executive Director, Dr. Minna Riikka Järvinen, Development
Centre Opinkirjo. Dr. Järvinen chairs the selection committee.
For further information and the detailed program, please contact: Dr. Minna Riikka Järvinen

Course leader

Professor Markku Ikävalko, LUT, school of economics

Target group

The Trailblazers’ Camp is an exclusive international summer school designed
for high-performing upper secondary students from around the world.

Fee info