YFD
— our story
Young Finnish Design connects young Finnish designers and companies in a unique way
Why does this matter?
Many young designers have tremendous potential and fresh ideas that companies have not yet discovered. At the same time, many companies face a high threshold when it comes to working with designers who do not yet have an extensive track record.
YFD helps lower that threshold. We make it easier and more reliable for companies to collaborate with young designers, while providing designers with a supportive and developing environment where their skills can grow and shine.
We strongly believe that the perspectives of young designers should be brought more closely into the development work of companies and organisations.
At their best, YFD competitions and collaborations create new perspectives and concrete solutions. They offer young designers their first steps into working life, while giving companies valuable creative insight and signals about emerging customer needs.
These insights can help companies strengthen their competitiveness and build a more sustainable future.
Follow YFD as we work towards even closer collaboration between companies and the next generation of Finnish designers. <3
MISSION:
Opportunities for emerging designers!
“Our mission is to bring young designers and companies closer together — creating opportunities for emerging designers to demonstrate their skills through real-world projects, while opening the door to meaningful collaboration.
Through YFD’s services, companies can work with young design talent in an easy, reliable and purposeful way — gaining fresh perspectives while giving the next generation an opportunity to contribute to real business challenges.”
– Heidi ja Elisa, Cofounders YFD
JOIN OUR MISSION
JOIN OUR MISSION
How YFD Began
Here’s the problem: Young designers have a lot of talent, but too few opportunities to prove what they can do. At the same time, companies are often hesitant to work with designers who do not yet have an established track record.
We are Heidi and Elisa — designers who have always shared the same passion: creating real opportunities for young designers to build their careers.
The problem
While studying at Aalto University, we noticed that many talented designers around us struggled to get their first opportunities in working life. At the same time, companies often didn’t know where to find young design talent or how to make collaboration with an emerging designer work smoothly.
The connection was missing, so we decided to build it ourselves — and Young Finnish Design was born.
Our solution
We connect young designers with real business needs in a way that creates value for both sides. Companies gain fresh ideas and new perspectives, while young designers get the opportunity to learn, develop and prove their skills through real projects.
At the heart of our services is a supportive and safe environment where young designers can confidently demonstrate their abilities and potential. At the same time, we provide companies with an easy and reliable way to access high-quality design expertise tailored to their needs.
Along the way, we have had the privilege of collaborating with companies and organisations across a wide range of industries, including Tieto Tech Consulting, Flow Festival, Framery, Isku, Harvia, NG Nordic, Airam, Aarikka, Black Horse, Berner, VM Carpet, Cailap, and many more.
We have also had the opportunity to appear at SuomiAreena, receive the VISA She’s Next Award, and curate an exhibition of young Finnish designers in Ireland as part of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and Ireland.
We believe the future is built through collaboration — by companies and designers working together.
To us, design is much more than aesthetics. It can strengthen a company’s competitiveness, help businesses better understand their customers, and bring new perspectives to the challenges of today and tomorrow. <3
Sometimes, a small opportunity can change the course of a career.
What if you invited a young designer to be part of your next project?
They gain valuable experience. You gain fresh, open-minded expertise that can strengthen your project.
— Heidi & Elisa
Young Finnish Design
YFD Cofounders Elisa Luoto (left) & Heidi Maria Huovinen
Designers, TaM, Aalto University, The Programme of Furniture design & Interior Architecture
Petra Erätuli-Kola
Board Member, Young Finnish Design Oy
CEO Startup Lions, Founder of Innovation Home Oy & Professional Board Member
“This board position is truly very close to my heart. I have been following the company founded by two young female entrepreneurs, Elisa Luoto & Heidi Maria Huovinen, from behind the scenes for the past few years.
The company has grown in a values-driven and responsible way, while creating opportunities for other young people and promoting Finnish design — and doing so profitably. In addition to being selected for Kasvu Open, the company was awarded a VISA She’s Next grant this year and selected to participate in SuomiAreena.
This summer, the company will open its first investment round, offering a fantastic opportunity to become part of a well-managed growth company founded by two talented young Finnish women.”
Recognition for significant impact
#awards #grants #onTV #winners
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MTV3 Katsomo, 2023 SuomiAreena
A YFD-hosted talk event focusing on the employment and career opportunities of young Finnish designers. The event was livestreamed on MTV3 Katsomo.Speakers:
Heidi Maria Huovinen, Co-founder, Young Finnish Design Oy
Elisa Luoto, Co-founder, Young Finnish Design Oy
Petteri Kolinen, Leading Consultant – Strategic Design, LINK Design & Development OyModerator:
Julius Oförsagd, Head of Design / CEO & Owner, Arctic Factory
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Young Finnish Design Oy was selected to participate in Kasvu Open’s Sales & Marketing Growth Program in 2023.
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The founders of Young Finnish Design Oy were awarded a VISA She’s NEXT Grant in 2023. The grant was awarded to three women-led companies that year.
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Young Finnish Design Oy received an Honourable Mention in the Into Pitch competition in 2022.
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The CEO of renowned Italian design company Alessi, Alberto Alessi, awarded Young Finnish Design Oy’s stand at Habitare 2019 in the “NEXT” – Future category.
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Young Finnish Design Oy was selected to join Kiuas Accelerator, one of Finland’s best-known startup accelerators, in 2018 as its first design-focused team.
JOIN YFD MISSION
JOIN YFD MISSION
Bring Your Challenge to a Design Competition
Sign your company up for our upcoming design competitions and turn young designers into a competitive advantage for your business.
A design competition is a powerful way to bring your brand values to life and gain fresh, new perspectives on your company’s real-world challenges.