IE University Hosts Fourth Nordic Day Highlighting Human-Centric Innovation

In Stockholm, Sweden, IE University held its 4th annual IE Nordic Day last month, gathering more than 35 alumni and representatives from across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland for a three-day program centered on the theme “Business as a Force of Good – Human-Centric Innovation.”

The event, jointly organized by the volunteer-led  IE Alumni Clubs of the Nordics in collaboration with the IE Global Alumni Relations team, featured academic sessions, industry panels, mentorship activities, and cultural visits intended to strengthen regional engagement within IE’s global alumni network.

The program this year included an opening on Friday with a reception at the Spanish Embassy in Stockholm, attended by alumni, club leaders, and IE representatives. Olga Nogales, Global Markets Manager for the Nordic Region and Janet Girardot, International Alumni Clubs & Benefits Manager also attended.

 "What I appreciated most about organizing this year’s IE Nordic Day was bringing our regional alumni together, whether they were long-time connections or new faces. The event was not only about reconnecting, but also about strengthening IE’s presence in Stockholm and celebrating the shared experience that unites us. I am thankful to be part of such an inspiring and welcoming network of professionals," said Ida Nedelius IE Alumni Sweden Club Leader and organizer of Nordic Day 2025. 

 The agenda continued on Saturday, beginning with a masterclass delivered by Professor Sebastian Veldman of the IE School of Science & Technology. The session focused on Spatial Computing, Emerging Technologies & Human-Centered Innovation. 

"What struck me was how willing everyone was to confront the gap between ideals and execution. Human-centric innovation loses meaning if it never leaves the slide deck. In healthcare, every day we hesitate or choose not to go after new ideas and technologies, is just one more day someone doesn't get the help they should get," said Carl Hansson, panel speaker. 

It further led to a dynamic panel discussion featuring IE alumni and Nordic industry professionals such as: Carl Hansson, Mats Hogberg, Olga Viberg, Rahel Surshi, moderated by IE Alumni Sweden Club Leader, Sofia Hedberg, on “Business as a Force of Good.” It was a broad topic that encompasses the Swedish business drive to create human-centric innovation and entrepreneurship, and showcases the IE pillars of humanities, entrepreneurship, and innovation. 

"There's something special about the events organized by IE. It shows what happens when fun, open-minded and ambitious people come together out of genuine commitment. That energy really defines the IE community," said Hansson, panel speaker. 

The Saturday agenda also included flash mentorship sessions led by alumni mentors Sajal Singh, Vasanth Ravichandran, Adam Collins, Pola Nachyła, and Javier Ruiz Guillén, followed by a tour of Omaka Bryggeri, a female-founded brewery in Stockholm. Attendees then visited Gamla Stan, the city’s historic center, before concluding the day with a traditional Swedish dinner.

The event wrapped up on Sunday with an alumni brunch attended by more than 18 participants, offering additional opportunities for networking, reflection, and regional collaboration.

“Being part of the team behind IE Nordic Day was a truly rewarding experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help shape an event that unites our Nordic community and celebrates the bonds that connect us: higher education, community, innovation and sustainability,”   said Olga Nogales Aucar, Global Markets Manager  of Undergraduate & Postgraduate degrees in the Nordics, overseeing the region of   Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.

“IE’s dedication to fostering meaningful connections, and providing the support and structure that keep our network active, collaborative, and connected across countries, is truly inspiring. It’s wonderful to see how the IE community continues to grow long after graduation,”