Every year, Nordic innovators arrive in Silicon Valley with ideas, technologies, and ambitions to scale globally. But before the meetings, panels, and investor sessions start, Nordic Impact Week starts with something simpler—and surprisingly powerful.
A walk. Guided by a Silicon Valley legend, Sheridan Tatsuno.
The Walk & Talk Nordics in San Francisco, guided by Silicon Valley strategist and entrepreneur Sheridan Tatsuno, serves as the informal onboarding moment of Nordic Impact Week.
Instead of gathering in conference rooms, participants walk through the streets of San Francisco while discussing innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of climate and energy technologies.
Sheridan brings decades of experience from Silicon Valley’s technology ecosystem. His insights help visiting Nordic entrepreneurs understand how ideas evolve into industries—and how global collaboration accelerates innovation.
During the walk, participants also explore opportunities emerging from the Nordic energy ecosystem. A key focus is the University of Vaasa‘s vision and the development of the Energy Transition Valley, one of Europe’s most dynamic energy clusters.
Participants are invited to connect with this ecosystem during Vaasa Energy Week, where global industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs gather to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy systems.
Another emerging opportunity discussed during the walk is the expansion of Calejo AI Hybrid Intelligence, which is actively exploring Smart Water pilot projects across California. By combining artificial intelligence, water system improvement, and energy efficiency, Calejo aims to contribute to more resilient urban infrastructure.
CleanTech Region Group, the organizer of Nordic Impact Week, believes that meaningful partnerships often start with open dialogue, curiosity, and shared exploration.
Silicon Valley itself grew from informal networks of entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors who met, talked, and built ideas together. The Walk & Talk session reconnects participants with that original spirit.
From AI-driven Smart Water systems to solar thermal heat-and-energy transition technologies, Nordic innovators are increasingly bringing climate solutions to global markets.
By beginning the program with a guided walk through one of the world’s most influential innovation hubs, participants are reminded that global impact often begins with a simple exchange of ideas.
Sometimes the most important conversations happen while walking.
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Photos and videos courtesy of Lars Ling.
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