Sign In

Mika Kasanen

Co-founder & CEO at School Day Finland

Professional Background

Mika Kasanen is a distinguished co-founder and CEO of School Day Finland, a pioneering organization dedicated to enhancing student wellbeing, mental health, and social emotional learning (SEL). Under Mika's leadership, School Day has emerged as a beacon of innovation and compassion within education technology, driven by a mission to cultivate a supportive environment for learners. Since its inception in 2018, the company has made remarkable strides, combining kindness with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the educational experience.

School Day asks an essential question that resonates with students of all ages: “How are you feeling today?” By addressing emotional wellbeing, Mika and his team effectively create a learning atmosphere that is not only more enjoyable but also significantly more effective. Strengthening the global education community, School Day has known a notable presence in Finland, establishing solid traction and forming collaborative partnerships with leading universities both nationally and internationally.

Education and Achievements

Mika Kasanen’s expertise in education technology is complemented by his extensive experience in change leadership, entrepreneurship, and network management. As a proud captain and servant leader of a skilled and diverse team, he inspires collaboration and creativity in every project. Since 2018, Mika's dual focus on innovative learning approaches and mental health has positioned School Day as a key player within the educational landscape.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed; in 2019, he was honored as a finalist in the prestigious Slush 100 Pitching event. This accolade set the stage for further recognition as School Day moved into the U.S market, showcasing great validation for their unique approach to student wellbeing.

The year 2020 became particularly significant for Mika and School Day, with the company being a finalist for the SXSW Edu Launch Competition - a notable achievement as they were the first company from Finland to receive this recognition. Additionally, they garnered the GES Awards Nordic-Baltic semifinal winner title, underscoring the impactful work being done at School Day.

Notable Achievements

Some of the most noteworthy accomplishments throughout Mika Kasanen's career include the following:

  • Solid traction in Finland since 2018: School Day has quickly gained recognition and credibility in the Finnish market, standing as a trusted resource for addressing student wellbeing.
  • Unique research-based wellbeing & SEL AI model since 2018: Mika has been at the forefront of developing an innovative model that examines student emotional states and supports their learning journeys.
  • Collaboration with leading Finnish and International Universities since 2018: These partnerships lay the groundwork for robust research and implementation, showcasing School Day’s commitment to evidence-based practices in education.
  • Slush 100 Pitching finalist 2019: This recognition emphasized the potential that School Day has in transforming educational experiences.
  • Great early U.S. market validation in 2020: By successfully entering the United States market, School Day demonstrated the scalability and relevance of its model internationally.
  • SXSW Edu Launch Competition Finalist 2020: Being the first from Finland at this prestigious event showcases Mika’s groundbreaking vision in the field of education.
  • GES Awards Nordic-Baltic semifinal winner 2020: This award reflects the impactful contributions that Mika and School Day have made in promoting student wellbeing through education.

Personal Competencies and Daily Inspirations

Mika thrives on various competencies that fuel his passion for transforming the education landscape. His expertise lies in several key areas:

  • Education Technology: Mika’s profound understanding of EdTech keeps School Day at the cutting edge of educational methodologies.
  • Change Leadership: He effectively guides his team and the organization to embrace and adapt to changes, ensuring ongoing improvement and excellence.
  • Entrepreneurship: Mika is a natural entrepreneur, consistently seeking innovative solutions to promote student wellbeing.
  • Partner and Network Management: His ability to cultivate strong relationships within the education sector enhances collaboration and drives initiatives further.
  • Program and Project Management: Mika consistently applies strategic management practices to ensure efficiency and success in School Day’s projects.
  • Lean and Visual Management (Six Sigma Green Belt): These methodologies enable Mika to streamline processes and foster continuous improvement, contributing to the overall effectiveness of School Day.
  • Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement: Mika is dedicated to incorporating new insights and approaches to enhance School Day’s offerings and impact.

Future Aspirations

Mika Kasanen continues to bring his vision to life, ensuring that the focus on student wellbeing, mental health, and social emotional learning remains central to the educational experience. With plans to further expand School Day’s impact and influence, he is committed to being a catalyst for positive change within the education sector.

For those interested in collaborating or discussing innovative educational solutions, Mika invites you to reach out via email at [email protected].

Related Questions

How did Mika Kasanen develop such a passion for student wellbeing and mental health?
What inspired Mika Kasanen to co-found School Day at such an early stage in his career?
What challenges has Mika Kasanen encountered while expanding School Day into the U.S. market?
How does Mika Kasanen see the role of AI in improving student learning experiences?
What future projects does Mika Kasanen have in mind for the continued growth of School Day and its initiatives?
Mika Kasanen
Add to my network

Location

Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland