Slush 2025 – Helsinki (Messukeskus)
📅 Nov 19–20, 2025
The world-renowned startup event and centerpiece of Finland’s innovation scene. The Slush 2025 program confirms 6,000+ startups, 3,500+ investors and 1,700 partners on site, with total attendance typically around 13,000.
Pitch competition: Slush 100, the flagship contest, awards a €1 million investment (backed by General Catalyst and Cherry Ventures) to one early-stage startup. Eligibility: incorporated 2022 or later, <€2M funding raised.
Focus: Multi-industry – AI, climate, health, fintech, deep tech
Website: slush.org

Polar Bear Pitching 2026 – Oulu (European Capital of Culture program)
📅 Feb 26, 2026 (warm-up Feb 25)
The world’s coldest startup competition returns as part of Oulu 2026 celebrations. Startups once again pitch in an ice hole for a €10,000 prize. Expect a larger festival atmosphere with culture, tech and investment side events.
Focus: Early-stage, all industries
Website: polarbearpitching.com

Nordic Fintech Summit 2026 – Helsinki
📅 May 20–22, 2026
Not to be confused with Denmark’s Nordic Fintech Week. This Finland-based summit gathers 700+ fintech decision-makers and 80+ speakers to discuss payments, digital banking and regulatory innovation.
Pitching? ❌ No startup contest – focus is on networking and thought leadership
Website: nordicfintechsummit.com

SHIFT Business Festival 2026 – Turku Science Park
📅 May 28, 2026
The 11th edition of SHIFT, confirmed for Turku Science Park. Will continue the festival-style program of keynotes, networking and innovation showcases.
Pitching? ❌ No major pitch contest announced
Website: theshift.fi

Arctic15 Helsinki 2026 – Helsinki (Cable Factory)
📅 Jun 11–12, 2026
A deal-making focused startup conference with 1,200+ participants, 500 startups, 400 investors and 13,000 one-on-one meetings.
Pitch competitions:

• ActionMatters Pitching Competition – guarantees a minimum €150,000 investment from angel investors (2023–24 editions confirmed this).
• DealTank – live negotiation show where investors and startups strike deals on stage, but no fixed prize.

Focus: Early-stage startups, multi-sector innovation
Website: arctic15.com

Nordic Business Forum 2026 – Helsinki (Messukeskus)
📅 Sept 2026 (TBA)
Expected continuation of Europe’s premier business leadership summit. Dates and program not yet announced.
Pitching? ❌ None
Website: nbforum.com

Nordic Business Forum 2026 – Helsinki (Messukeskus)
📅 Sept 2026 (TBA)
Expected continuation of Europe’s premier business leadership summit. Dates and program not yet announced.
Pitching? ❌ None
Website: nbforum.com