Autumn's Startup Events in Oulu 2025

Below you can find the updating list of autumn's entrepreneurial events.
You can always ask for more information from the Innovation Centre's Ville ville.saarenpaa(a)oulu.fi.

You can also find most of the events conveniently from StartupOulu's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/startupoulu

POHJAT – Entrepreneurship Week of Northern Ostrobothnia 3.-5.9.2025 gathers students and entrepreneurs together

Entrepreneurship Week of Northern Ostrobothnia celebrates we northern and resilient entrepreneurship and lays the groundwork for future ventures.

The week offers a range of events, workshops, and networking opportunities for those interested in entrepreneurship. Also the University of Oulu and OAMK are organizing events during the week.

Full program: https://www.oulu.fi/en/events/pohjat-entrepreneurship-week / https://pohjatfest.com/

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Startup Express Fest | 3.9. at 15-18

Intended especially for those who have completed the Startup Express pre-incubator or are interested in it. More information about Startup Express below!

Registration and more information: https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/Startup_Express_Fest_6097

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Unlock your startup potential | 5.9. at 10-16

A workshop developed by BusinessOulu and Glowladies, during which you will learn about your personal strengths and how they relate to entrepreneurship, how to visualize your future, shape your first business idea, awaken your creativity, and much more!

Registration and more information: https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/Unlock_Your_Startup_Potential

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Startup Express Pre-incubator kick-off | 12.9.

Turn your idea into a startup in 100 days with the help of a community!

Are you interested in launching your own startup in Oulu, but unsure of how to get started? Startup Express is a pre-incubator program that provides skills, confidence, and contacts to empower you on your journey.

Registration and more information: https://oulu.com/en/startup-express-pre-incubator/

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Stop dreaming – start doing, workshop | 17.9. at 18:00-19:30

Have you ever wondered how your own creativity could actually solve problems in the world? Are you interested in entrepreneurship but don’t know where to start? Join this 90-minute hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to create business ideas based on real problems and understand why startup entrepreneurship is an exciting career path!

Registration and more information: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EventParticipation/EventPublic/4231f0e5-9651-45e0-9453-6743547cda61

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JunctionX OuluES Hackathon | 19.-21.9.

Gear up for 48 hours of pure innovation, sleepless coding, and mind-bending ideas. Whether you're a code ninja, a pixel wizard, or just someone who loves solving problems, this is a weekend event for you! Prize pool of 3000 €!

Registration and more information: https://eu.junctionplatform.com/events/junctionx-oulu-hackathon

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Founder's Corner | 23.9. onwards on Tuesdays 9:30 - 11:30 [In Finnish]

Tule tienaamaan ensimmäinen eurosi netissä ja oppimaan, miten uutta liiketoimintaa kehitetään käytännössä. Käymme läpi, miten ratkot asiakkaiden ongelmia web-pohjaisilla palveluilla, miten vakuutat heidät sekunneissa, ja miten oikeasti teet rahaa jo syksyn aikana. Samalla kehität skaalautuvan yrittäjyyden taitojasi. Tärkeintä on innostunut ja motivoitunut asenne, loput opit kyllä ohjelman aikana!

Founder's Cornerin päättyessä olet luonut nettisivut uudelle palvelullesi tai tuotteellesi, jota olet kehittänyt ja markkinoinut saamasi palautteen perusteella. Olet testannut growth hacking -kasvustrategiaa ja harjoitellut tuotteen tai palvelun myyntiä. Mikäli haluat saada opintopisteitä, sinun tulee palauttaa portfolio Founder's Cornerin päättyessä, viimeistään 16.12.2025.

Registration and more information: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EventParticipation/EventPublic/5c49f3b4-2ada-4a04-86d9-3fc11a58800c

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Nordic Business Forum -streaming event | 24.-25.9.

Welcome to watch the Nordic Business Forum live at Business Corner!
Expect two inspiring days filled with world-class speakers, timely stories, and insights that shape the future of business.

Join at your convenience, the doors are open! Coffee and light snacks will be provided.

More information: https://www.oulu.fi/en/events/nordic-business-forum-streaming-event

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FutureTech Oulu | 9.10.

The main themes of this year's event are generative AI, impactful use of artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

FutureTech Oulu is a knowledge-rich arena for interaction and learning, where representatives from companies and organizations across various sectors have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of advanced AI-based systems and solutions across different application areas. Expert speakers include Tero Ojanperä and Mikko Hyppönen!

Registration and more information: https://oulu.com/en/futuretech-oulu/

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Startup Weekend Oulu 10.–12.10. – Learn to build a startup in just one weekend

Would you like to learn how to build a new startup in just one weekend, and possibly earn study credits while doing it (the amount depends on your current studies)? At Startup Weekend, you’ll get to develop your entrepreneurial skills together with your new team, supported by experienced mentors and experts. Meet new friends, founders, and investors, and turn your business idea into reality in just 54 hours! The ticket price covers the entire weekend program and 7 delicious meals from local restaurants.

No prior experience or a team is needed, curiosity and interest are enough!

Registration and more information: www.startupweekendoulu.com

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University Business Forum 30.10. at 8:30-13:00

UBF2025 is back with an exciting new theme: AI-powered human performance for research, innovation, and business.

Join us for an inspiring event where you’ll have the opportunity to network, explore the latest research, and take advantage of collaboration opportunities.

Registration and more information: https://www.oulu.fi/en/events/university-business-forum-2025

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KasvuKorneri – kasva ideasta eteenpäin | 16.10. onwards on Thursdays at 9:30 - 11:30 [In Finnish]

Onko sinulla jo liikeidea, mutta mietit, miten päästä seuraavalle tasolle? KasvuKorneri on syksyllä starttaava neljän työpajan kokonaisuus, jossa pääset kehittämään omaa startupiasi konkreettisesti ja käytännönläheisesti. Tavoitteena on tehdä ideastasi kasvukelpoista liiketoimintaa.

Registration and more information: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EventParticipation/EventPublic/1e3cec10-7388-40c9-b783-2fd08d6a2f80

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Kickstart business idea competition | Win up to 2500 €! The finals are at the university on 28.11.

In the Kickstart business idea competition, the brightest students of the University of Oulu, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, and OSAO compete against each other to win the grand prize of up to 2500 €!

The application period starts in September and ends on 2.11.

Registration, instructions, and more information: https://www.kickstartoulu.fi/

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Slush Oulu Community Side Event | 13.11. at 14-18

Slush is the world's leading startup event, which takes place in Helsinki every year, bringing together top startups and world-class investors. This year’s event will be held on November 19–20. However, you don’t need to wait that long to get your first taste of Slush, as the Slush Oulu Community Side Event and Pitching Competition will take place on November 13th.

More information: https://www.oulu.fi/en/events/slush-oulu-community-side-event-2025

P.S. The volunteer application for Slush Helsinki closes on September 7, and we strongly recommend experiencing it at least once!
Read more and apply: https://talent.slush.org/
For more information and tips, contact Ville from the Innovation Center: ville.saarenpaa(a)oulu.fi