Autumn's Startup Events in Oulu 2026
Below you can find the updating list of autumn's entrepreneurial events.
You can always ask for more information from Innovation Centre's Ville by emailing ville.saarenpaa(a)oulu.fi.
You can also find most of the events conveniently from StartupOulu's Linktree!
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StartupOulu AI Incubator | Application is open in August
StartupOulu’s AI Incubator is a nine-month program held on the Linnanmaa campus, designed to help you test, validate, and develop your AI-based business idea all the way to earning your first euros. Throughout the program, you will receive support, guidance, and practical tools to turn your idea into a viable business.
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Oyster Pre-Incubator application ens on 12.8.
If you have a healthtech business idea, the free-of-charge Oyster Pre-Incubator is the perfect place to take it forward! The autumn-long program includes meetings approximately three times per month, providing support, guidance, and opportunities to develop your idea alongside experts and fellow entrepreneurs.
Registration and more information
The next step for startup concepts developed in the pre-incubator is the Oyster Incubator. You can also learn more about the incubator’s previous results and success stories at the upcoming Oyster Incubator Demo Day on 27 August!
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Business Corner Season Opening 4.9.
Business Corner at the Linnanmaa campus officially opens its doors again on 4.9. More information coming soon!
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Founder's Corner | On Tuesdays at 9:30-11:30 from 22.9.
[in Finnish]
Tule tienaamaan ensimmäiset 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 aikana 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 15.12.2026.
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Startup Express -Pre-Incubator kick-off | 24.9.
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
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FutureTech Oulu | 8.10.
Future Tech Oulu 2026 explores future technologies and emerging trends, with a special focus on how technological development is reshaping creativity, innovation, and new ways of thinking. The event highlights the role of technology not only as a tool, but also as a creative partner in a new era of innovation and co-creation.
Rooted in Oulu’s strong technology ecosystem, the event showcases the region’s key strengths, including artificial intelligence and defence technology innovation. Bringing together research, business, and real-world applications under one roof, Future Tech Oulu 2026 creates a unique environment for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and future-focused inspiration.
Registration and more information
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JunctionX OuluES Hackathon | 23.-24.10.
48 hours of pure innovation, late-night coding sessions, and game-changing ideas. Whether you're a coding ninja, a pixel wizard, or simply someone who enjoys solving problems, this is the weekend event for you!
More information coming in the autumn.
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Kickstart business idea competition | Win up to 2500 €! Finals are at the Linnanmaa campus on 26.11.
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 1.11.
Registration, instructions, and more information
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Slush Oulu Community Side Event | 12.11.
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 18–19. 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 12th in Oulu!
Lisätietoa tulossa syksyn mittaan!
PS. The volunteer application for Slush Helsinki closes on September 3, and we strongly recommend experiencing it at least once!
For more information and tips, contact Ville from the Innovation Center: ville.saarenpaa(a)oulu.fi