Startup events and programs in the early 2026
(Updated on 19.2.)
Below you’ll find an updating collection of current events and programs in Oulu’s startup scene.
For more information, you can always contact Ville from the Innovation Centre: ville.saarenpaa(at)oulu.fi.
Content related to Oulu startups and entrepreneurship will also be compiled on the StartupOulu website.
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Proof of Concept -funding is open for applications!
Students at the University of Oulu can apply for up to €5,000 in funding for initial testing and prototyping of their new business ideas. The funding must be used by the end of November and before graduation.
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Startup Express (22.1.-23.4.)
"From idea to a startup in 100 days!" A free pre-incubator program offered by BusinessOulu for developing new businesses.
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Cofounder Corner (from 13:00 to 14:00 on 27.1., 17.2., 17.3., 14.4. & 12.5.)
StartupOulu's relaxed meet-up where curious minds come together to explore ideas, share skills, and maybe find the perfect partner-in-crime for a future project. Just bring yourself, your interests, and an open mind. Who knows? Your next big adventure might start with a simple chat over coffee.
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Founder's Corner (3.2.-21.4.) [In Finnish]
StartupOulun suomenkielinen ohjelma uuden liiketoiminnan kehittämiseen Linnanmaan kampuksella. Ohjelman aikana muun muassa luot nettisivut uudelle palvelullesi tai tuotteellesi, jota olet kehittänyt ja markkinoinut saamasi palautteen perusteella. Pääset myös testaamaan growth hacking -kasvustrategioita sekä harjoittelemaan tuotteen tai palvelun myyntiä.
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Polar Bear Pitching (26.2.)
Oulu’s biggest and coolest startup event of the year. At Polar Bear Pitching, entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a jury, investors, and the audience from an actual ice hole carved into the sea. Over the years, numerous side events have also developed around the main event.
- More information
- Free Side Events (23.-27.2.)
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Deep Tech Forge (27.2.)
Deep tech meets entrepreneurial spirit at Tellus Stage. In this afternoon session, three speakers will share their personal journeys from ideas to real-world projects and communities. You can also discuss with the Innovation Centre at the event.
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University Inventor Day (23.4.)
Join us to celebrate inventions and inventors! The event brings the world of research and innovation closer to everyone in Oulu: we warmly invite researchers, experts, students, and the public to explore the University of Oulu’s innovation activities and inventions!
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Innovation Centre's training sessions:
InnoWebinars (about 1h)
- 25.2. Copyrights - Tips to make your life easier (19.2. in Finnish)
- 30.3. Patentability in Emerging Technologies
Mini courses (several sessions, 0,5 credits through UniOGS)
- IP rights and Research 16.-19.3.2026 (total 8 h, 0.5 ECTS, in English, online, course code 920016J)
- Basics of copyrights, trademarks, patents, patent databases and how inventions are handled in our University
- Get to know copyrights! 15.4.2026 (total. 5 h, 0.5 op, in Finnish, online, course code 920032J)
- Opettaja, tutkija, opiskelija: syvennä tietämystäsi tekijänoikeuksista - mitkä ovat oikeutesi ja milloin tarvitset luvan tekijänoikeuksien haltijalta?
- Learn to use patent databases 6.-7.5.2026 (total 7 h, 0.5 op, in English, online, course code 920013J)
- Learn to navigate patent databases and uncover key information from patent publications. This knowledge can be utilized in funding applications and to determine the novelty of a new invention.
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Other opportunities & competitions:
Nordic Innovation Award 2026 (haku auki 28.2. saakka)
Nordic innovation competition that rewards responsible and sustainable innovations. All Finnish small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Finland with fewer than 250 employees can enter the competition. One candidate will be selected from each of the five Nordic countries for the final, which will take place in Oslo, Norway, on 21 May 2026. Additionally, the Finnish jury may award two honourable mentions.
FRUSH26 StartUp -competition (applications are open until 1.3.)
Do you have an innovation that deserves the stage and an audience? This is your chance! FRUSH 2026 offers startups, students, and fresh ideas the opportunity to shine in the pitching competition. Cash prizes: 4500/2000/1000 €
High North Young Entrepreneur (applications are open until 15.3.)
Do you have a business idea that could shape the future of the Arctic? This contest invites young entrepreneurs and startups from around the world to pitch their Arctic-related business ideas at the prestigious High North Dialogue conference in Bodø, Norway. This is your chance to present your vision to leading Arctic experts, investors, and policymakers – and compete for prizes totalling 70,000 NOK.
Green Transition Business Competition (application is open until 7.4.)
The competition is aimed at innovative Finnish growth-oriented companies and startups under the age of 15 with an environmentally friendlier product or service. The competition jury will select ten award nominees from among all applicants. The award nominees will present their companies and business to the jury and the audience at Biocluster Finland’s annual Green Transition Gala. At the event, the winner of the competition and the audience favorite will be awarded.