Startup Summit Kuopio 2026

Apply to pitch at Startup Summit Kuopio 2026

Get your startup on stage in front of founders, investors, experts, partners and the Eastern Finland startup ecosystem.

Applications are open for the Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 pitch competition.

We are looking for ambitious early-stage startups and startup teams that are building scalable business ideas. Selected teams will pitch live on stage at Startup Summit Kuopio 2026.

Deadline 1 July 2026
Event date 18 August 2026
Location Savonia UAS, Kuopio

Who can apply?

The pitch competition is open to early-stage startups and startup teams that are building a scalable business. You do not need to be based in Kuopio or Eastern Finland, but selected teams must be able to attend and pitch in person.

  • Early-stage startups with a clear business idea, product, service or technology.
  • Startup teams preparing for launch, validation, growth or funding.
  • Research-based teams commercializing an innovation or new technology.
  • Student-led startup teams with serious ambition to build a company.
  • Founders looking for feedback, visibility, partners, customers or investor connections.

What selected startups get

Selected startups get more than a short moment on stage. The goal is to help promising teams sharpen their message, receive useful feedback and meet relevant people from the startup ecosystem.

Stage visibility Pitch your startup in front of founders, investors, partners, ecosystem operators and business experts.
Expert feedback Receive direct comments from experienced judges and startup ecosystem professionals.
Free entry Selected pitching teams receive free access to Startup Summit Kuopio 2026.
Pitch preparation Selected teams will be invited to a pre-event pitching workshop.
New connections Meet potential partners, advisors, investors, customers and other founders.
Prize package The winning team will receive a startup growth package. More details will be announced before the event.

Pitch format

The pitch competition is designed to be clear, focused and useful for both the startups and the audience.

Pitch 3-minute pitch from each selected startup.
Feedback 3 minutes of questions and feedback from the jury.
Stage The pitch takes place live on stage at Savonia UAS Kampussydän in Kuopio.
Language The pitching language can be English. More detailed instructions will be sent to selected teams.

What kind of startups are we looking for?

We are looking for startups with a clear problem, a credible solution and the ambition to build something scalable. The company does not need to be perfect or fully funded. What matters is that the team is serious, coachable and ready to present its idea clearly.

  • Startups solving a real and meaningful problem.
  • Teams with a clear target customer or user group.
  • Ideas with potential to grow beyond a small local project.
  • Technology, research, health, software, sustainability, industrial, service innovation and other scalable startup concepts.
  • Founders who can explain why now is the right time for their solution.

Important dates

Application deadline 1 July 2026
Selected teams notified By 1 August 2026
Pitch competition 18 August 2026 at Startup Summit Kuopio 2026, Savonia UAS Kampussydän, Microkatu 1, Kuopio

Before you apply

Prepare a short and clear description of your startup before opening the application form. You do not need a perfect pitch deck, but you should be able to explain the basics clearly.

  • What problem are you solving?
  • Who is your target customer?
  • What is your solution?
  • Why is your team the right one to build this?
  • What kind of support, partners or visibility are you looking for?

Ready to apply?

Apply by 1 July 2026. Selected startups will receive more detailed pitch instructions before the event.

Open application form