Startup Summit Kuopio 2026
Showcase your startup
Want visibility at Startup Summit Kuopio, but pitching on stage is not your thing? The Startup Showcase gives selected startups and startup programmes a practical way to be present, meet people and start useful conversations during the event.
Visibility beyond the pitching competition
The showcase option is meant for startups that want to be seen at the event, but do not necessarily want to compete on stage.
What is it?
A simple way to be visible at the event
The Startup Showcase is not a trade fair stand. It is a practical, low-friction way to give your startup a physical meeting point during the event.
Depending on the setup, selected showcase teams may be able to bring lightweight materials such as brochures, a laptop demo, small product materials or a roll-up banner if space allows.
What you can bring
- Brochures, one-pagers or printed materials
- A laptop or tablet demo
- Small product or service materials
- A roll-up banner if space allows
- A clear explanation of who you help and how
Who is this for?
For startups, programmes and startup groups
Showcase spots are best suited for teams that want visibility and conversations without taking part in the stage pitching competition.
Startups
Early-stage startups that want to present their company, product or idea to event visitors.
Startup teams
Teams that are building something new and want feedback, visibility and relevant contacts.
Startup cohorts
Regional groups, incubator teams or startup programmes coming to the event together.
Programmes
Startup support programmes or ecosystem initiatives that want to meet founders and partners.
Product demos
Teams with a simple demo, prototype or service that is easier to understand through conversation.
Non-pitching teams
Startups that want to attend and be visible, but do not want to pitch on stage.
How it works
Simple, limited and agreed separately
Showcase spots are limited. The final setup depends on available space, event flow and the relevance of the request.
General approach
The showcase is designed to support meaningful conversations without making the event feel like a trade fair.
- Selected pitching finalists participate free of charge
- Other startup teams and showcase participants are expected to buy an event ticket
- Table or showcase space is agreed separately with the organisers
- Showcase spots are subject to available space
- The organisers may select participants based on relevance and fit
Showcase is different from pitching
The Startup Showcase is not the same as the pitching competition. It does not include a stage slot, jury feedback or competition prize.
- Pitching finalists get a stage slot and jury feedback
- Showcase teams get a more informal visibility opportunity
- You can apply to pitch and also ask about showcase visibility
- Showcase presence is confirmed separately by the organisers
How to request a spot
Tell us what kind of presence you need
Send us a short message and we will review what is possible.
Introduce your team
Tell us who you are, what your startup, product, programme or cohort does, and why you would like to be present at the event.
Describe your setup
Let us know whether you would need a table, roll-up space, demo setup or just a simple meeting point.
Tell us how many people are coming
Mention how many people would attend and whether you are coming individually or as part of a larger startup group.
We review the request
Showcase opportunities are confirmed based on relevance, available space and the event programme flow.
Practical notes
Before you contact us
Keep the request clear and practical. The more specific you are, the easier it is to see what kind of showcase setup might work.
Tickets
Selected pitching competition finalists participate free of charge. Other startup teams and showcase participants are expected to purchase an event ticket unless otherwise agreed.
Space
Table space, roll-up space and demo setups are limited and must be agreed separately with the organisers.
Selection
Sending a request does not automatically guarantee a showcase spot. The organisers review requests based on relevance, space and event flow.
Materials
The showcase is intended for lightweight materials such as brochures, small demos or simple product presentations. Large exhibition setups are not suitable.
Interested in showcasing your startup?
Send us a short message and tell us what kind of presence you are looking for at Startup Summit Kuopio 2026.
Please include your startup or programme name, short description, number of participants and any table, roll-up or demo needs.
Partners
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 is built together with partners who support innovation, entrepreneurship and growth.
