Startup Call Turku
What is the Startup Call Turku contest?
Startup Call Turku is a programme for startups interested in establishing in Finland. We offer an opportunity to experience the startup ecosystem of the Turku region. The programme lasts for 3 months.
It includes participation in the BusinessUp accelerator programme (including pitching to investors), participation in startup and networking events, use of co-working space with access to Wi-Fi, and support for arranging accommodation in Turku, all free of charge.
The programme provides an opportunity to try out ground-breaking ideas that might be difficult or even impossible to implement without a strong support network.
Programme 2024
1. Welcome Event
The programme starts with a Welcome Event. We equip you with info on integration services that are offered by the International House Turku and introduce you to the lovely City of Turku and its surroundings. The event offers a splendid opportunity for networking and starting new friendships!
2. Get to know your surroundings
During the Werstas and startup community tour we help you get settled into your new favourite co-working space at the Werstas premises. We’ll also introduce you to the lively Kupittaa campus area and the local startup community.
3. Establishing a Company in Finland Workshop
During the workshop we help you with the practicalities on how to establish a company in Finland. We also offer digital tools on how to start a business in Finland. Check out the Startup Kit and watch the From Idea to Enterprise video series.
After founding your company in Finland you can benefit from the versatile services of the Finnish startup ecosystem. For more information on the available services, visit Business Finland’s webpage.
4. Accelerator Programmes and Mentoring
During the Startup Call Turku programme you participate in the BusinessUp accelerator programme. During the programme, you have a dedicated mentor. At the end of the accelerator programme you pitch to a group of investors.
We let the participants speak for themselves. Watch the video to learn what is best about the programme:
5. Participation in the SLUSH Startup Event
SLUSH is the world’s leading startup and tech event held annually in Helsinki, Finland. SLUSH facilitates meetings between the founders of startups and investors such as venture capitalists, accomplished with events such as matchmaking and pitching competitions. For Startup Call participants, participation is free at the event. Visit the event’s website here and read about participants’ experiences here.
What costs are covered by us?
We offer:
Startup Call Turku programme, including participation in the BusinessUp programme
Use of a co-working space with Wi-Fi
Startup and networking events (e.g. SLUSH Startup Event)
Support for arranging accommodation in Turku
Visibility via testimonials on our channels (Business Turku and Career in Southwest Finland)
Travel, living costs and accommodation costs are covered by the contestants themselves.
Timeline
The application deadline is the 19th of May. The applications are evaluated by BusinessUp experts, and the winning teams are announced in early June. The BusinessUp kick-off is on 20th of September. The teams are expected to arrive in Turku in mid-September for the orientation and getting settled.
Your checklist when moving to Turku as a startup entrepreneur:
Startup Kit
Meet Startup Call Turku participants
“It has been a great opportunity to network with people and to experience the local culture and startups. This is like a shortcut to me. Otherwise, I would spend years networking to the right people.”
“Business Turku team has a secret formula that makes us move towards the fulfillment of our objectives as a company: Expertise, proven experience, network of contacts and human warmth, in a perfect balance.”
“I think the biggest strength in Turku is the ecosystem, the types of people you meet every day. It’s very supportive. I love that the events in the startup community bring together new and established players.”
“We’re so lucky that our application was successful, and we got to participate in Business Turku’s growth programme. Startup life is like a rollercoaster, but now that we got to meet with so many people and became part of a bigger network, I can say it has been an excellent experience for us.”
Join our startup community
Startups are never alone in Turku. The local startup community provides networking with peers, premises, presentations and events. The ecosystem consists of students, entrepreneurs, company representatives, and public organisations. Remember to check out the community’s online presence on the Solved platform!
Watch the video below to see the buzzing startup ecosystem in action:
For more information, contact Megumi Hayashi.
See you in Turku!
