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 regionThe 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. Werstas and SparkUp Tour

During the Werstas and SparkUp Tour we help you get settled into your new favourite co-working space at the Werstas premises and get you acquainted with the SparkUp 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. You can, for example, apply for Business Finland’s Tempo funding. For more information on the funding and other 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 31st May. The applications are evaluated by BusinessUp experts, and the winning teams are announced in mid-June. The BusinessUp kick-off is on 23th September. The teams are expected to arrive in Turku around 15th September for the orientation and getting settled.


Your checklist when moving to Turku as a startup entrepreneur:
Startup Kit

Meet Startup Call Turku participants

Samat Serimbetov, ModularGreen
Federico Malpica Basurto, TeachersPro

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.”

Read Samat’s story

“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.”

Read Federico’s story

Ashwin Sivakumar, FuOHealth
Çağlayan Yılmaz Karslı, Codease

“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 SparkUp Startup Community provides networking with peers, premises, presentations and events. The SparkUp community consists of entrepreneurs, company representatives, and public organisations. In addition to SparkUp’s physical premises, the community has also launched its online component 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!

#StartupCallTurku