Applications are now open for innovative Italian start-ups and SMEs to take part in Slush 2026, one of the leading international events dedicated to start-ups, technological innovation and venture capital, scheduled to take place in Helsinki on 18 and 19 November 2026.
Launched in 2008 as a gathering for the start-up community, Slush is now one of the world’s leading events for dialogue between founders, investors and innovation professionals. The event is notable for its strong presence of representatives from the world of finance, offering participating companies opportunities for networking, B2B meetings, pitching sessions and the chance to engage with key players in the international ecosystem.
In recent editions, it has attracted over 10,000 international visitors, confirming its central role in the Nordic region and on the European innovation scene. The 2026 edition will be dedicated to the theme ‘Bet on Europe’, with a focus on the continent’s ability to strengthen its technological ecosystem, promote digital sovereignty and support the growth of innovative businesses capable of competing in global markets.
The Italian delegation will be present in Helsinki with a National Pavilion, organised by the the Italian Trade Agency and coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Pavilion will host panel discussions, side events and networking initiatives, offering selected start-ups and innovative SMEs the opportunity to present their solutions to international investors and partners and to boost their visibility within one of Europe’s leading innovation ecosystems.
The planned initiatives include Day 0 for Founders, an event dedicated to founders featuring talks, round-table discussions and opportunities to meet with investors; Slush 100, a competition for the best early-stage start-ups, with a final investment of EUR 1 million; Investor Office Hours, private sessions with selected venture capitalists; and Speaker Mentoring, opportunities to engage with speakers and industry experts.
The initiative forms part of the promotional activities aimed at supporting the internationalisation of start-ups and Italian innovative SMEs. Participation is restricted to businesses listed in the Chambers of Commerce’s Special Register of Start-ups and Innovative SMEs.
Interested start-ups and innovative SMEs may submit their applications by 19 July 2026. Membership is free of charge; companies are responsible for travel, food and accommodation expenses, and any other costs not expressly mentioned in the Italian Trade Agency’s advisory notice.
Further information, advisory notice and application forms | link
