2026 Slush Startup & Investment Conference, Helsinki, Finland

The 2026 Slush Helsinki Startup and Investor Conference is one of the world's leading tech startup events, dedicated to connecting startups, investors, media, and industry leaders to jointly drive innovation and technological development. Slush originated in 2008, initially launched by a group of student volunteers to help Finnish startups gain attention and funding. After more than a decade of development, Slush has grown from a local event to one of the most influential startup events globally, attracting tens of thousands of participants annually. Its influence extends beyond the Nordic region, radiating worldwide, becoming an important platform for startups seeking funding, establishing partnerships, and expanding markets. The Slush conference is renowned for its unique philosophy of being "non-profit and serving entrepreneurs," with all proceeds used to improve the conference experience and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The conference is grand in scale, typically held at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre, covering tens of thousands of square meters. Each year, Slush attracts thousands of startups, hundreds of venture capital firms, angel investors, corporate executives, and media representatives from over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Exhibitors cover numerous cutting-edge technology fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, FinTech, clean energy, virtual reality, IoT, and software services. The audience composition is diverse, including entrepreneurs seeking investment, investors looking for innovative projects, corporate representatives seeking cooperation opportunities, media reporters focusing on tech trends, and students and professionals passionate about entrepreneurship. Slush is not just an exhibition and conference; it is a vibrant community full of energy and opportunities. During the conference, hundreds of fireside chats, keynote speeches, startup pitches, mentor sessions, investor meetings, and networking events are held. These activities provide participants with valuable learning, exchange, and cooperation opportunities. Many successful startups have found their first investment or important partners at Slush, accelerating their growth. Slush's success lies in its deep understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit and its continuous investment in the innovation ecosystem, making it an indispensable part of the global tech innovation landscape.