Newsletter October 2026
The leaves are falling, but the startup calendar is only filling up.
This newsletter lists startup events in the Oulu area this October, plus a few at the start of November.
One event deserves a special mention. We are organising the Slush Oulu Side Event & Pitching Competition 2026 for the sixth time. This year's programme includes a red-hot debate between two top startup professionals, Sarita Runeberg and Erik Åkesson. Expect strong opinions, sharp arguments and no slides with 47 bullet points.
The event also features a pitching competition. Present your business idea and compete for cash prizes of 1000 €, 500 € and 300 €. Find the event in the list below and apply to pitch today.
EVENTS AND PROGRAMMES (OCT-DEC 2026)
Slush Oulu Community Side Event & Pitching Competition – Apply by 11.10.
The 6th annual Slush Oulu Community Side Event & Pitching Competition takes place on November 12th at Teatteri Rio. Pitching Competition is open for applications and NOW is time to apply. Pitch and compete for cash prizes of 1000 €, 500 € and 300 €. Apply and take the stage!
AURORA Fall 2026 – apply by 11.10.
A five-day early-stage accelerator for student entrepreneurs. Spend two days in workshops and mentoring. Then spend three days in a distraction-free "hackerhouse", turning your idea into its first real customer.
Startup Mastermind Club October 20.10. 14.00–16.00
A peer-support network for startup teams and founders who have started their journey. Pitch your startup, talk about your current challenges, get insights from BusinessOulu experts and solve problems together with peers.
Startup Afterwork 22.10. 19.00–23.00
A relaxed evening to meet people from the startup community.
Cofounder Corner 28.10. 16.00–17.00
Cofounder Corner is a meet-up to find potential teammates and fellow entrepreneurs!
Founders of Oulu Launch Party 29.10.
Our first official launch — a relaxed, founder-led evening for builders, students, investors, and ecosystem partners. Come meet the people building from Oulu.
Fun(d) Day is back. From public funding to private investment, it brings together funding experts, investors and entrepreneurs to explore different ways to finance and grow your business. Whether you are looking for funding now, planning your next raise or just want to understand your options, come and find out what is out there.
Volunteer call: Polar Bear Pitching 2027
Want to be part of Oulu's coolest startup event? Polar Bear Pitching takes over the city again on 18.2.2027, and we are looking for volunteers to help make it a success. You can be a student, a founder or simply curious about the startup world. It is a hands-on way to be part of our biggest startup event in town!
Phew, that's the full list for now. Find even more at startupoulu.com.
