StartupOulu events and programs (Sep-Oct)
StartupOulu's community is back in full swing this autumn 2026!
The season is packed with events and programmes, inspiring people, and networks to help you build your business idea and explore new possibilities. Below you'll find what's coming up in September–October.
But first, let's announce that Polar Bear Pitching's Blind Bear tickets are out now!
And now take a look and hop on!✌️
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS (SEP-OCT 2026)
Paint somethig. Pitch it like a pro. Win (or lose spectacularly). No painting experience needed. No pitch deck needed. All materials provided, just bring yourself and your best business jargon.
Founder’s Corner 22.9.–8.12. (FIN)
Develop your idea and learn how to build a digital business, step by step. No finished business idea needed — just curiosity about entrepreneurship and motivation to learn. Participants get access to an AI tool for the duration of the programme. Sessions run every Tuesday, 9:30–11:30. Spots are limited, so sign up now.
Startup Mastermind Club 22.9. (ENG)
The Startup Mastermind Club is a peer-support network for startup teams and founders that have started their journey. Here you can pitch your startup and discuss your current challenges, gain insights from BusinessOulu experts, and take part in collective problem-solving with peers.
AI incubator kick-off 23.9. – apply now! (FIN/ENG)
This is the start of a 9-month journey where you take an AI idea to your first customer — and toward a growing company!
Career in Startups: A founder’s story 23.9. 17:30–18.30 (Tellus, Linnanmaa campus)
Join OuluES for an evening with Ilkka Immonen, a serial founder and startup veteran with over two decades in the game and the startup industry.
Startup Express pre-incubator kick-off 24.9.(ENG)
Turn your idea into a startup in 100 days with help of a community! Startup Express is a pre-incubator program that provides skills, confidence and contacts to empower you on your journey..
AI Creativity catalyst online hackathon – apply by sep 27th
Join online AI hackathon to turn ideas into new possibilities. The winning team will receive a free trip to Kirkenes, Norway, including travel and accommodation, and the opportunity to present their project at the Arctic AI Summit on October 20–22, 2026.
Cofounder Corner 30.9. (Save the date!)
Cofounder Corner is a relaxed meet-up to find potential teammates and fellow entrepreneurs! Registration coming soon – stay tuned.
Oulu eCom Day gathers e-commerce professionals in Oulu for a full day of current themes, trends and future outlooks in e-commerce and digital business. The event is aimed at everyone working in — or planning to start — an online business.
BusinessOulu invites you to Future Tech Oulu 2026, one of this autumn’s biggest tech events in Oulu, bringing together professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs and members of the tech ecosystem.
AURORA Fall 2026 14.–18.10. (Save the date!)
A five-day early-stage accelerator for student entrepreneurs: two days of workshops and mentoring, followed by a three-day distraction-free "hackerhouse" focused on turning an idea into its first real customer.
Startup Crawl 21.10. (Save the date!)
Company visits in Oulu, startup scene. More information soon.
JunctionX OuluES Hackathon 23.–25.10. (Save the date!)
This hackathon an intensive, high-energy hackathon that brings together students from technology, business, and design backgrounds to solve real-world challenges.
And much more: startupoulu.com.
