StartupOulu Newsletter November 2026
November is here, and Oulu is officially in its cozy-but-caffeinated era.☕️
November in Oulu means plenty of events to warm you up. And the big news! Applications to pitch in the avanto at Polar Bear Pitching 2027 are officially OPEN! 🎉 Apply now and take the plunge into the avanto on 18.2.2027.
Prefer to be part of the action from behind the scenes? We are also looking for volunteers to help make this coolest startup event a success. Student, founder or simply startup-curious, you are welcome! Apply by 6 Nov.
COMING UP THIS MONTH
Fun(d) Day 5.11. 9.00–14.00
From public funding to private investment, Fun(d) Day 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.
Slush Oulu Community Side Event & Pitching Competition 12.11. 14.00–18.00
The 6th annual Slush Oulu Community Side Event & Pitching Competition takes place on November 12th at Teatteri Rio. Watch the pitches, enjoy the debate between two startup professionals and meet the community. The fun keeps going after 18.00 at the afterparty. Get your tickets now!
LEAP Helsinki 16.–17.11.
Organised by OuluES, LEAP takes students from Oulu to Helsinki during Slush week, when the city is already buzzing with energy. Visit startups, companies and ecosystem players, and network with industry professionals and fellow students. The ticket (69 €) includes round-trip travel from Oulu, one night of accommodation and all visits.
BusinessOulu's How to Training Series
BusinessOulu is organising a useful training series for those interested in startups, as well as for entrepreneurs, with the following themes:
How to Get First Sales and Market Effectively 11.-12-11. 9.00–14.00
How to Build a Funding Strategy for Growth 26.-27.11. 9.00–14.00
Startup Express Pre-Incubator | Applications now open for the final cohort
BusinessOulu’s popular pre-incubator program helps aspiring entrepreneurs build startup skills, confidence, and take the first steps toward building a successful company. Applications are now open for the final Startup Express cohort beginning on 21 January 2027. If you've been considering joining the program, this is your last opportunity to be part of the Startup Express journey.
StartupOulu Mentor Office Hours
Got a business idea you want to build or a research result you’d like to explore commercially? Drop in and chat with StartupOulu mentors to get sparring, ideas and fresh perspectives. No appointment needed.
📍 Business Corner, Oamk side, Wednesdays 9:30-11:30
📍 Olohuone (YT103), University of Oulu, Thursdays 9:30-11:30
That’s all for now, folks! See ya at the events! 👋
