Startup Summit Kuopio
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026
Bringing together founders, investors, experts and people driving innovation forward.
About
A meeting point for the startup and innovation community.
Startup Summit Kuopio is a one-day event consisting of a startup pitching competition, expert insights, new connections, a panel discussion and guided networking in a practical afternoon format.
Date: 18 August 2026, 12:00–17:30
Venue: Savonia UAS Kampussydän, Microkatu 1, 70210 Kuopio
Event language: English
18 Aug 2026
The event takes place on Tuesday 18 August 2026.
Kuopio
Hosted in Kuopio, Finland, as part of Health Insights Week 2026.
12:00–17:30
A focused afternoon programme with pitches, keynotes and networking.
18:30
Informal networking continues at the afterparty.
In collaboration with
Interested in partnering with Startup Summit Kuopio 2026? Get visibility among founders, investors, researchers and people working with innovation and growth.
Explore partnership opportunitiesWho should attend
Built for people turning ideas into business.
Startup Summit Kuopio is designed for practical conversations between founders, investors, researchers, business leaders and people helping new ideas move forward.
Startup founders
Network with investors, partners and share experiences with other founders.
Investors
Discover early-stage companies, founder teams and new opportunities.
Researchers
Explore how research can move toward commercial impact and scalable business.
Experts and partners
Connect with people shaping innovation, growth and company-building.
Reference from Startup Summit Eastern Finland 2025
The event was instrumental for us in starting to strategise around a smaller funding round. It also gave us the opportunity to connect with several local angel investors on the spot. While none of them ultimately joined our round, those interactions helped us significantly in structuring it. The level of discussion was very strong, and the overall organisation was excellent.
Pitching competition winner 2025
What stood out to me about Startup Summit Eastern Finland was how human it felt. It wasn’t just pitching to a panel, it was a real conversation with people who were genuinely curious. Winning with VoimaX didn’t feel like a trophy moment; it felt like validation from a room that actually listened.
Speakers & host
Speaker lineup 2026
The 2026 speaker lineup brings together perspectives from investment, entrepreneurship, research, technology and regional business development.
Saara Närä
Entrepreneur, speaker, social media professional and founder & CEO of Kupla Social.
Speakers for 2026
Vilma Torstila
Partner and Investment Director, Bocap
Minna Hendolin
Director of Impact, University of Eastern Finland
Antti Väänänen
CEO & Founder, Vireum Oy
Petri Kalliokoski
CEO and entrepreneur, High Metal Oy
Noora Tuikka
CEO & Partner, Nostetta Ventures
Timo Antikainen
Director of City and Economic Development, City of Kuopio
Startup pitching competition
Selected startups will pitch on stage in front of investors, jury members, partners and the startup community. The format is designed to give early-stage teams visibility, feedback and relevant connections.
Programme
Programme 2026
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 brings together keynotes, startup pitches, partner insights, guided networking and a panel discussion on commercialising research.
Doors open, registration and coffee
Arrival, check-in and coffee before the official programme begins.
Welcome and opening words
Opening of Startup Summit Kuopio 2026.
Keynote 1
A 15-minute keynote followed by a short Q&A.
Keynote 2
A 15-minute keynote followed by a short Q&A.
Partner spotlight
A short partner presentation.
Startup pitching competition
Selected startups pitch their ideas on stage in front of the audience, jury and partners.
Coffee and guided networking
A facilitated networking session for startups, investors, partners and other participants.
Panel discussion
From research to business: how can research be commercialised?
Partner spotlight and winner announcement
The winner of the startup pitching competition will be announced.
Closing words and open networking
The official programme closes and networking continues.
Official programme ends
Transition to the afterparty.
Afterparty
Informal networking continues at Luoto.
The programme is subject to small changes. Final session details will be confirmed closer to the event.
Venue
Savonia UAS Kampussydän
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 takes place at Savonia University of Applied Sciences’ Microkatu campus in Savilahti, a key area for education, research, health, technology and business in Kuopio.
Microkatu 1, Kuopio
The main programme takes place in Savonia’s Kampussydän stage and lobby area. Kampussydän is located on the Microkatu campus, with guidance from Savonia’s main entrances.
Open in Google MapsMap location
Accommodation
Partner hotels for Health Insights Week 2026
Three partner hotels are available for visitors attending Health Insights Week 2026 events, including Startup Summit Kuopio. Rooms are subject to availability.
Lapland Hotels Kuopio
Lapland Hotels Kuopio combines northern hospitality with the relaxed charm of the Savo region.
Address:
Puijonkatu 32, 70100 Kuopio
Room rates 18.8.-21.8.2026:
Northern Comfort Single Room: €118/night
Northern Comfort Double Room: €138/night
Booking code:
ALLHEALHTINSIGHTS
Book by:
20.7.2026
More details
Distances:
Kuopio railway station 140 m
Kuopio Travel Center 200 m
Kuopio Market Square 500 m
Kuopio Airport 16.6 km
Includes:
Buffet breakfast, WiFi, evening guest sauna access from 18:00 to 22:00, gym access, and Lapland Hotels Club points and benefits.
Scandic Atlas
Scandic Atlas is located in the centre of Kuopio, close to services and transport connections.
Address:
Haapaniemenkatu 22, 70110 Kuopio
Discount information:
Health Insights Week 2026 participants are entitled to a discounted room rate at Scandic Atlas.
Booking:
Book accommodation
Availability:
Rooms are subject to hotel availability and can be booked up to 10 days before arrival.
More details
Arrival:
The hotel is located in the centre of Kuopio, within walking distance of the railway station and bus station. Parking is available in Toriparkki under Kuopio Market Square.
Booking terms:
Guests may choose their preferred room type. Cancellation terms depend on the selected booking type. A valid credit card is required to confirm the reservation.
Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi
Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi is a lively hotel close to the market square and Kallavesi.
Address:
Minna Canthin katu 16, 70100 Kuopio
Room rates 18.-21.8.2026:
Standard Single Room: €130/night
Standard Double Room: €150/night
Superior Single Room: €155/night
Superior Double Room: €175/night
Booking code:
BHEALTHWEEK
Book by:
21.7.2026
More details
Additional room options:
Superior Single Room with Sauna: €175/night
Superior Double Room with Sauna: €195/night
Includes:
Accommodation, buffet breakfast, guest sauna access and gym access.
Reservations:
Website: Sokos Hotels
Email: puijonsarvi.kuopio@sokoshotels.fi
Phone: +358 (0)10 762 9500
FAQ
Practical information
A few quick answers for participants, pitching teams and partners.
Where can I buy a ticket?
Tickets are sold through Eventbrite. Early bird tickets are available for 20 € for a limited time.
Who is the event for?
The event is for startup founders, investors, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, experts, partners and people interested in innovation and company-building.
Can startups from outside Kuopio apply to pitch?
Yes. Startups and teams from outside Kuopio can apply, as long as they are able to attend and pitch in person at the event.
Where should I go when I arrive?
The event takes place in Savonia’s Kampussydän at the Microkatu campus. There will be guidance from the main entrances to the registration area.
What language will the event use?
The event is planned with an international audience in mind, therefore the primary language of the event is English.
Where does the event take place?
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 takes place at Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kampussydän, Microkatu 1, Kuopio.
Get your ticket to Startup Summit Kuopio 2026
Early bird tickets are now available for 20 €. The ticket includes the full event programme, coffee, tea, light snacks, beverages and access to facilitated matchmaking during the event. The price will increase closer to the event.
Previous event
From Startup Summit Eastern Finland 2025
Photos from Startup Summit Eastern Finland 2025, organized in Microkatu 1, Novapolis. Photography by Paula Turpeinen.
Partners
Startup Summit Kuopio 2026 is built together with partners who support innovation, entrepreneurship and growth.
