SIGNATURE
SIDE EVENT
Y Science 2026
Life science innovation and entrepreneurship
Helsinki, Finland, Messukeskus
November 18th 2026
Y Science is an annual event that brings together the curious scientific community and the business world to inspire concrete actions, innovation and contributions to society in the field of life sciences.
"Y Science is one of the best events to get in touch with a diverse set of the top-notch researchers and science-based startups from the Nordics."
— Michael Lütolf, Creathor Ventures
2026 Programme
The full Y Science 2026 programme will be announced at least one month before the event.
Expect a day filled with inspiring talks, breakthrough innovations, startup and pre-startup pitches, meaningful discussions, and opportunities to connect with founders, researchers, investors, and industry leaders shaping the future of science and innovation.
The program will explore four key themes:
-
Health and Pharma
-
Food Systems
-
Nature and Forestry
-
Research to Business.
We are curating an exciting lineup of speakers, pitchers, and sessions, and we cannot wait to show you what we have in store for Y Science 2026.
New to Y Science? Explore the Y Science 2025 programme and other editions by clicking on previous events on the menu at the top of the screen.
Pitching Competitions
Are you already on the path of turning your discovery into action? Our pitch competitions are for you!
In 2026, Y Science will host two pitching competitions:
-
Health and Pharma Competition - OPEN NOW! Closes September 11, 2026
-
Nature and Forest Competition - OPEN NOW! Closes September 11, 2026
All finalists will receive pitch training from experienced communication specialists before the event, as well as a ticket to attend Slush and the opportunity to showcase their idea to potential investors.
Why (Y) Science
We're here to bring forth the value of science-based business, and encourage scientists to embrace a different way of thinking about impact. Y Science invites all those enthusiastic about life sciences and commercialization of research for a moment of mutual enlightenment.
The event originates from a collaboration between Slush and the University of Helsinki. In 2025, the event is organized by the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE together with Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd., Orion Pharma, Viikki Food Design Factory, Viikki Wood and Forest Innovation Hub, Luke, and Swissnex.
Y Science is a Signature Side Event at Slush, the biggest startup conference in the Nordics.