2025 Applications for the Nature and Forestry Pitching Competition are Now Open Until September 14!​
Are you building the next big thing in nature technology and forest solutions?
The Viikki Wood and Forest InnoHub from the University of Helsinki and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) invite future shapers of the forest and nature sector to join a two-stage pitching competition.
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We are looking for the most promising early-stage startups and teams developing future commercial solutions to promote sustainable forest bio-economy, halt nature loss and strengthen biodiversity - turning ideas into impactful innovations. The solutions should be at a minimum level where they have been validated.
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The first stage will take place at Forest Industry Days (MetsäPäivät, 23 October, 2025), where participants will meet leading experts, companies, and decision-makers in forest use by pitching their solution. The top four teams will then advance to the final at Y Science, a Slush Signature Partner Event, where they will connect with investors, innovators and global networks.
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Our goal is to bring forward fresh, research-based solutions to the pressing sustainability challenges of forests and nature as well as related industries - combining science, technology, and practical implementation - and to strengthen Finland´s position as a forerunner in sustainable innovation.
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Join us in creating innovations that not only utilize nature but restore and strengthen its vitality for generations to come, as well as to maximise the sustainable use of nature resources.
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Applications may be submitted at this link. The deadline for applications is September 14, 2025.
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You may find further information here on the Viikki Wood and Forest InnoHub Website.
​​If successful at the semi-finals of the pitching competition at MetsäPäivät, all finalists will:
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Receive 1-1 online speaker coaching to prepare their pitch. This will be in the form of 2x50 minute sessions with an expert pitch coach (20 October - 11 November, 2025);
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Participate in the Y Science networking pre-event (18 November, 2025);
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Showcase their idea live on the Y Science stage at the Health and Pharma Pitching Competition to a business and investment audience (November 19, 2025);
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Meet and network with potential investors;
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Meet and network with experts in the fields of their solution;
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Receive a Startup Pass to attend Slush (19-20 November, 2025); and,
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Pitch inside Slush at the swisstech Pavilion (November 20)
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The winner will also receive 5,000 EUR to take their exciting idea further!​​
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Those that make it to the semi-finals at Metsäpäivät will be allowed to join the introduction to pitch coaching session on October 13 from 12:00-14:00 UTC (online).
2025 Competition timeline
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August 25: Applications open
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September 14: Applications close
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October 13, 12:00 - 14:00 EEST: Introduction to Pitching (online workshop)
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October 23, Semi-Finals at MetsäPäivät
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October 20 - November 11: 1-on-1 pitch coaching (online) - each team will receive 2 x 50 minute sessions (available to the four finalists after MetsäPäivät)
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November 14, 13:00 - 14:00 EET: Final meeting to review rules and logistics of the pitching competition (online)
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November 18, 14:00 - 18:00 EET: Dress rehearsal of the competition and networking (Helsinki, Finland)
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November 19: Pharma Pitching Competition at Y Science
Jury for the selection of the 2025 semi-finalists
To be announced.
2025 pitch coaches
To be announced.