2026 Applications for the Nature and Forestry Pitching Competition are open!
Are you building the next breakthrough in nature tech, forest innovations, biodiversity solutions, or sustainable bioeconomy? Whether you are an early-stage science-driven startup or still in pre-startup mode, this is your opportunity to showcase your idea and create real impact.
Apply now to join the Forest & Nature Tech Pitching Competition 2026, where we are looking for the most promising teams developing solutions that promote sustainable forest bioeconomy, halt biodiversity loss, and strengthen nature´s resilience.
Selected applicants will have the chance to pitch their solution as part of a two-stage competition. The first stage of the competition takes place at Forest Industry Days (Metsäpäivät, 22 October 2026), where participants can meet leading experts, companies, and decision-makers in the forest sector by pitching their solution. The four top teams will advance to the final at Y Science, a Slush Signature Side Event (18 November 2026), connecting with investors, innovators, and global networks.
The competition provides high-impact visibility, expert pitch coaching, and direct access to two key audiences: forest-industry professionals and international investors.
Join us in shaping the future of forests and nature by turning research-based ideas into impactful innovations that not only utilize natural resources but also help restore and strengthen them for generations to come.
This competition is jointly organised by the Viikki Wood & Forest InnoHub from the University of Helsinki and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).
Applications may be submitted here. The deadline for applications is September 11, 2026.
If successful at the semi-finals of the pitching competition at Metsäpäivät, all finalists will:
-
Receive one complimentary Startup Pass to Slush (November 18-19), the world´s most founder-focused startup event and a leading gathering of venture capital investors;
-
Pitch your startup or idea on the Y Science stage in front of an audience of more than 500 attendees;
-
Receive a free exhibition table in the Y Science Networking Area;
-
Meet potential investors, partners, and collaborators;
-
Connect with industry experts in your field; and
-
Benefit from expert pitch coaching, including:
-
A workshop on pitching and pitch deck development;
-
At least two one-to-one coaching sessions with a pitch expert; and
-
A rehearsal opportunity with fellow finalists before the event.
The winner will also receive 5,000 EUR to take their exciting idea further!
Those that make it to the semi-finals at Metsäpäivät will be allowed to join the introduction to pitch coaching session on October 5 from 13:00-16:00 UTC (online). Only the top four finalists will receive one to one pitch coaching.
2026 Competition timeline
-
June: Applications open
-
September 11: Applications close
-
October 5, 13:00 - 16:00 EEST: Introduction to Pitching (online workshop)
-
October 22 - Semi finals at Metsäpäivät
-
October 23 - November 12: 1-on-1 pitch coaching (online) - each team will receive 2 x 50 minute sessions (ONLY FINALISTS)
-
November 13, 14:00 - 15:00 EET: Final meeting to review rules and logistics of the pitching competition (online)
-
November 17, 14:00 - 18:00 EET: Dress rehearsal of the competition and networking (Helsinki, Finland)
-
November 18: Wood and Forestry Pitching Competition at Y Science