SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
PITCHING
COMPETITION
Our Sustainable Materials Pitching Competition is for Finnish early stage science-based startups and pre-startups developing new or repurposed biomaterials, bio-based materials or processes to create a more sustainable future.
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The competition is jointly organized by HiLIFE from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University.
All finalists will
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receive speaker coaching to prepare their pitch,
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have the chance to present their idea on the Y Science stage,
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meet potential investors,
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network with experts in the fields of their solution, and
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get a Slush ticket
The winner will be granted 5,000 EUR to take their exciting idea further!​
Competition timeline
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August 26: Applications open
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September 25: Applications close
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October 11: Announcement of the finalists
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October 14, 14:00 - 16:00 EEST: Introduction to pitching (hybrid workshop)
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October 15 - November 15: 1-on-1 pitch coaching (online)
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NEW: November 4, 15:30 - 17:00 EET: Increase the impact of your pitch deck design with Polar Hedgehog (online workshop)
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November 15, 13:00 - 14:00 EET: Final meeting to review rules and logistics of the pitching competition (online)
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November 19, 15:30 - 18:30 EET: Dress rehearsal of the competition (Helsinki, Finland)
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November 20: Sustainable Materials Pitching Competition at Y Science
Jury for the selection of the 2024 finalists
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Jani Saarinen, Senior Manager (R&D and Technology) at Kemira
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Patrick Hämelin, Director of Strategy at UPM Biomedicals
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Alex Michine, Managing Director at MetGen
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Erik Kolehmainen, VP - Corporate Venturing at Metsä Spring
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Pedro Gensini, Biosphere Incubator Program Manager @ University of Helsinki
2024 pitch coaches
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Sonja Hilavuo, University Teacher at Aalto University
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Anna Dementyeva, Incubation Specialist at Aalto University
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Chiara Facciotto, Innovation Ecosystem Lead at Meilahti Medical Campus, University of Helsinki