7 Hamburg-based startups heading to Helsinki: Apply now for Slush 2026!
No other startup event focuses so strongly on the needs of founders – at least, that is the claim of Slush in Helsinki. In 2026, it will take place on 18 and 19 November. This year, Startup City Hamburg is supporting seven startups in presenting themselves there and making valuable contacts. You can apply to take part until 7 June.
About Slush and the terms of participation
Slush recently attracted more than 12,000 participants, with the proportion of investors – around 3,300 – being particularly high. For that reason alone, the trip to Helsinki is well worth it for startups, not to mention the many other high-profile potential contacts from business, media and politics, and an attractive conference programme featuring keynotes and panels on current technology topics. If you want to be part of it, you must meet the following criteria:
Company headquarters in Hamburg (Commercial register entry required as proof)
Startup age of no more than 10 years
Clear and demonstrable product‑market fit
Well‑founded entrepreneurial interest in participating in Slush 2026
Once the application deadline has passed, a panel of experts will assess all entries, focusing in particular on the maturity of the startup, the scalability of the business model and its international market potential. The seven selected startups will be notified by 12 June at the latest and will receive the following benefits:
One conference ticket for one representative of each startup
Cooperation fee of 500 euros
Participation in the German joint presence as part of “Startup‑Champs Germany”
Media coverage of the participating startups via the communication and social media channels of Startup City Hamburg
Integration into own events as well as into networks of Startup City Hamburg
Support with matchmaking before and during the event
Travel and accommodation must be booked and organised independently by the participating startups.
