Every November, Helsinki’s Slush startup event emerges as the epicenter of Europe’s tech ecosystem, and this year was no exception. Finnish companies stole the spotlight across diverse sectors, signaling the dawn of groundbreaking innovations in health, food, sustainability, work life, and even quantum computing.
Slush CEO Eerika Savolainen set an optimistic tone, describing it as the “break of dawn” and emphasizing hope, renewal, and change. The event drew 12,000 attendees, including 4,600 startups and 2,600 investors, reflecting a palpable sense of positivity at the Helsinki Exhibition Centre.
Since its inception in 2008, Slush has evolved into a tech industry landmark, known for its student-led organization, relaxed atmosphere, and ability to attract tech giants. The 2022 edition featured leaders from companies like Apple, Klarna, Onlyfans, and Supercell, highlighting the need for new approaches in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin set an optimistic tone early on, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past and striving for technological independence and future-proof digital solutions. The call for innovations resonated throughout the event, with several Finnish startups poised to fulfill this mission.
Quantum Power and Healthy Fats:
Algorithmiq, founded in 2020, is a Helsinki-based startup specializing in quantum algorithms to solve complex scientific questions, starting with medicine. Collaborating with IBM’s Aurora drug-discovery platform, Algorithmiq aims to revolutionize the drug discovery process, potentially reducing the time to market for new drugs.
At the other end of the spectrum, OleoFlow, a research project at the University of Helsinki, transforms locally produced oils into solid fats for healthier food alternatives. The startup, led by Jyrki Lee-Korhonen, is working towards commercialization and plans to become an independent company in spring 2023.
Sustainable Farming and Nanosatellites:
Arctic Farming stands out in the food industry with its fully automated vertical farming technology, providing a solution to the quality and customer experience challenges. By selling and leasing hardware to restaurants, cafes, and hotels, Arctic Farming aims to revolutionize the production of fresh produce with a focus on sustainability.
Kuva Space utilizes satellite technology to address climate change and safety concerns. With three nanosatellites equipped with unique hyperspectral camera technology, the company observes and provides crucial information on Earth’s surface, bioresources, and human activities.
Next-Level Video Comms:
Silta Education, founded in 2021, combines neuroscience and digital learning to enhance concentration skills in a world filled with distractions. The startup, led by Johanna Vilmi and Veera Virintie, addresses the challenges of knowledge work and screens, offering tools based on recent neuroscience findings.
Glue, a Helsinki-based company, enhances video conferencing technologies by creating a virtual three-dimensional environment with spatial audio. CEO Jussi Havu emphasizes the platform’s ability to provide a true feeling of presence, promoting engagement similar to face-to-face interactions. The immersive experience, facilitated by VR glasses and controllers, aims to improve work-life balance and save time and money.
Greener Transport:
Verge Motorcycles, led by CEO Tuomo Lehtimäki, introduces a hubless electric motorbike with low maintenance needs. The electric bike, shipping in 2023, eliminates traditional moving parts like chains and cogwheels, embodying Verge’s vision for sustainability and pushing boundaries.
As Tuomo Lehtimäki puts it, “I can look the next generation straight in the eye and say we did our best. And we keep pushing the boundaries of that. If we can do even better tomorrow, we will do that.” The journey to this point has been long, but the motivation remains rooted in doing the best for future generations.