Guide to Public Funding 2026 for Growth & Innovation and Founder Networking
Guide to Public Funding 2026 for Growth & Innovation and Founder Networking
About Event
Building and scaling a startup requires more than just a great idea — it requires the right funding, support network, and ecosystem connections.
Join International Startup Founders Finland (ISFF) and Business Finland for an insightful evening focused on helping founders understand Finland’s public funding landscape for 2026, discover growth opportunities, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs through structured founder networking and speed matchmaking.
This event brings together startup founders, innovators, ecosystem experts, and growth-minded entrepreneurs who want to learn how to access funding opportunities while expanding their professional network in Finland.
Whether you are just validating your idea, preparing to scale, or searching for the right co-founder or collaborators, this event is designed to help you move forward with clarity and connections.
Who Should Attend?
This event is for startups and entrepreneurs who:
Have an innovative startup idea.
Want to grow or scale their business in Finland.
Are interested in understanding public funding opportunities.
Want to network with other like-minded founders.
Are looking for co-founders, collaborators, or ecosystem partners.
Want to learn more about Team Finland and Business Finland services.
Are interested in joining the international startup ecosystem in Finland.
What You Will Gain
Funding Insights: Learn about Business Finland funding opportunities and public funding programs for 2026.
Ecosystem Support: Understand Team Finland services available for startups and entrepreneurs.
Founder Networking: Connect with founders, innovators, and ecosystem enablers.
Speed Matchmaking: Meet potential co-founders, collaborators, and future partners through structured networking rounds.
Community Learning: Engage in discussions with experienced founders and ecosystem experts.
Agenda
16:00 – 16:10: Welcome (ISFF & Business Finland)
16:10 – 16:45: Business Finland Funding
(Tuomas Harju & Kari Inberg)
16:45 – 17:00: Team Finland Services
(Hannaliisa Johnson, Elinvoimakeskus – Economic Development Centre)
17:00 – 17:10: Speed Matchmaking Setup
(Create digital cards in 5 mins)
17:10 – 17:30: Speed Matchmaking (Rounds 1–4, 5 min/round)
17:30 – 17:40: Group Photo, Feedback & Break
17:40 – 18:00: Speed Matchmaking
(Rounds 5–8)
Event Details
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Time: 16:00 – 18:00
Location: Business Finland Office, Porkkalankatu 1, 00180 Helsinki
Tickets: Free, on-site event (Registration required; spots are limited). For better catering preparation and to print individual check-in codes at the Business Finland security gate, registration will close at 11:30 AM on Friday, May 22, 2026.
About ISFF
International Startup Founders Finland (ISFF) is a trusted community supporting international entrepreneurs and startup founders in Finland. Our mission is to ensure that no founder builds alone by creating opportunities for learning, networking, collaboration, and ecosystem integration.
We believe global founders can build strong local roots and create impactful innovation together.
From the ISFF Organization Team:
Loan Cindy Tran (Founder), Sherry Oso MBA, ABDI, Paul James Brennan, Anna Antonenko
From the Business Finland Team
Annamari Soikkeli, Hannaliisa Johnson, Tuomas Harju, Kari Inberg.