The Startup Hack
Think like a founder. Not just a hacker.
This is not your usual hackathon, and we're not just looking for the best coders. We're looking for founders.
Spend 24 hours solving real challenges from Helsinki's startup scene. And if you're already building something of your own? Antler will be there — book a slot, show them what you've got.
What makes this different? You will:
Work on real startup challenges (in teams of up to three)
Get direct access to founders as mentors
Learn how startups think, build, and prioritize
Create something that could go beyond the hackathon
This is your chance to experience what it's like to build inside a startup: fast-paced, ambitious, and focused on real impact.
Two ways to participate
🏢 Startup Challenges Pick a challenge from one of our challenge providers and build a real solution for their problem in 24 hours.
Challenge Providers:
CasvuAI
TaruTech
Trainer (Aalto Founder School)
🚀 Building your own startup? Antler will be on-site and available throughout the event. Book a slot to demo your idea directly to the team: the most promising founders get a spot to pitch at the closing session.
What's Antler's Residency?
8-week full-time program in Antler's Helsinki office
Build alongside driven founder teams
Direct support from Antler's team
A shot at Antler's pre-seed investment
What's in it for you?
€1,000 prize pool (Startup Challenges)
Pitch directly to Antler's team and a possible seat the the residency
Winners from the startup challenges and top founders present at the closing session
Startup mentoring & sparring throughout the event
Event Details April 18–19 📍 Antler Helsinki Office
Saturday
11:00 — Doors Open
12:00 — Kick-off + challenge presentations
12:30 — Lunch
19:00 — Dinner
22:00 — Closing
Sunday
10:00 — Doors Open
11:00 — Brunch
13:00 — Submission Deadline
14:00 — Closing pitches: challenge winners + top start up prospects
15:00 — Closing