The first-ever Turku Startup Prize has received applications from 148 different startup teams representing 21 countries. Of these, 113 are Finland-based and 35 are international or multinational teams.
The international applicants span all six inhabited continents. After Finland, the strongest representation comes from Estonia, Italy, Hungary and Sweden, alongside teams from countries including the United States, Türkiye, Australia, India, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa and Ukraine.
The applicant pool includes 98 early-stage growth companies and 50 scaleups. Smart technology, AI and quantum computing form the largest sector with 96 teams, followed by life sciences and women’s health with 37, dual-use and security with 26, creative industries with 25, clean transition with 17, and blue economy and maritime with 12. Teams could apply under more than one sector.
A total of 31 startups from the Turku region applied to the competition, representing around one fifth of all applicants. Despite their modest share of the overall applicant pool, Turku-region companies were prominently represented among the most promising teams, underlining the strength of the region’s startup ecosystem.
Building a Global Startup Community in Turku
Turku Startup Hub began operating in its current form in 2026 as a shared community connecting the region’s startups, investors, companies, universities and support organisations. It helps turn ideas and research into internationally growing companies through practical support, expertise and networks.
The Hub’s physical home base at Axelia II will officially open on 16 September 2026.
– The international response to the first Turku Startup Prize exceeded our expectations. Applications from 21 countries are an excellent start for Turku Startup Hub’s first year and show that Turku is increasingly recognised as a place where ambitious founders can build, connect and grow. We are extremely proud of this result—and excited about what comes next, says Jussi Pyysalo, Founder & Director, Turku Startup Hub.
The applications will now proceed to the evaluation stage, bringing some of the most promising teams closer to Turku and its startup community.
