Take your idea from notes app to reality – apply for Space Pitch!

Do you have a business idea sitting in a drawer that you’ve been thinking about for a while? Or perhaps your company has a new product, service or growth opportunity whose potential you’d like to test?

Space Pitch is your chance to find out.

Pitch your idea to experienced entrepreneurs and investors, get valuable feedback and fresh perspectives, and make connections that could help you move forward. Your idea doesn’t have to be finished – that’s exactly why you test it.

A drawer won’t give you feedback. The Lions will.

This year’s Space Pitch Lions are Risto Lähdesmäki (IDEAN), Eija Ranua (RISE) and Jukka Hakola, FiBAN Active Angel of the Year 2026.

Two categories – which one is yours?

Apply for the Startup category if:

• your company is growth-oriented and has been operating for less than five years

• your company has been operating for longer, BUT has a new product, service, innovation or business model with the potential to create new growth.

Apply for the Business Idea category if:

• you have an idea that could become a business. You don’t need to have a company or a Business ID yet.

There are no restrictions on industry or sector. We also encourage researchers and experts to apply if their research or expertise could be turned into new business. We’re looking for ideas with growth potential – including potential for international markets.

If you’re wondering whether your idea is ready enough, apply anyway. The best way to find out is to test it.

Even filling in the application will help you put into words what makes your idea interesting, who it creates value for and how far it could go. And if you make it to the final, you’ll get to test your idea in front of the Lions and a live audience.

How does the Space Pitch competition work?

APPLICATION PERIOD: 21.9. - 31.10.2026, until 23:59

SELECTION: Finalists will be announced during week 45. All applicants will receive feedback on their application and support with their next steps, even if they don’t make it to the final this time.

PRE-FINAL BRIEFING: Finalists will be invited to a briefing session before the event, including coaching on pitching and preparing for the competition.

COMPETITION DAY: Space Pitch Final – 1 December 2026

The finalists will pitch their ideas to the Lions and a live audience in Seinäjoki at Restaurant Treffi (Frami D, Tiedekatu 2).

The best pitches will be rewarded

The winners of the competition can look forward to some great prizes. We have also traditionally rewarded the audience favourites in both categories.

But a previous Space Pitch participant perhaps says it best when it comes to what you can really gain from the competition:

“We got a major angel investor, more confidence in what we’re doing and, of course, an amazing experience – plus some extra visibility.”

So there’s much more to Space Pitch than winning prizes. Apply if you’re looking for feedback and sparring for your idea, new networks, an investor’s perspective, or simply that little push that turns an idea into action.

If there’s an idea in the back of your mind that has ever made you wonder “what if…?”, this might be the right time to find out.

A tip for your application

Want to prepare before applying? Our free coaching videos are available to help you get started. They cover topics such as building a pitch deck, understanding investment rounds, succeeding on stage and marketing.

Watch the coaching videos >> (in Finnish)

Go to application form >>