Start Me Up business idea competition 2024

Start your success with the Start Me Up business idea competition!

Get ready to launch your success by participating in the Start Me Up business idea competition. This is your opportunity to turn your business plans into reality and take your idea to new heights. Join the competition from February 1 to March 31, 2024.

Showcase, for example, a new product, service, solution, operational model, science or research-based innovation, or technology that creates or expands business. The grand prize awaits, with €35,000, and the total prize pool exceeds €90,000 across all competition categories!

Start Me Up is more than just a competition – it's a chance to receive expert support, coaching, and visibility for your business idea. The competition provides a unique opportunity for growth and networking to develop your idea, launch your business, and increase visibility. Collaboration with Business Joensuu, regional and national partners, and the business community in North Karelia strengthens your entrepreneurial journey.

The Start Me Up business idea competition is dedicated to promoting growth entrepreneurship and startup culture with the goal of fostering sustainable, internationally expanding businesses in North Karelia. The competition welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals, companies, and research groups, not only from the North Karelia region but also from across Finland and worldwide. You can participate with multiple ideas, either individually or as a team.

All business idea proposals submitted by March 31, 2024, will compete for both the main prize and other excellent awards in various categories.

Participate now and let your ideas shine! Start Me Up eagerly awaits your business idea. Don't miss this opportunity – turn your idea into reality and join the competition in creating the next success story!

Which business idea will win the Start Me Up 2024 Business Idea Competition? And which ideas will shine in other competition categories?

Welcome to get excited and listen to the best business ideas and draw inspiration! The Start Me Up 2024 Award Gala will be held on May 15, 2024, at Joensuu Science Park's Temple of Challenge hall (Building 3A, 4th floor).

The keynote speaker is the charismatic CEO of the Finnish Startup Community, Riikka Pakarinen. She will open up the environment of growth and startup businesses and provide valuable guidance to Start Me Up competitors, businesses, and anyone interested in the topic.

The event is open to everyone and free of charge. However, seats are limited, so secure your spot by registering for the Gala well in advance, by May 10, 2024, at 16.00 at the latest.
Register your participation here!

Gala program

14.00–14.05 - Opening of the event, Joona Kotilainen
14.05–14.10 - Welcome to the Gala, CEO Tomi Haring, Business Joensuu
14.10–14.25 - Start Me Up case: From VTT's idea to research and business, CEO Mikko Utriainen, Chipmetrics Oy
14.25–15.00 - Keynote speech: Growth Entrepreneurship and Startups, CEO Riikka Pakarinen, Finnish Startup Community
15.00–15.10 - Break
15.10–15.20 - Introduction to the Start Me Up 2024 Business Idea Competition: Statistics and presentation of the jury, Joona Kotilainen
15.20–16.50 - Announcement of the Start Me Up category winners and the winner of the main prize
16.50–17.00 - Winners on stage and closing remarks, Joona Kotilainen and Tomi Haring

Start Me Up Afterparty from 17.00 to 18.00:
The celebration continues casually at the Start Me Up Afterparty at the adjacent Serendipity Café:

Start with welcome drinks and delicious cocktail service.
Network - meet competitors and others attendees, exchange thoughts and ideas, and build new collaborations!
At the Afterparty, the media will have the opportunity to interview winners and get firsthand information about the competitors and their business ideas!

The event ends at 6:00 PM.