Maria 01 NOW: Finland’s largest international pitching competition
About this event
Welcome to the annual Maria 01 NOW International Pitching Competition — The Global Stage for Game-Changing Startups.
Maria 01, one of Europe’s leading startup ecosystems, brings together the most ambitious startups from around the world to present their ideas at the Maria 01 NOW Pitching Competition. Selected startups will pitch on June 2, 2026, during the official Pitching Competition Day.
The following two days — June 3–4 — feature a carefully curated program including the BSV Investor Deep Tech Day and the Builders & Community Day, with networking events, ecosystem activities, and celebrations for founders and partners.
Three days. Hundreds of founders, investors, and decision-makers.
What is Maria 01 NOW?
NOW is every startup’s moment to shine: the opportunity to present groundbreaking solutions, gain exposure, and compete for prizes. Our renowned jury, composed of investors, journalists, and industry experts, will select winners across multiple tracks, recognizing the startups set to shape the future.
Over three dynamic days, multiple stages will showcase startups driving change in sectors shaping our tomorrow. Last year, we hosted over 1,000 attendees and 100 startups from 20 countries across diverse industries.
Why apply
Present in front of a jury that matters: investors, industry leaders, and founders who have actually built something.
Win a ticket to Slush 2026: top performers will gain access to Helsinki’s — and arguably Europe’s — most founder-focused event of the year.
Visibility that sticks: with 10 tracks, your startup will be seen by the right people in your specific industry.
Who can apply
To apply, you must be a legally registered company and pitch in person. No remote presentations or video links are accepted.
Join us in Helsinki. Get inspired. Discover what’s next.
Application period: March 1 – March 31.
