Aalto Startup Center (external link)
Aalto Startup Center accelerates the growth and success of early-stage startups, particularly those with a focus on high-tech and sustainable innovations.
100STARTUPS
A series of events designed to turn your ideas into impact, beginning on August 26 and building up to the main event on October 21–22. Have you been sitting on a startup idea for ages? Is your computer full of half-baked business plans? Want to know if your idea is viable? Take action and join 100STARTUPS now.
In this event, we are committed to Aalto University’s principles for a safer space.
In October, we bring together students, job seekers, creators, dreamers, and future founders to learn the right tools and methods to start building what you always wanted to bring to life.
You don’t need the perfect idea, you don't need a business degree, and you don't need founder experience! Just bring your curiosity and energy, meet ambitious people, share your ideas and get s*** done.
What is 100STARTUPS?
100STARTUPS brings together bold and creative minds who dare to turn ideas into action.
Through hands-on masterclasses and expert guidance, participants will validate ideas, form teams, test business concepts, and build the foundations of new startups together. You don’t need experience, funding, or a ready business plan, just the courage to start.
We aim to validate 100 concepts throughout pre-event training sessions and workshops and the in-person two-day main event.
-
future founders and current founders
-
job seekers
-
students
-
Anyone exploring entrepreneurship
-
Workshops and Talks: Practical, founder-first sessions led by operators and experts
-
Demo Booths: Hands-on product showcases from 100+ startups and R2Bs
-
Pitching: The stage for ambitious founders to meet investors and partners
-
Investor Meetups: Curated sessions for VCs, angels, and CVCs
-
Matchmaking: Speed meetings connecting startups, corporates, and talent
-
Networking: Community mixers, campus tours, and side events
Full agenda released in September.
A Grid, Otakaari 5 A, 02150 Espoo - Aalto University Campus, Finland
A Grid is a leading Nordic startup hub with labs, makerspaces, and a vibrant community just 15 minutes by metro from Helsinki city center. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Masterclass dates
August 26, 10:00 - 11:00: Entrepreneurship ABC REGISTER HERE
September 2, 10:00 - 11:00: Starttiraha REGISTER HERE
September 9, 10:00 - 11:00: Business Finland funding opportunities for early-stage startups REGISTER HERE
September 16, 10:00 - 11:00: Legal responsibilities of an entrepreneur REGISTER HERE
September 23, 10:00 - 11:00: Accounting and payroll REGISTER HERE
September 30, 10:00 - 11:00: TBC
October 7, 10:00 - 11:00: Marketing & Branding REGISTER HERE
October 14, 10:00 - 11:00: EU Funding REGISTER HERE
100STARTUPS events
Entrepreneurship ABC (100STARTUPS)
If you’re curious about starting a company, this session gives you a simple and clear introduction to entrepreneurship. You’ll learn the basic steps, mindset, and what actually matters when building something from scratch. Perfect for first-time founders or early idea-stage participants. This masterclass will be hosted by Business Espoo.
Starttiraha (100STARTUPS)
This session breaks down the basics of early-stage funding and the option of Startti Raha that is available to early stage startups. You’ll get a clearer understanding of how founders typically get their first resources. This masterclass will be hosted by Business Espoo.
Business Finland funding opportunities for early stage startups (100STARTUPS)
Learn what funding opportunities exist for Finnish early-stage startups and how public support systems work. You’ll get practical insights into Business Finland programmes and how to access them. This session will be hosted by Business Finland.Contact us!
100STARTUPS is organized by
A Grid (external link)
A Grid is home for nearly 150 ambitious startups and partners, and acts as a gateway to the university’s ecosystem of resources, talented students and cutting-edge research and infrastructure.
100Startups Partners
