High‑Up! 2026 – An official Slush side event for high school students

Hey high school student! Ready to make a difference?

During two inspiring days, high school students will tackle Finland’s most pressing societal challenges with guidance from world-class mentors from FR8, Slush, Aalto Founder School and beyond. You’ll get inspired by talks from Slush speakers, explore startup booths across the campus, and turn their ideas into action with access to the right tools and expert guidance. No startup, team or track record is needed, just the willingness to try!

What's included?

• Workshops, expert mentoring, prototyping sessions, pitching practice and hands-on building.
• Working with founders, investors, mentors and educators. Rapid and concrete feedback at mentor clinics and startup booths.
• A community of 500 ambitious students from cities and small towns across Finland.
• The event is just the beginning! Top teams receive continued resources and support to develop their ideas further.
• Participation is free. Meals on campus are covered for everyone and if you come from outside the capital region, travel and a hotel night are covered too.

Sign up by 25 October!

Companies and organisations: join forces to support young innovators

You can support High-Up! through funding, mentoring and expertise, connecting with Finland’s next generation of founders and innovators. Find out more about the event and partnership opportunities on the High-Up! website.

High-Up! is also honoured to have Suzanne Innes-Stubb, Spouse of the President of the Republic of Finland, as its Patron. She will also present the Vuoden Innostaja, Inspirer of the Year awards on 20 November, recognizing school staff who have made a meaningful difference to young people.

“I’m honoured to support High-Up! as Patron. This event gives young entrepreneurs a fantastic opportunity to try out, develop and showcase their ideas. It shows Finland’s next generation of builders that the future has room for them, and I am proud to be a part of it,” says Suzanne Innes-Stubb

#HighUp #TrustInYouth #TrustInFinland #YouthInnovation