A much-smaller Slush reminded of the power of community

The startup event Slush was held at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre on 1-2. December. Bringing investors and startups together has always been at the core of Slush, and this year was no exception. Despite the smaller-than-usual number of participants, about 1,700 investors and 3,200 startup entrepreneurs were in attendance.

Research-based innovations for a more sustainable world

Aalto University's booth at Slush featured 12 research-based startups from the Aalto University community. The startups fall under four core sustainability-related themes: resource efficiency, smart surroundings, sustainable materials and next-generation healthcare.

Read more about the startups featured in Slush here.

Before ground-breaking startups, a researcher or a student team was most likely with an initial 'what if…' –moment. The student project Dip Wrap – also showcased at the event – is an excellent example of what happens when students from different disciplines team up to think about tangible solutions to real-life problems.

Spotlight on Aalto spinouts and alumni-founded companies

Vital Signs, one of the startups presented at the Aalto University booth, also made it to the top 20 in the legendary Slush 100 pitching competition. 

An elderly home care startup Helppy – pitched by Aalto alumnus Richard Nordström – made it to the final three of the same competition.

Another Aalto spinout, Nordic Bioproducts Group, won the Synbio Power Pitch competition at the official Slush side event, Y Science. The bioproducts company is developing and commercializing smart biotechnologies to redesign cellulose into high-value bioproducts. Their cellulose hybrids can replace fossil-based, unsustainable or harmful components in packaging, plastics and textile industries.

A warm congratulations to the Nordic Bioproducts Group team! 

See more pictures of the event here.