Aalto University to host INNOVA Europe 2026 Grand Final in Espoo

Founded in 2022, INNOVA Europe has grown into a recognised European platform for early-stage entrepreneurship within higher education. Each year, partner institutions across Europe identify standout projects through a national competition to represent their university at the European Grand Final, bringing together a shared European stage where academic excellence, innovation, and societal relevance meet.

A strong European university network

The INNOVA Europe network brings together ten partner institutions: Aalto University, EDHEC Business School, ESMT Berlin, ETH Zürich, IE Business School, Kyiv School of Economics, London Business School, POLIMI Graduate School of Management, Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University, and University College Dublin.

Following three successful editions hosted in Milan, Paris, and Berlin, the 2026 Grand Final comes to Espoo and Finland, placing Aalto University at the heart of a collaborative European effort to support high-potential entrepreneurial ideas addressing pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.

From national selection to a European final

Participation in INNOVA Europe begins within each partner institution, where student and alumni teams compete locally for the opportunity to represent their university at the European level. These national selections highlight the strength and diversity of entrepreneurship ecosystems across Europe, while ensuring that the projects advancing to the Grand Final reflect both academic rigor and real-world relevance.

At Aalto University, the national selection for INNOVA Europe 2026 will take place through PORT_, the university’s flagship student entrepreneurship hackathon. The winning team from PORT_ will go on to represent Aalto University at the INNOVA Europe Grand Final in Espoo, joining nine other finalist teams from across the partner network.

Spotlight on early-stage innovation and impact

The 2026 edition focuses on idea-stage projects, showcasing emerging innovators developing early concepts with the potential for meaningful impact. Competing teams will present solutions aligned with three priority SDGs: Climate Action (SDG 13), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and responsible growth.

During the Grand Final, finalist teams will pitch their ideas to an international jury of academics, industry experts, and entrepreneurship practitioners, and take part in networking and peer-learning activities.

By hosting INNOVA Europe 2026, Aalto University continues to strengthen its engagement in European collaboration, entrepreneurship education, and impact-driven innovation. The event reflects the university’s broader commitment to interdisciplinary approaches and solutions that address global challenges.

Further information

Further information about INNOVA Europe, including its mission, history, and partner network, is available on the INNOVA Europe website. Additional programme details, jury announcements, and finalist profiles will be published closer to the event.