Building startups together: 100STARTUPS event series wraps with strong momentum

The mission was clear: help participants test ideas, build teams, and take the first concrete steps toward new startups through practical masterclasses, workshops, and networking. 

What is 100STARTUPS? 

100STARTUPS is a hands-on program designed to lower the threshold for entrepreneurship. Participants learn core tools and methods, validate ideas with peers and experts, and build early traction together – no prior startup experience or business degree required. The series set a target to validate 100 concepts across the pre-events and the two-day main event, ultimately reaching 90 validated ideas. 

The event series was organized in collaboration with main partners City of Espoo and Business Espoo, and partners ABB, City of Helsinki, and Septimus.

Pre-events: skills, networks, and momentum 

Ahead of the main event, 100STARTUPS built skills, networks, and momentum through an extensive pre-event lineup. Eight masterclasses between August 26 and October 14 covered Entrepreneurship ABC, Starttiraha, Business Finland funding for early-stage startups, legal responsibilities, accounting and payroll, banking solutions, marketing and branding, and EU funding.  

Hands-on workshops included laser cutting and 3D printing at Omnia Makerspace, an IPR bootcamp with MIMIR, app building with Lovable and first funding strategies with EOD Insights. Two networking sessions – team building with Epicmeets and building a creative business with Aalto Creatives and Fun Design Market – connected idea-holders with prospective collaborators. 

In total, pre-event registrations reached more than 800 across eight masterclasses, two networking sessions, and workshops. 

Main event highlights 

The two-day main event at A Grid gathered over 600 participants and combined inspiration with action. Day 1 opened with an opening ceremony and an election panel where representatives from all parliamentary parties discussed accelerating research commercialization, growing deep-tech startups, and turning scientific breakthroughs into global impact. Investors attended the FiBAN pitching competition, while idea-holders and contributors joined the “Bring an Idea, Find a Team” Epics workshop to validate early concepts.  

Sector showcases continued with ecosystem pitches & roundtables, and throughout the day participants met Business Espoo advisors, visited service provider stands, and booked free one-to-one business advice.  

Day 2 shifted firmly into execution. Keynotes by Aape Pohjavirta (Dragon Guild) and Dr. Riikka Mäkikoskela (Aalto Centre for Radical Creativity) set the tone, followed by workshops on pathways from lab to impact with Aalto Inventors, building credible financial models with Aalto Innovation, sales foundations with Sampo Accelerator, building an AI toolkit with Oddlatent, crafting a 60-second Slush-ready pitch with FiBAN, and assembling startup teams from co-founders to first hires with Aalto Innovation. The series wrapped with a call-to-action from ideas to action and celebrating what was achieved over the event series before an afterparty. 

All participants were invited to join the 100STARTUPS Slack workspace to share ideas, gather feedback, find teammates, and keep momentum going beyond the event. 

What participants said 

Feedback emphasized practical value, strong networking, and energy. Attendees described the experience as amazing, very helpful, and energizing, noting that the sessions were well structured and that they learned something new. Many highlighted the value of honest conversations and appreciated useful redirections to ecosystem partners.  

"Spectacular event from outstanding organizers and extraordinary talents with big call to action. That is what we need. Action!"  
- Sveta 
 
"Awesome event with lots of practical workshops. We would like to see the same event soon again."  
- Islam 

What’s next 

Based on the positive feedback and the number of validated concepts, Aalto Innovation and A Grid are planning follow-up activities to help teams turn validated ideas into startups. Another 100STARTUPS main event is being planned for next year, with continued emphasis on practical skill-building, ecosystem connections, and pathways to funding.  

For updates and future calls, follow Aalto Innovation and A Grid channels, and join the 100STARTUPS Slack to stay connected with the community.