Start-upmission to Slush Helsinki 2026

Opportunities for startups

The startup trade mission to Slush focuses on ambitious young tech companies that want to expand their business with a scalable business model. We collaborate with regional partners to provide exciting events and expand your network.

Slush is an excellent opportunity to:

• meet potential investors;
• present your product or service to a large international audience;
• test your product or service;
• attract new customers;
• collaborate with other companies;
• attract talent;
• learn more about the European and global market.

Slush provides the perfect platform for spontaneous encounters, networking opportunities, and taking on challenges.

Slush 2026

Over 12,000 attendees, 5,800 startups, 3,300 investors and 300 journalists from around the world gather at Slush Helsinki. This year, Slush is intentionally becoming smaller and more focused, with fewer attendees but more founders and investors. This makes the event even more relevant for startups looking to grow and build valuable connections.

The Netherlands has its own NL Lounge at Slush. This is the meeting place for the Dutch delegation and a great base for networking. Individual startup booths are not available. We encourage participants to explore the event and make new connections throughout the venue.

In collaboration with partners, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) organises several side events. These events offer opportunities to meet investors, coaches and fellow founders.

For whom?

You can register for this mission if you meet the following criteria:

• Your product or service is high-tech, innovative and has the potential to change the market.
• There is proven demand for your product or service in the Dutch market.
• You have started international expansion or are ready to do so.
• You are looking for seed, Series A or Series B funding.
• Your startup is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

Do you have a strong reason to participate in Slush 2026 despite not fully meeting the criteria? Please explain in your application.

Fees

The participation fee for this mission is €650 (excluding VAT) per company. This fee covers 1 participant. For a second participant, the fee is €325 (excluding VAT). Up to 2 people can participate.

The fee includes:

• access to Slush;
• ticket for FUSE Enschede on Thursday 27 August 2026;
• participation in the preparatory meeting;
• use of the NL Lounge;
• access to side events;
• networking opportunities with investors;
• opportunities to sign contracts or MoUs in the presence of the delegation leaders;
• local support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Helsinki;
• the networking dinner with the Dutch delegation on Monday 16 November.

Travel and accommodation costs are at your own expense.This also applies to meals and drinks unless stated otherwise in the programme.

Travel and accommodation

We recommend staying at the same hotel as the other mission participants. This offers additional opportunities to exchange experiences and expand your network.

After your participation has been confirmed, you will receive more information about the hotel. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency does not arrange travel or accommodation.

Programme

We are currently finalising the mission programme. The programme is subject to change, but the outline is as follows:

Your attendance is essential

Our startup missions play a crucial role in growing and developing a startup. That is why it is essential to fully prepare and participate in the mission programme to ensure success. With that in mind, we ask you to attend the preparation meeting on Thursday 27 August, and fully engage in the Helsinki programme. If you cannot attend, please consider sending a colleague or rethinking your application. 

Register for Slush 2026

Would you like to join the startup mission to Slush 2026? Register via the button below. Register by 27 July 2026. 

Register now 

The language of the mission is English.

We want to ensure that participating companies match the mission's objectives and focus. That is why registration does not automatically guarantee participation.

We assess applications based on the criteria listed under 'For whom?' in the registration form. Please explain how and why your company meets these criteria. We will use this information in the selection process.

Note: Once selected by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, your application must still be assessed by the organisation of Slush.

More information

For more information about this mission, please contact:

Maurits Berger
Project Manager Missions, Netherlands Enterprise Agency
E: maurits.berger@rvo.nl

Denise Kusse
Project Manager Missions, Netherlands Enterprise Agency
E: denise.kusse@rvo.nl

Organisation

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency organises this mission in cooperation with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Helsinki and 4TU, commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.