News

Helsinki-Uusimaa Region welcomed Ukrainian Startups at Slush 2023

The largest startup conference in Northern Europe, Slush, was organised from November 30 to December 1 in Helsinki. The event attracted over 13,000 participants, including 3,000 investors and 5,000 founders, all focused on the future of technology and business. This year, the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council sponsored Ukrainian Startups' participation in the Slush 2023 event.

Published: 7.12.2023

It’s the second time Ukrainian startups presented at Slush. This year’s effort was a collaboration between the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ukrainian Startup Fund, and supported by organizations like Advicera and NGO Evolve. The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council’s sponsorship was a testament to the region’s dedication to fostering international innovation and value-based cooperation.

The Ukrainian delegation, featuring thirteen tech startups, was a prominent highlight. Innovative companies such as A.D.A.M., BeesAgainstMines, FlyAgData and Cybrex.ai demonstrated Ukraine’s diverse tech capabilities, paving the way for Finnish and global investment opportunities.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine in the Republic of Finland, Mrs. Olga Dibrova welcomed the participants to the Ukraine Friends Night. Picture: Advicera.

Ukraine Friends Night brought together Finnish and Ukrainian representatives

A pivotal event was the Ukrainian Friends’ Night, where Finnish and Ukrainian representatives, investors, and officials gathered to explore potential collaborations. Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Digitalization, Mr George Dubinsky, emphasized the significance of Finnish-Ukrainian cooperation, particularly in cybersecurity and data protection. Finnish Special Envoy on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, Mr Antti Vänskä reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to aiding Ukraine’s reconstruction and incorporating these partnerships into government strategies.

The panel discussion brought together Finnish and Ukrainian representatives to discuss collaboration opportunities. Picture: Advicera.

In line with Slush’s 2023 theme, ‘Find It, Found it, Fund It,’ the Ukraine Friends Nigth event highlighted Slush’s role in nurturing and expanding innovative ideas.

“The Helsinki-Uusimaa region’s backing of the Ukrainian delegation marked a significant milestone in international cooperation, affirming our commitment to global innovation. We truly believe that this support will not only offer a stage for Ukrainian startups and innovation but also fortify Finland-Ukraine relations, fortifying Helsinki-Uusimaa’s role in the global innovation and startup landscape,” stated Eero Venäläinen, Director of International Affairs, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council.

Over the past two decades, the Helsinki-Uusimaa Region has developed into a dynamic knowledge hub and innovation centre. Helsinki-Uusimaa has been especially commended for its creativity, due to investments in research and development, patents and the number of people employed in both the private and the public sector. Qualified people move here for work and young people for a high-standard education. Helsinki-Uusimaa Region warmly welcomes Ukrainian entrepreneurs to the Finnish ecosystem.