Slush 100

Never been done before. Slush 100 is the world’s most coveted startup competition, and the winner gets €500,000 with 0% equity.

That’s the largest equity-free amount in a startup competition, ever. Free runway, money to experiment, no strings attached, no reporting burden, no ties, but win in front of 10,000 people and return to Slush 2027 as a main stage speaker.

Slush bets on you.

Apply here

‍

€500,000 equity free

At Slush 2026, the winner of Slush 100 will get €500,000 in front of 12,000 people, equity free. That's the largest equity-free amount in a startup competition, ever.

‍

Eligibility criteria

‍

Any startup that has been incorporated during or after 2023 and has raised less than €10,000,000 in equity fundraising can apply.

The competition does not have a geographical exclusion, meaning startups globally can apply

Unmatched Access

The top 20 pitch on stage. If they make it that far, we’ll kick doors open for them:

Accommodation with other top founders, hand-picked by us
Curated Slush Week with access most founders dream of at the world's largest gathering of VC
Mentoring by our main-stage speakers
Curated investor Matchmaking Sprint

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

What does the winner of Slush 100 get?

The winner of the Slush 100 competition gets €500,000 with 0% equity from Slush and gets to return to Slush 2027 as a main stage speaker.

Who can apply to Slush 100?

Any startup that has been incorporated during or after 2023 and has raised less than €10,000,000 in equity fundraising can apply.

The competition does not have a geographical exclusion, meaning startups globally can apply.

What is the competition timeline of Slush 100?

Aug 12 – Applications open

Sep 7 – Applications close

Sep 11 – Top 100 is chosen

Oct 1 – Top 20 semifinalists are chosen

Nov 18 – Semifinal on Startup Stage, The Top 3 finalists are chosen

Nov 19 – Final on Founder Stage, the winner of Slush 100 is announced

How do I apply to Slush 100?

You can apply by creating a company profile and submitting a startup application on the Slush Platform. Once you have submitted a startup application, including your pitch deck, you need to apply for Slush 100 on the Startup Activities page on the Slush Platform. find the link on top of this page.

When is the deadline to apply?

Applications open on August 12. The deadline for applications is Sep 7.

How do I know if my startup has already applied for Slush 100?

On the Startup Activities page on the Slush Platform, you should be able to see text letting you know that the Slush Team “has registered your company to this activity” next to the “Apply” button.

What is the process like for the competition?

Applications will be used to pick the top 100 and top 20. After that, the semifinal will be hosted on the Startup Stage at Slush, followed by the legendary final on the Slush Founder Stage.

Do I need to have a ticket to Slush to apply?

You do not need a ticket to Slush 2026 to apply for Slush 100. However, if chosen for the top 100, you will have to purchase a Slush 2026 Startup Pass to take part in the rest of the competition. Slush 2026 takes place in Helsinki, Finland on Nov 18-19.

Who chooses the winner?

Top 100 are chosen by the Slush team. After this, a curated jury will select the finalist and winner from the top 20.

Got any questions?

Reach out to startups@slush.org