Why Aalto University and Slush Matter More Than Ever
Finland’s and Europe’s future competitiveness will depend not only on breakthrough technologies but also on their ability to turn world-class research into globally successful companies and entirely new industries. For years, Aalto University has demonstrated that innovation is not about producing isolated startups but rather about building ecosystems where talent, research, entrepreneurship, and investment reinforce one another.
“Aalto approached entrepreneurship right from the start: by giving young people resources to start and trusting they will figure it out. Slush has been built to what it is today by such teams since the start. We‘re thankful to keep building Slush with Aalto, a partner that knows how to build ecosystems with patience and intention.“ says Noora Saksa, CEO at Slush.
The results speak for themselves. In quantum technology, Aalto’s research and entrepreneurial culture have helped create companies with global impact while fostering a broader ecosystem of researchers, investors, and industrial partners. In space technology, pioneering ventures have similarly evolved into internationally recognized success stories that continue to attract talent and capital to Finland.
These achievements are not accidents. They emerged from a deliberate culture that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, ambitious thinking, and close connections between academia and entrepreneurship.
"Every milestone reached by IQM reinforces something we've believed for years: success isn't created by a single company alone. It comes from an ecosystem of researchers, students, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners working together. Our ambition is to keep creating those conditions so that today's breakthrough becomes tomorrow's next generation of globally significant companies," says Tomi Erho, director of the Aalto Innovation unit.
Today, Aalto is applying the same ecosystem-building approach towards, for example, health innovation. The ambition is to establish Finland as a leading European hub where scientific excellence and entrepreneurial execution combine to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Aalto University and its vibrant student community have been central drivers of Finland’s startup movement for years, helping spark initiatives such as Slush itself. Our partnership reflects this shared history and a common belief that the next generation of globally significant companies will emerge where research, entrepreneurship, and bold ambition meet.
At Slush, Aalto will showcase 12 new innovation teams with the potential to become the next global success stories of the scale and impact of IQM and ICEYE. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the founders of these innovation teams, discover breakthrough technologies, and see firsthand how the next wave of Finnish innovation is taking shape.
Join us at Slush and discover the teams building Finland’s next generation of world-changing companies.