28.6.–15.8. | Turku

What is Startup Journey?

Startup Journey is an intensive 8-week startup accelerator program designed to help early-stage startups take a huge step forward in their development. Over the course of the program, you'll work closely with experienced mentors and industry experts to refine your business idea, create a prototype, conduct market research, and prepare for launch. At the end of the program, you'll have the opportunity to pitch your startup to investors and continue developing your idea with ongoing support and guidance from the Startup Journey community.

Join us on this exciting journey to turn your startup idea into a reality!

Application opens 1.2.2024

  • In first stage we only need a motivation letter, so don’t worry about having a fixed idea or team

  • Apply fast! We can help you crafting the idea and teaming up before the program starts

Are you ready to get serious about your startup?

Startup Journey is an early-stage startup accelerator taking place every summer. The goal of the program is to enable you and your team to take a huge step forward in your startup’s early development. This usually means creating a prototype, making a ton of testings, launching your product and getting your first round of investment.

This year Startup Journey is an on-site program taking place in Turku from 28 June until 15 August 2024.

What you need to apply:

🚀 Scalable startup idea - having done research on the competitive landscape and gathering initial traction from potential customers and partners boosts your chances of being accepted.

💙 Committed team - full-time commitment from at least one of the founders for the summer. The more team members can work full-time on the startup, the better is your chance at being accepted.

☄️ Motivation - the more passion the better!

100%

Participants from 2021 would recommend others to join

100+

Alumni startups

110+

Mentors taking part in Startup Journey 2021

AMAZING NETWORK OF COACHES & MENTORS

PROGRAM

Weekly themes

#1 Idea Evaluation & Team Development 🧠

#2 Customer Validation / Product-Market-Fit 🎯

#3 Business Model & Strategy 📊

#4 MVP & Product Development 🛠️

#5 Traction and Growth 📈

#6 Sales & Marketing 📣

#7 Funding & Finances 💰

#8 Pitching & Demo Day Week 🎤

Weekly schedule

Monday

10.00–12.00 Progress Update & Team Coaching

13.00—15.00 workshop

Tuesday

10.00–12.00 Workshop

13.00–15.00 Pitching Workshop

Wednesday

10.00–12.00 Mentoring Session (online)

Workshop (online) or working on startup

Thursday

Working on startup

BOOSTCAMP kick-off weekend

The main goal of the Boostcamp is to spend an exciting and productive weekend together in the beautiful Turku archipelago.

 FAQs

 

Is the program really free?

Do I need to have a fully formed team to apply?

My team is not situated in Turku - can I apply?

Will I need to relocate to Turku for the program?

Is this program only for tech startups?

What kind of mentorship and support can I expect?

What are the requirements to apply?

How much funding can I expect to receive?

What kind of networking opportunities will be available?

Will I have access to office space during the program?

What happens after the program ends?

I am a student, will I get credits?