Public invitation to present Slovenian startups at the Slush 2026 event in Helsinki

Slush is one of Europe's leading startup, technology and venture capital events, bringing together startup founders, investors, corporate representatives, media and other key players in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event attracts around 12,000 international participants each year; in 2025 it brought together 13,000 founders, investors and partners. In addition to the physical event, Slush also operates through a year-round online community, Slush Online, which connects startup founders and includes a startup directory and regular online events.

We hereby invite interested companies to apply to participate in a group presentation. Participation will be granted to eight (8) Slovenian startup companies that meet the conditions of this invitation.

SPIRIT Slovenia will provide selected startups with a group presentation as part of the Slovenian delegation at the event, with the companies exhibiting at startup stands provided by the event organizer. The purpose of the group presentation is to present national technologically advanced solutions, establish business contacts, obtain investment opportunities through organized 1:1 meetings, and increase the visibility of the Slovenian startup ecosystem on the global stage. Prior to participation, a preparatory mentoring program will be organized for selected companies to improve their presentation and investment readiness.

BENEFITS FOR THE STARTUPS INVOLVED

SPIRIT Slovenia, a public agency, will provide the following forms of support to eight (8) selected companies:

• Startup booth: exhibition space at startup booths with basic infrastructure, provided by the organizer in accordance with the contractual terms, and available for use for half a day. The location, setup and arrangement of booths at the venue are determined by the event organizer.
• Event accreditations (Slush Passes): access to the event through tickets distributed by SPIRIT Slovenia among selected companies (Startup Pass).
• Access to the official platform and matchmaking tool: inclusion in the official Slush online platform and matchmaking tool for arranging 1:1 meetings, and access to the year-round online community Slush Online.
• Meetings with investors and partners: access to 1:1 meetings with international investors, corporate partners and decision-makers, organized through the official platform and event matchmaking tool before and during the event.
• Mentoring preparation before the event: selected companies are included in a preparatory mentoring program, which includes preparation of pitch presentations, investment consulting, business communication, and preparation for targeted networking.
• Promotional support and visibility: inclusion of companies in SPIRIT Slovenia's communication and promotional activities and ecosystem partner visibility of the organizer online and on digital surfaces at the event venue.
• Access to a global ecosystem: direct networking with international investors, corporations, partners, media and other startups from around the world.
• Delegation coordination and follow-up support: joint coordination and support of SPIRIT Slovenia before and during the event, including coordination of delegation activities in the field.

Companies approved for presentation shall independently cover the costs of transportation, accommodation, and the costs of transportation of exhibits and equipment for presentation at the stand. Companies included in the delegation shall have the opportunity to potentially co-finance costs within the framework of the Voucher for participation in economic delegations, subject to the conditions set out in the public call of the Slovenian Enterprise Fund.

More about the event, conditions and selection process at: Public Agency | SPIRIT Slovenia.

DEADLINE AND METHOD FOR APPLICATION

The JRP online application for submitting applications will be open from Monday, June 22, 2026. The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ( EXTENDED until Monday, August 24, 2026 , at 11:59 p.m.).

The application must be completed and submitted electronically in the online application, which is available at the following address: https://jrp.spiritslovenia.si .