More funding, events, and even a hub space incoming: Turku just relaunched its startup ecosystem
It stands as one of the most important initiatives for Finland's startup scene, where under the banner of "Startup Turku Relaunch," the City of Turku unveiled its renewed vision focused on new business development.
This Wednesday, May 21, in the context of the SHIFT Business Festival, the "Startup Turku Relaunch" took place — an event that brought together entrepreneurs from the city and various players from Turku’s innovation ecosystem. It stands as one of the most important initiatives for Finland’s startup scene, where under the banner of "Startup Turku Relaunch," the City of Turku unveiled its renewed vision focused on new business development.
As Vesa Palander, Director, Business and Economic Development Services, Turun kaupunki - Åbo stad - City of Turku, explained to Entreprenerd, "A lot has happened in Turku in recent years related to the startup world, so now we want to relaunch this movement and invite the members of the community to be part of this new beginning — and of the future development of activities related to startups and growth companies."
He added: "The focus is mainly on how the city can foster and develop the startup and growth company ecosystem".
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THREE MAIN THEMES
As Lauri Koittola, Executive Director & Head Coach at Boost Turku, explained to Entreprenerd, the event highlighted three core themes in which attendees could actively participate.
"Today, we worked on three main topics during the workshop. The first was funding, with two tables specifically gathering ideas on how to improve investment opportunities in Turku. The second focused on startup programs — support, mentoring, hackathons, accelerators, incubators... anything that helps businesses grow. And the third was about events and community building", said Lauri Koittola.
REBUILDING THE ECOSYSTEM
After the main keynotes, entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders joined different workshops to share ideas and feedback on what should be prioritized in developing Turku’s startup environment.
For Hussainuzama Shaikh, Founder & CEO at Kokit App: "The flow today was very natural. It felt like there were no barriers — no language or interaction barriers. There was no need for icebreakers among so many different entrepreneurs in one room, all proactively contributing their views. That’s rare to see in Finnish events. I’ve noticed that both the international and Finnish communities tend to be more reserved — but today was different. Both came together."
Meanwhile, Tanja Holm, Co-Founder, Impact Educator, and CMO at Environmental Impacts Academy, shared: "I think the relaunch is fantastic. This is something that myself and many others have been waiting for since the startup scene in Turku faded some time ago. I’m really excited about everything I’ve heard today. They’re saying all the right things — now I just hope they follow up with concrete actions. I’m genuinely enthusiastic."
Aape Pohjavirta, Co-Founder & Lead at Dragon Guild, commented: "The rebirth of Turku’s startup ecosystem is very relevant — and this is the right place and the right time to do it."
He added: "I believe it’s very important because Turku is the former, original capital of Finland. And Finland, as you know, has been ranked the happiest country in the world for the eighth year in a row — so Turku must be the capital of creating happiness".
IS THERE MORE TO COME?
One of the main goals for Turku’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is to have a physical hub where startups can grow, connect, and scale — a space for support and collaboration between early-stage and scaling companies.
So, is there a potential space or hub in the works?
On this point, Vesa responded: "Well... it’s definitely on our agenda, so I won’t name any buildings just yet. But yes, we’ll do everything we can to make it happen. The idea is to have something equivalent to Platform6 in Tampere or Maria 01 in Helsinki — a true home for startups and growth companies here in Turku".
***Credit: Photo by Jarno Terho / SHIFT