Join Dream 2026 as a Visitor

Dream 2026 offers the opportunity to join the event as a visitor and experience a day filled with inspiration, networking, and new opportunities.

Applications for the Startup Competition and Student Competition have now closed. We received an incredible 58 applications, from which 10 startups have been selected for the Startup Competition and 5 teams for the Student Competition. The finalists will present their ideas and innovations live at Dream 2026.

Register as a Visitor

Dream is a startup and innovation event that brings together founders, students, investors and the wider ecosystem in Lahti – free of charge.

What you get as a visitor:

  • Watch live startup and student pitches
  • Hear inspiring keynote speakers
  • Meet founders, students and investors
  • Enjoy networking, breakfast, lunch and coffee during the event

Event day: 9th October 2026
Venue: Sammiosali, Malski, Päijännenkatu 9, 15140 Lahti

Thanks to our amazing financiers and event partners, this event is free of charge for you. However, in the case of an uninformed no-show, a €50 fee will be billed. Thank you for your consideration.

Register now

Apply – Startup Competition

Are you building a scalable company with international potential? Dream gives selected startups the chance to pitch live in front of investors, gain visibility and compete for a cash prize.

Who can apply?

  • A registered company
  • A scalable business model
  • International growth potential
  • A distinctive concept
  • Ability to pitch live in English at Dream 2026

What selected teams get

  • Live pitching on stage
  • Professional pitching training
  • A real investor audience
  • Networking and visibility

Prize

The main goal is to help promising teams connect with investors and open doors for future growth. Jury prize: €10,000 cash prize

Apply before 24.5.2026

Apply for Startup Competition
Students pitching their business idea

Apply – Student Competition

Do you have a strong business idea and the courage to pitch it live? Dream gives student teams a real platform to present bold ideas, gain visibility and build valuable connections.

Who can apply?

  • Students or student teams
  • An established company is not required
  • An innovative idea with future business potential
  • Ability to pitch live in English at Dream 2026
  • Team size: max. 3 people

What selected teams get

  • Live pitching experience
  • Visibility and exposure
  • Valuable feedback
  • Networking opportunities with the startup ecosystem

Prize

The Student Competition is designed to support emerging entrepreneurial talent and give early-stage ideas visibility and momentum.

Jury prize: €2,000 cash prize

Apply before 24.5.2026

Apply for Student Competition

How the application process works

  • The application period for the competition closes on May 24.
  • Applications will be reviewed by the StartHub team
  • Selected teams will be informed after the application period ends
  • Chosen teams will be invited to a preparation meeting before the event

Pitching basics

These apply to both competition categories:

  • Each team must prepare a pitch deck presenting the idea and business model
  • Pitch language: English
  • Pitch duration: 8 minutes including pitch and Q&A

Important dates

Before registering, please make sure this date fits your calendar:

Event day: 9th October 2026
Venue: Sammiosali, Malski, Lahti

Other preparation dates will be announced later.

Meet the jury

The Dream jury includes experienced investors and startup ecosystem professionals. More information will be published closer to the event.

See jury
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