Apply to Dream 2026
Dream 2026 offers several ways to join the event. You can register as a visitor, apply to the Startup Competition or apply to the Student Competition.
Whether you want to pitch on stage or experience the event from the audience, this is where your Dream journey starts.
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.
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 – 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
How the application process works
- Application period: to be announced
- 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 applying, 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.