Maria 01

Maria 01 NOW Day 1 was a major success! Over 100 startups pitched across 2 stages and 10 industry tracks. We are happy to announce and celebrate our winners.

🩺 Health, Bio & MedTech – TRUEHEAR
🌱 Climate, Energy & Sustainability – Ecomiles
🎮 Games, Sport & Entertainment – Kima
📚 EdTech & Learning – Mylo
🤖 AI, Data & Automation – DollarDeploy
🛍️ Marketplace, Consumer & Wellbeing – Abbis
💳 FinTech & LegalTech – Blanks
💼 HR, Talent & Future of Work – Clarvo
🏗️ PropTech, Construction & Built Environment – Pictue
⚙️ Industry, Robotics & Hardware – Aavuus

Huge congratulations to all the track winners and every startup that took the stage yesterday. The level of innovation, ambition, and talent on display was truly impressive. ✨🏆

A special thank you to our sponsor, Helsinki, and our supporters, for Startups and , for helping make Maria 01 NOW possible, as well as and KK Gifts for making this day truly special for the winners of each industry track.

We also want to extend our gratitude to our 𝗷𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 who helped make the first day of Maria 01 NOW such a success. You brought the energy, insights, and support that made the event memorable!

We’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow (04.06) for the final day of Maria 01 NOW and it’s big culmination - the Yard Party.

There are still a few spots available for some of the events, so don’t miss your chance to join founders, investors, and ecosystem builders from around the world.

🔗 Register now via the link in bio

Tomorrow it begins – Maria 01 NOW Day 1: International Pitching Competition. Let’s meet the pitching startups!

📍 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗘

🛍️ 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 & 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝟬𝟵:𝟬𝟬–𝟭𝟭:𝟭𝟬)
We See You Games (Germany / USA / Mexico), The Couture Studio (UK), Clevoy, Naistaxi, Stayingbee, Coubonga, Yazzo, Menox Events, Abbis, MoMo (Sweden), Ronroo, Sleep Better, Alveos One
💳 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 & 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 (𝟭𝟭:𝟮𝟬–𝟭𝟯:𝟭𝟬)
Sabiebook (Germany), Coragrid, Polares (UK),Aurelytix (Germany), riskrate, HGB, Fundis Application, Kaamos, Blanks, Adeu AI
👥 𝗛𝗥, 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 (𝟭𝟯:𝟮𝟬–𝟭𝟰:𝟰𝟬)
Clarvo, Tetra, GetBoarded, Hipped, Beezy, HavuHR, TalentSeek, Catena, KAOS by Cyborgs
🏗️ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝟭𝟰:𝟱𝟬–𝟭𝟲:𝟭𝟬)
Auttaa (Ireland), SUPERSIGHT, Metroc, Pictue, Jaakkocom, Findable, Royer (Canada)
🤖 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆, 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 & 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 (𝟭𝟲:𝟮𝟬–𝟭𝟳:𝟰𝟱)
Kessler Dynamics (India), Anarky Labs, Ashta Tech Automation (India), Twinverse, Lun, Aavuus, Everypin, Aani, Dora Health

📍 𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗞

🩺 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗕𝗶𝗼 & 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 (𝟬𝟵:𝟬𝟬–𝟭𝟭:𝟭𝟬)
Sandora (Brazil), SeeYouDoc (Philippines), Logicboots (India), Ferrivia, TE3, MamaLabs (Turkey), Dentcense, ChainPeptides, TrueHear, NordicPeak Wellness, Breathome.
🌱 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 & 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝟭𝟭:𝟮𝟬–𝟭𝟯:𝟭𝟬)
Chitolastic (Turkey), EcoMiles (Brazil), ExecuteESG, Reverlast, Cense Analytics, Learnsy, Tealfabric, NEXOS, Woamy, Ozonium, Metateks
🎮 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 & 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝟭𝟯:𝟮𝟬–𝟭𝟰:𝟰𝟬)
Kokoon Games, Sportii, Happiness Games, Epic Scape, OrfeoLabs (Turkey), Plaemo (Argentina) – Northern Light Accelerator Alumni, Kima, Promote (UK), FeelHobby
📚 𝗘𝗱𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 & 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝟭𝟰:𝟱𝟬–𝟭𝟲:𝟭𝟬)
Voresi (Indonesia), Vetify, 7Scholar, Animlearn, Mylo (Philippines), Honestli (Greece), Articulatte, LearnEon (India)
🧠 𝗔𝗜, 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 & 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝟭𝟲:𝟮𝟬–𝟭𝟳:𝟰𝟱)
Taiga, Quulio, Muuva AI, AddMeetings (Norway), AISafe Labs (Romania), DollarDeploy, IKKIO, Vaiku, iHere, Retailgrid

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting a pitching coaching session for the startups taking the stage at the upcoming Maria 01 NOW International Pitching Competition on June 2nd.

A huge thank you to Aape Pohjavirta for an unforgettable 3-hour session. With his charisma, energy, and deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, Aape challenged founders to think beyond polished slides and focus on what pitching is really about.

We’re excited to see them put these learnings into action and compete at Maria 01 NOW!

Reserve your seat in the audience: https://hubs.la/Q04hCKdT0

At Rise Finland 2026, entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem players came together around a shared question: what does it take to scale today?

One theme stood out clearly in our CEO Sarita Runeberg's keynote: international growth isn't a future milestone - it's a straight point.

The startups that break through tend to think beyond borders from day one. They design for global markets early, while staying close to local customer needs. They build diverse teams, test fast, and validate before overcommitting.

But strategy alone isn’t what sets them apart. It comes down to mindset.

Too often, we wait until things feel “ready.” But in reality, scaling companies are built through early experimentation, learning, and taking risks before there are guarantees.

That’s where the real opportunity lies for our ecosystem. And that's something established companies can learn from startups.

If we want to see more globally successful companies emerge, it’s not just about access to capital or networks - it’s about how early we’re willing to step outside our comfort zone.

Still, capital and networks play a crucial role, too. That’s exactly why we need platforms like RISE to bring the ecosystem together and enable those connections.

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝟬𝟭 𝗡𝗢𝗪. 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼.

In exactly one month, on June 2, Maria 01 NOW kicks off with our International Pitching Competition, and it’s shaping up to be something special.

💡 100 startups
🎤 2 stages
🏆 10 industry tracks
🌏 4 continents

Founders will take the stage to pitch their solutions in front of a jury of investors, media, and ecosystem leaders, to gain international exposure, valuable feedback and compete for tickets to Slush 2026 and Arctic15.

We’re excited to now share all 10 industry tracks and the full pitching schedules.

NOW is a moment to showcase bold ideas and connect with the people shaping what comes next. June 2 is just the beginning.

👉 Explore the full program for the remaining days and sign up: https://hubs.la/Q04fqxWP0

Join us in Helsinki. Get inspired. Discover what’s next.

Applications are now OPEN for the Northern Light Accelerator – Autumn Batch 2026!

If your startup has at least one international team member and you’re ready to expand into Finland and Europe, this is your moment.

Northern Light combines hands-on market access with founder resilience support, helping you validate with real customers, gain traction, and build sustainably in a new market. The program runs from August 21st to November the 20th.

✨ What you’ll get:
• Support to reach real product–market fit, navigate sales in local and EU markets, and secure traction alongside revenue
• Outstanding network of mentors
• Direct access to the Finnish & EU startup ecosystem (based at Maria 01)
• A strong founder community + on-the-ground support in Helsinki
• An equity-free program designed by founders, for founders

The program wraps up with a Demo Day in November and the chance to attend Slush together with the Maria 01 community and fellow startups.

⚠️ We review applications on a rolling basis, and spots are limited — first come, first served. We strongly encourage applying early.

📅 Application deadline: June 6th.

👉 Learn more and apply:

Northern Light – maria.io As one of Europe’s leading startup hubs, Maria 01 offers deep expertise in innovation, growth, ecosystem building, and the Finnish and European startup landscape

Planning to raise funding this year? Mark your calendar for 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶 for an event designed for ambitious founders ready to scale. 🚀
RISE Finland brings together Finland’s most growth-driven entrepreneurs and the key public and private funding instruments available for scaling your business — all under one roof.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
🪙 Inspiring keynote talks on financing, growth, and internationalisation — including our CEO Sarita Runeberg on stage
🪙 1-on-1 meetings with investors and funding providers
🪙 The RISE Funding Guide, offering a clear overview of the funding landscape
🪙 Access to free funding advisory services throughout the event

By the end of the day, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your next steps for growth.

📢Maria 01 friends get –𝟭𝟬% 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 with the code “𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝟬𝟭” ✨

Secure your early bird tickets before 12.4.
🎟️Tickets here: https://hubs.la/Q0491bw40

One week left to apply for the Maria 01 NOW International Pitching Competition!

Last year, Maria 01 NOW was a big success. Bringing together hundreds and hundreds of visitors, ecosystem builders, investors, media and over 100 pitching startups. This year, we’re aiming even bigger.

Maria 01 NOW spreads across 3 days, fuelled with the energy of innovation, with Day 1 being a full day of pitching across 10 industry tracks and 2 stages.

Ready to take the stage on June 2 and compete for prizes, gain international exposure and hear valuable feedback from the jury? Apply NOW!

Link in bio.

Welcome to the April edition of Builders' Breakfast — and it’s showing up with a fresh new look!

We’re kicking off the spring season (and our new visual identity 👀) with a conversation on go-to-market growth, global scaling, and building real impact. This time, we’re diving into the Go-to-Market story behind one of Finland’s most successful tech scaleups.

Join us for a morning conversation with Johanna Småros, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer at RELEX Solutions.

From startup beginnings in Helsinki to becoming a global AI-driven planning platform for retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers, RELEX has built its growth through strong go-to-market ex*****on, deep customer understanding, and measurable impact across the value chain.

📅 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝘀𝘁, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
⏰ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝟴:𝟯𝟬–𝟭𝟬:𝟯𝟬
📍 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝟬𝟭

Coffee and breakfast are on us — come early, stay curious, and connect with the community.

👉 Save your seat now: https://hubs.la/Q047W-tC0

Maria 01 Builders' Breakfast: The Go-to-Market Story of RELEX Solutions – maria.io Join us for the next edition of Builders’ Breakfast, where top-tier founders and operators share real-life stories. The wins, the failures, and everything in between.