Bremen goes Slush 2026
Being part of SLUSH 2026 – we make it possible
SLUSH is one of the world's leading startup events and will take place on November 18–19, 2026, in Helsinki, Finland.
As a non-profit conference, SLUSH brings together international startups, scale-ups, investors, and media representatives from across the globe. Every year, approximately 13,000 participants attend the event, including around 5,000 startups, 2,000 corporate representatives, and nearly 3,000 investors.
For your startup, SLUSH offers a unique opportunity to connect with investors from different countries who are actively looking for innovative companies and technologies. Participation can significantly increase your international visibility and help accelerate your company's international growth ambitions.
The event also provides countless opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow founders and industry leaders, gain fresh perspectives on emerging trends, technologies, and business models, and build valuable connections for your future business development.
Join SLUSH as a Startup from Bremen!
On behalf of the Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports and Transformation of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Starthaus Bremen & Bremerhaven supports the participation of three startups from Bremen, represented by one participant each, at SLUSH and selected exclusive side events.
Selected startups will receive:
- One SLUSH 2026 admission ticket per startup
- Participation in the Beer2gether networking event
- Access to additional exclusive side events
- The opportunity for one selected startup to pitch on the German Pitching Stage organized by the German-Finnish Chamber of Commerce (AHK Finland)
- A startup ambassador grant of € 750 in recognition of your role as an ambassador for the Bremen startup ecosystem
- Access to discounted hotel bookings through AHK Finland, subject to availability
- On-site support from the Startup Team of Starthaus Bremen & Bremerhaven and representatives of AHK Finland
The funding provided may amount to up to €4,500 per startup in individual cases.
Please note that travel and catering expenses cannot be reimbursed.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are startups (or their founders) with a registered office or branch in the Federal State of Bremen
- that qualify as a small enterprise according to the SME definition in Annex I of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), employing fewer than 50 people and having an annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding €10 million;
- whose registration in the commercial register dates back no more than five years*;
- that have not applied for or received comparable funding from state or federal programs for the same event;
- that meet the requirements of the De Minimis Regulation;
- and that see themselves as startup ambassadors for the Bremen region.
Applicants commit to participating in at least preparatory sessions organized by Starthaus Bremen & Bremerhaven to ensure successful matchmaking during SLUSH 2026 and/or to make use of the individual coaching services offered by Starthaus Bremen & Bremerhaven.
*For companies not required to register in the commercial register, the five-year period begins when the company starts its economic activity or becomes subject to taxation.
What documents must be submitted?
Please send us the following documents:
- A pitch deck of your startup (maximum 11 slides)
- Additionally included in the pitch deck:
- Two slides explaining how participation in SLUSH can contribute to your company's development, particularly regarding international growth and activities
- One slide outlining the advantages of Bremen/Bremerhaven as a location for your startup
- The pitch deck must not exceed a total of 14 slides
- A signed De Minimis Declaration (available for download)
How do we select the participants?
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Suitability and motivation for participating in SLUSH and for advancing the startup's entrepreneurial development
- Maturity of the startup and its business model
- Suitability as a startup ambassador for the Bremen/Bremerhaven region
How can you apply?
Please submit your complete application documents by July 31, 2026, with the subject line:
"Application SLUSH 2026"
