Slush startup event attracts over 13,000 attendees in Helsinki as sustainable innovations take center stage

The sold-out Slush startup event in Helsinki has gathered over 13,000 attendees from across the globe. This year, the event features a record number of sustainable development startups, particularly those focused on climate, science, and space technology. Among them is Kuva Space, a Finnish company that utilizes satellites for agricultural forecasting. Their monitoring system aims to detect crop diseases, allowing farmers to mitigate potential damage. CEO Jarkko Antila emphasized their goal to leverage technology to conserve the earth’s biological resources in light of growing concerns about climate change.

By the end of the decade, Kuva Space plans to launch a constellation of 100 satellites capable of monitoring global events multiple times a day. Their technology will provide accurate, real-time data on land activities, allowing for early warnings of unexpected incidents.

The ongoing geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Finland’s NATO accession have opened up new opportunities for satellite technology, enabling large-area monitoring and precise data collection. However, the company’s first satellites are still being finalized, expected to be operational by year’s end.

Additionally, Kuva Space aims to track maritime traffic, particularly in light of increased underwater cable installations, ensuring that vessels are monitored even if they attempt to hide.

Another innovative company, Arctic Farming, focuses on selling vertical farms to restaurants and hotels, enabling them to produce their own crops. Their technology uses a photonic system to cultivate plants in a controlled environment.

Investment in deep technology is gaining momentum, particularly in AI and dual-use technologies applicable for both military and civilian uses, which are increasingly attracting investor interest. Finnish deep-tech companies have seen a significant uptick in funding, raising €363 million by mid-November, reflecting a 40% increase from the previous year.