Our Program

Watch the selected contestants show their determination to the whole world by getting into the Avanto (fin. ”ice hole”) and pitching their startup.

Polar Bear Pitching Avanto Competition is an outdoor program broadcasted worldwide at 18:00 (UTC +2). In 2026 we will be exclusively open for the public in honor of our city being a European Capital of Culture.

All of Polar Bear Pitching ticket holders get access to the VIP zone at the Avanto Competition and enjoy saunas, food and warm drinks in the surrounding outdoor program!

FULLY BOOKED

Kick off the Polar Bear Pitching experience in style at Warm-Up Reception in Oulu City Hall! Join us for an evening of networking with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and startup enthusiasts attending our event. Connect with like-minded community, share ideas, and set the tone for the coolest startup event in the world.

Start your Polar Bear Pitching day with a deep dive into growth and innovation at our Day Conference! We have secured local and international speakers to bring you a program with invaluable insights.

With a very special edition for Oulu2026, our Day Conference topic ”Cultural Capital in Startup Growth” will be dedicated to exploring the role of culture and creativity in startup growth.

During the Day Conference you will also have the opportunity to book meetings with other participants through our matchmaking tool and have a big lunch break for additional networking.

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After seeing startup entrepreneurs get into the Avanto to pitch in front of the investors all the formal social norms of doing business are shattered! Polar Bear Pitching Afterparty is the culmination of the day, where you can truly celebrate the innovation. Music, karaoke and entertainment will warm you up after the freezing experience and set you up for good networking to wrap up the day.

This year, learn air guitar from last year’s winner, Aapo Rautio on stage and enjoy Deborah Jones performing her original song Queens and Kings.

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