sTARTUp Has ‘Tartu’ in its name – and that’s no coincidence.
sTARTUp Day, Northern Europe’s most startup-minded business festival, is a unique event that thrives on the power of its community. Born from a shared vision in a sauna in 2015, it has evolved into a world-class gathering in Tartu, Estonia, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries each year. More than just a conference, sTARTUp Day is a movement that embodies the energy, resilience, and ambition of a collective effort – with over 3000 visitors each year, making it the biggest business festival in the Baltics.
A Festival Built by the Community, for the Community
Unlike traditional business events, sTARTUp Day is co-organized by a diverse group of entrepreneurship support organizations, including the City of Tartu, the University of Tartu, Tartu Science Park, Tartu Biotechnology Park, Tartu Business Advisory Services, Tartu Centre for Creative Industries, and Swedbank. Each partner brings its expertise and network, creating an event that represents the entire startup ecosystem.
“The heart of sTARTUp Day is its community. This festival is not built by one organization but by a collective of people who believe in innovation, collaboration, and the power of entrepreneurship. Our strength comes from working together,” says Jana Saastamoinen, Head Organizer of sTARTUp Day.
Bridging Startups, Investors, and Thought Leaders
One of the most anticipated parts of the festival is sTARTUp Pitching, a highly competitive startup competition where over 300 startups apply. From these, the top 30 are selected to pitch on the Pitching Stage and the final five advance to the main stage at the end of the festival. The best startups receive investments from leading investors, such as EstBAN, reinforcing sTARTUp Day’s role as a crucial launchpad for ambitious founders.
Beyond pitching, the festival features expert-led panels, hands-on seminars, and curated matchmaking that facilitate meaningful connections. With over 320 startups, 220 investors, and 150 speakers participating each year, sTARTUp Day has become an essential meeting point for those shaping the future of business and technology.
The Future of sTARTUp Day
sTARTUp Day’s mission remains the same: to unite, inspire, and elevate the startup community. The upcoming edition promises to be even more engaging, with new program elements and each upcoming edition focuses on topics relevant to the year.
For those who believe in the power of collective ambition and innovation, sTARTUp Day is the ultimate place to be.
A Startup Mindset
While the festival is deeply rooted in the startup ecosystem, its impact extends far beyond. The program covers a wide range of topics, from deep tech and defense innovation to marketing, leadership, and founder well-being. The goal is to empower attendees with insights that drive real-world impact, whether they are founders, executives, or just interested in taking their first steps in entrepreneurship.
As a community-driven initiative, sTARTUp Day also fosters collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that local talent is connected to global opportunities. By showcasing Estonian innovation on an international stage, the event helps solidify Tartu’s status as a leading entrepreneurial city.
