Seven days remain until NORDEEP 2026 takes place, and organizers have activated the SiRA Connect matchmaking system to facilitate pre-event networking. The platform allows participants attending the Nordic Deep Tech Business Summit to identify and book one-on-one sessions with potential collaborators ahead of the September 16–17 gathering in Espoo.
ArcticStartup is hosting the summit, which will convene over 1,500 founders alongside 150 venture investors specializing in deep tech, university researchers, industrial partners and other ecosystem players. The venue is Dipoli, situated on the Aalto University campus.
The SiRA Connect interface enables attendees to search profiles, narrow down contacts by technology domain and investment thesis, and request meetings prior to arrival. The system helps participants connect with prospective investors, scientific co-founders, industrial buyers and other strategic contacts.
Programme highlights
Beyond matchmaking, the summit includes workshops and focused discussions addressing real-world obstacles that research-intensive ventures encounter when transitioning from academic settings to market deployment.
The European Innovation Council will conduct a session on tapping European funding sources, detailing eligibility requirements for grants without equity dilution and equity-based capital. Business Finland will lead a parallel session on funding for nascent ventures, covering application strategies, business model validation and readiness for cross-border growth.
A further EIC session will address pilot readiness, exploring how technical development plans, initial partnerships and capital strategies can align with pilot programme requirements.
The Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) will organize a closed-door Investor Breakfast bringing together research-to-market teams and nature-focused university spinoffs advancing toward commercialization.
Eight tracks and showcase
The core agenda spans eight thematic tracks addressing Quantum & Future Computing, Physical AI and Robotics, Chips & Semiconductors, Life Sciences, and Dual-Use Security, among others. Technical talks, reverse pitch sessions and specialist panels comprise the content.
A centerpiece is the Global Deep Tech Showcase & Awards, where chosen founders, university-born ventures and research spinouts will demonstrate their technologies in brief sessions. Each presenter receives three minutes to showcase their technology and two minutes for jury questions, and must articulate a concrete need to investors or corporate partners.
The finalist roster and showcase programme will be announced during the week of the event.
Logistics and next steps
The summit runs at Dipoli on the Aalto University Campus in Espoo. Registration opens at 08:30 EEST on September 16, with the formal programme starting at 09:30. The Aalto University/Otaniemi metro station sits roughly five minutes' walk from the venue.
On September 17, the NORDEEP Official After Party will offer a relaxed environment for continued networking after the formal sessions conclude.
Attendees should activate their SiRA Connect profiles immediately to begin booking meetings before the summit begins.
Source: ArcticStartup
