"I Begin with an idea, then it becomes something else."

Pablo Picasso

Hey student, we hope you join Kickstart - a business idea competition that brings together the students of the Oulu University of Applied Sciences, University of Oulu and OSAO!

The application for spring 2027 opens in early 2027.

kickstart competition

We want you to think of potential new businesses and share your new ideas in the Kickstart business idea competition!

Your team can win up to 1500€ + 1000€ just by pitching your business idea!

The Kickstart business idea competition is brought to you by the University of Oulu, OSAO and Oulu University of Applied Sciences, and degree students of all these academies can take part in the competition.

It provides you with a chance to develop your business idea, receive valuable feedback and get excited about entrepreneurship.

Apply either in Finnish or English, alone or in a team, or from any field of study.

Apply to your school’s competition, and from there you have the chance to progress to the Kickstart grand final! 

kickstart is a great way of beginning your own entrepreneurial journey, so don't stop there.

Check out what StartupOulu can offer for your next steps after Kickstart!