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The startup event Slush was held at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre on 1-2. December. Bringing investors and startups together has always been at the core of Slush, and this year was no exception. Despite the smaller-than-usual number of participants, about 1,700 investors and 3,200 startup entrepreneurs were in attendance.

Research-based innovations for a more sustainable world

Aalto University's booth at Slush featured 12 research-based startups from the Aalto University community. The startups fall under four core sustainability-related themes: resource efficiency, smart surroundings, sustainable materials and next-generation healthcare.

Read more about the startups featured in Slush here.

Before ground-breaking startups, a researcher or a student team was most likely with an initial 'what if…' –moment. The student project Dip Wrap – also showcased at the event – is an excellent example of what happens when students from different disciplines team up to think about tangible solutions to real-life problems.

Spotlight on Aalto spinouts and alumni-founded companies

, one of the startups presented at the Aalto University booth, also made it to the top 20 in the legendary Slush 100 pitching competition. 

An elderly home care startup  â€“ pitched by Aalto alumnus Richard Nordström – made it to the final three of the same competition.

Another Aalto spinout, , won the competition at the official Slush side event, Y Science. The bioproducts company is developing and commercializing smart biotechnologies to redesign cellulose into high-value bioproducts. Their cellulose hybrids can replace fossil-based, unsustainable or harmful components in packaging, plastics and textile industries.

A warm congratulations to the Nordic Bioproducts Group team!