Through Nature and Forest Startup Pitching Competition we are looking for the most promising early-stage startups and teams developing future commercial solutions to promote sustainable forest bioeconomy, halt nature loss and strengthen biodiversity – turning ideas into impactful innovations. The solutions should be at minimum at a level where they have been validated.
The first stage of the competition takes place at Forest Industry Days (
The competition offers valuable visibility, targeted pitch training, and direct access to two distinct audiences: forest-sector professionals and the international startup and investor community. The winning team will receive a €5,000 prize and, more importantly, the chance to take their idea to the next level.
Our goal is to bring forward fresh, research-based solutions to the pressing sustainability challenges of forests and nature as well as related industries – combining science, technology, and practical implementation – and to strengthen Finland’s position as a forerunner in sustainable innovation.
Join us in creating innovations that not only utilize nature but restore and strengthen its vitality for generations to come as well as maximize the sustainable use of natural resources.
From strong and diverse set of applications, our honorable jury
All following teams will pitch their solutions on Forest Industry Days on 23rd October!
KOKO Forest provides near real-time data and insights into local forest health and biodiversity trends empowering faster action to minimise forest damages. Our remote sensing solution uses high-resolution satellite images, machine vision algorithms and forest science research innovations.
KOKO Forest provides advanced forest analytics for monitoring forest health and biodiversity based on high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence.
VacuumWood.Tech offers onsite vacuum dryable prefabricated wood construction modules monitored by IoT wood moisture content sensors. This first of kind technology in the whole World enables functionality across all climates and indoor environments, step-by-step extendable lifecycle, deeply carbon negative status and a constant awareness of building health.
Nature2Bond delivers an innovative, sustainable, and non-toxic bio-based adhesive solution for revolutionizing the wood-based panels industry.
FireSafe – a safe, bio-based fire retardant technology that turns coatings into effective fire-retardant solutions. FireSafe is a non-toxic alternative to conventional chemicals. It’s destined to transform wood construction and beyond.
LignoSphere brings a bio-based, cost-effective, and high-performance alternative to the global adhesives and industrial coatings market currently dominated by fossil-based products. Using our patented technology, we are able to put lignin, a side stream of pulp production, into high-value use as the main ingredient of our solutions that are already being tested by international leaders of the industry.
Production technology for elite conifers
HYGRON unlocks the future of energy efficiency in cooling through bio-based enthalpy exchange membranes.
Carbon Twins is a CO₂-to-Cash platform that combines laser scanning, digital twins, and blockchain to deliver the world’s most accurate (<1% error) and transparent forest carbon farming solution, enabling verified credits and new revenue for forest owners.
The semifinal of the Nature and Forest Startup Pitching Competition took place 23rd October during Forest Industry Days 2025.
All eight semifinalists Laukansaari Giants,
Four finalist, chosen by the prestigious jury, of Nature and Forest Startup Pitching Competition are Laukansaari Giants,
Also, Forest Industry Days audience voted KOKO Forest as a favorite of the audience.
Four finalists will continue to pitch on Y Science at 19th November in Messukeskus!
The final of the Nature and Forest Startup Pitching Competition takes place on 19th October at
Y Science is organized in Messukeskus Siipi 10.30am-15.00pm. The event consists of networking and stage program compiled of pitching competitions in different life-science related fields: Health and Pharma, Food Systems, Nature and Forest and Science to Business Runway.
Host: Mikko Pohjola - Head of Viikki Wood & Forest Innovation Hub, University of Helsinki
Keynotes
Anu Kaukovirta, VP Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
Karita Kinnunen-Raudaskoski, CTO and Partner, Fiberwood Oy
Nature and Forestry Pitching Competition
Teams
Jury
Y Science brings forth the value of science-based business, and encourage scientists to embrace a different way of thinking about impact. The event originates from a collaboration between