Finland Brings Its Coolest Startup Competition to India: Polar Bear Pitching Returns to New Delhi
Pic Credit: China.org.cn
NEW DELHI: Indian startup founders will once again be asked to trade a boardroom for an ice-cold pool as Finland’s Polar Bear Pitching returns to New Delhi for its third annual India edition.
The event, organised by Business Finland in collaboration with T-Hub and the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, brings a distinctly Finnish concept to one of the world’s fastest-growing startup markets.
Unlike traditional pitch competitions, Polar Bear Pitching has no stage or podium. Inspired by Finland’s winter swimming tradition, known as _avanto_, founders step into an ice-cold pool to pitch their business ideas. The format is designed to test determination and clarity under pressure. Participants later warm up with another Finnish tradition — the sauna — which serves as a networking session.
Born in Oulu, northern Finland, Polar Bear Pitching has expanded into an international event with satellite competitions held in several countries.
Organisers said the event reflects qualities associated with Finland’s entrepreneurial culture — resilience, creativity and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking — while offering a platform for Indian founders to connect with Finnish innovation networks, investors and businesses.
“Finland and India share a strong entrepreneurial spirit and an ambition to develop solutions that can make a global impact,” said Mikko Kivikoski, Ambassador of Finland to India.
“Polar Bear Pitching is a wonderful example of how Finnish creativity and traditions can be brought together with India’s dynamic startup ecosystem. We hope this unique experience will inspire entrepreneurs to think boldly, challenge themselves and build connections that lead to lasting cooperation between our countries,” he said.
The winner of the India edition will earn a place at the international Polar Bear Pitching Competition in Oulu, Finland, in February 2027, joining founders from around the world.
The prize offers international visibility and access to European investors and partners.
Finland is positioning the event as part of broader efforts to build innovation bridges with India. Officials cited potential for collaboration in areas including artificial intelligence, digitalisation, health technology, sustainability and mobility.
The first India edition was held in 2025 in partnership with Kerala Startup Mission, with the second edition held at the Finnish Embassy in New Delhi in January 2026, where AI startup Vicharak won.
