Swissnex is partnering with the Embassy of Switzerland in Denmark, Orion, and Y Science for the Y Science Health & Pharma Pitching Competition 2026, organized by the University of Helsinki / HiLIFE as the official Life Sciences side event of Slush

Through this partnership, Swiss-based entrepreneurs will be able to apply to the competition and pitch their startup or idea live on the Y Science stage in Helsinki, as part of Slush week.

The selected finalists will:

• Receive expert pitch coaching, including an online pitching workshop and two 1-1 coaching sessions (6 October – 12 November)
• Participate in an online final preparation meeting ahead of the competition (13 November)
• Join a dress rehearsal with fellow finalists at Terkko Health Hub in Helsinki (17 November)
• Showcase their startup or idea live at the Y Science Health & Pharma Pitching  Competition in front of an audience of more than 500 attendees (18 November)
• Receive one complimentary Startup Pass to Slush
• Receive a free exhibition stand in the Y Science Networking Area
• Meet potential investors, partners, and collaborators
• Network with experts in the fields of their solution
• Compete for the EUR 5,000 prize awarded to the winning team

For selected finalists from Switzerland, the Swissnex package may also include travel and accommodation support upon request.

Applications are open until 11 September 2026, 23:59.

Eligibility: Swiss early-stage startups incorporated on or after 18 November 2023 and pre-startups not yet incorporated, developing solutions in one of the following fields:

• Applications of AI/ML in health and drug discovery
• New treatment options for oncology, with particular interest in RIPTACs
• Novel biologics, cell therapies, or gene therapies

Y Science will take place on 18 November 2026 at Messukeskus, Helsinki, as part of Slush week.

Interested in applying?
Find all details and submit your application below.

More information here
Apply here

For questions, please contact us at [email protected].