Y Science Health & Pharma Pitching Competition

Paikka: Messukeskus, Siipi Venues 5-6 Järjestäjä: HiLIFE from the University of Helsinki, Orion Pharma, and Swissnex. Päivämäärä: 19.11.2025 Aika: 10:30 - 15:30 Kotisivu: https://www.y-science.org/

2025 Applications for the Health and Pharma Pitching Competition are Now Open Until September 22!​

Are you a Finnish or Swiss pre-startup or early-stage startup tackling problems related to oncology, novel tools for disease detection and monitoring (companion diagnostics, screening, diagnosing, tracking disease progression), applications of AI/ML in health and drug discovery, or pre-clinical modelling to decrease animal testing in drug discovery?

If so, this is your opportunity to take to the spotlight! Apply to be one of four finalists in the Health and Pharma Pitching Competition and have the chance to pitch your idea on the Y Science stage, the largest life science gathering at Slush and an official Signature Side Event for 2025. ​

Eligibility

This year’s pitching competition is open for teams from Finland and Switzerland that are either pre-startup (planning to be incorporated soon) or an early-stage startup (incorporated for less than three years) working on issues relating to:

  • Oncology
  • Novel Tools for Disease Detection and Monitoring (Companion Diagnostics, Screening, Diagnosing, Tracking Disease Progression)
  • Applications of AI/ML in Health and Drug Discovery
    • A special Interest in Pre-Clinical Modelling to Decrease Animal Testing in Drug Discovery.

​​All finalists will

  • Receive expert coaching to prepare and deliver their pitch. This includes workshops on pitching and two one-to-one meetings with an experienced pitch coach. There will also be an opportunity to practice the night before in front of other Y Science finalists and guests
  • Present their idea at Slush on the Y Science stage
  • Receive a free stand in the Y Science Networking Area
  • Meet potential investors and partners
  • Network with industry experts in the fields of their solution
  • Receive a free Startup Pass to attend Slush
  • Pitch their idea inside Slush at the Swisstech Pavillion.

The winner will also receive 5,000 EUR to take their exciting idea further!​​

Please note that Y Science will take place at Slush in Helsinki on November 19.

This competition is jointly organised by HiLIFE from the University of Helsinki, Orion Pharma, and Swissnex.

Applications may be submitted at this link. The deadline for applications is September 22, 2025.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at hilife-y-science@helsinki.fi.