Demo Day 2026
Aalto Startup Center x A Grid Demo Day on March 4th 2026
Aalto Startup Center Demo Day is the perfect opportunity to see the innovation that comes out of Aalto University. During the day, startups and research to business cases from Aalto Startup Center and A Grid portfolio set up to present their case for participants to examine and explore.
In 2025 we had over 90 different booths and over 700 attendees exploring the cutting edge of innovation in Finland. And we aim to top that this year on March 4th.
PROGRAM
10:00 - 12:00
FiBAN's Pitching Competition
13:00 - 17:00
Startup Showcase
- Our startups and research projects are ready to meet you! Come and explore our different floors at A Grid and check out for yourself the inventions that are shaping the future. Almost 100 companies and deep tech projects will be present at the event with a booth to explain what are they working on and answer your burning questions.
WORKSHOPS
13:15 - 13:45
XSTRYV (Fenton room, A Grid's 3rd floor)
- Demo Day is not only about showcasing your startup. It’s also a place where students and early-career talent come to meet teams, learn about startups, and explore future opportunities. To help you turn short event conversations into meaningful connections, XSTRYV provides a simple way to capture interest and connect with relevant talent. It is an intelligent talent matchmaking platform designed to reduce hiring friction and manual screening,so you can move faster and connect with better-aligned candidates, beyond CVs.
14:00 - 14:45
Wednesday (Fenton room, A Grid's 3rd floor)
- From Strengths to Startups: In this workshop, we explore how early-stage entrepreneurs can identify real business opportunities by starting from their individual strengths, experiences, and personal brand. Instead of chasing trends, participants will learn how to map their unique positioning, recognize where their skills meet market demand, and translate that into clear monetization paths. The session is practical, reflective, and action-oriented, so attendees leave with a clearer direction for building opportunities aligned with who they are.
14:15 - 14:45
Aalto Founders' School showcase (Jeti auditorium, A Grid's 2nd floor)
- Aalto Founder Sprint's Spring Cohort takes the stage for the first time. Four teams of students from different backgrounds have spent the past weeks in the building phase, developing their ideas from the ground up. Demo Day marks their first public showcase, where they will present what they've built and put their thinking to the test in front of a live audience.
15:00 - 15:30
XSTRYV (Fenton room, A Grid's 3rd floor)
- Second instalment of the session that took place at 13:15 (details above).
This year we have expanded the program.
The main body of the event takes place on the afternoon of 4th of March when the startups and research to business projects set up their booths for the eager to wonder all along the lobby areas of A Grid (Otakaari 5) as well as the first two floors of Aalto Startup Center office spaces.
However, we're also organizing a pitch competition in the morning of the day in collaboration with FiBAN. It's the perfect opportunity for the startups and R2Bs who take part in showcasing their projects during afternoon to get a pitch in in front of an audience of investors and interested stakeholders before presenting in more detail on the booth.
For investors:
We are organizing a dedicated investor experience in collaboration with Business Espoo this time around. If you want to join or have any question about this event, contact Sini Karhunen at sini.1.karhunen@aalto.fi
Digital Badge
Let people know you are attending Demo Day! To create your own digital personalized badge and post iton social media, use THIS LINK. Tag Aalto Startup Center and A Grid so we can see it!
Startups and Research to Business Projects With a Booth
Mind's Eyetrack provides accessible and timely eye tracking testing for healthcare. Eye movements are proven scientifically to signal about neurological and mental conditions, especially the developmental conditions in children. We make software for automated high-resolution video-based eye tracking tests in the cloud. We aim to sell access to the cloud platform with the tests to healthcare providers, who will then provide the tests to patients.
Halide Energy has developed a Copper Flow Battery technology that overcomes the challenges of limited lifespan, irreversible capacity degradation, and unsustainable life cycle which result in high lifetime costs of current batteries. Designed for grid-scale and industrial users, our technology has no capacity degradation with fully modular configurations to meet highly critical energy storage needs ranging from 4 to 12 hours at a lower battery CAPEX than current market alternatives, avoiding costly augmentation and upgrades.
Energy optimization solution for complex production cases. By integrating AI we optimise energy prices, taking into account any production goals or constrains no matter how many they are.
Our solution combines photorealistic, dimensionally accurate 3D reality models generated using advanced scanning technologies (e.g., gaussian splatting) and AI-driven automation for asset mapping and scene analysis – with a powerful, accessible web platform. Our focus is in Energy & Utilities, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Process Industry, and Infrastructure & Transport.
Fisofi is an AI-powered B2B SaaS platform that streamlines operations for fitness studios. We automate the complex friction points allowing business owners to focus on growth.
Maintenance-free leak sensor tape. A versatile tape-based sensor perfect for any building. It's compact, wireless, and battery-free, lasting decades. Easy to install, it sends real-time alerts to your system or phone. Our technology leverages printed Our technology leverages printed antennas, energy harvesters and small electronics.
Amertate develops a patented, ultra-quiet hybrid wind turbine that delivers reliable on-site energy in low-wind and harsh climates. It is residential-safe, fully recyclable, and designed for decentralized use. The solution reduces grid dependency and ensures energy resilience for critical infrastructure.
Vesti is a diagnostic device for peripheral vertigo and vestibular disorders.
Our solution is an AI calling service for seniors that checks how they are doing and offers companionship and reminders. The calls happen through a regular phone, without apps or smart devices. If a senior does not answer or something seems wrong, the system can notify a family member or caregiver.
EMMA is a SaaS based, AI driven platform that optimizes Airport flight operations and resource allocation
AibenIQ is a zero-hallucination enterprise AI platform for document-critical and regulated industries. It enables organizations to query and analyze their internal documents using AI that produces only verifiable answers with page-level source references. The system is designed for compliance-driven environments and can be deployed on-premise or in sovereign cloud, ensuring data never leaves the organization.
We are offering the first solution with a filed patent in finland, that offers live,automated and multi-gas emission tracking through direct measurment for transportation sector with initial focus on marine transportation. Combining IoT, AI and blockchain, we convert compliance from a burden into source of trust and reputation for shipping companies.
They build a thermal infrared high-resolution payload for CubeSats.
Taru Tech predicts player behavior using AI, enabling testing throughout the game development process. Automated playtesting empowers game designers to create better games with higher revenue and reduces production time.
ArchiFrame extends the Archicad design suite for more user-friendly structural design in wood.
Our solution is a waste heat-powered gas compressor. By using the waste heat already produced by industrial processes, AC Comp technology significantly reduces the cost of gas compression, lowers the compressor lifecycle cost where energy typically represents up to 80% of the total cost and helps to improve the overall process efficiency.
Symptonic restores and standardises any voice recording using patent-pending domain adaptation. This enables accurate, comparable voice metrics across devices, apps and environments. The platform includes a wellness app, clinician dashboard and SDK for partners.
Structural Health Monitorig Using Digital Twin and Agentic AI.
EpiHeart has set of medical devices enabling novel autologous cell based cardiac treatment for ischemic damages and heart failure. Our devices are CE-marked and used primarily today in clinical efficacy study.
We are making the Nordics global leaders in research commercialization with students leading the way. We do this by running grassroots ecosystem building programmes as well as influencing top-down structural change in structures.
Aani gives devices the ability to understand sound in real-time. We transform acoustic environments into structured data that reveals location, movement, and context. Our software processes sound on-device, making spatial hearing accessible, low-cost, and privacy-preserving. We're bringing intelligent hearing to machines—turning sound into actionable intelligence at the edge.
Cense Analytics offers a unique method to determine organic carbon from cropland and forest soils. We combine laser-based proximal measurements with AI-driven remote sensing to produce data at an unprecedented scale without compromising accuracy. Our Mission is to provide farmers, foresters, food corporations, and public sector operators with an easy, reliable, and affordable soil carbon measurement and monitoring service platform to enable the incentivization of sustainable agricultural and forestry practices.
FireSafe is an innovative, bio-based next-generation fire-retardant technology that provides a highly effective, cost-efficient, and non-toxic alternative to conventional chemical fire retardants. It can be applied either as a standalone fire-retardant coating or as a drop-in additive for paints and coatings. As a platform technology, FireSafe is suitable for a wide range of applications, including wood, insulation, and acoustic materials, with strong potential for expansion into additional material segments.
TexFoam is a circular foam product that transforms mixed textile waste into high-value, market-ready products. Using a foam-forming process, we convert textile fiber blends into a lightweight, porous structure with low drying demand and strong thermal insulation, acoustic properties, and fire resistance. TexFoam is designed as a direct, competitive alternative for conventional fossil-based and bio-based products. It enables companies in construction, packaging, and other sectors to meet circularity, recycled-content, and regulatory requirements without compromising performance.
We developed a solution with minimizes equipment size, compatibility with CMOS and portable systems, with reduced manufacturing costs. By leveraging new physics and design optimizations, we demostrated high sensitivity for optical signal detection and low-light imaging. It operates with lower power consumption, suitable for dynamic environments. Furthermore, it covers a broad spectrum, enhancing versatility for various applications.
Sustainability that makes business sense.
DROPLET INSTRUMENTS provides a novel technology for accurately and precisely measuring surface interaction forces (such as adhesion and friction) in a wide range from 100 pN to 100 N. The first commercial product is a non-destructive conformal coating adhesion tester (competing with the IPC-CC-830C test) aimed at electronics manufacturers and suppliers. Our TRL is already 7 and the technology has been in daily research use for the last 8 years and one device was already sold in 2024.
Our main service is a comprehensive internal audit, where we help you identify your most important development areas and plan related measures.
Syntask is an industrial-focused business intelligence platform designed for transportation companies and freight forwarders. Our first module, Logistic Intelligence (LI), transforms operational logistics data into clear, actionable performance insights. It integrates real-time and historical data from multiple systems to provide on-demand cost breakdowns, driver efficiency tracking, and partner benchmarking. Through API-based integrations, Syntask enables logistics companies to make faster, data-driven operational decisions.
Mobile vaccination units (caravans) all over Southern Finlnad
Dentcense is an AI-powered remote dentistry robotic system that transforms how dental care is delivered. It integrates a high-precision robotic arm with interchangeable end-effectors, autonomous storage and sterilization, and a VR-enabled control console for dentists to operate treatments onsite or remotely. The platform converts CBCT scan data into 3D models for virtual simulation and AI-assisted diagnosis before real procedures, increasing accuracy and safety. Dentcense aims to make gentle, high-quality dental care accessible anywhere in the world while reducing human error, patient fears and physical strain on dentists.
We’re building One Mall, One Portal — a unified digital platform that replaces fragmented mall apps with a single intelligent ecosystem. Our AI-powered assistant helps visitors navigate services in real time while generating actionable behavioral data for shop tenants and mall operators. That data becomes the engine for engagement, operational efficiency, and scalable monetization across markets.
SMART-TRAN builds a bridge diagnostic tool for bridge maintenance authorities such as Väylävirasto to reduce the human risk related to visual inspection of bridges, replace the traditional expensive bridge sensor system, and cover a wider range of bridges with a fraction of the cost comparing to the current methods.
Our device and system make it possible to detect, analyse, and document multiple biosignals needed in the physical examination of patients in medical practice.
Our solution utilizes a unique combination of submillimeter-wave (THz) technology and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to monitor tissue water content with high precision.
BOMP is a machine learning platform that enables multi-objective, explainable optimization from small, heterogeneous datasets. It replaces manual trial-and-error with guided, continuous learning, shortening R&D cycles by 3-5x and cutting costs up to 70%. Working with limited data, it offers transparent AI recommendations with quantified uncertainty, and can run as both Cloud and On-Prem service for sensitive industries.
ABAU DESIGN was born in 2022 out of a passion for well-crafted, sustainable urban furniture. We are focused solely on designing and manufacturing outdoor furniture that blends aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
NoCFO is the AI CFO for every entrepreneur. NoCFO automates bookkeeping, invoicing, salary payments, and VAT reporting for small businesses without an accountant.
Yield Systems delivers a smartphone-based visual AI solution that converts ordinary video into highly precise, structured data with over 99% accuracy. It requires no specialized hardware or controlled environments and offers a return on investment within a single quarter.
We organise different types of events and provide resources to support entrepreneurship.
We're developing a versatile battery free tape-based sensor perfect for any building. It's compact, wireless, and lasting decades. Easy to install, it sends real-time alerts to your system or phone. Our technology leverages printed antennas, energy harvesters and small electronics.
We solve Agrid’s community engagement challenge through a live demonstration powered by our OOIOO Smart Mirror solutions. By installing a large interactive smart mirror in the center of the lobby, we transform a simple physical space into a dynamic engagement hub.
We provide digital road infrastructure maintenance tool. Our solution runs on a mobile device and leverages AI to analyze the footage captured with the mobile device. We provide a browser-based interface for road infrastructure asset management and API-based ERP integrations of the collected data.
SisuSemi's Atomic Level Purification solutions provides an atomic level cleanliness for semiconductors. Cleans: Removes defects and contamination at Ultra-high-Vacuum with slightly elevated temperatures. Restores: Repairs the crystalline structure of surface atoms. Passivates: Forms a thin, protective, crystalline SiO2 layer.
We are making reversible fuel cell stack that runs in two modes, producing green hydrogen from renewable electricity, and converting hydrogen back into electricity and other e fuels.
Our solution is to make acoustic measurements at different event locations, process the data using the spatial decomposition method (SDM), and apply the results to an audio signal that will enable remote venue monitoring using headphones or loudspeakers.
We are a design agency focusing on health. With diverse groups of strategists as well as marketing, branding and service design professionals we help health tech startups turn their innovations into market-ready success.
An AI solution that assists eye care professionals (eye doctors and optometrists) in detecting Age-Related Macular Degeneration so that the disease is identified on time and treatment can be started as early as possible. Targeting the first point of contact for AMD patients, where many cases go undiagnosed and where treatment would have the greatest benefits.
Private 5G industrial networks. Time sensitive networks over 5G. Private bubble mobile network
KotiCharge provides a smart billing service for EV charging in housing associations. Our AI-powered engine optimizes charging by balancing solar production, battery storage, and real-time spot pricing—helping residents reduce electricity costs by up to 50%.
We have developed the first to market, quantum grade thermometry solution - a software driven sensor-on-chip technology for ultra-low temperature industries: Quantum Computing, Medical Imaging (MRI), Big Science, Infrared Sensing (dual use) and Space.
Lensor provides trusted habitat intelligence for the built environment. By fusing satellite, LiDAR, and ground data with advanced AI, the platform delivers high-resolution habitat layers, temporal change insights, and a transparent Trust Index.
Epicmeets, a startup pioneering a human-centered, science-backed methodology where your voice becomes visible and ideas take shape. Using metaphor-rich tools called Epics, people express and visualize their thoughts and ideas, turning meetings into inclusive, human-centered sessions that foster dialogue, psychological safety, and co-creation.
Cortisys is pioneering a standalone automated neuromodulation device that stimulates the brain as a connected network rather than isolated regions. By combining real-time patient readings, intelligent robotics, and data-driven automation, our system removes the need for human operators, delivering unprecedented precision, repeatability, and effectiveness in brain therapy.
Odd Latent is built on 25 years of game-making mastery. We make games for a global audience, and we're reinventing the studio model for the game developers of the future. We compress the time from idea to market & build processes & automations that help us out-iterates everyone.
We are building an intraoperative diagnostic tool (JED Explorer) for assessing the condition of the soft tissue in the knee arthroscopic procedures. We use fibreoptics, spectroscopy and machine learning to generate objective, standardized measurement data layer between current pre- and post-op imaging that the industry is currently lacking.
A smart agent who lives within the company environment works to solve employees' technical problems 24/7.
Sensmet has developed a patented Micro-Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy technology that performs real-time elemental analysis directly in liquids without sample preparation or consumable gases.
Current gas sensors are either cheap but unreliable, or too expensive and power hungry for widespread adoption. Our printed sensor and printed gas detection device make 10X reductions to costs, operations, power consumption and environmental footprints of gas detection.
Intellipocket is a digital platform that replaces physical membership cards and paper stamps with a seamless mobile wallet solution. It enables businesses to manage customer loyalty, ticketing, and communication directly through a user's smartphone without requiring a separate app download.
High-throughput security screening camera and the related software which can automatically detect concealed objects from people walking by.
Digihappy - the best tablet, phone and personal alarm for the elderly and care providers. Touchless video calls and fun things to do in Finnish, Swedish, English. Easy alerts. Always as a ready-to-go service and IT support.
Thinkin' Rocks is a community-driven deep-tech playground that gives students and builders hands-on access to cutting-edge hardware, robotics platforms, and experimental tools that are normally locked inside research labs or corporations. We operate a "lab-as-a-service" model, combining shared infrastructure, self-hosted digital tools, and peer-driven mentorship to lower the barrier to building ambitious technical projects.
We are a full-service intellectual property law firm: We assist you with IPR strategies and securing, managing and defending your rights. We draft and handle patent and trademark applications, draft and negotiate R&D and license contracts, and help with marketing regulation, copyright matters, and rights to data.
Our solution is bio-based strong packaging material technology, which helps to reduce plastics. It makes fiber based materials very cost competitive and reduces carbon footprint and forest resources. We have developed bio based biodegradable polymer composite technology for paper machines and for bio plastic production.
Talk’nPick is an agile and unique warehouse management solution that can be used through voice commands, scanners, or a keyboard. With Talk’nPick, all warehouse tasks can be performed using a smartphone or any other mobile device. It is lightweight and wearable, allowing convenient portability for the user.
Kvanttinova Ltd catalyses collaboration, growth and innovation within the ecosystem, and strives to attract new actors to enter the ecosystem. The company offers different services, including but not limited to advising, raising awareness of the ecosystem and offering collaboration opportunities to the players of the ecosystem.
Alteremis builds passive UxS sensing network prototypes for fixed-installation protection. We combine distributed SDR nodes, edge computing, and central analytics over PoE-connected infrastructure. Our current focus is base perimeter security and critical infrastructure monitoring.
Blue carrot is a crowdfunding platform for fanfiction writers with existing audiences. Fanfiction writers have proven their talent and already have readers but make no money. We help them raise funds from their fans to write original books. Fans pre-pay in exchange for perks like early chapters and signed copies.
No app, no account, no identity. Users scan a QR code and drop directly into a live anonymous feed for that exact location.
Building better gym memberships through a B2B2C AI personal trainer app. Most gyms provide equipment and access but no structured plan or habit support, leaving beginners feeling lost, failing to build a routine, and losing motivation quickly, which results in high churn, with around 50% of new members quitting within six months.
Selling used AirPods after a refurbishing and deep cleaning process. We allow customers to purchase quality AirPods significantly cheaper than new AirPods. Also, customers can dispose of their old AirPods with ease by giving them to us - a gateway for them to make an upgrade while providing us with inventory - promoting circular economy.
Coachless helps competitive players understand how strategic choices impact their chances of winning. We use causal inference methods combined with deep learning to remove selection bias from observational data. Our product is a Freemium B2C SaaS web application for League of Legends, the biggest esports game in the world.
Polar Orbital is developing a next-generation satellite ground systems to strengthen sovereign control of European space assets. Our solution is mission-versatile, rapidly deployable, and secure by design. With a vertically integrated approach, we deliver scalable ground segment solutions tailored to the individual needs of satellite operators, governmental and commercial.
UltraPlex is a next-generation lipid nanoparticle platform for gene delivery. It uses green chemistry, nanotechnology, and focused ultrasound to create nanocarriers that are safe, efficient, and fully scalable. The platform achieves high encapsulation of therapeutic molecules, ensuring precise delivery.
A clinical decision-making tool for rehab therapist to support motor rehabilitation planning and guidance, utilizing brain-to-muscle connection information.
Mechanical watch movements are 99.99% made in Switzerland or Asia. We developed the first ever (in modern time) serial produced mechanical watch movement made in the Nordics. Already in serial production. For other watch brands and our own watch brand. |
DIRECTIONS AND PRACTICALITIES
To get to A Grid in Espoo, Finland, you have several options depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation. A Grid is located at Otakaari 5, 02150 Espoo, within the Aalto University campus area in Otaniemi.
By Public Transport
- Metro:
- Take the Helsinki Metro (Länsimetro) towards Tapiola or Matinkylä.
- Get off at the "Aalto University" station.
- Walk north along Otaniementie and turn left onto Otakaari. A Grid is located at Otakaari 5, which is a short walk from the station.
- Bus:
- Numerous buses run to the Otaniemi area. You can use the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) website or app to find the best bus route.
By Car
- From Helsinki:
- Take Länsiväylä (Route 51) westbound.
- Exit at the Tapiola exit and follow the signs to Otaniemi.
- Continue on Otaniementie and turn left onto Otakaari.
- From Espoo:
- Depending on your location in Espoo, navigate towards Ring Road I (Kehä I) and exit at Tapiola/Otaniemi.
-
Follow the signs to Otaniemi and continue onto Otaniementie. Turn left onto Otakaari.
By Bicycle
Espoo and the greater Helsinki area have an extensive network of bike paths. You can use a bicycle route planner, such as Google Maps or the HSL Journey Planner, to find the best route.
On Foot
If you are nearby, walking is also an option. Use a map service to navigate to Otakaari 5.
Additional Tips
- HSL Journey Planner: The HSL Journey Planner (available as a website and an app) can provide detailed routes for public transportation, walking, and cycling. It’s highly recommended for real-time route planning.
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Parking: If you’re driving, check the parking availability at A Grid or nearby on the Aalto University campus.
Summary
- Metro: Take the metro to Aalto University station, then walk.
- Bus: Use HSL Journey Planner to find the best bus route.
- Car: Drive to Otakaari 5, Otaniemi, Espoo.
- Bicycle/Walk: Use maps for the best route.
Following these directions should get you to A Grid in Espoo without any issues.
- Permission to park on the Otaniemi campus in the parking areas marked "With Aalto University's permission" (Aalto-yliopiston luvalla).
- The new parking permit will be introduced around April, with a transition period from the old sticker permit to the new plastic parking permit. Both the old and the new permit will run from March to April.
- From 1.5.2024, only the new parking permit will be used. After this date, the old A! sticker will no longer be a valid parking permit.
- The new permission, will be circular and made of plastic, with sequential numbering.
- The permit is personal: a parking permit is issued to a person employed by Aalto, irrespective of the type or duration of the employment relationship.
- Permits can be picked up from 1 May 2024, only in four lobbies: Dipoli, Väre and Maarintie 8 and ACRE/Rakentajanaukio 4. You will need an Aalto University ID card or identity card for employment verification purposes.
- At the end of the employment relationship, the parking permit must be returned. It can be returned to any Aalto University lobby.
Parking Instruction for all others
Parking on campus is chargeable for all others. The same parking fee applies to the car parks and the multi-story card park. Otaparkki.
For up-to-date parking maps and prices, see the Easypark and ParkMan apps.
Electric cars can be charged at designated charging stations on campus according to a separate pricing list. The charging time is limited to a maximum of 3 hours. Charging stations are available in the following parking areas:
- Dipoli (Otakaari 24), those with an Aalto University staff parking permit are not charged a parking fee.
- Otaniementie 9, those with an Aalto University staff parking permit are not charged a parking fee.
- Maarintie 8, those with an Aalto University staff parking permit are not charged a parking fee.
- Biologinkuja (only for A Bloc customers), all those who park are charged both a parking and charging fee.
- A Grid (Otakaari 5), all those who park are charged both a parking and charging fee.
- Otaparkki (Sähkömiehentie 3), all those who park are charged both a parking and charging fee.
Charging points are marked in the map you can find on this page.
Charging prices are dynamic and are checked at regular intervals. Up-to-date prices can be found in the Plugit application and on ACRE's website.
More information: ACRE contact form
Visitors can access the Aalto open wireless network without authentication. This unencrypted network is freely available to everyone.
Key Details:
• Network Name: Aalto open
• Authentication: No login required
• Accessibility: Open to all visitors
Investors, event operations, planning, booths: Markus Karva
Media: Natalie Gaudet & Päivi Meros
Marketing: Marc GavaldĂ
In case of inquiries, contact: