The first accelerator that combines market access with founder resilience — helping international startups land, validate, and expand in Finland and Europe. [...] Apply for the Autumn 2026 Batch [...] The Northern Light accelerator delivers hands-on support to validate your product with real customers, navigate sales in local and EU markets, and secure traction alongside revenue. We also prioritise founder resilience to keep your team focused and execution-ready [...] faster market entry, [...] Startups – spring 2026 [...] The second cohort brings together founders from Brazil, Japan, Argentina, Australia, India, the UK, Singapore, Cameroon, South Africa, Turkey, Ireland, and Iran. Meet the inspiring startups of the spring 2026 batch! [...] Our 3-month accelerator program is designed for non-Finnish founders or teams ready to build in Europe, starting from Helsinki. We provide a physical base at Maria 01, enabling you to join our vibrant community. [...] There is a participation fee for the Northern Light Accelerator of €2,000 (incl. VAT) per startup (up to two founders). This includes not only the full program, its activities, and support package valued at €120,000, but also a dedicated desk space at Maria 01 for three months with full access to all campus services and facilities, as well as a startup ticket to Slush 2026 for the Autumn Batch – all delivered equity-free. [...] Current program and application period [...] The third batch of our program will take place in Autumn 2026, starting on August 21st and finishing on November 20th. The application period is open from the 16th of April until June 6, 2026. Please note, that we review applications continuously and the spots are limited, that is why we encourage you to apply early. We expect to make all decisions on successful applicants by early the end of June 2026, to allow all the accepted participants enough time to prepare for their travel to Helsinki. [...] APPLY – Application period opens [...] Northern Light is for early-stage international startups looking to enter the European market through Finland. You should have a company registered in some country. Additionally, you should also have at least an MVP or early traction and be committed to scaling your business in Europe. You can also apply if you are already in Finland and have at least one non-Finnish co-founder or team member. [...] 11. When can I apply for the program? [...] We run two accelerator programs each year, each with a dedicated application period. Check this website for the current application dates. If no application period is open at the moment, you can sign up for our mailing list below to stay informed about when the next application window opens. [...] Startups – autumn 2025 [...] The first-ever program brought together founders from India, the Philippines, Norway, the USA, Ireland, Kenya, Spain and Finland. Meet the inspiring startups of the autumn 2025 batch! [...] Apply for Autumn 2026 Batch.

The first accelerator that combines market access with founder resilience — helping international startups land, validate, and expand in Finland and Europe. [...] Apply for the Autumn 2026 Batch [...] The Northern Light accelerator delivers hands-on support to validate your product with real customers, navigate sales in local and EU markets, and secure traction alongside revenue. We also prioritise founder resilience to keep your team focused and execution-ready [...] faster market entry, [...] Startups – spring 2026 [...] The second cohort brings together founders from Brazil, Japan, Argentina, Australia, India, the UK, Singapore, Cameroon, South Africa, Turkey, Ireland, and Iran. Meet the inspiring startups of the spring 2026 batch! [...] Our 3-month accelerator program is designed for non-Finnish founders or teams ready to build in Europe, starting from Helsinki. We provide a physical base at Maria 01, enabling you to join our vibrant community. [...] There is a participation fee for the Northern Light Accelerator of €2,000 (incl. VAT) per startup (up to two founders). This includes not only the full program, its activities, and support package valued at €120,000, but also a dedicated desk space at Maria 01 for three months with full access to all campus services and facilities, as well as a startup ticket to Slush 2026 for the Autumn Batch – all delivered equity-free. [...] Current program and application period [...] The third batch of our program will take place in Autumn 2026, starting on August 21st and finishing on November 20th. The application period is open from the 16th of April until June 6, 2026. Please note, that we review applications continuously and the spots are limited, that is why we encourage you to apply early. We expect to make all decisions on successful applicants by early the end of June 2026, to allow all the accepted participants enough time to prepare for their travel to Helsinki. [...] APPLY – Application period opens [...] Northern Light is for early-stage international startups looking to enter the European market through Finland. You should have a company registered in some country. Additionally, you should also have at least an MVP or early traction and be committed to scaling your business in Europe. You can also apply if you are already in Finland and have at least one non-Finnish co-founder or team member. [...] 11. When can I apply for the program? [...] We run two accelerator programs each year, each with a dedicated application period. Check this website for the current application dates. If no application period is open at the moment, you can sign up for our mailing list below to stay informed about when the next application window opens. [...] Startups – autumn 2025 [...] The first-ever program brought together founders from India, the Philippines, Norway, the USA, Ireland, Kenya, Spain and Finland. Meet the inspiring startups of the autumn 2025 batch! [...] Apply for Autumn 2026 Batch.