May Newsletter

Calling all Icelandic Startups!

Iceland Innovation Week <> New Nordics Pitch Competition! ✨😎

Silicon Vikings annually host the New Nordics Pitch Competition, a pan-Nordic and Baltic pitch competition that gathers the best startups/scaleups of the New Nordics.

We are excited to find the best Icelandic startup to compete in the Grand Final during Slush. Last year’s winner, Treble, brought home the victory for Iceland as they won the Grand Final, so there are big expectations! Find the link below to sign up.

The competition provides a platform for innovative startups in the Nordics and Baltics to pitch their innovations to a panel of expert judges, investors, and industry leaders. The regional winners will participate in the Grand Final, in which they will compete to become the New Nordics Grand Champion.

We are looking for startups in the pre-seed, seed or early-stage phase, with a minimum viable product at hand. To qualify for the competition, your startup must be based in the Nordic or Baltic countries and have a unique and innovative idea that solves a real problem and has the potential to disrupt or transform the industry.

Sign up for the pitch competition in Iceland below:

[APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON MAY 12]

Last year’s winner, Treble Technologies 

We asked the CEO of last year’s winner, Finnur Pind, a few questions about his experience from participating in and winning the competition. Here is what he had to say:

1. Why did you apply for New Nordics Pitch Competition?

We applied for the New Nordics Pitch Competition because we saw it as an excellent opportunity to showcase our product and connect with other regional startups and entrepreneurs.

2. What did you gain from attending the competition?

Attending the competition allowed us to network with other entrepreneurs, receive valuable feedback on our product, and gain exposure to potential investors and partners.

3. What’s your best advice for those competing this year?

Our best advice for those competing this year would be to practice, prepare and be confident. It is also essential to be passionate about your product and able to communicate its value clearly and concisely.

4. What has the past year been like for you? Where is Treble now? 

The past year has been a whirlwind of excitement and hard work. Since the competition, we have continued to grow our product and expand our customer base. Treble is now in a great position, and we are excited about the future.

Partner Shoutout

We are super excited to partner with the best of Iceland and would like to recognise their incredible contribution to the New Nordic entrepreneurial ecosystem and the pitch competition.

Check out the competition page here: [NNPC ICELAND 2023]

KLAK

KLAK facilitates business accelerators and workshops for entrepreneurs. We help start-ups grow domestically and abroad by accelerating their development and connecting them with experts, investors and other key players. Klak has long since established itself as a key partner in the innovation ecosystem in Iceland and strives to be a leading force in the grassroots entrepreneurial community.

https://klak.is/en/

Weird Pickle

Weird Pickle Weird Pickle is a multidisciplinary innovation studio in the heart of Reykjavík, building and fostering brands through highly focused branding and a deep understanding of creating ventures.

www.weirdpickle.com

Business Iceland

Business Iceland is responsible for the branding and marketing of Iceland and Icelandic export industries. It supports Icelandic companies in entering foreign markets and facilitates foreign investment in the Icelandic economy. Business Iceland's services are based on extensive experience, specialization, and professionalism.

www.islandsstofa.is/en

Iceland Innovation Week

Iceland Innovation Week is a festival that celebrates and showcases innovation at the end of May every year. Events ranging from panel discussions and company visits to happy hours and an icy ocean dip are held in locations in Reykjavík throughout the week.

https://www.innovationweek.is/

Latitude59 in Tallinn, Estonia | May 24-26, 2023

The eleventh Latitude59 will take place on May 24-26, 2023, in Tallinn, Estonia, one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world and the record-holder for most unicorns per capita in Europe. This year, nearly 3000 participants are expected to gather for the event, including 800 startup representatives and 500 investors from all around the world.

Latitude59 is hosting the New Nordic Pitch Competitions finals of the Baltics. We are excited to be part of such an amazing conference.

Deeptech in Sweden and the New Nordics - with Annie Lindmark, Program Director, Vinnova

Listen to the latest episode from New Nordics: Bridging the Gap Podcast on Spotify. Ebba and Peter are having an interesting conversation with Annie Lindmark, the program director of the Swedish Innovation Agency Vinnova.

open.spotify.com/episode/57cOe42TiqcRrjbEDV3IXa?si=6e52a06ae4bf4853

The Nordic Flywheel Effect: Building the Next Startup Trailblazers

The Nordics are home to some of Europe’s most successful startups, and we don’t think this unicorn factory is showing any signs of slowing down.

sapphireventures.com/blog/the-nordic-flywheel-effect-building-the-next-startup-trailblazers

Breaking Bias: How Can AI Be Used To Improve Equality? - Linköping Science Park

We know that AI is built on, and influenced by, the norms and values that already exist in society, which can have a negative impact for certain groups and individuals. As they say – “bias in, bias out”. There are many examples, even if the intention is to do well. But where can we find […]

linkopingsciencepark.se/event/breaking-bias-how-can-ai-be-used-to-improve-equality

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