Slush 2024, one of Europe’s leading tech events was held in Helsinki on 20 and 21 November, confirming its position as a reference point for the global start-up and emerging technology ecosystem. With over 13,000 participants, including 5,500 startup founders and 3,300 investors, the event is a unique opportunity to discuss emerging trends, attract investments and create strategic connections.
Italy was the protagonist at Slush 2024 thanks to the collective participation organised by Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE) and the presence for the first time of the Marche Region with a delegation of 10 start-ups. “Agenzia ICE organised a collective participation of 29 startups and innovative SMEs at Slush 2024, a crucial event in the growth and expansion strategy of startups, thanks to the simultaneous presence of qualified investors and big tech companies to interact with. Thanks to the collaboration with Italian Tech Alliance, the Italian pavilion hosted thematic panels and pitching sessions, highlighting the state of the art of the Italian tech ecosystem,’ says Sarah Galassi, Head of Startups and Innovation at Agenzia ICE.
The institutional role
The Italian participation was opened on 19 November at the residence of the Italian Ambassador in Helsinki. During the meeting, Ambassador Nicola Todaro Marescotti, newly appointed, emphasised Finland’s strategic role in the revitalisation of Italian ideas on a global scale, stating: ‘Finland is a model for us and we want to do our utmost, to work hard every day to facilitate your work and enable you to seize all the opportunities around the world. This country is not only valuable in itself but is also a hub for an all-round relaunch of your ideas’. The Ambassador also thanked the ICE team and all the collaborators who made the Italian participation possible: ‘I am impressed by the size of the team we have, I am very happy to inaugurate my mission in Finland together with you’.
Italian Tech Alliance
The presence of Italian Tech Alliance at Slush 2024 highlighted the strategic importance of the event for the internationalisation of the Italian innovation sector. Francesco Cerruti, director of Italian Tech Alliance, said: “We are convinced that the internationalisation of the Italian innovation ecosystem is one of the cornerstones for the effective further maturation of a sector that has already proven to be very important.” Cerruti emphasises how participation in Slush represents a milestone for the innovation sector: ‘Three years ago it would have been unthinkable to reach this milestone. Now it is just a starting point, towards the coming years that we are sure will be even better both for the Italian innovation ecosystem and, in our own small way, for the Italian pavilion at Slush’. The speech by the director of Italian Tech Alliance highlights Slush’s role as a key platform for attracting international investors, who in 2023 contributed 40% of the capital raised by Italian start-ups.
The panels and key themes of Slush
Slush stands out for its ability to attract not only start-ups and scale-ups, but also global leaders in the technology sector. Among the most notable panels and discussions at the 2024 edition: artificial intelligence and the future of work: industry experts explored how AI is transforming work dynamics, emphasising the need for adaptation and continuous training to remain competitive; sustainability and green technology: startups presented innovative solutions to address climate challenges, with a focus on renewable energy and responsible business practices; and funding trends: experts analysed the impact of the global slowdown in technology investment and discussed recovery forecasts for 2025.
A cross-cutting theme that emerged during the panels was the need to build collaborative ecosystems involving governments, investors and innovators to address global challenges such as climate change and equitable access to emerging technologies.
State of European Tech 2024 report
One of the most anticipated moments of the event is the presentation of the State of European Tech 2024 report, edited by Atomico. This document offers an in-depth overview of the dynamics of the European technology ecosystem, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Some key figures:
- Investment in European start-ups is estimated at USD 45 billion in 2024, down from USD 47 billion in 2023, but with signs of stabilisation.
- IPOs are expected to pick up, with over 100 potential candidates, including prominent names such as Revolut and Bolt.
- The artificial intelligence sector raised $1.4 billion, consolidating Europe as a global leader in the field.
- The need for more involvement of European pension funds was emphasised, with only 0.01% of assets currently invested in venture capital.
The report highlighted how Europe is emerging as an increasingly mature technology ecosystem, thanks to a combination of favourable policies and strategic investments.
Italian start-ups in the limelight
The Italian delegation at Slush 2024 highlighted the excellence and diversity of Italian innovation among the start-ups present, and we have chosen a few that represent the key sectors of the Finnish event: Limenet (within ICE): develops technologies to capture and store CO₂ by transforming it into calcium bicarbonate, contributing to environmental sustainability and the fight against ocean acidification. It has already raised two million euros to further develop its solution; MLR /WuvDay (ICE): platform guaranteeing the authenticity of digital content, using advanced technologies to combat misinformation and strengthen online trust; Travel Verse (Marche Region): offers immersive travel experiences based on artificial intelligence, opening up new perspectives in the digital tourism sector; Icarus Technology (ICE): a platform using artificial intelligence to personalise chronic disease management and post-operative care, improving the quality of life of patients through continuous support and accessible technology; Nextflag (ICE): a global networking platform that facilitates professional connections and creates new opportunities for international collaboration. These are just a few examples, but they reflect the ability of Italian start-ups to position themselves in highly competitive sectors and to respond to global challenges, representing an added value for the entire innovation ecosystem.
Slush 2024 was not only an opportunity to discuss emerging trends in technological innovation, but also a key platform to connect Italian start-ups with investors and strategic partners. Thanks to the support of ICE, Regione Marche and the Italian Tech Alliance, Italy presented itself as a key player in the global innovation landscape. With such a structured participation and actively involved institutions, Italy continues to strengthen its presence on the international scene, proving that events like Slush are essential to promote Italian talent and ideas on a global scale. (Pictured are representatives of the Italian delegation at Slush 2024).
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