Summer 2026 Startup Founder

FORWARD is a 10-week summer accelerator for first-time founders who want to turn their ideas into real startups.
From May 18 to July , you'll go from I have an idea to I have a working product and real customers. You are going to be guided by experienced mentors, surrounded by other builders, and competing for a €10,000 prize pool at Demo Day.
The program is completely free. No participation fees or equity taken. The program takes place in Lappeenranta, Finland, and if you're coming from outside the city, we provide fully free housing for the entire 10 weeks.
Solo founders and teams are both welcome. No business degree required. No polished pitch deck. Just you, a problem you care about and a summer to turn it into something real.
---What You'll Do
Over 10 weeks (May 18 – July , you'll:
Get mentored – Work with experienced founders, investors and mentors who've been there before.
Talk to customers – Learn what people actually want, not what you think they want.
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