POLAR BEAR PITCHING INDIA EVENT
Polar Bear Pitching India is a national-level satellite event organised as a precursor to the global Polar Bear Pitching in Oulu, Finland organised by Work in Finland (Business Finland) in partnership with T-Hub, their official partner
About the Program
Polar Bear Pitching is a globally recognised startup pitching competition that originated in Oulu, Finland, and is organised annually by BusinessOulu. At the heart of the event is the iconic Avanto (Ice Hole) Pitching Competition, where startup founders pitch their ventures while standing waist-deep in ice-cold water.
The concept is intentionally bold and unconventional, testing not just the business idea, but also the founder’s clarity of thought, resilience, and ability to communicate under pressure. Polar Bear Pitching has grown into a global phenomenon, with Satellite Events hosted in multiple countries, each acting as an official qualifier for the main event in Finland.
The first Indian version was held in 2025, followed by 2026 and now we are bringing the third edition
this November.
About the Polar Bear Pitching India Event
Polar Bear Pitching India is a national-level satellite event organised as a precursor to the global Polar Bear Pitching competition in Oulu, Finland. The India edition is organised by Work in Finland (Business Finland) in partnership with T-Hub, under an official license from Business Oulu.
Held annually at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, the competition offers Indian startups an opportunity to compete for a place at the global event in Finland, with international airfare and two nights of accommodation covered for one representative of the winning startup, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
This collaboration brings together Finland’s globally recognised innovation ecosystem and the world’s largest home for startups (T-Hub) to create a high-impact platform for early-stage startups.
The inaugural edition of Polar Bear Pitching India was held in January 2025, marking the competition’s debut in the country. At the global Polar Bear Pitching competition in February 2026, Anshul Patyal, representing Vicharak, the winner of the India edition, secured third place, showcasing Indian innovation on an international stage.
Held annually at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, the competition offers Indian startups an opportunity to compete for a place at the global event in Finland, with international airfare and two nights of accommodation covered for one representative of the winning startup, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
This collaboration brings together Finland’s globally recognised innovation ecosystem and the world’s largest home for startups (T-Hub) to create a high-impact platform for early-stage startups.
The inaugural edition of Polar Bear Pitching India was held in January 2025, marking the competition’s debut in the country. At the global Polar Bear Pitching competition in February 2026, Anshul Patyal, representing Vicharak, the winner of the India edition, secured third place, showcasing Indian innovation on an international stage.
Registrations are now open for Polar Bear Pitching India 2027, with the national satellite event scheduled for 20 November 2026 at the Embassy of Finland, New Delhi. The winning startup will qualify to participate in the Polar Bear Pitching Global Main Event in Oulu, Finland, on 18 February 2027. Applications are invited from eligible startups across India. Following a screening and shortlisting process, selected startups will be invited to participate in the live pitching competition in New Delhi.
Important Travel Information: Shortlisted startups will be responsible for arranging and covering their own travel, accommodation, and related expenses to participate in the New Delhi event.
Pitching process: The process is simple-bear the ice. The founder shall pitch while standing in the ice hole and can pitch for as long as they can withstand the cold. No slides, no decks, only your endurance and sheer determination count! The jury panel will select the winning startup on the spot. The winner will qualify to pitch in the Polar Bear Pitching Main Event in Oulu, Finland, taking place on the 18th of February 2027.
T-Hub will cover international travel support for the winning startup’s founder (one person) to Oulu, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Whilst the main event ticket and stay (2 nights) shall be covered by Business Finland and Business Oulu.
Important Travel Information: Shortlisted startups will be responsible for arranging and covering their own travel, accommodation, and related expenses to participate in the New Delhi event.
Pitching process: The process is simple-bear the ice. The founder shall pitch while standing in the ice hole and can pitch for as long as they can withstand the cold. No slides, no decks, only your endurance and sheer determination count! The jury panel will select the winning startup on the spot. The winner will qualify to pitch in the Polar Bear Pitching Main Event in Oulu, Finland, taking place on the 18th of February 2027.
T-Hub will cover international travel support for the winning startup’s founder (one person) to Oulu, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Whilst the main event ticket and stay (2 nights) shall be covered by Business Finland and Business Oulu.
Why Should Startups Attend Polar Bear Pitching?
Direct Pathway to Finland:
Winners of the Satellite Event receive complimentary tickets to the Polar Bear Pitching Main Event in Oulu, Finland, including free travel and accommodation for two nights for the pitching team.
Global Exposure:
Startups are featured across Polar Bear Pitching’s international platforms, social media channels, and official website
High-Quality Investor Attention:
Pitches are evaluated by experienced judges including investors, VCs, ecosystem leaders, and public funding bodies.
Pitching Under Pressure:
The ice-cold format forces founders to strip their pitch down to what truly matters :Clarity, Conviction, and Value.
Travel Support (Upto INR 2 Lakhs) for Winners
Satellite Event partners sponsor travel for winning startups to attend the Main Event in Finland.
Satellite Event partners sponsor travel for winning startups to attend the Main Event in Finland. The travel includes a specific Polar Bear Express train from Helsinki to Oulu on Wednesday the 25th of February.
Eligibility Criteria
- Startup Stage: Pre-seed to early-stage startups. Preferably those that have not raised significant funding.
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP): A working MVP, demo, or prototype that demonstrates feasibility and potential.
- Team Composition: At least two founders with complementary skill sets. One founder will be nominated to pitch in the ice hole.
- Innovation: The solution must demonstrate novelty and strong growth potential.
- Communication Ability: Founders pitching should have strong verbal communication skills. English is mandatory for the Main Event.
What to Expect at the Event in Delhi
- The Ice Hole Pitch: Founders pitch standing in a makeshift ice hole (portable pool) filled with cold water and ice.
- Pitch Duration: The longer you stay in the ice hole, the longer you pitch, But it’s recommended to pitch for 3 minutes, with a maximum of 5 minutes.
- No Slides, No Screens: The pitch is verbal only, clarity and storytelling matter most.
- Winner Selection: Based on pitch quality, not endurance in cold water.
What Are You Waiting For?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The ice hole is a safe, makeshift setup such as a portable pool filled with cold water and ice, replicating the real one with temperature between 4-10 Celsius degrees.
Yes. Strict safety protocols are followed, including medical support on-site, clear health guidelines, and disqualification for unsafe behaviour.
Wetsuits, neoprene outfits, or scuba gear are not allowed. However, socks or non-slippery footwear are recommended.
No. Polar Bear Pitching is about the quality of the pitch, not endurance.
Satellite Events may allow local languages, but the Main Event in Finland is conducted entirely in English.
Winners receive complimentary tickets to the Polar Bear Pitching Main Event in Finland, free travel (Upto INR 2 Lakhs), participation in the Polar Bear Express train from Helsinki to Oulu and accommodation in Oulu for two nights, global visibility, and the opportunity to pitch on an international stage.
Fill Up The Form
Apply Now
Get in touch with us
Email: vedika.vaity@t-hub.co
Address
Plot No 1/C, Sy No 83/1, Raidurgam panmaktha Hyderabad Knowledge City, Serilingampally, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500081.