International Accelerator Program by Maria 01
Northern Light by Maria 01 is the first accelerator that combines market access with founder resilience — helping international startups land, validate, and expand in Finland. The 3-month program runs from September 1st to November 30th, and is designed for international founders or teams ready to build in Europe, starting from Helsinki. Participants are provided with a physical base at Maria 01 campus, and while in-person participation is highly encouraged, a hybrid model is also available in some cases. The program is completely free, and no equity is taken.
WHEN?
The application period ends on 1.8.2025. The program runs over three months, with the kickoff on September 1st at Maria 01, Helsinki.
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
- Product-Market Fit
- European Market Access
- On-the-Ground Support & Founder Community
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Early-stage startups looking to enter the European market through Finland.
- Applicants should have at least an MVP or early traction and be committed to scaling their business in Europe.
- International or Finnish startups that have at least one international co-founder or team member.
PROCESS:
- Application period: June 3rd – August 1st
- Only 10 ambitious teams are accepted for the first batch, so apply early to secure your spot. The application takes about 15–20 minutes to complete.
- Interview: Within 1–2 weeks of submitting your application, selected teams will be invited for a short interview.
- Final selection: Accepted startups will be notified on a rolling basis until August 15th, giving them time to prepare for the move (or hybrid participation).
Maria 01 is one of the leading startup ecosystems in Europe and a not-for-profit company based in Helsinki, Finland. The community of 2000+ members provides a thriving environment for ambitious early-stage startups, renowned investors and VCs, large enterprises and other ecosystem organisations.