POLAR BEAR PITCHING INDIA EVENT
The Polar Bear Pitching India event is a Satellite Event for the main PBP event in Oulu and this year is organised by T-Hub, in collaboration with Business Finland, under an official license from BusinessOulu, Finland.
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.
About the Polar Bear Pitching India Event
The Polar Bear Pitching India event is a Satellite Event for the main PBP event in Oulu and this year is organised by T-Hub, in collaboration with Business Finland, under an official license from BusinessOulu, Finland. This collaboration brings together Finland’s globally recognised innovation ecosystem and India’s largest home for startups (T-Hub) to create a high-impact platform for early-stage startups.
T-Hub will invite and receive applications from startups, conduct the review and shortlisting process, and select startups to participate in the live Polar Bear Pitching India Event. Shortlisted startups will be required to travel to New Delhi on 20 January 2026 to pitch at the event. Travel and related expenses for participation in the Delhi event will be borne by the startups.
At the Event, one winning startup will be selected by the judging panel. The selected winner will qualify to pitch in the Polar Bear Pitching Main Event in Oulu, Finland, which will take place on the 26th of February 2026. Travel support (Upto INR 2 Lakhs) for the winning startup to Oulu will be borne by T-Hub, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
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. 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?
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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.
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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.