Dream it.
Pitch it.
Win it.
The business idea competition Idearace has become one of the most important events in South Karelia, bringing the most innovative business ideas of students, entrepreneurs and creative people to the public. Every year, around 40 brave teams have come forward with their ideas and only the best of them have been selected to reach the top. In 2024, the final event attracted over 170 curious listeners, in front of whom the finalists presented their ideas.
Before the final event, the selected finalists practice their pitching and presentation skills at the Idearace Bootcamp.
The latest Idearace took place on April 11, 2025, at LUT University in Lappeenranta. Ten outstanding teams competed in the finals with their ideas.
2025 Winners
VoimaX was the winner of Idearace 2025 with a groundbreaking electric motor based on new technology and non-magnetizable metals. The team received €5,000 to further develop their business idea. As an audience favorite team, Double winner VoimaX also earned a direct spot in the pitch competition at the *Ship Startup Festival in Kotka this May.
The second prize, worth €1,500, went to Daivin – a revolutionary device based on an idea from a LUT student. The invention enables long-duration diving without heavy oxygen tanks by generating breathable air from water through electrolysis.
Main prize 5000 € to developing the idea
New contacts and networks
Pitching and performance coaching
8 minutes of undivided attention at the stage
Great and energetic atmosphere
This year, teams will compete in a one category. Idearace Open is an industry-independent competition category for all university students studying in Finland and private individuals and entrepreneurs in South Karelia.
Idearace
final
11.4.2025
Idearace brings together the most promising start-ups and innovative ideas in South Karelia. In addition to the competition, you will hear inspiring keynote speeches and network with other curious participants.
The best idea will be rewarded with €5,000 to develop the business idea. In addition, the most developable idea as well audience favourite will be rewarded.
Welcome to watch the final on site and enjoy the energetic atmosphere in Lappeenranta at LUT University’s Viipuri Hall!
