Next Wave Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP)

The Next Wave Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP): Createch SLUSH 2026 – Finland is an international business growth programme delivered by Innovate UK Business Growth to help innovative UK SMEs expand into global markets. As part of the programme, selected companies will participate in a structured market-entry journey culminating in attendance at SLUSH, one of the world's leading startup and investor conferences held annually in Helsinki, Finland.

The programme is designed to help ambitious UK businesses build international partnerships, validate market opportunities, connect with investors and industry leaders, and accelerate commercial growth in the Nordic and wider European innovation ecosystem. Rather than being a trade mission alone, it combines expert market preparation, tailored introductions, in-country engagement, and post-visit business support to maximise long-term outcomes.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support innovative UK SMEs in expanding into international markets.
• Provide direct access to Finland's thriving startup and innovation ecosystem.
• Facilitate collaborations with global technology companies, investors, research organisations, and corporate partners.
• Help businesses validate product-market fit within international markets.
• Build long-term commercial partnerships and strategic collaborations.
• Equip participants with the knowledge and tools required for successful international expansion.
• Increase export opportunities for innovative UK businesses.

Programme Structure

Selected businesses participate in three stages:

1. Get Ready

Before travelling, participants receive intensive preparation through workshops covering:

• Finnish and Nordic market insights.
• Business culture and commercial practices.
• Intellectual property protection.
• Market entry strategies.
• Export readiness.
• Partnership development.
• Refining the company's international value proposition.

Participants also receive support in identifying potential partners and arranging targeted business meetings.

2. Market Visit

Participants travel to Finland for approximately one week, where they:

• Attend the SLUSH conference.
• Participate in pre-arranged business meetings.
• Meet investors and venture capital firms.
• Network with multinational companies.
• Visit innovation hubs and technology organisations.
• Explore collaboration opportunities with Finnish and European businesses.
• Engage in activities tailored to the Createch sector.

3. Exploit the Opportunity

Following the visit, each company works closely with an Innovate UK Business Growth Innovation and Growth Specialist to develop and implement an international growth action plan.

This phase helps participants:

• Convert new relationships into commercial opportunities.
• Develop export strategies.
• Refine international market entry plans.
• Continue building collaborations initiated during the programme.

Benefits for Selected Companies

Successful applicants receive:

International Market Access

• Entry into Finland's innovation ecosystem.
• Exposure to Nordic and European technology markets.
• Opportunities to explore commercial expansion.

Attendance at SLUSH

Participants gain access to one of Europe's largest startup conferences, providing opportunities to:

• Meet global investors.
• Engage with startup founders.
• Network with corporate innovation teams.
• Learn from international technology leaders.

Tailored Business Introductions

Innovate UK facilitates introductions to:

• Potential customers.
• Strategic partners.
• Investors.
• Research organisations.
• Innovation clusters.
• Industry experts.

One-to-One Business Support

Each business is assigned an Innovation and Growth Specialist who provides bespoke guidance before, during, and after the programme.

Funded Participation

Innovate UK funds:

• Group international flights.
• Group accommodation.
• Group in-country transport.

Funding is provided for one senior representative from each selected company. A refundable £1,000 commitment fee is required and is returned upon successful completion of the programme and agreed activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must generally meet the following requirements:

Business Size

Applicants must be:

• A small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).

Location

The business must be:

• Based in the United Kingdom.

Innovation

The company should:

• Offer an innovative product, service, or technology.
• Demonstrate strong potential for international growth.

Growth Ambition

Applicants should show:

• A commitment to expanding into global markets.
• Interest in developing international partnerships.
• Readiness to commercialise internationally.

Senior Leadership Commitment

A senior decision-maker from the business must commit to participating in all stages of the programme, including:

• Pre-market preparation workshops.
• The Finland market visit.
• Post-visit exploitation activities.
• Ongoing engagement with an Innovation and Growth Specialist.

Ideal Applicants

This programme is particularly suitable for:

• Creative technology (Createch) startups.
• Digital and immersive technology companies.
• AI-driven creative businesses.
• Gaming and interactive media companies.
• Creative software developers.
• Extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) innovators.
• Digital entertainment businesses.
• Media technology companies.
• Design technology innovators.
• Businesses seeking international investment or strategic partnerships.

What the Selection Panel Looks For

Competitive applicants typically demonstrate:

• A genuinely innovative product or service.
• Strong commercial potential.
• A clear strategy for international expansion.
• The ability to benefit from international collaboration.
• Leadership commitment to business growth.
• Capacity to build sustainable partnerships in overseas markets.
• Readiness to engage actively throughout the entire programme.