What if your next international market, partnership or valuable connection started in Tampere? On 1 October, SHINE! Showcase brings together creative growth companies and international experts with market knowledge and networks across the Gulf region, Asia, Germany and other parts of Europe. Apply to pitch – or simply join us to network.
At SHINE! Showcase, a pitch starts a conversation. Selected companies have three minutes to present their business, followed by feedback from investors and experts. The day also leaves plenty of time for meetings, exchange and new international connections.
First time in Finland – connections to the Gulf region
Joining SHINE! from Bahrain, Safa Sharif and Khawla Alshaikh will both be visiting Finland for the first time.
Entrepreneur, business growth coach and startup mentor Safa knows the business landscape in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. He has trained creative entrepreneurs and helped them develop and grow their businesses. At SHINE!, Safa will meet and support companies and provide feedback after their pitches.
Khawla works in strategic partnerships and ecosystem development at AstroLabs, which supports international companies entering and growing in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. She is particularly interested in meeting companies in gaming, audiovisual, media and fashion at SHINE!.
Through Safa and Khawla, companies can gain first-hand market insights and build connections in a region investing strongly in the creative industries and international partnerships.
International experience, practical insights
Joining from Hamburg, Helene Berling works at Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, supporting entrepreneurship and business development in the creative industries. She is responsible for programmes including the Music WorX incubator, which supports early-stage European music tech companies through business development, pitching, mentoring and international networks.
At SHINE!, Helene will meet founders, exchange ideas and provide feedback after their pitches. She also brings experience from Hamburg’s creative business and startup ecosystem and is keen to meet companies working at the intersection of music and technology.
Joining from India, Anjana Rajagopalan is a composer, music producer, singer and business developer whose work spans Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She has built international and cross-cultural collaborations with orchestras, filmmakers and other creative professionals.
At SHINE!, Anjana will meet and exchange ideas with founders, drawing on her experience in building international partnerships and working across markets. She is particularly interested in companies in music, audiovisual and other content-driven creative industries looking for collaboration opportunities in Asia and the Middle East.
Across creative industries
One of SHINE!’s strengths is the mix of creative industries it brings together. Under one roof, you’ll find companies working in gaming, audiovisual, music, media, fashion, design, creative technology and experiences. Your next partner, idea or business opportunity might come from a completely different creative field.
Apply to pitch – or join us to network
SHINE! Showcase is looking for creative businesses with international growth ambitions. Pitching companies are selected through an open call and by invitation.
You don’t have to pitch to take part. Join us to meet international and Finnish investors, mentors and experts, connect with companies across the creative industries and explore new opportunities.
If international growth is on your agenda, join us at SHINE!
Pitch applications close 9 September 2026. General registration closes 15 September 2026.
SHINE! Showcase 1 October 2026 | Platform6 Startup House, Tampere
Free to attend. The event will be held in English.
Creative Businesses. Global Ambitions.
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