Most startup ideas die in notebooks. Not because they’re bad, but because people don’t know how to take the first step.
FORWARD is a 10-week program that gives you a clear framework: talk to customers, build a simple version of your product, test it with real people, and learn whether your idea has legs. You’ll be guided by experienced mentors, surrounded by other first-time founders, and given permission to fail, fix and try again.
The program runs for 10 weeks starting May 18th in Lappeenranta, Finland.
The rhythm: workshops to learn key skills, weekly check-ins to track progress, and dedicated time to build, test and iterate on your product. You’ll talk to real users, get feedback from experienced mentors, and make steady progress every single week.
By the end of summer, you’ll have something real to show. And most importantly – the momentum to keep going.
By the end of the program, you’ll have:
A working product
Real feedback from users who’ve tested it
A pitch you can confidently deliver to investors or partners
A network of mentors, founders and peers who get what you’re building
10 ECTS credits for Finnish universities
Plus, you’ll present your progress at Demo Day in front of investors, partners and the startup community, fighting for €2k, €3k or €5k for your startup. Some teams keep building. Some pivot. Some get recurring sales. All of them leave with momentum.
Students, recent graduates, and first-time founders with an idea or problem they want to solve. Solo founders and teams are both welcome.
No. A clear problem, a basic solution idea, and motivation to work for 10 weeks is enough. If you have a prototype or early users – great, but it’s not required.
The program is completely free. No participation fees, no equity taken.
10 weeks, May 18th – July 26th, in Lappeenranta, Finland. Core sessions (workshops, check-ins, mentor meetings) are mandatory and in-person. You’ll also have dedicated time each week to work on your product.
You’ll attend hands-on workshops, meet with mentors, talk to real customers, build and test your product, and present your progress at Demo Day. There’s also a week-long excursion abroad (details TBA).
Yes. Students who complete the program receive 10 ECTS credits from Finnish universities.
March 27th, 2026.
You’ll join the Kitchen community with access to alumni events, partner introductions and future opportunities. Demo Day is also a chance to connect with investors and potential collaborators.
Applications for Summer 2026 are open now. If you have an idea (or even just a problem you want to solve), this is your chance to turn it into something real.
Not sure yet? Join our Telegram channel for updates, Q&A, and behind-the-scenes from past cohorts.