A record-breaking 244 applications submitted to the Spring Idea Competition
The young people’s ideas focused especially on solving the climate crisis, promoting more sustainable consumption, and exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence. Spring selected the 12 most promising ideas to continue to the next stage.
The Spring Idea Competition encouraged young people aged 15–19 to develop ideas that strengthen belief in the future and make the world more hopeful place. In autumn 2025, Spring inspired thousands of young people to create ideas both at school and in their free time. More than one hundred educational institutions across Finland organised Spring idea workshops, and over 20,000 young people followed the Spring launch.
“We have received a great deal of positive feedback from teachers about how Spring offers young people an opportunity to learn ideation and presentation skills, and to build their confidence to change the world. It has been a joy to see young people all over Finland imagining a more hopeful future,” says Katariina Tonttila, Head of Program Manager at Spring.
Young people submitted a record-breaking 244 applications to the competition. Spring selected the 12 most promising ideas to continue to the next phase, where they will compete for a place in the Spring final. The teams aim to make the world more hopeful by developing solutions to climate and environmental challenges and by harnessing artificial intelligence to support people’s wellbeing.
Spring semifinalists 2026
Aerobloom – An air purifier that uses plankton or cyanobacteria to bind carbon dioxide, release oxygen and improve air quality in indoor and urban environments.
Theme: Climate and environment
Bhuvan, Joa, Jose, Elmeri, Athreya (Helsinki, Espoo)
Biodegradable Eggshell Phone Case – A more sustainable alternative to a phone case, made from eggshell powder.
Theme: Climate and environment
Jenika, Danuja, Thirani, Vishmi (Joensuu)
Cle co – An app that helps users find cosmetic products that match their values and skin type.
Theme: Responsible consumption
Team: Annika, Isla, Lumia, Fanni (Ylöjärvi)
Debatify – An app that uses artificial intelligence to help users practise spoken debates and develop communication skills with real-time feedback.
Theme: Influence, learning
Prinit, Kaavya, Kiana, Joshua, Rudrakshi (Helsinki)
Ekovarjo – An app that shows young people their daily “carbon shadow” and provides real-time climate tips powered by AI to help reduce it.
Theme: Responsible consumption
Habiiba, Samia, Jenni, Rinesa, Rayan (Turku)
Fasma – A fashion online store and marketplace that supports small entrepreneurship and ethical consumption, and makes Nordic SMEs’ fashion more visible and accessible.
Theme: The future of corporate responsibility
Josefina, Lilja, Milja (Tampere)
Impatiens – A concept that collects plant species threatening the biodiversity of Finnish nature and turns them into perfume.
Theme: Climate and environment
Nnena, Anne, Romet, Noona, Kaija (Espoo, Kirkkonummi, Kauniainen)
Keratosorb – A biobased material derived from feather waste for cleaning up oil spills.
Theme: Climate and environment
Iqra, Anna, Migle (Espoo)
Reroute – A model in which returned online purchases are redirected directly to the next willing buyer – customer to customer – avoiding unnecessary global return chains and reducing emissions, costs and delivery times.
Theme: The future of corporate responsibility
Juho, Tomi, Leo, Otso (Helsinki)
SafeSpace – A safe AI companion for young people that supports mental wellbeing, teaches how to find reliable information and guides users quickly to the right services in times of crisis.
Theme: Mental health
Delvin, Vihas, Apeksha, Samra, Shivani (Helsinki, Vantaa)
Saveln – An app where groups – such as school classes or football teams – can raise money by offering services to individuals, such as lawn mowing or dog walking.
Theme: Access to hobbies and activities
Noomi, Cecilia, Astrid (Tammisaari)
Unprompted – An app that helps students, experts and AI users actively rebuild human intuition and critical thinking skills that are currently weakened by excessive reliance on AI.
Theme: Artificial intelligence, learning
Aarush, Rudransh, Muhammad, Sneh, Leo (Helsinki)
Spring evaluated teams based on their ability to identify problems, the relevance and insightfulness of their ideas, the broader applicability of the ideas, and the composition and motivation of each team.
Six ideas to the final – the public vote begins on 30 March 2026
In March, the 12 selected teams will develop their ideas at the Spring Idea Weekend with the support of Finland’s top mentors and Spring coaches. The event will be held at VALO Hotel & Work in Helsinki. At the end of the weekend, the Spring jury will select six ideas for the competition final.
The public vote, for all young persons, will be open during 30.3.–13.4.2026. The three teams with the most votes will win the idea competition.
All members of the winning teams will receive a summer job and a study trip to London, during which they will bring their ideas to life.
The Spring Idea Competition is supported by UPM, Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, Saastamoinen Foundation, Yksityisyrittäjäin säätiö, The Foundation Brita Maria Renlunds minne and VALO Hotel & Work.
