CORNWALL Trade and Investment (CTI) has announced details of its latest and largest trade mission of the year, which will see it support a cohort of ten innovative Cornwall-based businesses to Slush 2024 in Helsinki, Finland.

Taking place from November 20 to 21, the annual European start up and tech event, is reported to be the most founder-focused event in the world, according to its organisers. It brings together more than 13,000 businesses and investors globally, including more than 3,000 investors, collectively managing assets worth over three-trillion dollars.

Providing an opportunity to fly the flag for Cornwall, and to create opportunities for funding, contracts and growth, Slush plays a pivotal part in CTI’s mission to foster global trade between Cornish and international businesses while boosting Cornwall's economic growth.

Since 2019, more than 30 Cornish businesses have attended this event; building invaluable partnerships with businesses in the Nordic region and beyond.

This year’s cohort showcases Cornwall’s strength and breadth in the tech sector including businesses specialising in 3D printing, software gaming, creative services and animation, digital transformation, and digital wellbeing. These include Headforwards (Redruth), Cherish Learning (Hayle), Tech Cornwall (Redruth), X-CMO (Falmouth), The Logical Choice Group (Newquay), Mind Feast Games (Truro), Engine House VFX (Redruth), Agile On The Beach (Falmouth), Amutri (Falmouth), Beluga Pods (Week-St-Mary).

The group of Cornish entrepreneurs joining the trade mission will have networking opportunities created specifically for growth-focused businesses that are looking to connect with new collaborators, partners, and customers. Delivering potential contract wins, growth opportunities, and the creation of more jobs in Cornwall, Slush represents a hotbed of opportunities for Cornwall’s delegates.

Nicola Lloyd, from Cornwall Trade and Investment, said: “We are excited to be taking such a diverse range of Cornish businesses, as we know that Slush has the potential to present an abundant range of opportunities for investment and growth. We have high hopes for this year when we will once again fly the flag for Cornwall with one of our strongest cohorts ever.”

Michael Calver, founder and CEO of Falmouth-based Amutri, who was part of the 2022 CTI cohort, and will be attending again this year, added: “We're attending Slush 2024 to connect with investors as we aim to secure new funding to enhance our product, expand our customer success team, and strengthen our sales and marketing efforts.

“This builds on the success of our last visit to Slush, where we met our lead investor. This proved to be a vital step in closing our pre-seed round and securing match funding, alongside a major Innovate UK Smart Grant.

“For us Slush is a must-attend event, providing the perfect platform for investor relationship-building and enhancing visibility with key individuals.”