Slush, the Finnish nonprofit behind one of the most influential startup gatherings in Europe, has named Noora Saksa as its new Chief Executive Officer, a shift that indicates a strategic evolution for the organisation as it expands beyond its flagship event model. Saksa assumes the top role after years as Slush's Chief Operating & Financial Officer and Head of Partnerships, where she managed core operations, finances, and ecosystem programmes.
This isn't just to be a city with startups, it's a living lab where universities, research institutions, hospitals, and businesses work side by side. This triple-helix model, which tightly integrates academia, industry, and government, has propelled this region to become the second most innovative regions in the EU. With over 1000 startups and a dense network of over 20 cluster organizations, Copenhagen creates a fertile ground for cooperation. The University of Copenhagen, for example, doesn't just produce groundbreaking research, it actively bridges the gap between science and entrepreneurship, ensuring that innovations move from lab to market.
With TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 right around the corner, we're thrilled to introduce the companies hosting Side Events that will extend the buzz and excitement to the thousands of attendees and Silicon Valley locals alike. Whether it's a fun happy hour, insightful panels, or energizing morning runs, "Disrupt Week" - happening from October 25-31 - offers an exciting array of Side Events organized by a diverse group of participating companies.
Nikola Todorovic is the co-founder of Wonder Dynamics, an Autodesk company, which has launched Autodesk Flow Studio, a groundbreaking AI platform integrating 3D characters into live-action scenes.
"Everybody's asking questions about what are the economic impacts [of AI], both positive and negative," Sarah Heck, head of policy programs and partnerships at Anthropic, told TechCrunch.
Their sessions deliver front-line insights into the startup ecosystem and are must-attend moments for anyone looking to navigate and thrive in today's dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.
