Oamk students shine as volunteers at Polar Bear Pitching

Wintery Oulu once again turned into a melting pot of innovations when Polar Bear Pitching brought together hundreds of people enthusiastic about start-up entrepreneurship from around the world. Organized since 2014, the event is known for its unique concept: start-up entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas in an ice hole to potential investors. A key asset for the event is its volunteers, many of whom are students from Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk).

This year’s Polar Bear Pitching was held on February 27 at the Radisson Blu Hotel and by the shore of Värttö, where ten start-ups competed for a grand prize of €10,000.

A group of volunteers plays a crucial role in organizing the event. This year, there are 34 enthusiastic participants, the majority of whom are students from Oamk. Oamk has been a partner of Polar Bear Pitching from the very beginning, and in recent years has coordinated the volunteer activities. Volunteers take on a wide range of tasks, such as ticket exchanges, venue decoration and setup, snow clearing, sanding slippery areas, social media content creation, and guiding competitors into the ice hole.

“Volunteers are the heart of the event. Without them, it wouldn’t be nearly as impressive an experience,” says volunteer coordinator Hanna Spets from Oamk.

Among the volunteers this year are Oamk third-year International Business students Pinja Kartimo and Carl Välikangas, each playing a key role in the event. Participating for the second time, Pinja served as a volunteer team leader, responsible for guiding the competition participants at the ice hole. This year’s slippery conditions posed an extra challenge, so one of her team’s crucial tasks was ensuring sufficient sanding around the ice hole area. They also escorted the competitors to the hole and took care of their towels during the performance. Carl, meanwhile, was part of the decoration team, creating a “wow effect” both at the conference venue and by the riverside.

“I had an amazing experience at the event last year, so I definitely wanted to join again. Now that I’m a team leader, I have more responsibilities, which motivates me to develop myself in this new role,” Pinja explains.

Carl was inspired by the event’s international scope and unique atmosphere:

“Polar Bear Pitching is a truly unique experience, and you won’t find a similar concept anywhere else. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and hone your event management skills.” 

The volunteers started preparing about a month ago, with weekly meetings examining the event from various angles. In addition to familiarizing themselves with the venue and concept, volunteers even organized a “movie night” to watch video material from last year’s event.

Pinja has found it interesting to follow how the event has evolved since the previous year:

“The ice hole area is now in a new location on the shore of Värttö, and the pitches are also streamed online to the public. In addition, the “secret” karaoke room, familiar from last year, is now larger than before, so that more people can join in singing. It’s fascinating to see how a big event like this is developed every year.”

“Small improvements, such as a clear information package with frequently asked questions, help guests get the most out of the event. There is always room for improvement in events,” Carl notes. 

The volunteers’ main goal is to provide guests and competitors with a memorable experience. Pinja and Carl both emphasize the importance of a positive attitude and smooth collaboration.

“Before the big day, the most important thing is to keep an open mind and ensure everyone knows their role. This is teamwork at its best,” Carl sums up. 

“It’s also important to be prepared for a long day outside: I’ve packed a change of clothes and made sure that my team members also remember them. And of course, you have to stock up on snacks and sleep well the night before,” Pinja says. 

The volunteers hope that everyone attending the event—whether a spectator, competitor, or partner—will leave with an unforgettable experience. Pinja especially encourages students to seize the opportunity:

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and there is something very Finnish about this event. It’s great to be able to see and experience the arrangements of an international event and get to know new people. 

Pinja and Carl have prior experience with event planning, having organized, for example, a Halloween event for over 50 international students. However, no previous experience is required from volunteers; the most important factor is motivation and an interest in being involved in creating this one-of-a-kind event.

Carl also highlights the chance to pitch your own idea:

“If you have a business idea, why not present it to potential investors? The possibilities are endless.”

More info on:

Coordination of volunteer activities at Oulu University of Applied Sciences: Project Manager Hanna Spets, tel. 050 340 7144, hanna.spets@oamk.fi