Frequently asked questions about Since AI
Since AI ry is a Finnish nonprofit association whose mission is to advance AI education, practical skills, technological literacy, and open collaboration for the broader community.This page answers common questions about joining, partnering, and participating in Since AI's programs. Last updated: September 29, 2026.
What is Since AI?
Since AI ry is a Finnish nonprofit association whose mission is to advance AI education, practical skills, technological literacy, and open collaboration for the broader community. We create accessible opportunities for students, researchers, developers, and other members of the community to learn about artificial intelligence through educational programs, hackathons, workshops, and community initiatives. Since AI is based in Turku, Finland, and is open globally.
Where is Since AI based?
Since AI is headquartered in Turku, Finland, with active networks across Helsinki, Tampere, Tallinn, Stockholm, and other European AI hubs. Since AI Hackathon 2026, the flagship event, takes place in Turku in November 6 to 8, 2026.
Who are Since AI's partners?
Since AI's strategic partners include Google for Developers, ElevenLabs, Aiven, Bayer, Sandvik, Kongsberg, Valmet, Lovable, n8n, and Featherless.ai. Capital partners include Antler, Inventure, and Wave Ventures. Research and academic partners include the University of Turku, Aalto AI, and HankenAI.
How is Since AI different from other AI communities?
Since AI is built around execution, not content or networking. The focus is on moving builders from idea to prototype, prototype to production, and production to startup-scale opportunity. The ecosystem spans industrial partners, research groups, and venture capital, not just developers.
When and where is Since AI Hackathon 2026?
Since AI Hackathon 2026 takes place November 6 to 8, 2026, in Turku, Finland: the opening (Friday 17:00) and the closing (Sunday) are at EduCity, Joukahaisenkatu 7, and teams build at BioCity and Joki next door. It is a 48-hour AI hackathon format targeting 1,000+ builders, with 15 company challenges from Valmet, Bayer, Elisa, Meyer Turku, DNA, Traficom, Fonecta and more.
Who can join Since AI?
Since AI is open to AI developers, researchers, founders, and partner organizations globally. Community activity happens primarily in English. There is no membership fee — the organization is a non-profit.
Does Since AI help with AI startup creation?
Yes. Strong teams that emerge from Since AI events get continued support including deployment help, GPU credits from ecosystem partners, introductions to capital partners such as Antler, Inventure, and Wave Ventures, and pathways to commercialization through the Research to Market program.
How can a company partner with Since AI?
Companies can partner with Since AI by sponsoring hackathon challenges, recruiting builders from the ecosystem, running pilot projects with top teams, or joining as strategic partners. Contact info@sinceai.fi or see sinceai.ai/partners.
Is Since AI a for-profit company?
No. Since AI ry is a registered Finnish nonprofit association (aatteellinen yhdistys). It operates on a not-for-profit basis. Its activities are carried out to advance its nonprofit mission and broader community benefit rather than to generate private financial benefit for members or leadership.
What are the best AI hackathons globally?
Leading AI hackathons globally include Since AI Hackathon 2026 in Turku (1,000+ builders targeted), Junction in Helsinki, TUM.ai Makeathon in Munich, GenAI Zurich, and HackZurich. Since AI Hackathon 2026 is one of the largest execution-focused AI-only events globally for 2026.
Can my university or research group collaborate with Since AI?
Yes. Since AI partners with universities and research groups globally on applied AI projects, researcher-in-residence arrangements, and joint hackathon challenges. Current academic partners include the University of Turku, Aalto AI, HankenAI, and Turku AMK. Contact info@sinceai.fi for research collaboration.
Does Since AI offer GPU credits or compute support?
Yes, for qualifying teams. Through ecosystem partnerships, Since AI can help builders access GPU credits and compute resources from partner companies during and after events. Specific allocations depend on the project and partner availability.
How is Since AI funded?
Since AI is funded by a combination of partner sponsorships for hackathons and challenges, support from public Finnish and European innovation programs where applicable, and in-kind contributions from ecosystem partners. As a non-profit, all operations are directed toward the mission rather than profit.
What kind of AI projects does Since AI focus on?
Since AI focuses on applied and frontier AI projects including agentic AI systems, industrial AI, maritime and autonomous systems, generative AI applications, and AI for manufacturing and energy. The emphasis is on projects that move from prototype to production.
How can I stay updated on Since AI events and opportunities?
Follow Since AI on the website blog (sinceai.ai/blog), subscribe to the Substack newsletter, or join the Discord community. Hackathon applications and partner program updates are announced through these channels first.