startup aarhus Presents
On May 28, 2026, the startup festival SMIL returns for its second edition.
Built to move the startup ecosystem forward fast, SMIL brings the right people together in new, meaningful ways through smaller, curated, participatory formats designed to create real momentum, serious value and a lot of fun for startups from Aarhus and beyond.
A smile lowers barriers and opens the door to real conversations. Danish icon Victor Borge famously said, “A smile is the shortest distance between two people.” That spirit sits at the heart of SMIL.
And Aarhus is the right place for it: close, collaborative, talent dense, and built on trust. A place where supporting each other is the default and success is often shared.
Come together. Come to SMIL! ▽
TICKETS
Tickets for SMIL’26 are now for sale with an early bird discount until 15/3.
But heads up: SMIL is curated by design to create better rooms and better outcomes.
Therefore, please choose the ticket category that matches who you are. If a ticket is purchased in the wrong category, it will be retracted. If a category is sold out, buying another ticket type will not grant access to that track.
Grab your ticket. Be part of SMIL!
STARTUP PASS
Early bird: 245 DKK
(excl. VAT)
scaleup Pass
Early bird: 245 DKK
(excl. VAT)
INVESTOR PASS
Early bird: 385 DKK
(excl. VAT)
COMMUNITY PASS
Early bird: 635 DKK
(excl. VAT)
General PASS
Early bird: 635 DKK
(excl. VAT)
corporate PASS
Early bird: 635 DKK
(excl. VAT)
help Shape smil
Your voice, your impact! SMIL isn’t just an event; it’s a shared experience.
Wanna be a part of it?
Be a PARTner
Be a Volunteer
Partners 2026
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Last Time we Had a Blast
FAQ 2026
Where is SMIL happening?
SMIL takes place at Institut for X, right next to Godsbanen and the School of Architecture in Aarhus.
The address is: Exners Plads 9, 8000 Aarhus Centrum.
Institut for X is not one building but a larger area behind Godsbanen. You will see the check in area and SMIL signage as you arrive.
How do I find my way around?
You will see SMIL crew in SMIL t-shirts and clear signage across the area. A festival map will also be shared before the event.
Where can I park my car?
If you are arriving by car, use:
- Godsbanen (about 2 minutes walk)
- Scandinavian Center Aarhus (about 5 minutes walk)
Dress code?
No formal dress code. Just come as you are and dress for a full day of conversations and movement.
Many sessions will be indoors, while coffee, food, and networking may take place outside depending on format and weather.
Who can join SMIL?
SMIL is built for startups first, and for the investors, partners, and ecosystem builders who help them move forward.
brought to you by us!
We’re a non-profit organisation aiming to build a world-class ecosystem for startups in Aarhus.
STARTUPAARHUS.COM