GSAI – International scaleup program for startups
The Growth and Scaling through AI (GSAI) program is designed to help startups in the Central Baltic region scale their business through AI applications that enhance or expand their value proposition or business model – enabling growth in their first or next EU market(s). Ultimately, the program will support 45 companies in the Central Baltic region over three years, driving growth and competitiveness.
Description
This collaborative initiative by Movexum, AI Sweden, Yrityssalo, and Tehnopol will provide hands-on support modules to develop AI skills and drive efficient business growth. Addressing a critical market gap, the GSAI program supports innovative startups at a crucial stage, maximizing their growth potential through the strategic use of AI.
GSAI is a scale-up program focused on helping startups expand or enhance their value proposition and business models using AI applications.
Over a 9-month period, participating startups will engage in workshops across Gävle, Stockholm (Sweden), Salo (Finland), and Tallinn (Estonia).
The program offers practical support modules aimed at developing essential skills for scaling a business including:
- adopting a growth mindset
- mastering relevant processes
- implementing strategies for international market entry
- planning future investment rounds
- gathering data and conducting market analysis.
- Stay ahead of competitors
Challenges
In today’s environment, startups face significant challenges in competing and growing internationally without effectively utilizing AI to improve their products and business models. The GSAI program addresses these challenges by providing startups with the necessary insights, tools, and expertise to overcome international growth barriers by leveraging the power of AI.
This initiative also fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing across Sweden, Finland, and Estonia, bringing together world-leading expert knowledge in AI, scaling, and team productivity.
Expected outcomes
The GSAI program aims to equip startups with the ability to scale their businesses using AI applications, enabling them to successfully enter new international markets.
By participating in workshops and receiving hands-on support, startups will develop and innovate, enhancing their value proposition and business models through AI.
The program will culminate in participants being ready to pitch to investors with a solid scale-up plan.
Ultimately, the program will support 45 companies in the Central Baltic region over three years, driving growth and competitiveness.
Facts
Funding: 1.997.293 euros from the European Union through the Interreg Central Baltic Programme
Participating organizations:
- Movexum (Sweden)
- AI Sweden (Sweden)
- Yrityssalo - Business Salo (Finland)
- Tehnopol (Estonia)
Project Period: 2025-2028
For more information, contact
Program updates
August 2026
Meet the 14 scaleups selected for the second cohort of the GSAI program
The second batch of GSAI (Growth & Scaling Through AI) is well underway! Selected from Sweden, Finland, and Estonia, 14 startups are currently taking part in the program. Running from May 2026 through spring 2027, this cohort spans a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, logistics, sports, and digital publishing.
June 2026
AI Sweden brings startups and experts together
Senior experts and investors shared growth strategies for scaling businesses, offering insights on everything from securing immediate AI "quick wins" to the discipline of building a truly AI-native team.
May 2026
Batch 2 Webinar
AI Sweden hosted a webinar titled "How AI is changing the playing field for startups." The event was open to the public, and the recording is available to watch here:
May 28, 2026.
February 2026
Concluding sprint in Finland
The first GSAI cohort has wrapped up, marking the beginning of a promising cross-border initiative accelerating startup growth across European markets.
September 2025
The AI Studio session
Hosted by AI Sweden in Stockholm, participants gained practical knowledge and inspiration on how to effectively leverage AI in their businesses.
June 2025
The first sprint
The participants met for the first time in Gävle at the end of June for the first sprint, Scaling Launchpad, hosted by Movexum.
June 2025
AI 101
The program kicked off on June 3 , 2025 with an online event, AI 101 – An Introduction, hosted by AI Sweden.
Watch the recording:
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