Application Form: Helsinki Incubator Programmes
After 3 successful cohorts with 140+ teams that collectively raised over €15M in funding and advanced their ventures to cities like Paris, Stockholm, and Tokyo, we are excited to announce the 4th call for applications for our mentor-driven Incubator programmes NEXUS, BIOSPHERE and TREMOR.
Open Call for Applications: This call is open to all business and technology-related ideas, services, solutions, and products that align with the following subjects:
- NEXUS – AI & Deep Tech: including Cross-Sectoral AI, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Geosciences & Geography, Mathematics & Statistics, and Climate-related technologies
- BIOSPHERE – Sustainability: including Agribusiness, Bioeconomy, Biomass, Biomaterials, Circular Economy, Decarbonisation, eMobility, Energy Efficiency, Green Hydrogen, Green Transformation, Water Use/Treatment, Veterinary Solutions, and more
- TREMOR – Social Impact: including solutions for Society, Education, Wellbeing, Communities & Law, addressing the Sustainable Development Goals.
We also welcome applications from all other fields, provided they are broadly linked to one of the three tracks. For inspiration, check out the programme's homepages for examples of selected teams in previous batches.
Programme Structure: 16-Week Incubator
Our Incubator programme equips participants with essential entrepreneurial skills, thematic expertise, and access to global mentors. The programme is divided into two phases:
Bootcamp (Weeks 1-8):
- Focus: Idea validation, business model development, and entrepreneurial fundamentals.
- Activities on which teams will be focusing: Customer interviews, Rapid experimentation, Bi-weekly progress updates and feedback sessions and Validation Parallel Track to ensure market fit
- Additionally, teams participate in a Checkpoint at Week 8 to present their progress and decide whether to pivot or continue with their initial idea.
Specialisation Track (Weeks 9-16):
- Tailored to thematic areas:
- Activities on which teams will be focusing: Advanced training modules, Hands-on mentorship, Scaling and market entry strategies.
Programme Timeline
- Start Date: 24 February
- End Date: 10-12 June depending on selected track
- Workshop Schedule: 1-2 workshops a week
- Mentor Sessions: Twice monthly (online, by appointment)
Participant Requirements
- Teams must consist of at least two members.
- On-site participation is compulsory for workshops, with at least one member fully committed.
- Submit the following application materials:
- REQUIRED:
- Max 3-minute video pitch answering: What problem are you solving? How do you differentiate from competitors? Why should your team be chosen?
- Filled in Business Model Canvas
- Pitch deck or presentation of your venture team
- One-pager detailing your product/service, team, contact info, and website (if available). You can use these templates as a reference.
- OPTIONAL:
- Evidence of idea validation (e.g. customer feedback, surveys, piloting, proof of concept, MVP)
- Filled in Value Proposition Canvas
Benefits of Participation
- Access to partner resources and tools, including some to be revealed upon selection
- Mentorship from industry leaders, corporate experts, and investors
- Opportunity to incorporate your business and achieve market validation
- Networking with local and international stakeholders
Partner Opportunities
Our partners provide exceptional resources and support to incubator participants:
Nokia – Network as Code: Nokia offers free access to its Network as Code platform, enabling developers to easily integrate 5G capabilities into applications. Features include: Network location and device status insight, On-demand quality of service, Specialised networks for applications. Use cases include remote ship operations, safety drone management, and customised 5G network configurations for innovative solutions.
Continental – Fleet Data Services: Under the VDO brand, Continental provides API access to tachograph and fleet data, enabling: Driver behaviour and vehicle position monitoring, Compliance with EU transportation regulations, AI-enhanced decision-making for improved efficiency and safety.
Vaisala Xweather – Weather & Environmental Data: Offers free access to its weather and environmental data APIs, along with SDKs and documentation. Mentoring is available for 1-4 teams whose projects align with this data. More details can be found here.
Pre-Programme Info Session: Two weeks before the programme start, Helsinki Innovation Services (HIS) will hold an IP Matters Info Session for University of Helsinki-affiliated participants. This session is mandatory for all University-affiliated researchers.
This session will:
- Cover IP ownership, agreements, and innovation disclosures
- Clarify standardised IP clearance procedures
Apply Now
Ready to shape the future? Join Helsinki Incubators and turn your ideas into scalable, impactful ventures! Submit your application by 23:59 (UTC+2) on 9 February. Shortlisted teams will be invited to a 30-minute video interview via MS Teams.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to:
Andrés Archila, NEXUS Incubator Project Manager
Email: andres.archila@helsinki.fi
Mobile: +358 50 5215 286
Pedro Gensini, BIOSPHERE Incubator Project Manager
Email: pedro.gensinimotoa@helsinki.fi
Mobile: +358 50 3091 810
Pete Karumo, TREMOR Incubator Project Manager
Email: pete.karumo@helsinki.fi
Mobile: +358 50 4389 235
