Innovation School

Aalto Inventors

Empowering researchers at the very beginning of their innovation journey to discover the potential of their work and to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact.
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Transforming research into innovation for a better future

Aalto Inventors is a field-specific innovation training program exclusively designed for researchers to discover the potential of their work and to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. The program is designed as a first experience in innovation.

Your research deservers more than a paper. It deserves to change the world. Not because paper isn't important - it is. Because someone out there is waiting for your invention to change their reality.

Registration is now open for fall programs

During fall 2026, Inventors is running three cohorts: one in AI, one in biotechnology and, as a new pilot, a multidisciplinary one.
Read more and sign up here

Your first step in the innovation journey

Aalto University is home to a world-class innovation pipeline from foundational research to startup acceleration. Inventors supports researchers who are not yet part of that pipeline by offering a structured, supportive path toward applied impact.

Meet industry and academic thought leaders in your field, and gain widely applicable skills in intellectual property, idea validation, impactful communication, funding opportunities, and business thinking.

Whether you're exploring a new research direction or identifying a real-world application for your existing work, Inventors helps you take the first steps.

Who is it for?

Aalto Inventors is for researchers — especially doctoral students and postdocs, but open to all faculty — who are curious about the societal and commercial opportunities of their work. No previous experience in innovation or business is required to participate. If you’re asking “Could my research make a bigger impact?” this program is for you.

Why join?

  • Enhance your skills for your future career: Learn how to build impact, secure funding, and protect your ideas
  • Expert guidance: Receive mentorship from thought-leaders in academia and industry, as well as law professionals, to navigate the innovation ecosystem
  • Expand your network: Connect with fellow researchers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs from your field and beyond
  • Official recognition: Receive a certificate upon program completion + possibility of earning 3 ECTS credits
  • Highly rated: The Inventors program has been running for its first full year now with great feedback
  • Ongoing support: Join the Inventors alumni network for continued support, a multidisciplinary network and collaboration opportunities
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Inventors is the right program at the right moment. Too many scientific discoveries stay in the lab. The ones that don't are the ones that transform industries, create thousands of jobs, and solve problems that matter.

Paavo Räisänen, General Partner at Maki.vc

Inside the program

Each Inventors program is tailored to the specific research field to offer you the best possible support and most relevant networks. Below is an example of the general structure.

The program workload is equivalent to 3 ECTS upon completion.

Module 1: Foundations for entrepreneurial researchers

Kick-Off
Understand why innovation matters, learn key terminology, and explore different routes researchers can take toward commercialization, collaboration, or societal impact. Gain an overview of the program and the support available at Aalto. 

How business works 
Learn how to identify unmet needs, create early-stage concept ideas and explore their business potential. Learn how to conduct efficient industry interviews that help you validate your idea.

IPR & Invention disclosure
Get hands-on with the fundamentals of intellectual property rights including patents. Hear how they are utilised in research commercialization. Learn how to draft a compelling invention disclosure with guidance from mentors.

Module 2: Ecosystem & Market

Innovation ecosystem & Industry insights
Learn how deep-tech turns into scalable solutions. Engage with industry partners in an informal networking session. Explore real industry challenges, validate problems, and spark early collaborations in your field.

Networking masterclass & Startup insights
Learn how to network effectively in business context and build meaningful connections. Hear from research and startup entrepreneurs about how they found the right fit between their research and the demand.

Module 3:
Communication & Commercialization

Funding pathways
Learn how deep-tech ventures get funded and how venture capital works. Hear real case stories on how research spinouts have moved to market and how they raised first funding.

Impact storytelling
Learn how to communicate complex research effectively to non-scientific audiences, funders and industry. Practice pitching your innovation in tailored team coaching sessions.

Final Innovation Showcase & Graduation
Present your innovation to multiple stakeholders. Get feedback, explore next steps, and celebrate your progress. Wrap up with cake and join the Inventors alumni network.

Overall program rating
4,33
out of 5
NPS score
49
given by program participants

Feedback shared by participants from 2025-2026 cohorts:

"I learned that the journey is a possible one and just needs to be followed step by step."

"I enjoyed meeting new people, especially company representatives who share the same interests and passion as I do. Hearing their stories was truly inspiring." 

"I learned the basics of shifting my thinking towards commercialization opportunities instead of focusing solely on research potential."

"The organizing team were very helpful and motivated, which made the whole experience more fun!"

"The insights I got are going to be helpful and motivate me also in my research work, because I can now see better the real-world motivation behind it."

Connecting you with top speakers and mentors

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All past speakers and mentors by cohort:

Be the first to know about upcoming Inventors program launches!
Sign up for updates here

Read more

Find the latest news and stories from Aalto Inventors programs.

See all
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Studies Published:

Register now for Inventors in AI, biotechnology or the new multidisciplinary cohort

Three innovation trainings are coming up this fall and registration is now open for all Aalto researchers!
Person talking in a bright classroom while two seated people
Research & Art Published:

Aalto Inventors is launching six new cohorts next academic year

Choose a field-specific cohort in AI, biotechnology, water management, minerals, or medtech — or join a multidisciplinary track open to researchers from any discipline.
Collage of workshops, group photos and presentations from the first year of the Aalto Inventors programme.
Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

Aalto Inventors turns one: A year of bridging research and real-world impact

Aalto Inventors marks its first anniversary, having engaged 190 researchers across six cohorts in fields including AI, quantum, and biomaterials. New cohorts are planned for the next academic year, stay tuned and join the waitlist.
People sitting at tables with laptops and coffee cups, engaging in conversation.
Research & Art, Studies Published:

Aalto Inventors innovation training coming for hydrogen, quantum and microelectronics researchers this spring

Connect with industry and academic thought-leaders and gain widely applicable skills in communication, intellectual property, and business.
See all

Get in touch

Myungji Suh

Myungji Suh

myungji.suh@aalto.fi
Program manager
Elettra Virtanen

Elettra Virtanen

elettra.virtanen@aalto.fi
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