Innovation Postdoc

The Innovation Postdoc is a new initiative by the Aalto Innovation School designed to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact.

Deep tech innovations are often too early for venture capital but too commercial for traditional academic grants. We are closing this gap. Innovation Postdoc provides recent doctoral graduates with a salary-funded position where the goal is not to publish more papers, but to validate technology and build a growth company.

Innovation Postdocs are supported to:

• Advance the innovation readiness level (IRL) of their research
• Test relevance through extensive stakeholder interviews
• Explore application and market pathways
• Build evidence for future decisions — not hype

In addition to salary, postdocs may receive small milestone-based funding top-ups to support validation, prototyping, or external engagement.

The program launches in spring 2026 with a pilot cohort focused exclusively on Artificial Intelligence. Following the pilot, the program will expand to cover other key research areas in the future.

Pilot launch: Innovation Postdoc x AI

The program launches in spring 2026 with a pilot cohort focused exclusively on Artificial Intelligence. We are seeking the most motivated researchers in AI to pioneer this track.

Who should apply?

We are looking for researchers with the right mindset to become founders. You do not need a business background, but you must be ready to adapt.

• Obsessed with the problem: You are driven by a desire to solve a real-world challenge, not just to explore the technology.
• Open-minded and coachable: You are ready to step out of the academic bubble, listen to market feedback, and pivot if necessary.
• Resilient: You understand that building a deep-tech spinout is a journey of uncertainty, and you have the persistence to navigate it.
• Ready for impact: You have a technology with strong differentiation and are eager to see it applied in the real world.

What we offer?

We provide an environment for innovation, removing the friction so you can focus on building.

• Funded Runway: A 12–18 month salaried contract focused 100% on increasing the innovation readiness of your work.
• Tier-1 Supercomputing: Priority access to LUMI (one of the world’s most powerful AI-optimized supercomputers) and the Triton Cluster for rapid iteration.
• Domain-Specific Data: Exclusive access to Aalto’s curated Data Hubs, including Health, Satellite, and Bio-economy datasets.
• Dedicated Innovation Space: Access to a physical environment designed for commercialization, separating you from the constraints of daily academic duties.
• Streamlined IP Support: Professional support for IP transfer and standardized spinout terms designed to attract top-tier VCs.
• Aalto Ecosystem Access: Direct entry into the heart of Finland's strongest entrepreneurship ecosystem, with connections to over 100 new startups annually.
• Extensive Network: Personalized coaching from deep-tech experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and investors.

This is a structured yet flexible path to de-risk your technology and prepare for investment. Validate by stepping out of the lab, confirm "market pull" and ensure there is a genuine need for your solution. Use Aalto’s world-class infrastructures to build proofs-of-concept and validate technical feasibility, without high risks. Finalize your business model and prepare to spin out with a solid strategy for investors.

How to apply?

The Innovation Postdoc x AI pilot begins in spring 2026. Applications for AI researchers are now open until 29th of March via this form. To apply, you need to submit the following documents:

• Degree transcript
• Innovation statement (1 page): Tell us why you are obsessed with this problem, a time you failed and recovered, and what non-technical skills you want to master
• Path to pilot plan (1 page): Your roadmap for problem validation
• Include links to GitHub or demos if available
• Supervisor name & references
• Optional: Add anything else you think should be shared

Note on Generative AI: Use of GenAI in your application is permitted and will not penalize your score but we ask for a brief declaration.

Apply now here to take your innovation to the next level!