News

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

One year ago, the very first Aalto Inventors pilot kicked off — and what started as a single cohort has grown into a thriving programme that has reached nearly 200 researchers in Aalto and beyond. Today, we're excited to celebrate everything that's been built, learned, and set in motion.
Collage of workshops, group photos and presentations from the first year of the Aalto Inventors programme.

Since its first session in April 2025, Aalto Inventors has completed six cohorts, bringing together 190 researchers from fields spanning biomaterials, AI, quantum, microelectronics, and hydrogen. The programme has earned an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 and a Net Promoter Score of 49 — a strong signal that participants are finding real value in the experience.

At the heart of Aalto Inventors is a community of people who believe that scientific discoveries shouldn't stay in the lab. Over the past year, 93 speakers, visiting experts, and mentors from organisations such as IQM Quantum Computers, Solar Foods, Neste, AMD Silo AI, Vaisala, Maki.vc, and Aalto University itself have generously shared their time and insights with the next generation of inventor-entrepreneurs.

The feedback from participants reflects something deeper than skills gained. "I learned that the journey is a possible one and just needs to be followed step by step," shared one researcher. Another noted: "I can now see better the real-world motivation behind my research as well." Speakers have been equally moved with many highlighting how great the energy in the room has been, full of appetite to go beyond the paper.

This 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

With the spring almost over, the team is already looking ahead: new cohorts are in the works for the next academic year, with fresh fields and topics on the horizon.

Ready to be part of it? Visit the Aalto Inventors website to learn more about the programme and sign up for the waitlist to be among the first to hear about upcoming cohorts. If you'd be interested in supporting the program, please reach out to program manager Myungji Suh.

As we end every one of our sessions, we leave you now also with our mantra: Research deserves more than a paper. It deserves to change the world. Not because paper isn't important. But because someone out there is waiting for your invention to change their reality.

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

A group of happy people standing in front of a staircase with colorful beanbag chairs.
Cooperation Published:

Transition to hydrogen economy is a marathon, not a sprint

During its first few years of operation, the Hydrogen Innovation Centre has built an active community around its doctoral school and launched the Inventors programme.
Aalto digital working
Research & Art Published:

Building a future through digital growth

In an era of complexity, uncertainty, and austerity, a clear vision towards growth is more important than ever. Finland and Europe need economic growth, and digital solutions offer a genuine path forward across all industries. By combining business expertise with academic knowledge, the Center for Digital Business Growth (CDBG) provides concrete support for companies looking to grow.
Learning Centre graphics
Research & Art, Studies Published:

New e book apps will replace Adobe Digital Editions from 20 May

There will be changes to how DRM (Digital Rights Management) protected e books are downloaded in Ebook Central, EBSCO eBooks and VLeBooks. Adobe Digital Editions will be replaced by new apps that better support accessibility.
Angular teal building under grey sky with text: Aalto University Centre for radical creativity
Cooperation, Press releases, Research & Art, University Published:

Aalto University establishes Centre for Radical Creativity – aiming to support societal and corporate transformation

The centre responds to the interest and need for transformation among businesses and organizations and calls partners to join.