Aalto University launches Inventors program to turn science into impact

At Aalto University, groundbreaking research is happening every day across disciplines and among world-class researchers. But while scientific excellence is thriving, something critical has been missing: only a small fraction of this research travels beyond academia to create societal or commercial impact. During 2024, our researchers published over 2,300 scientific articles while only 148 invention disclosures were submitted. 

‘Based on Aalto University’s strategy, our aim is to generate sustainable innovative solutions to tackle global grand challenges. We are combining world-class fundamental research with efforts to transform the results into practical applications and economic value. The newly launched Aalto Inventors program is an excellent tool to execute our strategy', says Janne Laine, Vice President of Innovation.  

Aalto Inventors is a training program designed for researchers who are not yet engaged in the innovation pipeline. Piloted this spring in the School of Chemical Engineering in collaboration with FinnCERES competence center and Bioinnovation Center, the program offers doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers a structured path to explore the commercial potential of their research. The aim is to bring these two worlds, that might feel far apart, together in a meaningful way. 

'We do need a new culture of innovation, and this is a concrete step in that direction. As a young scientist I also used to think that being an inventor conflict with doing research – but now I know it’s the opposite,' shared Kristiina Kruus, Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, during her welcome remarks at the kick-off. “They support each other.” 

This is not about turning every scientist into a startup founder overnight. Instead, Inventors focuses on building a mindset shift and offering hands-on learning. During the program, participants assess the impact potential of their work, think about the applicability of their research, learn the basics of intellectual property and funding, write invention disclosures, get to know the opportunities provided at Aalto and meet other researchers who have transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship. 

‘We want to create a culture where curiosity-driven exploration and innovation are not just encouraged but expected as part of your research journey at Aalto,’ says program manager Myungji Suh. ‘Aalto Inventors exists to ensure that more ideas can flourish and, in turn contribute to advancements of basic science.’ 

This first program is more than just a pilot; it is the first chapter of a larger initiative where the goal is to eventually expand the program across all fields at Aalto and to make innovation a joyful, integrated part of the research journey. 

As the first cohort of Aalto Inventors continues its journey, we look forward to new participants, partners, and supporters getting involved and helping us unlock the untapped potential of our research.