Applications open for Innovation Postdoc in Bioeconomy

This BIC Innovation Postdoc is a new initiative by Aalto University Bioinnovation Center in collaboration with the Aalto Innovation School designed to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact.

Innovations in the area of bioeconomy are too quickly developed for traditional academic grants but also too early for venture capital or corporate investments. We are closing this gap. BIC Innovation Postdoc provides recent doctoral graduates with a salary-funded position where the goal is to validate technology and build a growth company – not to publish more papers.

BIC 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.

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 process or product.
• 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 bioeconomy spinout is a journey of uncertainty, and you have the persistence to navigate it.

• Ready for impact: You have a unique invention and are eager to take it to the next level and 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-month salaried contract focused 100% on increasing the innovation readiness of your work.
• Laboratory space to validate and develop your invention
• 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 bioeconomy top-experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and investors.

This is a structured yet flexible path to de-risk your innovation development 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 BIC Innovation Postdoc begins in autumn 2026. Applications for BIO2 researchers are now open until 14th of June 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 webpages or demos if available
• Supervisor name & other 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.

Interviews will be held on 23rd and 24th of June – please make your calendar available already if you’re applying. 

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

For any questions about the program or application process, please reach out to Myungji Suh at myungji.suh@aalto.fi

For any technical issues with the application form, please reach out to Elettra Virtanen at elettra.virtanen@aalto.fi