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Entrepreneurial mindset and research

Xiao Yu thinks that an entrepreneurially spirited person is good at identifying problems through precise observations of daily life, passionately tackling these issues through innovation.
Xiao Yu

"What is an entrepreneurially wired person like?

I think that an entrepreneurially spirited person is good at identifying problems and needs through precise observations of lived experiences and daily life, passionately tackling these issues through innovation.

A potential entrepreneur in a university environment should be able to convert such problems or needs into research questions and understand who would benefit – and how they would benefit – from the possible research results. This realization should go beyond scientific novelty.

Besides, the person must be good at communicating the ideas with different stakeholders and be open to different types of collaborations available in the university ecosystem.

It has been a long journey to learn to equip myself with an entrepreneurial mindset and relevant skills. I am still learning and hoping to bring more innovations to society through my journey.

I think Aalto provides an excellent environment for entrepreneurially spirited researchers. Significantly, the Aalto Innovation Services and Aalto Startup Center are beneficial.

So far, I have run three Business Finland-funded TUTL (Research to Business) projects covering the fields from indoor localization to cognitive manufacturing and digital rehabilitation.

According to my experience, it is always helpful to contact them at a very initial phase of my research work and have regular follow-ups to discuss the preparation for potential commercialization.

They also help apply for TUTL funding and provide advice on project implementation and the establishment of startups in the Aalto ecosystem."

– Xiao Yu, Assistant Professor, School of Electrical Engineering

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