BIOSPHERE — Sustainability

Are you driven to create a sustainable future? Join us at BIOSPHERE, where we transform ideas into fundable, scalable, and impactful startups. With personalised guidance & support coupled with access to our international network of mentors & experts, we're here to ensure your success.
About BIOSPHERE

Embarking on the journey of building an impact-driven startup is exciting yet complex. It involves refining your technological solution, crafting a robust business model, and creating significant environmental positive impact. At BIOSPHERE, we combine expert knowledge with a supportive community to guide you through the startup landscape, helping you reduce risks and bypass the common early pitfalls.

Located at the Viikki campus of the University of Helsinki, the BIOSPHERE programme offers a unique hybrid of incubator and accelerator experiences. It’s designed for innovators from diverse backgrounds aiming to forge solutions in sustainability sector.

Our ever-expanding network of top-tier mentors will not only assist in turning your solution into a viable product or service but also enhance your career by imparting essential entrepreneurial skills. You'll have countless opportunities to connect with potential customers, partners, and investors, building a strong network and gathering valuable feedback.

By the end of this four-month journey, you should be ready to launch a company, seek funding, and navigate the next steps of your entrepreneurial path.

BIOSPHERE is proudly powered by the City of Helsinki.

Programme Outcomes

BIOSPHERE aims to help you:

  • Develop a scalable, fundable startup rooted in innovation.
  • Ensure your solution significantly impacts its industry.
  • Break into international markets with your developed product or service.
  • Receive direct insights from seasoned mentors and industry leaders to refine your ideas.
  • Master key aspects of business strategy, including a solid business model and value proposition.
  • Build a powerful pitch and create essential business elements like your logo and online presence.
  • Design a forward-looking action plan.

Throughout the programme, you’ll learn to identify market problems, develop solutions that add real value, understand crucial business concepts and tools, and acquire funding management skills. We'll also hone your presentation skills, preparing you to engage various audiences effectively.

Programme Topics

BIOSPHERE is on the look-out for teams with innovative ideas, innovations, research, technologies, services, solutions, products, and businesses in the following areas:

  • Agribusiness
  • Bioeconomy
  • Biomass
  • Biomaterials
  • Circular Economy
  • Decarbonisation
  • eMobility
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Green Hydrogen
  • Green Transformation
  • Water Use and Treatment
  • Veterinary Solutions
  • ...and more!

This is not an exhaustive list — we warmly welcome you to apply with any other sustainability-related solution, too!

Looking for inspiration? Check out the teams that took part in BIOSPHERE 1, BIOSPHERE 2, and BIOSPHERE 3 or check out our BIOSPHERE alumni stories at the link below!

Don’t think, just do it. If you have a good idea, just go, try it out, and see what you can do with it. In BIOSPHERE, you will get everything you need to grow and flourish!”
Mentors

After the programme's initial bootcamp phase, your team will connect with 1-2 mentors tailored to your specific needs. They will provide deep dives into your ideas, utilizing their vast experiences and networks to furnish you with actionable insights and propel your venture forward.

Programme Structure

The fourth round of BIOSPHERE will run from 24 February 2025 to 12 June 2025. The programme will be in English, and will consist of weekly or bi-weekly workshop sessions.

Programme Structure

For the 4th edition, the programme will be split into two phases: Foundations/Bootcamp and Specialisation.

Foundation/Bootcamp (Weeks 1-9): You’ll start by building foundational entrepreneurial skills through interactive sessions at the City Centre campus (Weeks 1-4). This phase is crucial for networking with fellow entrepreneurs form the NEXUS and TREMOR programmes and laying the groundwork for your startup. Continuing at the Viikki Campus (Weeks 5-9), you’ll refine your business models and validate your ideas in specialised workshops

Specialisation (Weeks 10-16): Focus on sustainability with a regenerative approach, preparing for growth and scaling. This phase blends mentorship with advanced training, supporting rapid development and market entry.

Validation Track (Weeks 1-9): Parallel to the initial phase, the validation track will ensure that your business idea aligns with market needs, potentially pivoting based on feedback and findings.

Schedule information:

For more information about the programme's specific schedule, check out the BIOSPHERE 4 schedule below

Applying

Ready to transform your innovative ideas into reality and make a global impact? Apply now to BIOSPHERE and begin your journey to sustainability leadership!

Applications for the 4th batch of BIOSPHERE are now closed. However, if you are still interested in the programme, please read the application requirements below and send us an open application. We will be in touch when the next call period opens.

Who Can Apply?

BIOSPHERE is open to a diverse group of participants including bachelor’s and master's students, PhD candidates, postdocs, PIs, researchers, professors, and faculty at the University of Helsinki. However, a direct connection to the university is not required. We welcome applications from all residents of the Helsinki Capital Region. We are looking for teams that demonstrate excellence, strong commitment, and innovative business or tech-related ideas.

Application Guidelines

Please prepare and submit the following with your application:

  • REQUIRED:
    • A Dedicated Team: A team of at least two members
    • An Innovative Idea: An idea that meets BIOSPHERE's topics
    • A Short Video (max 3 minutes): Explaining what problem you're solving, how you plan to stand out from competitors, and why your team should be chosen?
    • Business Model Canvas: Filled in with information of your potential business.
    • A Pitch Deck Or Presentation: Showcase what your team has to offer
    • A One-Page Document: Describe your product, service, or solution, and include details about your team members, their contact information, and include a website (if you have one).
    • Commitment: At least one team member will have to actively participate in the workshops and mentoring sessions.
  • OPTIONAL:
    • A filled out value proposition canvas 
    • Evidence of ​​idea validation (e.g. customer feedback, surveys, piloting, proof of concept, MVP)
  • You can use these templates as a reference.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the BIOSPHERE programme and propel your sustainable idea forward.

Obtaining ECTS Credits

For Doctoral Researchers:

Participating in the incubator programme can be included in your transferable skills studies under the course code PHD-313 for a total of 8 ECTS. Please request a certificate of attendance upon completion of the incubator programme, and contact uhds-office@helsinki.fi for the registration of the credits.

For Bachelor's or Master's Degree Students:

Participating in the programme can be registered in Sisu under the course code PHD-313 for a total of 8 ECTS. Please request a certificate of attendance upon the completion of the incubator programme, and contact uhds-office@helsinki.fi for the registration of the credits.

Students must then co-ordinate with their degree programme to include these credits into their degree. It is advised to check with the degree programme beforehand if the credits can be included into the degree, and under what section.

The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Services does not guarantee that credits can be included in all degrees.

Contact Us

Pedro Gensini, Project Manager for BIOSPHERE

Mobile: +358 50 309 1810

Email: pedro.gensinimotoa@helsinki.fi

Pedro on LinkedIn