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.
BIOSPHERE aims to help you:
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.
BIOSPHERE is on the look-out for teams with innovative ideas, innovations, research, technologies, services, solutions, products, and businesses in the following areas:
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!
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.
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.
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.
For more information about the programme's specific schedule, check out the BIOSPHERE 4 schedule below
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.
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.
Please prepare and submit the following with your application:
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the BIOSPHERE programme and propel your sustainable idea forward.
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.
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