Compass — Deep Tech, AI & Sustainability
For those mapping a new sustainable path with AI & technology, Compass, our Kumpula-based programme, is an accessible early-stage environment for all who want to find a way to turn their Deep Tech, AI and Sustainability ideas into an entrepreneurial reality.

The call for batch 3 of Compass is now open until 26 September, and the programme will run from 5 October to 30 November.
About Compass

Do you have an idea that could make the world a more sustainable place, a problem you'd like to develop a deep tech or AI-enabled solution to, or research in the field you'd like to create applications for? Are you ready to set out and take the first step on your entrepreneurial journey and discover new possibilities?

Compass is a Kumpula-based early-stage pre-incubator programme for teams and individuals of passionate thinkers and aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to create something meaningful in the realm of science and technology in an accessible and supportive professional environment.

With guidance and mentoring from the Helsinki Incubators team & hand-picked experts, we'll help you at every step of the way to work out a valuable solution to the challenge you've set out to tackle. Along the way, you'll also learn useful entrepreneurial skills you'll be able to utilise on this or any other professional journey you choose to pursue.

Over the programme's two month duration, our aim is to empower and embolden you, making sure that you get everything you need to either take whatever solution you create during the programme onwards to an incubator like NEXUS for further support, develop it into a business on your own, work on creating new solutions, or become a more attractive employee.

The programme is produced in partnership with Helsinki Think Company and is powered by the City of Helsinki.

After two successful batches, Compass will return in autumn of 2023 for a 3rd batch! The call is open until 26 September.

When I look back, the programme really gave me all the fundamental elements. There was a lot of good information for everyone! Even if you don’t want to continue with your idea, you’re going to learn a lot. Anyone who has an idea and wants to see if that idea makes sense, I recommend taking part!
Programme Schedule

The 3rd round of Compass will take place in autumn of 2023. The call is open until 26 September, and the programme will run from 5 October to 30 November. The programme will be held in-person and in English twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays in various locations at the University's Kumpula campus.

Over the course of two months of engaging sessions, we'll help you first understand and define the problem you're working with, and then help you build a solution to it while teaching you key entrepreneurial skills with the help of guests and experts. Among other things, we'll cover creating a business model canvas, understanding your customer's needs, figuring out how to fund your business and sell your solution, cover key basic legal issues, and more.

A more in-depth schedule will be published closer to the programme.

Applying

Applications for the 3rd batch are open until 26 September. We look forward to receiving many new applications for the 3rd edition our next Deep Tech, AI, and Sustainability pre-incubator!

For those considering applying, Compass is an early-stage entrepreneurship programme for teams and individuals regardless of their affiliation with the University of Helsinki. All we require is that applicants have both a sustainability-related issue they'd like to develop a deep tech or AI-based solution for, and an interest in turning that solution into a business. For inspiration, we invite you to take a look at the participants from previous batches.

To apply, you'll need a short introductory video (max 5 min) to present your idea/problem. Don't worry about the quality, a video shot on your phone or laptop is good enough!

Do keep in mind before applying that in-person attendance will be mandatory, and repeated failure to attend will lead to a removal from the programme.

Applying teams will be interviewed, and selected teams will be informed prior to the programme starting.

Contact Us

Tuomas Pollari, Compass Project Lead

tuomas.pollari@helsinki.fi

+358 29 41 21205