At Journeys, we work with people who see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. Thinkers and doers from every field coming together to take on one of the biggest challenges of our time: building a sustainable future.
We know the path from idea to impact can be messy. The skills needed to tackle global challenges don’t always line up with what it takes to launch and grow a startup.
That’s why Journeys is a four-month programme designed to combine hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and a supportive community to help you shape your idea, build your venture, and take it to the world.
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, it needs the right people, tools, and environment. Journeys brings all three together in a four-month programme designed to support early-stage founders with answers to society's wicked problems
Based in different locations of the University of Helsinki campuses, you’ll start with a one-month bootcamp to refine your vision and build a strong foundation, followed by a specialised track tailored to your venture’s needs. Along the way, you’ll get hands-on mentorship from industry experts, access to a supportive network of entrepreneurs and investors, and a collaborative workspace with the resources you need to grow. Whether you're validating your first idea or gearing up to scale, Journeys is here to help you take the next step.
We aim for you to shake up your industry and expand your business globally. What sets us apart from other incubators in Finland is that we're a mentor-driven incubator programme. Throughout our four-month program, we collaborate with mentors and experts from Finnish and international companies, investors, and corporate venture capitalists (CVCs).
The call for Journeys is now open, with the programme kicking off on 28 August. If you're interested, read on more in this page about the application criteria and leave us an application by clicking below!
Journeys focuses on helping you build a startup that can grow and attract funding by bringing real innovative ideas and smart business models to the table. Acting as a blend of an incubator and an accelerator, our aim is for your venture team to evolve into a startup that understands scalability and funding considerations with the guidance of our mentors and experts.
By the end of the programme we expect every team to have, at the minimum:
At an individual level, we expect participants to have learned:
The following specialisation tracks offer different paths depending on your venture’s goals and impact area. Each one brings tailored support, expert insight, and room to grow. More on each below.
For ventures focused on creating a more sustainable future. It covers a range of fields, from Agritech and Biomaterials to Blue Tech (clean sea innovations), Clean Energy, Food Tech, Low-carbon Innovations, and Nature Tech (nature-based solutions).
For the profit-for-purpose ventures creating positive change in society, addressing Sustainable Development Goals. Covering a range of solutions in areas such as well-being, equality, inclusion, immigration, education, and elder care.
For ventures built on advanced technologies grounded in science, covering general use of artificial intelligence as well as machine learning, robotics, quantum computing, semiconductors, advanced materials, and synthetic biology.
After the initial bootcamp phase of the programme, your team will be matched with 1-2 mentors from our pool of talented mentors. Specifically selected to meet your needs, the mentors will be at your service throughout your journey via bi-monthly online sessions.
Your mentors will delve deep into the intricacies of your idea and tap into their own experiences, networks, and expertise to give you actionable insights and recommendations to help you in the process of developing and testing your innovation and propel your venture forward.
Participants will be able to take advantage of several services offered by our mentors and partners. Click below to find a list of some of the services, but know that there are additional confidential services that will be revealed if your team is selected to the programme.
Journeys will last for 16 weeks, and will be held from Monday 25 August to Wednesday 10 December. The programme will be in English, and will consist of weekly or bi-weekly workshop sessions, as well as online mentoring sessions.
For the weekly/bi-weekly sessions, expect one to two in-person sessions per week, covering a range of key topics. Each team must have at least one member present. Attendance is mandatory.
For the mentor sessions, each team is assigned two primary mentors, plus rotating specialists in areas like marketing, fundraising, and tech. Meet at least twice monthly via Zoom, 30–60 minutes per session. Scheduling is flexible, but consistency is expected.
We will be publishing a more detailed schedule for Journeys soon.
Journeys participation is open to bachelors and masters’ students, PhDs, post docs, PIs and researchers, professors, and faculty at the University of Helsinki. However, you don't need a connection to the University of Helsinki to apply, and applications are open to all residents of the Helsinki Capital Region. We simply look for excellent teams, strong commitment, and dedication with great ideas.
Application guidelines:
When submitting your application, you'll be expected to submit the following:
Though it is generally not advised at this early a stage in the entrepreneurial journey, teams may have apply with a registered company. However, we will not accept teams with significant existing turnover.
Curious about Journeys? Still have some questions you'd like to ask before you apply? Want to hear more about the programme to find out if it's the right place for you?
Then consider attending one of the Journeys info sessions! You'll be able to get answers to all of your questions related to the programme directly from programme managers Enrique Montaño, Pete Karumo, and Andres Archila, as well as hear alumni from previous incubator programmes talk about their experiences, and find out how you can take part in Journeys.
The info sessions are:
Click the links below for detailed information on the sessions and make sure to sign up beforehand to attend!
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.
Do you have some questions before applying? Don't hesitate to contact the programme managers of each specialisation track.
Mobile: +358 29 41 21201
Email: enrique@atlan.fi
Mobile: +358 50 309 1810