The Food SystemiCity project, led by the University of Helsinki, is on a mission to help local startups create new ideas where food and city life connect. Mentoring part of the project led by VTT’s Mirva Lampinen, focuses on developing a mentoring process model for startups—making sure both mentees and mentors get the most out of the experience.
Why mentoring matters
Starting a business is tough—especially when you’re trying to innovate in the world of food. The Food SystemiCity project developed a new mentoring model after researching practices at major universities and research centres. Since tech startups typically need more than one mentor for both business and technical support, the program creates a network of experts around each team instead of assigning just one mentor. This approach also recognises the importance of having guidance in building up production capabilities, ensuring that startups receive targeted advice not only on business and technology, but also on scaling their production processes effectively. Imagine getting advice from a chef, a business strategist, and a tech developer—all at once!
This approach gives startups:
- Broader expertise: More perspectives mean better solutions.
- Stronger support: Teams get help with everything from product development to scaling up.
- Flexible guidance: Mentors are chosen based on the specific needs of each team.
- Single point of contact: The project is managed by an individual responsible for organizing and facilitating the mentoring process.
How the mentoring works
Here’s how the process unfolds:
- Kick-off Meeting: Each team starts with a discussion with VTT to identify their biggest challenges.
- Custom Mentor Match: VTT scouts and recruits mentors who have the right expertise for each team’s needs.
- Ongoing Sessions: Teams meet with their mentors a few times, getting feedback and advice as they grow.
Mentors come from a variety of companies and organizations, bringing real-world experience and a passion for helping startups succeed.
What startups ask about
The topics covered in mentoring sessions are as diverse as the teams themselves. Some startups want help figuring out their identity—are they a tech company or a food producer? Others focus on growing their business, developing new products, or scaling up operations. There’s also a lot of interest in funding: What options are available in Finland, and what does it take to secure investment? What factors are investors considering?
Building trust and growth
Effective mentoring is built on trust, clarity, and shared growth. The best mentors listen actively, share relevant insights, and help mentees set clear goals. Mentees, in turn, should be open to feedback and willing to challenge their own assumptions. Sometimes, growth means letting go of what’s familiar and embracing new ideas.
Tips for successful mentoring
If you’re starting a business, here are some tips to make the most of mentoring:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The right mentors can make all the difference!
- Be open to feedback. Sometimes the best ideas come from outside your own team.
- Build a network. More mentors mean more opportunities to learn and grow.
Lessons learned
Our mentoring experience shows that creating meaningful mentoring requires less time than expected. While traditional mentoring can be demanding, facilitated mentoring has proven to be much more efficient. Holding the mentoring kick-off meeting with the startups allowed us to discuss their individual needs and challenges, which in turn made it easier to match them with mentors who have relevant expertise. Additionally, while startups gained guidance and confidence, mentors also benefited by staying connected to emerging trends and fresh ideas. The Food SystemiCity project shows that with the right support, small food businesses in the Helsinki metropolitan area can tackle big challenges and create exciting solutions. Whether you’re a founder or a mentor, working together is the key to success.