Innovative solutions must be developed accounting for the whole food system, covering primary production, processing, distribution, consumption, recycling, regulation, policy making, related services and the research and teaching linked to the sector.
We are your guide in the food system and in making a systemic impact on the food and agri sectors.
Science and inventive people come up with new solutions. However, they turn into innovations that solve problems only in use. They must therefore be translated into value-creating concrete products and services for people and the society.
We provide you sector specific expertise through
As on the previous year, four Germinator teams will get to rehears on their pitching skills and take the stage at the Y Science pitching competition, which is an official Slush side event.
We help you in gaining recognition and in connecting with investors both at Y Science and beyond.
A pre-incubator for productising and commercialising food system solutions.
Researchers, graduating students and free agent innovators with promising inventions for food system transformation and profitable business.
Providing sector and market understanding, tutoring and coaching + mentoring support for solution commercialization, lab facilities for prototyping and testing, piloting opps. with sector partners & networking with investors and industry.
"We have made tremendous progress in our project in all areas in the programme. Undoubtedly the most valuable are the advice and teachings of the coaches and mentors and also the possibility of being part of a community that acts as a support network in all aspects. We feel the support not only of the Germinator people, but also of the people we have met through Germinator. We have been able to create a good network of contacts and without a doubt that has been the most valuable."
- Camila Gallo, CEO of Binkiapp
"Found the belief in the potential our project and product partly because of VFDF Germinator program! Strong connection between the part-taking teams was awesome.
Contacts, leads and events have been very useful for us. Lab space was crucial for the product development at early stages of our project."
- Ossi Paloneva, Creative Lead, MOLT FoodTech
"Germinator covers well all the important aspects of building a foodtech company. Most of the visiting speakers have been really good and also the concrete stuff/ experience from Laura and Reetta."
- Jere Vento, CEO Five Letter Foods
"I have really appreciated the programme trying to take into account the different situation and needs of the startups. For us, the valuable parts are the application industry connections."
- Jaakko Pajunen, CEO Montinutra
"The most valuable part of the program has definitely been the tight focus on food and foodtech. This has meant that every single team, no matter their background and how far they are in their journey, has something valuable to give and share with the others. In addition to the workshops, the VFDF networks have been more than valuable to get our business off the ground."
- Oliver Rotko, CEO Arctic Farming
"We have benefited for the possibility to use the Viikki Food Design Facrory demolab. The program has also challenged us to think more about our competitors and market that we'll operate in the future."
- Emma Kynkkäänniemi, CEO-to-be Three Mushketeers
"Great to have a program that is not just generic tech startup education. Food industry experts sharing their insights and connections are invaluable for an early stage startup."
- Janne Saarikko, Commercial Champion, Squee
Delivering over or according to expectations on
Feedback measurement in Jan. 2022
“Hands-on guidance and mentoring with real concrete insight from industry on how to build food business case. Not just theoretical lectures from people who have never worked in the industry. Networking ability and sharing experiences /progress with other teams.” - Germinator participant 2021-2022
Delivering over or according to expectations on (above 3,5/5 score)
Feedback measured in December 2022