Aalto University launches Inventors program to turn science into impact
The new training program in the field of chemical engineering empowers researchers to explore entrepreneurial pathways and the commercial potential of their work.
Aalto Inventors
Empowering researchers at the very beginning of the innovation journey to discover the potential of their work and to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact.
Transforming research into innovation for a better future
Aalto Inventors is a field-specific training program for researchers who want to explore the practical potential of their work. Built on Aalto University鈥檚 values of responsibility, courage, and collaboration, the program helps researchers navigate the journey from lab to society.
Janne Laine, Vice President of InnovationBased on Aalto University鈥檚 strategy, our aim is to generate sustainable innovative solutions to tackle global grand challenges. We are combining world-class fundamental research with efforts to transform the results into practical applications and economic value. The newly launched Aalto Inventors program is an excellent tool to execute our strategy.
The first step in the innovation journey
Aalto University is home to a world-class innovation pipeline from foundational research to startup acceleration. Inventors supports researchers who are not yet part of that pipeline by offering a structured, supportive path toward applied impact.
Whether you're exploring a new research direction or identifying a real-world application for your existing work, Inventors helps you take the first steps.
Who is it for?
Aalto Inventors is for researchers 鈥 PhD students, postdocs, and faculty 鈥 who are curious about the societal and commercial opportunities of their work. No previous experience in innovation or business is required to participate. If you鈥檙e asking 鈥淐ould my research make a bigger impact?鈥 this program is for you.
During 2025, we are piloting the program with invited participants from selected research areas. Stay tuned for more information on when Inventors starts in your school!
Program overview
Each Inventors program is tailored to the specific research field to offer you the best possible support and networks. Below is an example of a general program structure.
The program workload is equivalent to 1 ECTS. If you are a doctoral student, it can be added to your curriculum as a custom course credit.
Kick-Off: Introduction to Inventors
Gain an overview of the program and the support available at Aalto. Understand key innovation terminology and explore different routes researchers can take toward commercialization, collaboration, or societal impact.
Workshop: Early Validation & Interviews
Learn how to identify unmet needs, create early-stage concept ideas and explore their business potential. Learn how to conduct efficient industry interviews that help you advance your idea.
Group Mentoring
Work in small groups throughout the program and receive expert feedback to refine your commercialization strategy and presentation materials.
Workshop: IPR & Invention disclosure
Get hands-on with the fundamentals of IP and conduct team-based patent landscaping to identify opportunities and better understand the competitive landscape. Learn how to draft a compelling invention disclosure with guidance from mentors across academia, industry, and law.
Event: Industry Connection
Engage with industry partners in an informal networking session. Hear from a current R2B teams and researchers who made the leap from lab to market.
Workshop: Customer Discovery Deep Dive
Get practical tools for customer discovery in a hands-on workshop. Learn how to take concrete steps to advance your idea. Develop your innovation鈥檚 business model using tools tailored to technology-based ideas.
Event: Startup insights & Product-market-fit
Hear from research and startup entrepreneurs about how they figured it out and found the right fit between their research and the demand.
Workshop: Impact Storytelling & Funding Pathways
Learn how to communicate complex research effectively to non-scientific audiences, funders and industry. Explore holistic funding opportunities for a researcher at any stage.
Event: Innovation Showcase & Graduation
Present your innovation to multiple stakeholders. Get feedback, explore next steps, and celebrate your progress. Wrap up with a look at future opportunities and join the Inventors alumni network.
Overall program rating
4,64
out of 5
NPS score
64
given by program participants
Feedback shared by participants from the pilot program in spring 2025:
"I enjoyed meeting new people, especially company representatives who share the same interests and passion as I do. Hearing their stories was truly inspiring."
"Basics of shifting my thinking towards commercialization opportunities instead of focusing solely on research potential."
"I learned when it鈥檚 the right time to submit an invention disclosure and what criteria it needs to meet.鈥"
"The organizing team were very helpful and motivated, which made the whole experience more fun!"
Be the first to know about upcoming Inventors program launches!
Read more
Find the latest news and stories from Aalto Inventors programs.
Turning Research into Impact: Insights from the Inventors Program Panel
Aalto University鈥檚 Inventors Program recently hosted a panel discussion bringing together experts from research, entrepreneurship, and industry to share their perspectives on turning scientific ideas into successful ventures.
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