Aalto Startup Center (external link)
Aalto Startup Center is a hybrid accelerator participating and leading international incubator and accelerator programs.
Aalto University launches Aalto Digital Creatives pre-incubator program which aims to strengthen the creative industries in innovation and entrepreneurial activities. The program targets projects where creativity is combined with new digital technologies. Deadline for the first round of open call applications is the 23rd of March.
The pre-incubator program takes place twice a year. Applications are encouraged from anyone with a background in the creative industries and previous business experience is not required. The selection criteria emphasizes the idea and the willingness to explore it further combined with the applicants’ creative background. For turning the initial ideas into viable business ventures, Aalto Startup Center’s business advisors and a strong-build innovation ecosystem will support the participants in developing their creative concepts and entrepreneurial skills.
Aalto Digital Creatives program opens Aalto University’s digital media research infrastructure MAGICS to other campus incubator operators and, more broadly, to everyone in the creative industries. In addition, the projects have the opportunity to make use of Aalto’s FabLab workshop to develop new content and experiment with service and product prototyping.
Aalto Digital Creatives pre-incubator is a part of the Campus Incubators network run by the City of Helsinki. The program aims to strengthen Helsinki’s role as a supporter of innovation-oriented creative entrepreneurship. Aalto University is one of six higher education institutions in the network together with Haaga-Helia, Hanken, University of Helsinki, Metropolia and Uniarts. The program in Aalto University is coordinated by Aalto Startup Center and Aalto Studios.
Aalto Startup Center is a hybrid accelerator participating and leading international incubator and accelerator programs.
Aalto Studios weaves together the players of the creative economy: designers, filmmakers, YouTubers, game developers, performing artists, educators, angel investors, public-sector operators, and more in Finland, Scandinavia, Europe, and beyond.
Helsinki wants to create a strong network of business incubators in the city in cooperation with higher education institutions.