Aalto Inventors
Take the first step on the innovation journey and discover the potential of your research.
Aalto Inventors innovation training coming for hydrogen, quantum and microelectronics researchers this spring
Join to meet industry and academic thought-leaders, and gain widely applicable skills in communication, intellectual property, and business thinking for your future career. This program is designed as a first experience in innovation, so no prior knowledge is needed.
We are thrilled to announce the opening of the Aalto Inventors innovation training program for hydrogen, quantum and microelectronics researchers this spring!
Aalto Inventors is a field-specific innovation training program designed specifically for researchers to discover the potential of their work and to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. The program is designed as a first experience in innovation, so no prior knowledge is needed.
During the program, you will meet industry experts, entrepreneurs and fellow researchers from your field to hear their stories and build your professional network. Along the way, you’ll gain widely applicable skills in communication, funding, intellectual property, and business thinking that will benefit your future career.
The program was first piloted in spring 2025 and has been run in bioeconomy and AI with excellent participant feedback (4.27/5 rating and NPS 46). You can read more about the first program in the news here and here.
Inventors participant feedback"I enjoyed meeting new people, especially company representatives who share the same interests and passion as I do. Hearing their stories was truly inspiring."
Why join?
- Enhance skills for your future career: Learn how to build impact, secure funding, and protect your ideas
- Expert guidance: Receive mentorship from academia, industry, and law professionals to navigate the innovation ecosystem
- Expand your network: Connect with fellow researchers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs in your field
- Official recognition: Receive a certificate upon program completion + possibility of earning 2 ECTS credits
- Alumni opportunities: Join the Inventors alumni network for continued support and collaboration opportunities
Who can join?
Aalto Inventors is for researchers — especially for doctoral and postdocs, but open to all faculty — who are curious about the societal and commercial opportunities of their work. This program is designed as a first experience in innovation, so no prior experience in innovation or business is required to participate.
The program consists of 8 training sessions organized on the Aalto Â鶹´«Ã½ in Espoo starting in February/March and ending in April/May depending on program. Detailed info on the sessions, participation and schedule can be found in the documents below (log-in required).
How do I join?
If you're interested in joining a program this spring, let us know by reaching out to elettra.virtanen@aalto.fi with a short introduction of yourself (school, research focus, status of doctoral studies or research) by the following deadlines:
Quantum program registration deadline 21.1.2026
Microelectronics program registration deadline 29.1.2026
Hydrogen program registration deadline 30.1.2026
If you're from another field or want to stay updated about later programs, join our waitlist ! We will reach out when Inventors is coming to your field.
Leave your contact details and we will get in touch with you when a new Inventors program starts in your field.
Read more news
Apply now: Study Wellbeing Innovation in Tongji Summer School in China this August
European students in design, engineering, architecture and business are invited to join a cross-cultural learning experience bringing European and Chinese students together at Tongji University, one of China’s leading universities in Shanghai.
Share your views on language use at Aalto
The survey opens for students and personnel at the end of April—keep an eye on your Aalto emailSummer school scholarship: An opportunity to study in the French Alps from June 29 to July 4, 2026!
Students from Aalto University’s ELEC, ENG and SCI schools have a unique opportunity to participate in the ‘Mountains in a changing world’ summer school at Université Grenoble Alpes in France.