Helsinki Incubators launches 'Journeys': A new incubator program for AI, Sustainability, and Social Impact Ventures business

by EntrepreNerd

"Journeys" offers a 16-week program designed to equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills and access to global mentors.

The Helsinki Incubators program has announced the launch of 'Journeys,' a new interdisciplinary, mentor-driven incubator program aimed at supporting ventures in AI & Deep Tech, Sustainability & Nature, and Social Impact. Building on the success of four previous cohorts that collectively raised over €15 million and expanded to cities like Paris, Stockholm, and Tokyo, 'Journeys' offers a 16-week program designed to equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills and access to global mentors.

This call is open to all business and technology-related ideas, services, solutions, and products that align with one of the following tracks:

AI & Deep Tech: For ventures built on advanced technologies grounded in science, covering general use of artificial intelligence as well as machine learning, robotics, quantum computing, semiconductors, advanced materials, and synthetic biology.
Sustainability & Nature: For ventures focused on creating a more sustainable future. It covers a range of fields, from Agritech and Biomaterials to Blue Tech (clean sea innovations), Clean Energy, Food Tech, Low-carbon Innovations, and Nature Tech (nature-based solutions).
Social Impact: For the profit-for-purpose ventures creating positive change in society, addressing Sustainable Development Goals. Covering a range of solutions in areas such as well-being, equality, inclusion, immigration, education, and elder care.

The program is structured in two phases, an 8-week Bootcamp focusing on idea validation and business model development, followed by an 8-week Specialisation Track offering advanced training and market entry strategies.

Bootcamp & Foundations (Weeks 1-8)

Focus: Idea validation, business model development, and entrepreneurial fundamentals.
Activities: customer interviews, rapid experimentation, progress updates and feedback sessions to ensure market fit
Additionally, teams participate in a Checkpoint at Week 8 to present their progress and decide whether to pivot or continue with their initial idea.

Specialisation Track (Weeks 9-16):

Activities: advanced specialisation track specific training modules, hands-on mentorship, scaling and market entry strategies.

Participants will benefit from workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities with local and international stakeholders; and opportunity to incorporate your business and achieve market validation.

Apply Now

Join Helsinki Incubators and turn your idea into an impactful venture. Submit your application by 23:59 (UTC+2) on 10 August. You can learn more about the program via this link.

Programme Timeline

Start Date: 25 August
End Date: 10-12 December depending on selected track
Workshop Schedule: 1-2 workshops or lectures a week
Mentor Sessions: monthly to bi-monthly (online or offline, by appointment)

Shortlisted teams will be invited to a 30-minute video interview via MS Teams. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.lyyti.fi/reg/Journeys1