Last Chance to Apply for our Entrepreneurship Programme, Journeys (Applications Close this Sunday, 8 February)
Journeys, part of the Helsinki Incubators programmes, is a 4-month, mentor-driven incubator designed for people who want to develop ideas with growth potential and environmental or social impact. Whether you’re working on research-based innovation, a side project, or an early-stage startup concept, the programme will help you shape it into a venture that others can understand, trust, and support.
Built on several successful incubator cohorts that have already supported 250+ teams, Journeys focuses on the real work that it takes to build a venture: testing your idea in the real world, refining your product, understanding the market you are about to enter, and preparing your team for the next step. Through weekly workshops, group sessions, and personalized mentoring, your team will get access to tools, guidance, and networks from both the Finnish and international startup ecosystems. Thanks to our strong ties with partners and investors, participating in Journeys is a great way to join the broader entrepreneurial community.
Throughout the 16 weeks, you’ll get honest feedback from mentors and experts who won’t hesitate to push you, help you see what you might be missing, and support you in deciding how to develop your idea.
As a multidisciplinary incubator, Journeys welcomes teams from all fields with a clear idea of what they want to develop. Alongside general entrepreneurship coaching, the programme includes three thematic tracks for more specialised support:
- Sustainability & Nature
- Deep Tech & AI
- Social Impact
The programme is free of charge, meaning that the invaluable collection of coaching and mentoring is available to anyone from the University, from bachelor’s and master’s students to PhD researchers, staff, and alumni. However, University affiliation isn’t a requirement, and anyone from the Helsinki Metropolitan Area is welcome to apply.
By participating, bachelor’s and master’s students and doctoral researchers can earn 8 ECTS credits under the course code PHD-313. More detailed information on credits and requirements is available on the Journeys incubator programme homepage.
Programme Schedule
Journeys runs for 16 weeks, from 23 February to 10 June 2026. The programme is conducted in English and includes 1-2 workshops or lectures per week, plus regular mentoring (monthly to bi-monthly, either online or on site).
Application Process
Please fill in the Journeys application form by this Sunday 8 February 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+2). Teams that meet the criteria will be invited to a 30-minute online interview with the programme organisers, and selected teams will be informed in good time before the programme begins.
Teams applying to the Deep Tech & AI track must submit their application together with the completed Deep Tech & AI pre-assignment, which can be downloaded from the registration link.
Info Session
Curious about Journeys? Got questions before applying? Then consider joining our upcoming info sessions. You’ll hear directly from the programme managers and incubator alumni. It’s a great chance to get answers and find out if Journeys is right for you.
Click the links below for more details and to register in advance:
Sign up for the 5 February info session at 11 or 12 here (Online via Zoom)
More information
If you have any questions about the programme or your application, please get in touch:
Pete Karumo
Mobile: +358 50 4389235
Andrés Peña Archila
Mobile: +358 29 41 21201