Can I apply if I don’t have a team yet?

Yes. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t have a team yet. Many of our participants have entered the programme solo and built their teams during the programme.

The programme offers valuable insights on team building and networking. Therefore, even if you don’t progress to the stage of building a team during the programme, you can make use of that knowledge at a later stage.

I have several business ideas, should I write all of them on my application?

You should pick one and focus on that in your application. The pre-incubator serves you the best if you focus on developing one specific idea into a business concept.

What kinds of startups/ideas are eligible for the program?

The business ideas could be inspired by, but are not limited to the following topics: 
• new methods and formats for audiovisual storytelling 
• technology enhanced art, design, and entertainment 
• augmentation of human creativity through computational methods 
• creation of novel interactive experiences 
• platforms for the creative industries or platforms by the creative industries

Do I need to have a creative startup idea already in order to join the program, or can I join to come up with one later?

You need an idea in order to apply. The description of your idea and the idea’s solution potential are the most important content in your application.

Do I have to be based in Finland?

Yes. You need to be a Finnish resident from the Helsinki capital region.

Can I participate in the programme remotely?

No. The programme is not available in remote or hybrid mode. The workshops take place onsite in Otaniemi.

How much time does the programme take on a weekly basis?

Aalto Digital Creatives workshops take place approximately once a week. Usually on Tuesday afternoons. These workshops form the core of the programme.

On top of that, you will need to work on some assignments and materials outside the workshops. One-on-one coaching is available depending on each team’s specific needs.

Additionally, Aalto Startup Center hosts various events and workshops which are open to participants in all of their programs. These events can be really useful, but it’s entirely up to you how many of them you choose to attend.

I don’t know anything about entrepreneurship, can I apply?

Yes. As long as you have a business idea you’d like to work on, you are eligible to apply.

If you are interested in entrepreneurial skills on a more general level and you don’t have a business idea, the programme is not the right fit. In that case you could look into other courses about entrepreneurship.

I have been an entrepreneur for years, can I apply?

Yes. Some of our participants have worked as entrepreneurs previously and entered the programme to found a startup.

What happens after the programme?

This varies depending on the stage of each participants business idea. If the team is ready to start a company with a business ID they may be eligible to apply into other programmes at the Aalto Startup Center such as the Business Generator Program.

Aalto Digital Creatives is part of the Campus Incubators network which has incubator programmes in seven different higher education institutions in Helsinki’s capital region. Sometimes you can continue working on your startup idea in one of the other Campus Incubators. Read more about the Campus Incubator network here.

Do I have to be a student at Aalto University to apply?

No. You can apply even if you have no affiliation to Aalto University.

Can I apply if I’m Aalto staff?
Yes. We welcome applications from staff members.