About Us
Aalto Startup Center has long roots, as it is the merger of two business incubators founded in 1997.
The predecessor of Aalto Startup Center, the New Business Center (est. 1997) functioned under the Small Business Center of the Helsinki School of Economics, while Arabus – which focused on companies from creative fields – operated in the training and development center of the former Helsinki School of Arts and Design in Arabianranta until 2008.
In 2008 the New Business Center moved to Ruoholahti, Helsinki and changed its name to Start-Up Center. Arabus moved to the same premises in early 2009. With the birth of Aalto University the following year, the whole entity changed its name to Aalto Start-Up Center.
The activities of the accelerator were facilitated by the Small Business Center of Aalto School of Business until 2016, when Aalto Startup Center became part of Aalto University Research and Innovation Services and moved to Otaniemi, Espoo.
At Aalto Startup Center, our mission is clear: to empower innovative startups to build robust, sustainable businesses. We achieve this by providing expert coaching, fostering a vibrant community, and facilitating meaningful connections with key partners and industry players.
Aalto Startup Center offers several accelerator programs to catalyse the development and growth of startup businesses, including our flagship Business Generator program. Through our programs we provide a diverse portfolio of founders and startup teams with expertise that spans funding/investor relations, go-to-market strategy, team/board development, business model optimisation and much more.
What sets us apart is our deep startup development expertise and strong ties to academia, industry, and the broader startup ecosystem. Through our extensive network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners, we offer unparalleled opportunities for growth, funding, and market access.
Our location in the heart of Aalto University's Otaniemi campus, A Grid, is a vibrant hub for Finland's technology industry and is home to many of the country's most promising startups, meaning that valuable connections are never far away.
Aalto Startup Center runs several accelerator programs, including Business Generator, Urban Tech Helsinki, ESA BIC (European Space Agency), Aalto Digital Creatives and Seeds of Bravery. If you are interested in learning more about any of our individual programs, please visit their respective sites or contact our team.
Aligned with Aalto University's Vision
As a part of Aalto University, we are committed to advancing the university's strategy of "Shaping a sustainable future." This strategy emphasises three core approaches: solutions for sustainability, radical creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. By aligning with these focus areas, we aim to drive positive change and foster innovation that addresses global challenges.