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Aalto University is launching a new entrepreneurship programme next autumn: Aalto Founder School. It will offer entrepreneurship studies that are open to all Aalto students, a tailored coaching programme for the most promising students and a public lecture series led by successful growth entrepreneurs.

‘Finland’s strongest asset—economically and as a country—is the success of its growth companies. The programme aims to ensure that more companies emerge from Aalto in the future, and that they have better chances of success,’ says serial entrepreneur Mårten Mickos, previous CEO of global names such as HackerOne and MySQL AB, and one of the programme leaders.

Aalto and its student-led entrepreneurship community AaltoES have done a tremendous job for the past 15 years in building entrepreneurship education and a culture of innovation, says Mickos. Now, these goals will be supported by a clear and diverse entrepreneurship course offering, now accessible to all Aalto students.

‘Entrepreneurship requires many different skills, from product design to legal knowledge and market entry. At Founder School, these are taught using the latest research and hands-on student work. Students can also combine courses to build a minor in entrepreneurship,’ says Professor Maija Renko, Aalto University’s Professor of Entrepreneurship. 

Training and connections

Each year, a handful of the most promising students will be selected for the tailored coaching programme. They will receive personal mentoring, advanced training, and connections to successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

Graduates of the entrepreneurship programme will form their own alumni network, which in turn will support future participants.

‘Founders are independent by nature, but they also need a community where they can learn and succeed together. That’s how everyone’s ambition rises. Aalto’s strength lies in bringing the best people together,’ says Mårten Mickos.

In the public lecture series, outstanding entrepreneurs from Finland and abroad will share their stories. The events will be held monthly at the Marsio building and streamed online.