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Do you have the drive to build your own business but don’t know where to start? Are you tired of sending out endless job applications?

The Ignite summer accelerator is designed to connect young talent with entrepreneurship. It serves as a launchpad for taking the first steps in building your own business, offering a safe environment to fail, pivot, and try again.

During the 10-week program (15.6.–23.8.), you will work on your startup full-time and move from the idea stage to your first customers. The program is open to everyone, including non-students and those living outside the Helsinki metropolitan area. To apply, you only need a team of 1–3 people, an initial idea, and grit.

The program includes:

• Weekly mentoring from head coaches and team-specific industry experts
• 24/7 access to workspaces and a hardware lab
• €1500 per participant to cover living expenses
• Accommodation support for those who need it
• 10 ECTS credits
• The Ignite experience: BBQs, saunas, outdoor activities, and the Finnish summer
• Access to a wide network of investors and experts
• An incomparable community
• Pre- and post-program support

Ignite is not a typical accelerator. The core of the experience is the environment and atmosphere. You will likely work harder than ever before, but you will also make unforgettable memories and build a lifelong network of ambitious peers.

Because the primary value comes from the people, all team members are expected to be on-site and fully focused on the program. Participants cannot have a summer job, side hustle, or summer courses at the same time.

The program culminates in a Demo Day, where teams showcase their products to a large audience of ecosystem players, investors, and experts. Teams also have the opportunity to win a trip to the United States. In 2025, Demo Day attracted over 400 participants.

Who is behind Ignite?

Ignite operates under the Aalto Entrepreneurship Society (Aaltoes) and is funded by Aalto University, the TT Foundation (Teollisuuden ja Työnantajain Keskusliiton säätiö), the Private Entrepreneur Foundation (Yksityisyrittäjäin Säätiö), and the City of Espoo.

It is the successor to previous Aaltoes summer accelerators, such as Summer of Startups (2010–2016) and Kiuas Accelerator (2017–2021). The current format of Ignite was established in 2020. We do not take equity, and all coaching is done on a pro bono basis.

New year, new focus

The directors of Ignite change annually to redesign the program from start to finish. In 2026, Annika Blomqvist and Kristaps Grieznis are co-leading Ignite with a core volunteer team of 13 people from various fields.

This year focuses heavily on comprehensive support. The team has expanded the number of head coaches and added new industry coaches to ensure teams receive the most value possible. Support begins with effective onboarding in the spring and continues through the autumn to guide teams toward their next steps after the program.

Ready to turn your vision into reality?

The application period is open until March 8. Final decisions will be made by March 31.

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