Pathways Pre-Incubator Opens Its Fifth Call — Apply by 15 March
A Different Way Into Entrepreneurship
Now returning for its fifth edition, Pathways is a two-month, early-stage interdisciplinary pre-incubator within Helsinki Incubators. The programme is designed primarily for University of Helsinki students, researchers, staff, and alumni, while also welcoming participants from across the Helsinki metropolitan area. By bringing together people from different disciplines and backgrounds, Pathways creates space for unexpected conversations and collaborations to emerge.
Unlike many pre-incubators that revolve around a single theme, Pathways remains intentionally open. There is no required focus on a specific industry or technology. Instead, the programme invites a broad range of ideas and approaches, with the aim of demystifying entrepreneurship and presenting it as one possible path among many. Through accessible, hands-on guidance, participants are introduced to the fundamentals needed to begin: without the pressure to arrive with everything figured out.
Ideas, Curiosity, and Two Ways to Participate
Applicants may come with a clear idea in mind, but an idea is not a prerequisite. Perhaps you’ve noticed a problem you’d like to work on, or you’re curious whether your research could take on a more tangible form. What matters most is an open mind and a willingness to explore unfamiliar territory. Applications are welcome from individuals, though applying with a friend or teammate is encouraged, ideas tend to develop more easily when shared.
Pathways offers two tracks that allow participants to choose how deeply they wish to engage. The Explorer track is designed for those who want to test whether entrepreneurship might be right for them, while the Builder track is intended for participants ready to commit more fully and begin turning ideas into practice.
What the Programme Looks Like
The programme consists of workshops held once or twice a week. Participants start by learning how to clearly define a problem, then move on to ideation, validation, and the development of a solution and business plan. Over the course of two months, they gain a practical toolkit applicable both to entrepreneurial projects and to working life more broadly. Support is provided by an experienced team of entrepreneurs and guest speakers, alongside a close community of peers.
The call for applications is open until 15 March 2026, and the programme will run from 21 March to 4 June 2026, with sessions held at the University of Helsinki’s City Centre campus and other central locations. More information is available on the programme webpage. Questions may also be directed to the project lead, Santeri Tuovila, at santeri.tuovila@helsinki.fi or via LinkedIn.
Obtaining ECTS for participation in the Pathways programme
Participating in a pre-incubator programme can be included in your transferable skills studies under the course code PHD-312 for a total of 5 ECTS. Please request a certificate of attendance upon completion of the pre-incubator programme, and contact uhds-office@helsinki.fi for credits registration.
Info Sessions: 19 & 24 February
For those curious about the Pathways pre-incubator, we’re hosting two open info sessions later this month: one online, one in person.
The online session will take place on 19 February at 16:00 via Zoom. A few days later, on 24 February at 12:00, we’ll meet in person at the Helsinki Incubators event space in the Porthania building (Yliopistonkatu 3). Lunch is on us, pizza included!
Both sessions offer a chance to hear more about the programme in a relaxed setting and to meet the programme lead, who will be happy to answer questions about the application process and what participation looks like in practice.
Sign up to the 19 February online info session here!
Sign up to the 24 February in-person city centre info session!