Call for Applications: Aalto Creatives Pre-incubator Programme Spring 2026
Are you the next creative industry founder? Apply to the Aalto Creatives pre-incubator programme.
Aalto Creatives is a 12-week pre-incubator that supports early-stage creative industry startups from concept to company. The programme welcomes individuals and teams, and no prior business experience is required.
and jointly run the programme. This collaboration blends business advisory with creative industry expertise to help participants develop entrepreneurial capabilities while staying true to their creative vision.
During the programme, participants develop and validate their business ideas, identify target customers and plan how to reach them, iterate and strengthen their business model, and build connections with potential industry partners.
Special emphasis is placed on refining pitching skills to prepare for successful investor presentations. Each round culminates in a Demo Day where participants present their companies.
The programme is intended for students, researchers, and professionals with a relevant creative industry background. Selection focuses on the idea’s potential for further development, the problem it solves, and its contribution to a more sustainable future.
Scope areas include but are not limited to:
- Architecture
- AR/VR
- Arts
- Design
- Fashion
- Film and television
- Gaming
- Media
- Music
The programme runs for 12 weeks in person, with mandatory weekly workshops on Aalto University campus in Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland. Applicants must be residents of the Helsinki capital region.
The programme is free of charge and no equity is taken. Aalto Creatives is part of the City of Helsinki Campus Incubators programme and is run by Aalto Startup Center and Aalto Studios.
If you are ready to turn your creative vision into a sustainable business, Aalto Creatives can help you take the next step.
Application period is currently open until 9.2.2026, the next pre-incubator starts on 2.3.2026.
Aalto Creatives application form
Apply now ɫɫÀ² Creatives pre-incubator programme by filling out the application form.
Read more news
Apply now: Bioengineering human tissue: Design, fabrication, analysis
Unite!’s Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on bioengineering human tissue combines online learning with hands-on training in Germany.
Scientific conclusions depend on who performs the analysis
More than 450 independent researchers from around the world conducted over 500 re-analyses of datasets from one hundred previously published studies in the social and behavioural sciences. All analysts received the same data and the same central research question, but they were free to carry out the analysis based on their own expert judgment.
Teaching and collaborating across Europe: Aalto researchers at TU Darmstadt
Hear from Aalto researchers about their experience at TU Darmstadt.