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Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers at Aalto University are invited to apply for a unique opportunity to participate in the at the highly-ranked University of California, Berkeley in August 2026.

The intensive, hands-on program is designed to immerse participants in the Silicon Valley mindset. Over one week, you will explore how entrepreneurship is practiced in one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems and gain practical tools to turn ideas into real-world ventures.

The BMoE Bootcamp uses the latest approaches for training global technology entrepreneurs and offers an introduction to entrepreneurship through interactive lectures, game-based exercises, close mentorships, and venture creation in teams. Explore startup fundamentals like customer-centric design, business models, funding and pitching. Additionally, the program strengthens your ability to articulate the value and application potential of your expertise and understand pathways for going to market, making it particularly relevant for researchers who are curious about taking their career and impact beyond the lab.

Why apply?

• Explore entrepreneurship and the Silicon Valley mindset in an immersive setting
• Learn how to translate ideas into societal and market impact
• Build highly relevant soft skills to support your technical skills 
• Level up your pace of working in multidisciplinary teams of BSc and MSc students
• Receive mentoring from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts
• Earn an official certificate from UC Berkeley upon completion

You can read more about the program and find examples of past speakers and curricula on the . 

Who can apply?

The call is open to all doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers at Aalto University, regardless of school or research area. You must have an active study right/employment contract at Aalto during the trip in August 2026.  

This opportunity is well-suited for both those who already have a business idea and for those who are curious about entrepreneurship. It can serve as a first experience in exploring how your doctoral research could evolve beyond academia, or as a great opportunity to test your existing idea out in one of the world’s biggest markets.

Practicalities

The program will take place in Berkeley, California, on 17 – 21 August 2026 (exact travel dates to be confirmed). We will cover flights, accommodation, and visa costs if required. Participants are travel insured through Aalto. Local transportation, food, and other insurances are at your own expense.

Applications close on 18 March at end of day. To apply, submit the application form together with a maximum one-page motivational letter and study transcript. 

Preliminarily, all interviews will take place on 26 March, 30 March, and 1 April.

If you are ready to step outside the lab, challenge yourself in a dynamic team environment, and experience entrepreneurship at Berkeley, .