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The panel highlighted the key skills researchers need when making the leap into entrepreneurship. Understanding customers and effective communication were emphasized as critical – knowing who you’re solving problems for helps focus development. Limited resources in startups mean founders must prioritize wisely and maintain a strong sense of urgency.

Curiosity was described as a vital mindset: being open to exploring new areas and understanding the broader value chain can uncover opportunities that otherwise might be missed. The importance of having a clear vision for the first customers and a genuine competitive advantage was stressed, alongside timing and scalability considerations. Panelists also advised teams to stay aware of regulatory environments that could affect their business.

When it comes to building a strong startup team, commercial expertise alongside scientific knowledge was deemed essential. Early and ongoing customer conversations were encouraged to avoid common pitfalls and to ensure the product meets real market needs.

The panel also touched on how collaboration with industry partners can prepare researchers for commercialization, helping them develop practical roadmaps toward production and scale.

Recent project ideas presented by teams included using textile industry side-streams as raw materials in cement production, developing eco-friendly wood adhesives, creating super-activated carbon for water treatment, and transforming brewery waste into sustainable fish feed.

For researchers interested in entrepreneurship, the panel’s advice was clear: build your network, stay focused on real problems, be open to learning, and think carefully about your motivation. The journey from research to business may be challenging, but with the right mindset and support, it can lead to meaningful impact.

Thank you very much for our panelists for your valuable insights and advice:
Tomi Erho, Head of Innovation Ecosystem Services at Aalto University
Jussi Sainiemi, Partner at Voima Ventures
Ainomaija Haarla, Board Professional, Advisor and Business Angel
Wouter Badenhorst, Research Project Manager at Halide Energy
Moderator of the panel: Elli Käpylä, Corporate relations manager at Aalto University

The Inventors Program and the whole Aalto start-up community continue to support researchers with tools, networks, and mentoring to help translate their innovations into real-world impact.