The University of Eastern Finland is currently seeking participants for the new UEF Innovator programme, a fresh initiative to strengthen the university’s culture of innovation. The programme has been inspired by Aalto University’s Inventors programme. Aalto University is recognized in Finland as a forerunner in innovation and start up activity.
UEF Innovator is aimed at doctoral and postdoctoral researchers who are interested in developing their innovation skills and exploring the innovation potential of their own research work. The theme of the first pilot is Health Innovations. The programme will involve innovation experts from companies and investors, such as Innovestor and Business Finland.
"UEF Innovator is a new, ambitious initiative through which we aim to accelerate the creation of research-based innovations as well as the entrepreneurial culture at our university. Our goal in the future is to run the programme with changing themes on the Kuopio and Joensuu campuses. At the core of the programme is the knowledge and support provided by experts from the university and companies, inspiring talks and opportunities to network with actors in the innovation ecosystem and fellow researchers,” says Director of Impact Minna Hendolin.
No prior innovation or business experience is required to participate. The theme will be approached broadly and participants from different faculties and research fields are encouraged to apply. The pilot will be conducted on the Kuopio campus as an intensive programme with in-person sessions during the spring, offering participants opportunities to network, hear inspiring case examples and learn more about research utilization.
The call for applications is open 1–19 April 2026 and the first session of the programme is on 29 April, 2026.
