Pathways 4: Helsinki Incubators opens applications to turn ideas into real businesses
Those interested must apply by 21 September to take part in an experience that promises to turn passions and ideas into ventures with real impact.
The University of Helsinki is once again opening its doors to entrepreneurial talent with the fourth edition of Pathways — Pre-Incubator, the interdisciplinary early-stage entrepreneurship program developed by Helsinki Incubators. Its goal: to transform problems or early ideas into viable business projects through workshops, mentoring, and the support of an outstanding academic community.
Applications for Pathways 4 are now open. Those interested must apply by 21 September to take part in an experience that promises to turn passions and ideas into ventures with real impact.
Who can participate?
The free program is designed for university students, researchers, staff, and alumni from all faculties. However, anyone in the Helsinki metropolitan area with a strong interest in entrepreneurship is welcome to apply.
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Unlike other incubation programs, Pathways does not require a finished business idea. All you need is a problem you want to solve and the motivation to learn.
In its 2025 edition, the program introduces two tracks depending on the level of commitment of participants:
- Explorer Track: aimed at those who want to explore the entrepreneurial world, acquire an entrepreneurial mindset, and develop key skills without the need to immediately commit to starting a company. It includes one lecture and one workshop per week, with an estimated workload of around 8 hours.
- Builder Track: designed for those ready to build their company right away. In addition to everything included in the Explorer track, it offers more workshops and support so that participants can finish the program with a solid business structure, potential clients, or an advanced product. The minimum weekly time commitment is 16 hours.
One of the core approaches of Pathways is embracing the changing nature of startups. Many ideas will be discarded during the process, making room for new proposals and the evolution of those with the most potential. The program also promotes collaboration, encouraging the creation of multidisciplinary teams that continue developing their projects even after Pathways ends.
With weekly workshops and lectures, expert mentoring, and a collaborative environment, Pathways has become one of the most academically solid pre-incubation programs in Finland. Participants will gain insights into global trends, business models, communication, teamwork, and more—supported by coaches and peers who enrich the learning journey.
TIMELINE PATHWAYS 4
Pathways 4 will be held in-person and in English 1-3 times a week from 4 October to 8 December 2025, at various locations at the University of Helsinki's City Centre campus and other central locations.
The general structure of the programme is as follows:
- Mondays will feature lectures introducing the core topic for the week as well as new weekly assignments.
- Wednesdays will feature workshops for participants of the Explorer track, putting the lessons of the lecture into practice.
- Thursdays will feature workshops for participants of the Builder track, going even further in-depth into the week's subject.
At the end of the programme, we'll host a final showcase, where you'll get to reflect on your progress and present your idea to your fellow Pathways participants and possible guests, all in a festive spirit suitable for December.
Remember: Apply here by 21 September!