Ignite is a student startup accelerator focused on helping create the next generation of entrepreneurs. During the program, you will get the chance to build on your idea and make a real business out of it. 

Ignite is a 10-week accelerator starting on the 7th of June 2021 and ending on the 12th of August 2021. 

Ignite will primarily be held at Startup Sauna in Otaniemi, Espoo. (Depending on the COVID-19 situation). Company excursions and other events will be held in the Helsinki area.

To take part in Ignite you will need to apply to the program. The application opens on the 14th of January and closes on the 28th of February. Please note that we accept teams on a rolling basis and the program can be filled before the end of the application. So apply quickly! 

Aalto entrepreneurship society or more commonly known as Aaltoes.

Yes, Ignite is completely free. 

Yes, you can apply alone, but you will need a team of 2-6 people to take part in this program. So if you apply alone, you will need to find at least one other teammate. Ignite will also help you find a teammate.

Yes. You need an idea or a problem that you want to solve. You don’t need to have done any work on your idea, that is what we are here to help with.

Fill in our application form carefully; you will find it under apply. If your application is good you will be invited to the second stage, which involves an interview and where you will get the chance to tell more about yourself and your idea. After this, the most suitable teams will be accepted to the program. Remember that we are looking for diversity. No idea nor problem is too stupid nor too hard. We are accepting teams on a rolling basis.

We are accepting teams on a rolling basis. You will most likely know if you have been accepted within a few weeks.

No. We are accepting teams from all different backgrounds and no previous experience is required.

We are looking to build a great community and get teams along that can work well and learn. Thus we will accept 10 - 15 teams for the 2021 batch.

Yes. We would love to have you.

Unfortunately, Ignites mission is to create new companies to Finland. That's why if you are planning to be an entrepreneur somewhere else after the program, we can't accept you. However, if some of your teammates will be staying in Finland, we can look that through on case by case.

Yes, if you are at the starting phase. This program is designed as a pre-seed accelerator and we would love to help you get off the ground.

The final date for the application is on the 28th of February. But please note that we accept teams on a rolling basis, which means that all the spots can be filled before the end of the deadline. So go ahead and apply now! 

Ignite officially starts on the 7th of June 2021. Before that, there will also be some options to learn more about startups, to validate your idea and to get to know the other teams.

The program will run for 10 weeks between 7.6.2021 - 12.8.2021

There are only a few tasks to get the 10 credits but no exam nor any kind of reporting. You just need to actively take part and complete the program.

Yes, as long as you can include courses from Aalto to your university curriculum, for instance through the flexible study right, JOO-studies. (https://haku.joopas.fi/index_en.html)

Ignite will provide you with the monetary support to get you through the summer. This includes personal financial support for the whole team as well as for your idea. On top of this, you will also get access to different programs and software that will help you build your company. 

We strongly recommend that you do not have any other work beside Ignite. Each week will be fully packed with workshops, networking events and coaching. On top of this, you will also build on your idea and make a company out of it. But apply and we will check this out case by case!

Each week has a specific theme that we will go through. During the week there will be workshops, networking events, coaching, 1-on-1 and excursions, held by the best professionals in that week's topic. 

You will learn everything that you need to build a successful startup. On top of this, you will get connections to mentors, coaches, investors, other startups and the startup community in Finland. 

Excluding financial support, Ignite will not fund you. But you will get in contact with a lot of investors and angels. We will also host a Demo Day where you can pitch your company to investors.

Apart from meeting our two fantastic creators of Ignite 2021 :), you will meet other people with the same drive and motivation as you. You will get hands-on advice from top professionals during mentoring sessions, workshops and 1-on-1s. On top of this, you will also get to know other founders and startups as well as the startup community in Finland. 

Ignite will be held physically at Startup Sauna in Otaniemi. We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will make changes if needed.