FAQ

When will Ignite take place?

Ignite starts on the 6th of June and ends on the 12th of August 2022

Who is behind Ignite?

Aalto Entrepreneurship Society or more commonly known as Aaltoes

Is Ignite free?

Yes, Ignite is completely free

Does Ignite take equity?

No, Ignite won’t take equity of your startup at all.

Can I apply alone?

Yes, you can apply alone, but you will need a team of 2-4people to take part in this program. So if you apply alone, you need to find at least one other teammate. Ignite will also help you find a teammate

Do I need an idea?

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

How does the application process work?

Fill in the 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 where you will get 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

When will I know if I have been accepted?

We are screening applications on a rolling basis. You will know if you have been accepted as soon as possible after the application period has closed

Do I need previous startup experience?

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

I’m not a student at Aalto, can I still apply?

Yes. We would love to have you

I’m not a student at a Finnish school, can I still apply?

Unfortunately, no. Ignite’s mission is to create new companies in Finland. If you are planning to be an entrepreneur somewhere else after the program, we can’t accept you. However, if some of your teammates are studying in Finland, we can look that through on a case by case basis

I already have a company, can I still apply?

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

What are the requirements to get the 10 credits?

To get the 10 credits, you are required to participate in the program throughout the summer, but exams of any kind are not required

I’m not studying at Aalto, can I still get the 10 credits from
my school?

Yes, as long as you can include courses from Aalto-university to your university curriculum, for example through the flexible study right

What does financial support mean?

Ignite will provide you with personal monetary support to get you through the summer. On top of this, you will also get access to different programs and software that will help you build your company

Will my startup get funding from Ignite?

Ignite will not fund your startup. However, you will get in contact with a lot of investors and business angels. You will also get to pitch your company to investors on Demo Day at the end of the program

Can I have another job besides Ignite?

We strongly recommend that you don’t have any other work besides Ignite. Each week will be packed with workshops, networking events and coaching. On top of this, you will also build your idea and make a company out of it

What type of people will I meet?

Apart from meeting our two fantastic creators of Ignite 2022 :), 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-on1s. On top of this, you will also get to know other founders and startups as well as the startup community in Finland

Is physical attendance required?

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

Didn’t find an answer?
Just shoot us a message and we will get back to you
ignite@aaltoes.com