Apply Now: Helsinki Education Hub Edtech Incubator – Fall 2025: (Deadline 13 June, 2025)

The Helsinki Education Hub Edtech Incubator is a 12-week program for early-stage Edtech startups and research-based university teams. If you’re building a digital solution to solve challenges in education—with science and pedagogy at its core—this is your opportunity to build, test, and grow with expert guidance and real classroom feedback.

Empowering Early-Stage Edtech Startups with Research-Driven Innovation

What the Program Offers

The HEH incubator empowers Edtech entrepreneurs through:

• Building research-based solutions: Support in developing products grounded in learning science and research.

• Accelerated product development: Develop your MVP with our Edtech-specific development framework.

• User validation: Test and co-develop your solution in the Helsinki Edtech Testbed or through other innovation networks.

Program Structure

The 12-week incubator is broken down into the following phases:

1. Building the Foundation

• Develop a pedagogically sound solution.

• Learn startup metrics, financial basics, and storytelling (pitching).

• Engage with educators who provide mentorship on pedagogy.

2. Lean LaunchPad Phase

• Follow a structured product development journey.

• Focus on building, strengthening, and validating your solution.

3. Company Narrative and Funding Readiness

• Clarify your mission and differentiation.

• Learn how to effectively communicate your value to the world.

• Prepare for funding opportunities.

• Participate in InvestED, the Edtech track at Slush 2025.

Post-Program Opportunities

• Introduction to EU and US-based Edtech accelerators.

• Support for understanding and accessing international markets.

Who Should Apply?

The program runs from Early September to Early December 2025. Ideal applicants include:

1. University-Based Research Teams

• From University of Helsinki or other higher education institutions.

• Backed by R2B (Research to Business) funding or in the prototype phase.

• Intend to register a company (y-tunnus) after completing the program.

2. Registered Startups

• Early-stage Edtech companies with no fully developed MVP yet.

3. International Startups

• Must be willing to register in Finland (not necessarily HQ).

• The City of Helsinki Soft Landing service will support with this process.
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What You Will Gain

The HEH program supports your journey from concept to MVP with:

• Integration of learning science into your solution.

• Educator feedback and co-development.

• A 7-week Lean LaunchPad phase based on Stanford University methodology.

• Access to the Helsinki Edtech Testbed (eligibility based on registration and product).

• Entry into education innovation networks led by the Faculty of Educational Sciences.

• Post-program introductions to Edtech accelerators and investors in Europe and the US.

Time Commitment

• Average weekly commitment: 2–4 hours

• Sessions are mostly in-person at the Helsinki Education Hub, with some online modules.

Lean LaunchPad Phase Details

The 7-week Lean LaunchPad is the core of the program:

• Weekly sessions: Mondays or Tuesdays from 10:00–13:00

• Learn a topic → Implement during the week → Present progress the following session

• Structured repetition ensures you develop a validated MVP by the end

Event Details

• Name: Helsinki Education Hub / Edtech Incubator Fall 2025

• Start Date: Monday, 8th September 2025, 00:00

• End Date: Friday, 5th December 2025, 23:59

• Venue: Helsinki Education Hub, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki

• Address: Siltavuorenpenger 5 A, 00170, Helsinki

• Online Access: Microsoft Teams