Support Finland’s next generation of chip startups – Become a mentor
A new wave of Finnish microelectronics, photonics and quantum startups is emerging – and they need experienced voices around them. We invite seasoned industry professionals to mentor Finland’s most promising early-stage chip companies and research-to-business teams. Your insights, networks and real-world perspective can be the crucial factor that helps a young deep-tech team reach customers, secure funding and enter global markets.
Why this matters?
Finland has world-class expertise and research in microelectronics, semiconductors, photonics and quantum. But even the best technologies struggle to scale without access to markets, partners and investors. For many of our startups, the main bottleneck isn’t science – it’s market access, commercial know-how and the right connections. This is where experienced industry mentors can make a decisive difference.
Your role as a mentor
By joining the mentor pool, you will:
Share experience: Help founders avoid common pitfalls in commercialisation, scaling and internationalisation.
Open doors: Provide startups with introductions to customers, partners or investors they would otherwise struggle to reach.
Shape the future: Support the next wave of Finnish deep-tech companies that can strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Why join?
Create impact: Directly accelerate the growth of startups tackling global technology challenges.
Give back: Share your expertise and experience with founders who truly need it.
Learn & connect: Engage with other mentors, grow your own network and stay close to emerging innovation.
Flexible commitment: Mentoring can be as light as a one-hour lunch conversation or a few targeted sparring sessions – no heavy bureaucracy.
Next steps
We are assembling the first group of mentors for a pilot planned for spring 2026. This will be a hands-on effort: a small group of startups matched with experienced mentors for rapid, practical support. The mentor pool created now can also serve future initiatives with similar goals.
The pilot will be coordinated by Aalto Startup Center, VTT LaunchPad, the Finnish Chips Competence Centre, Photonics Finland and Technology Industries of Finland. Mentors will receive clear guidance and support throughout the process.
Together, we can ensure Finland’s chip startups have the networks and expertise they need to succeed!
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