UNICOM+ Mentoring for International Talent
Applications are now open.
Current application period ends: 30.6.2026
WHO IS THIS FOR?
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Students and researchers at the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi, or Turku UAS.
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Individuals looking for practical guidance, inspiration, or a sparring partner to take steps towards entrepreneurship or professional growth in Finland.
MEET OUR MENTORS
We are building a diverse pool of experts to support your journey. More mentors will be added as the project progresses.
Gabriel Olegario
Focus: Science communication, research visibility, translation of skills and expertise into the Finnish labor market. Gabriel brings experience in the intersection of academia, municipalities, and businesses to thrive through diversity at the workplace. He focuses on helping researchers to navigate academic and non-academic pathways, as well as understanding the importance of science communication in everyday life.
- Best for: helping bachelor’s and master’s students, PhD researchers, post-doctoral researchers and principal investigators present their ideas clear and concisely to different audiences.
Dean A. DiNardi
Focus: Career Alignment, Strategic Communication & Action Dean provides coaching based on evidence-based methods and strategies inspired by The Theatrics of Success and Life Mastery principles. His approach helps participants develop key capabilities in strategic thinking and ambition that converts into tangible action.
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Best for: Identifying where your skills create the most value, articulating that value to employers, building confidence, and navigating cultural/professional contexts with authentic ambition.
- NOTE! With Dean you can contact him directly here: TOS Life Master In Motion
Aschwin van der Woude
Focus: Startup Strategy, Tech-Business Integration & Leadership Aschwin brings deep experience from the startup world, believing that technology and business thrive best when developed together. He focuses on helping founders bridge the gap between a great idea and a functional, high-performing business.
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Best for: Early-stage startup challenges, growing into a founder role, building team dynamics, refining/pivoting business ideas, pitch development, and creating product roadmaps focused on customer learning.
Antti Nuutinen
Focus: Entrepreneurship Ecosystem & Funding Antti is the primary point of contact for entrepreneurship and Hub Konttori. With a background in biotechnology and experience in medical device regulation, he is an expert in navigating the journey from ”idea to industry.”
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Best for: Moving research into business, securing private or public funding, navigating regulated industries (Food/MedTech), and connecting with the Turku startup ecosystem.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
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Apply: Submit an application by filling out the form below.
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Onboarding: Note that for selection, you must report your participation in the EURA2021 system (UNICOM+).
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Format: Mentoring is available online or in person at the Entrepreneurial Hub Konttori.
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Matching: Once chosen for mentoring, you will be contacted to arrange the best format, schedule, and coach alignment for your needs.
Note: for the selection onboarding, you must report your participation in EURA2021 system (UNICOM+).
