Turn your ideas into impact over coffee, croissants, and great conversations.

Are you a researcher at the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi or Turku University of Applied Sciences curious about the world outside academia? Whether you are exploring entrepreneurship, looking to communicate your research better, or searching for ways to fund your big ideas, this event series is built for you.

Join us on four Friday mornings for Research to Impact—a low-pressure, high-energy breakfast series designed to help researchers connect, learn, and exchange ideas across faculties.

📍 Event Details

• When: Fridays | October 30, November 6, November 13, & November 20 (09:00 – 10:30. The keynotes start at 09:30, breakfast is served at 09:00!) 

• Where: Entrepreneurial Hub Konttori

• What to expect: Fresh coffee, croissants, and fruit served from 09:00. Each session kicks off with a 15-minute quick keynote to spark discussion, followed by open networking.

🗓️ Weekly Topics

Oct 30 | Event 1: From the Lab to the Market

A Founder’s Story

Hear directly from a UTU researcher who made the leap from academic research to starting their own business. Get an honest look at what the journey looks like, what surprised them, and how academic skills translate to the founder mindset.

Nov 6 | Event 2: Embracing the Pivot

Stories of Startup Failure & Lessons Learned

Not every idea turns into a unicorn, and that’s a good thing! We will talk openly about a startup that didn’t go as planned, what went wrong, and why failure is often the best crash course in innovation and personal growth.

Nov 13 | Event 3: Pitching Your Strengths

Science Communication for Impact

How do you explain your research—and your unique strengths—in a way that grabs attention? Learn simple, pitch-inspired techniques to make your science accessible, engaging, and compelling to partners, funders, and non-academics.

Nov 20 | Event 4: Fueling Your Vision

Where to Find Funding for Your Ideas

Got a exciting concept but need financial backing? Discover the funding landscape available for academic founders and early-stage ideas. Featuring guest speakers from MonttuVC to give you insider tips on what investors actually look for.

💡 Why attend? Come for the free breakfast, stay for the cross-disciplinary connections. You don’t need a business plan or a startup idea—just a curious mind and an appetite!