HELSEED workshops

Alex Ackermann received a 30 000€ investment from the University of Helsinki in HELSEED 2020.
Read his story in Think Media (in Finnish).

Taking the steps from a seed of an idea to a successful company can seem complex, but it doesn't have to be that way! HELSEED is a program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who have the hunger to learn more, make progress on their business and apply for funding. We will be there for every step of the way!

Think of us as guides in the big forest of entrepreneurship. We will direct your way on your trail towards entrepreneurship all the way from developing your idea to getting to know your target audience. Then, we will guide you through testing your idea and getting it ready for you to be able to apply for funding. Ready to start the hike?

These workshops are organised in collaboration with the University of Helsinki, as a part of the wider HELSEED program. The workshops are open for everyone, but also designed to support students from the University of Helsinki on their journey in making a business plan and applying for HELSEED funding.

Who can attend?

Two young women sitting at a table and writing on sticky notes.

Students, graduates and researchers

All you need is an idea, we offer a creative and supportive environment to work with it. In HELSEED workshops you can develop your idea and learn what you should know when building a business around it.

Early-stage companies

If you already have a business or are just a few steps away from establishing one, we help you to be prepared for the next move. Whether it’s perfecting your business plan or getting ready for negotiations with investors, we provide concrete tools to help you.

Young smiling woman sitting in an audience

Everyone with a curious mind

We welcome all who are curious to learn about opportunities of entrepreneurial thinking. We are happy to offer you an insight into entrepreneurship as a career path. Who knows, maybe you will find your future dream job on this journey!

Workshop schedule

Read more and reserve a spot!

Explore the autumn workshops below, and pick and choose the ones that supports your entrepreneurial journey!

Thu 2.10. Utilising Lean Canvas, 17–19
Helsinki Think Company Meilahti
‍
A solid business plan is your roadmap to success. Discover its vital role in securing funding and achieving your entrepreneurial goals. Dive into the essentials of business planning and learn how to create a lean canvas step by step.
‍
Who should attend:
🌱 Teams and individuals with existing businesses or startup ideas
🌱 Teams planning to apply for HELSEED funding
🌱 Business size doesn't matter; every idea developer must learn to make a business plan

What will you learn:
🌱 Understand key elements of a lean canvas and their interdependencies
🌱 Identify critical plan aspects to win over funders and investors
🌱 Pinpoint and and address weaknesses, strategise against potential threats

Thu 9.10. Investor Clinic + Q&A, 17–19
Helsinki Think Company Kumpula
‍
As a budding entrepreneur, navigating the investor landscape can be challenging. This workshop is your compass to understanding what matters most to investors. Explore key elements crucial for succesful investor meetings and discover how to integrate sustainability and responsibility into your startup strategy.

Who should attend:
🌱 Teams and individuals with existing businesses or startup ideas
🌱 Perfect for early-stage startups seeking investement
🌱 All founders welcome!

What will you learn:
🌱 Gain insight into investors' perspectives and criteria for early-stage startups
🌱 Learn how to prepare effectively for investor negotiations

Thu 16.10. Legal + Q&A, 17–19
Helsinki Think Company Viikki

This workshop offers a structured overview of crucial legal aspects involved in starting and sustaining a business. From paperwork and company registration to contract writing, we'll cover it all. Legal professionals will also be on hand to answer your questions.

‍‍Who should attend:
🌱 Teams and individuals with existing businesses or startup ideas
🌱Teams planning to apply HELSEED funding
🌱Teams and individuals who don't have any knowledge about the legal issues involved in entrepreneurship

What will you learn:
🌱 Learn how to set up a business in compliance with the law
🌱 Manage essential business documentation (contracts, agreements, permits, applications)

Thu 23.10. Pitch Clinic, 17–19
Helsinki Think Company City Centre
‍
In business, the ability to deliver a compelling pitch is invaluable. Join us for this interactive workshop where we'll guide you in creating a brilliant pitch step by step. We'll help you build the confidence to present and sell your ideas effectively to an audience.

Who should attend:
🌱 Especially valuable for HELSEED funding applicants, as top candidates pitch to a jury
🌱 Anyone who wants to learn how to present ideas and skills in a short and impressive way

What will you learn:
🌱 Understand the essential elements and sections of a winning pitch
🌱 Discover the do's and don'ts of an impressive presentation
🌱 Learn how to craft a pitch from scratch for your business idea or school project

FAQ's

Who can participate?

The answer is simple: everyone interested in our workshops can participate. We don’t have any requirements for a status of the participant or for baseline information.

Can I participate in the workshops on my own?

Yes, you can participate in the workshops on your own! Same goes for the whole HELSEED program, but if you are considering applying for funding, it is recommended that you find at least one other enthusiastic participant for your team. Founding a startup on your own is a big undertaking.

How do I participate in the workshops?

You can pick the workshops you find interesting or attend to the whole series. Sign up to workshops you wish to attend by two days before the workshop will be held.

Who is organizing the HELSEED Workshops?

The HELSEED workshops are organised by Helsinki Think Company.

What is the language of the workshops?

The language for all workshops is English.

Can I get study credits from attending?

Yes! Read more about study credits on the University of Helsinki HELSEED page.

Are the workshops online?

All workshops of autumn 2025 will be offline live events, located Helsinki Think Company spaces. More info on the registration website!

How are the workshops related to the HELSEED program?

The HELSEED program is a startup entrepreneurship program for students aiming to encourage them to develop their ideas towards startup companies. The premise of the programme is to draw up a business plan on the basis of an idea or for an existing startup, and the HELSEED workshops provide help for that. Possibility of early stage funding is offered for the most promising startups.

I want to participate in the HELSEED workshops, but not the whole program, is that possible?

Yes. Everyone is welcomed to HELSEED workshops and you can participate in the ones you find most interesting. If you want to apply for funding, we suggest taking part in all of the workshops!

I want to participate in the HELSEED program, do I have to attend the workshops?

Workshops are a voluntary part of the HELSEED program. You can participate in all the other parts of the HELSEED program, writing a business plan and applying for funding, without attending the HELSEED workshops.

How can I apply for funding?

HELSEED participants who are students at the University of Helsinki can apply for funding in autumn 2025 from the University of Helsinki Funds. More precisely, one person in the applying team has to be an undergraduate or a postgraduate from the university. The funding process includes providing a business plan and pitching the business idea to the jury of the fund.

The funding decision is always taken on a case-by-case basis, meaning that several teams can be funded during the same autumn. The University of Helsinki Funds will make an initial investment of €10,000–€50,000 in the most interesting startups.