Join Us in Building Growth Stories – We Are Looking for Commercialization Experts and Angel Investors

The University of Jyväskylä is inviting business-minded professionals and angel investors to help bring research-based innovations to market. This is a unique opportunity to get involved in promising ideas at an early stage, influence their direction, and contribute to the creation of new business opportunities.

Commercial Champions: Influence, Network, and Build New Business

Business Finland’s Research to Business funding offers researchers the opportunity to develop their research ideas towards commercial use over a period of approximately 1–2 years. When applying for this funding, the team must include a designated “Commercial Champion,” i.e. someone with relevant experience in business or commercialization. Thus, as a Commercial Champion, you play a key role in turning research ideas into solutions with real market potential by helping to clarify the commercial potential of ideas, assess market opportunities, and support the development of solutions that deliver customer value.

The role requires a business-oriented mindset, the ability to analyze commercial potential, an understanding of innovation and development processes, as well as strong collaboration and communication skills. The Commercial Champion is paid for their work during the project, and the role also offers a good basis for joining the potential spin-out company as a founding team member after the project.

For Investors: Early Access to Research-Based Growth Companies

University spin-outs offer angel investors a compelling combination of growth potential, impact, and a strong research-based competitive advantage. As an investor, you gain early access to emerging innovations, the opportunity to influence company development, and support from a strong research and innovation ecosystem.

The University of Jyväskylä provides investors with visibility into new venture opportunities, opportunities to engage with projects at an early stage, and structured support for initiating collaboration. In addition, the university’s investment company, Unifund Oy, supports company growth together with private investors.

Build Success Stories Together

The University of Jyväskylä continuously generates innovations with significant commercial potential. Our goal is to bring together researchers, commercialization experts, and investors into a functional ecosystem that creates new companies, growth, and impact.

You can read more on our website and join our database: Join our research teams as a commercialisation expert! | University of Jyväskylä