TUT prepares students for entrepreneurship
Tampere University of Technology (TUT) actively encourages entrepreneurship and the commercialization of innovations among researchers and students.
The University promotes regional and national economy and the well-being of Finnish society through research and education and by supporting the establishment of start-up companies.
The year 2011 saw the establishment of Talli, a place for entrepreneurship, innovations and creativity. Talli offers assistance and coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs among students and research staff and arranges events that promote entrepreneurial spirit on campus. It is part of the University’s Research and Innovation Services.
Sparring partner for bouncing off ideas
Talli’s first year has been a resounding success. More than 1,200 researchers and students have attended the events and training sessions arranged by Talli. The weekly coffee hours have offered important peer support and positive role models. They have so far brought together some 150 students and researchers to discuss their experiences, inventions and ideas. In February 2012, Talli established a network for alumni entrepreneurs to allow former students who have launched a start-up company to share their stories.
Kim Leppänen, who studies civil engineering at TUT, launched his own consulting company Kuningastalot Oy in the beginning of 2012. Leppänen says that Talli has provided him with information and support for turning his idea into a business.
“Talli’s innovation camp and course on writing a business plan helped me build faith in my idea. I even received credits for promoting my business”, he says.
Talli celebrated its first-year anniversary by holding a MentorDay on Friday, 16 November. The event offered fledgling entrepreneurs the opportunity to hear words of wisdom directly from seasoned business angels and mentors Reijo Syrjäläinen from Gorilla Ventures, Harri Länsipuro from Technopolis Oy, Olli Pasanen from Gaudia Tutkimus Oy and Yrjö Wichmann from IP Finland Oy.
Further information:
Tampere University of Technology, Research and Innovation Services
Business Liaison Officer Leena Köppä, tel. +358 40 1981 151, leena.koppa@tut.fi