Innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer
We help turn research into business
At the University of Oulu, we want our research results and know-how to be utilised. We help with commercialisation and intellectual property rights, finding business potential and developing business ideas. We help you to apply for funding for commercialisation (e.g., from Business Finland) and to build up a network of partners.
We spend a significant amount of money each year (Proof-of-Concept, PoC) on testing the first implementation of ideas and inventions. Funding is available for both researchers and students at the University of Oulu.
The University Innovation Centre offers everything you need to develop a business:
- identification and refinement of commercialisation ideas
- identifying financing options for the most promising ideas
- business coaching and training
- building a team
- support in finding partners
We provide possibilities to collaborate on research and exploit technology
Research-based business is full of opportunities! We are always looking for commercialisation and business experts, long-term entrepreneurs or investors to join us in developing a research-based business.
We connect companies looking for a specific technology or know-how with suitable researchers. Innovation Centre experts will help your company find the right research partners for you.
Business expert – share your knowledge!
We are looking for business mentors: experts, experienced entrepreneurs, or investors, who want to put an effort in developing new business.
IP rights in collaboration
When developing something completely new, it is important to agree on the intellectual property rights: to whom they belong and how the company gets user rights and ownership of them.
Patents and IPR licenses
Research at the university produces a wide range of results, including biological materials, computer programs, databases, inventions, and new business ideas. Take a look at our offerings and discover new research results to grow your business.
We support student entrepreneurship
We promote student entrepreneurship by offering various courses, workshops, competitions and events related to entrepreneurship and commercialisation of ideas in cooperation with Oulu University of Applied Sciences. The Innovation Centre also provides entrepreneurial advice and helps students to develop and fund their business ideas.
In addition, the Oulu Business School offers a minor in Entrepreneurship and Business Planning for all students.
Towards entrepreneurship
University education offers skills for both building an entrepreneurial mindset and actually starting a business.
Minor in Entrepreneurship and Business Design
Get prepared for working life, entrepreneurial thinking and sustainable business development in the Entrepreneurship and Business Design minor.
Discover our achievements
Research at the University of Oulu results in new inventions, profitable business and licensable technology.
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University of Oulu Research to Business (R2B) projects
Research to Business (R2B) is a Business Finland funding instrument for commercialising research.
Research-based start-ups in Oulu
There are over 70 research-based companies that have been created at the University of Oulu over the past 20 years.
Contact us
The University Innovation Centre supports collaboration between researchers and companies and provides assistance with business development.
If you have any questions about student entrepreneurship, please contact Ville Saarenpää at ville.saarenpaa@oulu.fi.