Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 120 nationalities, 14 000 students, 400 professors and close to 5000 faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland.
Join Aalto’s Talent Pool for Business Developers in Deep Tech (R2B)
Do you want to help turn cutting‑edge research into global business? Are you excited about building deep tech startups with real impact?
We’re building a talent pool of experienced Business Developers interested in building future deep-tech startups. By joining, you’ll be among the first to hear about business development roles that match your experience—supporting teams applying for funding (service contract based compensation during the application phase) or join teams that got R2B funding (full time and part time positions in Aalto University).
Why Aalto R2B?
- Proven track record: 70+ deep‑tech spin‑offs launched from Aalto R2B projects, with total investments exceeding 1 billion euros.
- Strong funding model: R2B projects are co‑funded by Business Finland to prepare the commercialization of research-driven product or service ideas. Typical project size: €500k–€800k; duration: 1–2 years.
- Regular cycles: R2B calls take place twice a year (spring and fall). Annually, 30+ research teams across Aalto’s schools apply for R2B funding.
What you’ll do as a Business Developer
- Work closely with a research team to assess market potential and commercial pathways.
- Identify product–market fit, business models, and go‑to‑market strategies.
- Drive partner outreach to validate the solution (e.g. proof‑of‑concepts).
- Build investor relations and map future funding opportunities.
What we offer
- Opportunity to create a business from breakthrough research in an international environment.
- Full time, part time and service contract based work opportunities in our commercialization and pre-commercialization projects. These roles are based in Aalto University campus.
- Strong support: Aalto Innovation Services, Aalto Startup Center business advisory, and Aalto’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Who you are
- An energetic, business‑minded professional with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- You don’t need to be a domain expert in the specific technology—we have the researchers. You bring commercial acumen, drive, and vision.
What we value
- Fluency in English.
- Proven track record in business development, commercialization, entrepreneurship, and/or startups.
- Genuine ambition to build scalable businesses from research.
- Ability to collaborate with researchers, academics, and professors to find product–market fit.
- Excellent teamwork, communication, and negotiation skills.
How the talent pool works
- No deadline—apply anytime.
- We’ll review your profile and contact you when opportunities arise that match your experience.
- Note: we are not seeking consultants. We’re looking for team members who will be employed by Aalto during the R2B phase and who are interested in becoming founders in the potential future deep‑tech startup.
How to apply
- Submit your CV and a brief motivation letter via our recruitment system.
- In your motivation letter, tell us why you’re the right person to help build a world‑class deep tech startup from Aalto research.
Timing and contact
- Best times to reach out: December–January and June–August, when we have the most visibility into upcoming opportunities and funded positions.
- Questions? Contact: Kim Aalto, Commercialization Portfolio Manager, Aalto Innovation Services — [email protected]
Learn more
- Research to Business (R2B) funding: Business Finland’s Research to Business funding program — how it works, eligibility, and timelines. https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/for-finnish-customers/services/funding/cooperation-between-companies-and-research-organizations/research-to-business
- Aalto’s innovation ecosystem: Advancing entrepreneurship and innovations at Aalto University — programs, support, and success stories. https://www.aalto.fi/en/advancing-entrepreneurship-and-innovations
- Aalto schools and departments: Explore our academic units and research areas. https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/schools-departments-and-units
- Aalto University Privacy notice: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/privacy-notices
More about Aalto University:
Aalto.fi
youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity
linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/
www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity
instagram.com/aaltouniversity
To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here.
Please see more of our Open Positions here.
Skills Required
- Proven track record in business development
- Fluency in English
- Ability to collaborate with researchers and academics
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Energetic and entrepreneurial mindset
What We Do
Aalto University is a multidisciplinary institution in Finland that integrates science, art, business, and technology to drive research and innovation. It focuses on fostering a sustainable future through interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence.
