Deadline Date: May 15, 2026
The Proof-of-Concept Grant is seeking applications to support the early development and commercial assessment of business ideas generated by students and researchers from local higher education institutions.
The focus areas of the program include early-stage business idea development, testing and validation of proof-of-concept, commercial viability assessment, research-driven innovation, and support for ideas with potential for new growth.
This grant is designed to strengthen the transformation of innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities by supporting projects at an early stage. It aims to encourage experimentation and validation of concepts emerging from higher education institutions in Turku, including the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Yrkeshögskolan Novia, and HUMAK.
Funding of up to €5,000 is available per team or idea, regardless of the number of applicants involved. The grant may be used to cover approximately two months of living expenses for one individual as well as costs associated with developing and testing the proof-of-concept. At least one team member must be affiliated with a higher education institution based in Turku.
Participation in an incubation or acceleration program can strengthen the application and may provide an advantage during the selection process. The total budget allocated for the program in 2026 is €30,000, funded through the City of Turku’s Research, Development and Innovation voucher system.
For more information, visit Monttu Ventures.
