Pre-Incubation
Hanken Business Lab’s pre-incubation offering is designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by providing the tools, knowledge, and support needed to navigate the early stages of company creation. Our programs run throughout the spring and fall semesters.
The services are free of charge, with the primary goal of encouraging participants to join the entrepreneurial community by registering their own companies.
To ensure compatibility with students' schedules, the Playground aligns with Hanken's academic calendar. The spring cohort runs from February to May, while the autumn cohort takes place from September to December.
Contact persons
If you have any inquiries about Hanken Business Lab's pre-incubation offerings, feel free to contact our Program Manager – Magret Jokela at magret.jokela@hanken.fi.
The Playground
The Playground programme is an intensive 8-week journey designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving companies. Each cohort accommodates up to 20 participants, either on a structured track or an on-demand basis. The program focuses on validating business ideas, establishing companies, and achieving initial sales.
Participants will be expected to deliver key milestones, including:
- One-Pager: Summarise the company concept and goals.
- Landing Page: Create a platform for first customers to learn about the service or offering.
- Pitch Presentation: Present to a panel of entrepreneurs, specialists, and potential investors. Participants who successfully register their companies will gain access to the community's exclusive perks and benefits.
The programme covers essential phases, from idea validation and customer discovery to product development and launch planning.
Important Dates Spring 2025
- Application Period – 4 February to 28 February
- Programme – 17 March to 9 May
- Pitch Day – 24 April
- Community Day – 15 May
If you're an aspiring entrepreneur with a big idea and the drive to execute it within 8 weeks, apply for our next cohort, and we'll be in touch!
Apply here: https://1kq02m0vmky.typeform.com/to/cGKrZpDf
The Sandbox
This 6 weeks programme provides a holistic foundation in entrepreneurship, designed for individuals with interest in entrepreneurship and developing a co-founding team.
The programme will be delivered through a mix of workshops, discussions, and guided activities, you'll develop a working understanding of how to identify opportunities, assess potential ideas, and build a team to bring your vision to life.
Programme Content
- Introduction to Becoming an Entrepreneur
- Roles and Capabilities in Winning Teams
- Defining Culture and Team Engagement
- Defining Your Business Idea
- Building a Business Model
Program Schedule
- Application Period – 29 November to 15 January
- Programme – 4 February to 7 March
Outcomes
- Company One-Pager
- Team Swot Analysis
- Mock Shareholders agreement
- Customer Profile
- First Pitch Deck