Pre-SPARK is designed to build and strengthen the capability in early-stage innovation development. The program aims to not only provide a structured process for exploring idea potentials, but also to cultivate a deeper understanding of how one can approach scientific findings from an innovation perspective. We brought together local and international experts from both academia and industry as mentors and lecturers, sharing wide-ranging experience and practical viewpoints from different areas of health and life sciences. 

The Pre-SPARK program also enables more opportunity to promote innovation cooperation across institutions, creating a shared learning environment between University of Helsinki, Aalto University, HUS, and other institutions around Finland. 

In late November, Pre-SPARK concluded with a final presentation session where 10 idea-stage projects were showcased, highlighting the knowledge obtained and learning journey throughout the program. The session is followed by a networking dinner where the representatives from the wider health ecosystem are also invited, offering a platform for new connections and further development opportunities.