IPR – Innovaatiot poikimaan rahaa – EAKR-project

IPR – INNOVAATIOT POIKIMAAN RAHAA – Training program for business advisors, funders and innovation advisors

EAKR-project funding: 300 000 €
Duration: 1.8.2025 – 30.7.2027
Language: Finnish

Project Description:

In Finland, the level of expertise in protecting innovations and understanding the business impact of protection is not sufficiently high. However, these are key factors in the commercialisation of innovations and their expansion into global markets. Protecting innovations enhances companies’ competitiveness and prevents competitors from entering the same markets. There are significant gaps in intellectual property (IPR) expertise among Finnish companies, particularly in the startup and SME sectors. Intangible assets and intellectual property rights (IPR) are often not identified, or are poorly identified, within companies. As a result, their utilisation—and consequently revenue growth—remains insufficient.

The IPR University Center’s project addresses this skills gap by training business advisors, innovation advisors (at universities and higher education institutions), and various funding bodies to understand the economic potential embedded in intellectual property rights. These actors have direct contact with startups and SMEs. When startup and SME-level companies seek advice or funding from these stakeholders, the increased expertise will enable advisors not only to provide guidance but also to require proper intellectual property management from companies. Startups, growth companies, and SMEs are often difficult to reach directly for training purposes; therefore, it is essential to train those who have the strongest connections to this field.

The project will be implemented as a comprehensive online course, complemented by IPR clinics and an IPR knowledge test that guides participants toward accurate and impartial information.

The long-term effects of the project will be reflected in improved employment outcomes. By strengthening the protection of innovations, companies will be better positioned to increase their expected returns, grow, and expand globally. Additionally, companies operating within the IPR sector will also benefit.

Articles and other materials produced within the project (in Finnish):

IPR Quiz

EAKR-hankepäiväkirja: IPR tietovisa on julkaistu! (2/2026)
22.5.2026, IPRInfo 3/2026

EAKR-hankepäiväkirja: IPR-tietovisan pilotointi on varma kevään merkki (1/2026)
31.3.2026, IPRInfo 2/2026

EAKR-hankepäiväkirja: Ideointia ja kohderyhmän tarpeiden kartoitusta (2/2025)
19.12.2025, IPRinfo 6/2025

EAKR-hankepäiväkirja: Työ on alkanut (1/2025)
14.10.2025, IPRinfo 5/2025

Project manager: LL.M., Deputy Judge, IPR Advisor Pauliina Rajala, IPR University Center

email: pauliina.rajala@hanken.fi
tel: 050 3386 739