Programs, awards and joint grants
We award grants both independently and in collaboration with other foundations. We support cooperation between researchers and the business world and the internationalisation of researchers through various programs.
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Researchers in companies and as entrepreneurs
The Researcher Entrepreneur Award
The Researcher Entrepreneur is an award of 5 000 euros, awarded yearly to a person who has developed a new research-based business. The aim of the award is to promote entrepreneurship among researchers in Finnish Universities. The prize may be awarded to a person who works as a full-time entrepreneur, and has a new business based on research. The next nomination period will be open in spring 2027.
Making the nomination
The award is given to a person who has created a new research-based business. The prize may be awarded to a person who is
– full-time entrepreneur,
– has a novel research-based business idea, and
– is in the early phase (turnover up to € 10 million, company founded less than 5 years ago)
The proposed person must be a full-time entrepreneur who has previously worked as a researcher at a university or research institute. It is especially appreciated if the entrepreneur has demonstrated the ability to utilize research results in a new way in business.
Proposals for winners can be made by any interested person or entity. Proposals can be submitted by filling a form below, with basic information about the entrepreneur nominated for the award, and about entrepreneur’s business.
Postdocs in Companies program
Next application period will be from 15th of November until 31st of October 2026
Postdocs in Companies is a matchmaking program supporting long term competitiveness and strategic renewal of companies and employment of young doctors in the private sector.
Internationalization of researchers
Tutkijat maailmalle -program
Next application period will be in spring 2027
Tutkijat maailmalle program provides grants for research in technology and economics abroad. The purpose of the program is to support ambitious technology or economics researchers to conduct research at a high-level foreign university or research institute. Applicants must have at least a master’s degree, but the grant may also be suitable for an early postdoc. Researchers working in companies can also apply for a grant. The program is funded by Kaute Foundation, Foundation for Economic Education, Nokia Foundation and Walter Ahlström Foundation.
Fullbright KAUTE Foundation Award
Application period until 1st of October 2026
The purpose of the Fulbright-KAUTE Foundation Award is to enable scholars and professionals to carry out research or professional development projects in the U.S. and at the same time act as ambassadors for the Fulbright program, Finland, and their home institution, sharing their culture and contributing to the relations between Finland and the U.S. The award can be applied for by doctoral students, young postdoctoral scholars, and professionals in the fields of Business, Economics, and Technology.
Exchange grants for economics students
The purpose of the KAUTE Foundation’s Foreign Trade Special Fund is to support international exchange studies in business and economics. The fund awards scholarships to students completing a master’s degree at Aalto University. Priority is given to students of the School of Business.
The scholarship is intended to encourage students to apply for an exchange period to high-quality universities.
Exchange grants will be handled by the Aalto University Business school as part of the exchange support funding process.
Water technology research
Grants for research in water technology by the KAUTE Foundation and Erkki Paasikivi Foundation
Next application period is open from 17th of August until 18th of September
In Finland, a lot of high-level water technology research is carried out and high-quality water technology is developed. The purpose of the KAUTE Foundation and Erkki Paasikivi Foundation’s joint grant application period focusing on the research of water technology is to guarantee multi-annual funding especially for research projects by young researchers. With the funding the researchers are also encouraged to create international networks.