The Mentor Program is designed to connect highly qualified professionals with student startups and researchers. Through these connections, participants gain access to industry-specific knowledge and experience that helps them avoid pitfalls and increases their chances of success.

We work with bachelor’s and master’s students as well as researchers who wish to translate their academic insights into concrete solutions. As a mentor, you become a central driver in their development and a vital bridge to the business world.

A mentorship typically involves a series of meetings over an agreed period. The scope is tailored to each individual case and is settled directly between the mentor and the team. We work with a framework agreement that sets the number of meetings, while the frequency can be adjusted as needed. Specific obligations are outlined in our Code of Conduct (CoC). Please note that there are separate CoCs for students and researchers.

At SE, you will meet teams that have already completed AAU’s Startup Program. They have worked with business advisors on problem validation and business models. The mentorship is designed to equip them to run a sustainable business and ensure a smooth transition once they complete the programs offered by AAU.

Application Process
Once you have filled out the application form, we will introduce mentors and teams to each other at the upcoming matchmaking sessions. Your mentor profile will be published on the AAU website.

Business Panels
Each year, you will receive several invitations to serve as a panelist for AAU Business Panels. Here, students pitch their startups, and you are expected to help qualify these AAU startups. We focus specifically on uncovering the blind spots of each startup by asking relevant questions.

📌 Important Information
The specific obligations of being a mentor for student startups are outlined in our Code of Conduct for studenterstartups.

At FI offers a close sparring process throughout the entire commercialization journey – from the initial reporting of an invention, patenting, and financing opportunities, to CVR registration. A business developer is assigned to each team, along with a mentor when the need arises.

When you sign up or are referred to the AAU Mentor Program, a screening process begins. If your qualifications meet the criteria for becoming a mentor, you will be included in our mentor list. Please note that there is no guarantee of a match or the frequency of matches.

The purpose of the initial meeting is to align expectations and assess the potential for a successful collaboration. If the meeting is positive, you will be admitted to the AAU Mentor Program and can then be matched with relevant cases. Matching occurs in two ways:

Matchmaking sessions
A selected group of teams pitch their ideas to carefully chosen mentors. If the chemistry and experience align, a mentorship is established.

Direct match
Our business developers carefully select mentors based on the team's current needs and the mentor's expertise, ensuring a strong match for optimal guidance.

📌 Important information
The specific obligations of being a mentor for research teams are outlined in our Code of Conduct for forskerteams.

The Investor Program is primarily targeted at researchers and selected student startups that are nearing the completion of the startup program.

You can choose to be registered as both a mentor and an investor (this requires separate registration).

The admission process is the same as for the Mentor Program. However, as an investor, you are also invited to exclusive events featuring presentations from promising cases.

As a registered investor, you will receive an invitation to the Aalborg Investor Summit. This event is held every May at AAU INNOVATE.

• No guarantee of a match: We cannot guarantee that you will be matched with a team, either now or in the future. Matchmaking depends on the current needs of the teams and the expertise of the mentors.
• Pro bono nature: Being a mentor is a voluntary effort. Your motivation should be driven by a sincere desire to give back and help others succeed.
• Co-founder opportunities: If you are interested in co-founding a company with the team you are mentoring, this is a possibility. However, this must be disclosed as early as possible to ensure transparency.
• Investment opportunities: If you wish to invest capital in the team you are mentoring, this must be disclosed in advance. Further documentation will be required to formalize the agreement.
• Code of Conduct: Admission requires signing our Code of Conduct. Find the separate Codes of Conduct for Researcher teams here and Student teams here.