Application round for Smart City Solutions companies open until June 15, 2023.
Application round to join the 10-Month Scaleup Programme for Smart City Solution companies has been open for two weeks now and the first applications are in. If you have contemplated applying for the programme, fill the form with your business info and the team will be in contact. The applying companies should have their product or service connected to the Smart City theme, have a motivated and engaged core team, existing clients, revenue, and have raised at least one investment round (bootstrapped businesses are also accepted) and be looking to raise funds in the future. If you meet the eligibility criteria seen here: https://www.scaleuplaunchpad.eu/programme, we encourage you to apply until June 15, 2023: https://survey.zef.fi/adv5753m/.
The programme will be conducted by Tampere Region Economic Development Agency Business Tampere in Finland, Tartu Science Park in Estonia and Norrköping Science Park in Sweden. Each partner's City Governments are intentionally involved, which gives the participating scaleups easier access to the cities as implementation environments for products. Between the companies, cities and countries, the intention is to create an international peer-to-peer learning environment for development of businesses and achieving growth.
Why Tampere?
The Tampere region is home to open-minded businesses with the hunger to grow. Instead of following others, they want to stay one step ahead. They are about innovation and keeping the focus on the future, while aiming to be world-leaders in multiple sectors. There's something wonderfully traditional, even seductive in Tampere, and something so dynamic but relaxing. This unique attitude also reflects on the numerous business success stories in the region.
Tampere offers an excellent framework for entrepreneurship, where the scale makes it easy to get around, meet the right people and collaborate with other businesses. Startups such as Framery, Jolla and HappyOrNot have deep roots in Tampere and are gaining success in international markets. Tampere is known as a leading industrial city around Europe and the world, combined with ICT(Information and communication technologies) expertise which is exceptionally strong in the area. Anything is possible in the happiest country in the world and in its most attractive city.
The city actively invests in young entrepreneurs, and the strong local startup culture has created countless success stories, e.g. in the gaming industry, manufacturing industry and health technology. Business Tampere, the local Economic Development Agency, matches your company with growth opportunities and partnerships in the Tampere Region, Finland and globally. The agency offers you expertise in business service development, investments and internationalisation opportunities.
Why Tartu?
Tartu is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage, and an inventive and creative future. The city’s aim is to be part of the global economy and culture, but at the same time maintain the city’s core values – cooperation, innovation, greenery, compactness, safety and sustainability. Tartu is in constant motion, empowered by innovative changes, to provide a unique and inclusive business ecosystem and the best living environment (Smart City Tartu). Nationally and internationally, Tartu aims to demonstrate itself as a productive business environment that facilitates business growth, including co-organising the biggest business festival in the Baltics, sTARTUp Day.
Tartu Science Park is a science and business hub that supports the development of science-based companies and innovation. They are involved in developing Tartu's technology and innovation sectors by supporting the growth of start-ups and companies by providing a range of services, including business development and support, mentoring, funding, and access to research and development facilities. As a part of the start-up ecosystem, Tartu Science Park is one of the architects of sTARTUp Tartu community consisting of entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, policymakers, and many others. Tartu is the perfect fit for the program with its business-friendly environment, low bureaucracy and ease of doing business.
Tartu Science Park has over 30 years of experience and given the large scope of activities is a crucial leader in the deep-tech ecosystem providing a range of services to support the development of companies. Additionally they work closely with universities, research institutions, and other stakeholders in the ecosystem, including the City of Tartu and its Innovation Council, which is responsible for developing and implementing policies to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Tartu.
Why Norrköping?
Norrköping is a city in the eastern part of Sweden, transforming itself from an industrial and textile manufacturing hub to a beacon of sustainability and innovation. The city's journey towards sustainability began in the 1970s, and since then, it has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint. By 2030, Norrköping aims to be carbon-neutral and has already made significant progress towards this goal, with a reduction of more than 60% in carbon dioxide emissions since the 1990s.
Norrköping is well-positioned to continue leading the way towards a greener and more sustainable future. Its accessibility, combined with its commitment to sustainability and innovation, makes it an ideal location for companies looking to grow their business and deliver new solutions for smart and climate-neutral cities. With its strategic location and thriving ecosystem, Norrköping is set to continue being at the forefront of sustainability and innovation for years to come.
The city’s commitment to sustainability has created an ideal environment for innovation and collaboration, leading to a vibrant startup ecosystem with many companies developing green technologies in areas such as renewable energy, energy storage, and smart city technologies. The city's universities and research institutes are also involved in research and development in these areas. This sustainable and innovative environment has attracted companies and investors from all over the world, making it attractive hub for research and development.
Kick-off events for the Scaleup Launchpad programme
The kick-off events for the program are happening soon, with the first online introductory sessions taking place in May and June of 2023. Scale Up Your Smart City Business: One-hour intro to our Development Programme. Finance Edition is happening on May 23, 2023 online, make sure to respond to the event on Facebook and save the date. The programme will start in the end of August 2023 and the first in-person workshop will be held in Norrköping, Sweden during the Norrköping Innovation Week in November 2023. Subsequently, Tartu will host the second workshop in January during sTARTUp Day 2024, followed by Tampere in June in conjunction with the Tampere Smart City Week 2024.
Scaleup Launchpad is an exciting program for matured startups, offering access to new markets, international networking, events, mentoring, and coaching. It facilitates knowledge transfer to ease the challenges of scaling up, while partnerships with organizations and cities provide a unique opportunity to test products quicker. Joining this program allows you to accelerate growth, expand into new markets, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts. Alongside these benefits, the program boasts a team of expert mentors who will guide and support you throughout the 10-month journey. If accepted, you'll be part of a small cohort, engaging with mentors, participating in matchmaking, and receiving ongoing support.
This activity was supported as part of Scaleup Launchpad, an Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-
2027 project co-funded by the European Union.
Apply now or until June 15, 2023.
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