Kuopio Draft program offered high-quality pitches

Participants pitched smoothly online for the second time in the Kuopio Draft program. The jury evaluated on October 1-2 a total of ten teams. The panel of experts was gathered from Business Center North Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Savo Vocational College Sakky and the University of Eastern Finland. Of the participating teams, five represented Savonia, four UEF and one team represented Sakky. Eight teams were on the move for the first time, and two teams applied further funding for their idea.

Wellness and electronic solutions

Providing services was the dominant content in the ideas, and mental & physical well-being with its various dimensions was a clear area of ​​interest. Three starting teams and one successor had built their ideas in one way or another around well-being. Applicants are also still interested in electronic solutions to various challenges.

A mobile everyday support developed for people with ADHD syndrome delighted the jury with its clear target group. It received funding of EUR 1,000. Kaste streaming application received the same amount for diversifying the product and expanding its customer segmentation. The team that offers well-being for remote work, the team Oikeet Evväät and the Enemmän Tekoja coaching model received all 500 euros for the further development of their ideas.

EUR 3,000 was divided equally between two follow-up ideas. Team Larate, which provides a service platform for licensed nutritionists, deserved support because of its good progress and clear future plan.  WonderBee, an innovation related to beekeeping, was also awarded for the same merits.

Additional support from BBA student scholarships and Business Center acceleration programs

The Draft support in Kuopio has been supplemented by the Kuopio BBA Student Scholarship Fund, which this time awarded scholarships for two promising teams. Stella Renovo’s product idea of small particles’ reduction in the use of wood received a scholarship of EUR 1,000. EUR 500 was awarded to Urban Data team for its data management consulting service.

In general, the jury noted that there had been clear development at the level of performances. Some teams’ participation in the Business Center Havuja#!@% &! Bootcamp idea acceleration program and its pitching training was clearly visible. Bringing out the idea, introducing different tools and practicing the pitching had paid off. All teams were encouraged to apply for Business Center acceleration programs to receive additional support to develop and grow their business.

The Draft business idea competition is held in Kuopio three times a year in cooperation with Savonia UAS, UEF and Sakky. The competition is aimed at all students and employees of these institutions. The next application for the program will open at the end of this year.

Additional info: https://draftprogram.com/  , https://www.bcpohjois-savo.fi/