One of the main takeaways the EIT FAN programme and the Helsinki hub offer to its startups is matchmaking with relevant parties to enhance partnerships. As part of the programme, the startups and corporate partners met in Finland during the last week of May to create connections and lay the foundation for potential future collaboration. Welcome to take a closer look at the activities within the EIT FAN Helsinki Hub!
Connecting startups and corporates
The corporate collaboration days in Helsinki brought together all ten startups and thirteen corporate partners of the hub. The first startups arrived in the sunny and warm Helsinki city at the beginning of the week for one-on-one mentoring on pitching with Elsa Ervasti, lab tours at VTT, and preparatory sessions for the corporate collaboration days provided by Vertical.
On Wednesday, the startups and corporates engaged in a round of speed-dating sessions before diving into substantive conversations. These meetings proved the value of face-to-face interaction: meeting live and having the opportunity to discuss with everybody allowed to see the potential that could have gone by if it weren’t for the in-person meetings.
On Thursday, Vertical presented the joint value proposition framework that, at its best, functions as an important tool for startup-corporate collaboration. It provides structure for outlining expectations and fosters a better understanding of synergies and joint opportunities. During the rest of the programme, the startups and corporates were able to use the framework in practice while diving into in-depth conversations before wrapping up the day.
Surprising conversations and new insights
For the startups, these collaboration days were an opportunity to connect with fellow cohort members and potential corporate partners. They found value in presenting their process and product and receiving immediate feedback on them. Meetings with corporates were also a chance for the startups to practice their product pitches and gain market validation. For some startups, the corporate partners were the primary motivation to join the programme, as collaborating on technology development with a larger corporation can be of significant value when aiming to move from lab to pilot. Therefore, meetings during the days were crucial for building relationships and identifying potential collaboration opportunities.
For the thirteen impressive corporate partners this year, of which many participated in the programme for the first time, the motivation was to gain insights on the current innovation space in addition to exploring openings for joint development and partnerships. The collaboration days also allowed corporates to exchange ideas among themselves, build meaningful connections, and discuss best practices.
As usual, many good discussions were also held outside of the official programme hours over the dinner table or a drink. For some, this relaxed environment made it possible to further strengthen the connections formed earlier in the day. To promote informal exchanges among the broader networks, the EIT FAN team hosted a networking event with EIT FAN Helsinki alumni, the current cohort, and corporate partners as well as a long and exquisite dinner at a local restaurant under the sunny skies of the springtime Helsinki.
Anticipating Future Collaborations
All the startups and corporates that participated in the collaboration days are actively contributing to a more sustainable food system and the time shared allowed for exchanging ideas and exploring novel approaches together. Wrapping up the days, there was a sense of hope and positive attitude towards joint innovation and collaboration between the participants.
The collaboration week took place halfway through the EIT FAN Helsinki programme, giving energy and new inspiration to proceed towards the development of the tech validation case. Having now concluded the programme, we can’t wait to hear more about the potential projects arising from these interactions.
Written by Freja Schalin, Business Development Trainee at VTT & the EIT FAN Helsinki Hub
