Sprout x DIGI-ME is a collaborative initiative between the University’s Innovation and Ecosystems department and the DIGI-ME project (co-funded by the EU) to stimulate digital-first entrepreneurship among students and young people. Spaces are provided by the Vaasa Startup Factory, funded by the Vaasa Startup Arcade Project.

Requirements: a team of minimum two people — one business founder and one technical founder — both willing to commit to three weeks of hands-on work. That’s it, we’ll help you with the rest.

This year’s program is built around real industrial challenges brought to you by our partner companies. Over three weeks you’ll be guided through problem identification, customer-driven solution development, and business modeling — culminating in your own pitch.

The program runs through three workshops, one per week, plus weekly office hours with industry representatives and entrepreneurship coaches:

• 22 October: Industrial Challenges (Problem Space)
• 26 October: Customer-Driven Solution (Solution Space)
• 2 November: Business Modeling
• 6 November: Final Pitch Day where you will present your business and find your next steps.

As with previous editions, this is hands-on, social, and tangible: no hybrid or online-only activities. Sign-up is open now — spaces are limited, so don’t wait.