Urban Tech Helsinki’s Post

Sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a necessity – especially for startups shaping our future. As a member of the jury and panel speaker at the Urban Innovation Forum of the Climate Tech Hub e.V. and PHINEO Startups Tech Hub on March 20th, I’m excited to discover innovative solutions that make our cities more sustainable and livable. (Limited Free Ticket Code below...) Here are three tips for the startups aiming to make a difference in sustainability: 💡 Sustainability-by-design: Your business model should view sustainability not as an add-on but as the core of your strategy. This includes everything from product development to your supply chain. 💡 Targeting Technology: Tech, hardware and software, offers incredible opportunities to increase efficiency and conserve resources. Consider how you can use tech to achieve your sustainability goals. From my perspective, these tools can help us immensely leveraging a greener future. Research and showcase how you did it on every stage available! 💡 Build a sustainable network: Collaborating with other sustainable businesses and organizations can amplify your reach and impact. Together, we can achieve more. I'm very curious to see how the startups on stage translate these crucial points into their pitches. ***Key Facts*** tl;dr: Save the date, mark your calendar, and be prepared for a day of insights, collaboration, and actionable takeaways! Register now https://lnkd.in/gA-tYf-W And I have a free ticket promo code for you: EARLYBIRD100 #Sustainability #Startups #UrbanInnovation #ClimateTechHub

🚀 Fresh off TechBBQ 2024, I’m thinking about what #INNOVATION means in the context of the projects we work on in Copenhagen Solutions Lab (https://lnkd.in/dF7gcFRa) and within the City of Copenhagen (https://lnkd.in/dSKjuFsP) (big public sector municipality), and what models and frameworks for innovation we can test, validate and apply in our work. I’m also interested in determining how we can speed up innovation cycles to learn more quickly, save resources, reduce risk, and achieve even better results for our internal and external stakeholders (including our politicians, citizens, and businesses).   👨💻 I’m digging into the books The Lean Startup (https://lnkd.in/dxeQb_FY) and Inspired (https://lnkd.in/dm2crW9N), and looking at concepts like ‘Build-Measure-Learn’ (from The Lean Startup) and product validation via testing of Feasibility, Usability, and Value (from Inspired).   👩 If you are one of the 45,000 employees at the City of Copenhagen who are interested in exploring these themes together, you are very welcome to reach out to me here on LinkedIn or by KK mail. If you are outside the City of Copenhagen, but are interested in how these themes relate to innovation in municipal government, you can also reach out to me.   ❤️ Thank you Eric Ries and Marty Cagan for these contributions that have both had a significant influence on my thinking and that have been on my bookshelf for many years. And thank you to Carsten Jarfelt who recommended The Lean Startup to me back in the day when you were at Innovation Centre Denmark in Silicon Valley.   TEASER #1: In The Lean Startup, there is a section titled ‘A LEAN STARTUP IN GOVERNMENT?’   TEASER #2: In Inspired, there is a chapter titled ‘Innovating in Large Companies’ (a large municipal government is like a large company in many ways).   BONUS: With ideas from these two books, I think about the chapter ‘Your Company is a Product’ in the book It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work (https://lnkd.in/dMvE2Fgx) by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson (David is from Denmark). I think about our team at Copenhagen Solutions Lab as a product, and about how we can think of the City of Copenhagen (the municipality) as a product. The opportunities are sky high when we combine this concept with lean startup and product model approaches.   WISH LIST: Marty Cagan I’m super interested in exploring how the principles in all of your books can be applied to innovation projects and processes inside municipal government. Maybe we can write a book about it together using cases and experiments from the City of Copenhagen.

Today is the turn for #insight number three on what do #incubators and #accelerators offer to startups. Why to join one? My third point is #connections. The programmes and their experts can normally offer connections to #mentors, #partners, #stakeholders, sometimes #customers and even #investors. All these are valuable for a startup founder either in finding customers, investors or developing your solution. When considering joining a programme, ask yourself if it can offer the contacts you need. We Urban Tech Helsinki are special at this. We have the connections to Aalto University, Helsinki University and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences connections. And as the main draw, we can help to get connected to City of Helsinki. Why are these important? Well, for pilots, and also to have the discussions you need to build your offering to match cities' needs. That can make a startup. This is a part of a series of insights to benefits of incubators and accelerators as we have a call open Urban Tech Helsinki . If you are a startup that would benefit from connections to for example #cities or other stakeholders such as #universities, have a look and apply through our website. https://lnkd.in/dwnNStBd Ps. The two previous ones were 1. #community and 2.#feedback #incubator #startups #growth #impact #feedback #development Oh, if you have an idea I could think of, please let me know.

I'm honored to be moderating a Panel on Creativity and design thinking: Cultivating a Culture of Innovation Do you have a passion for creativity and innovation? Do you want to discover how you can use design thinking to create products and services that make a difference? This panel is designed for all professionals interested in exploring creativity from different perspectives. Each participant in the panel will bring their knowledge and experiences from their different activities, approaching creativity and creative thinking from different angles. We will analyse how business, daily life and technology converge in the new times. Here are some of the topics that will be covered in the panel: 💡 ⁠ ⁠The importance of creativity in innovation 💡 ⁠How to apply design thinking to solve complex problems 💡 ⁠Examples of companies that have used design thinking to create successful products and services 💡 How to build a culture of innovation in your organization Participants: Felipe Lacerda (Panelist): Creative director and storyteller https://lnkd.in/dvsVfEvS Felipe Castro (Panelist): Game designer and creative explorer https://lnkd.in/dVPAaTXz Nuno Liborio (Panelist): Actor and facilitator https://lnkd.in/d9FM2iHF Grateful to our participants and sponsors: Sitio Coworking  https://lnkd.in/dAhxVA58 https://lnkd.in/dsN75vcv Lisbon Unicorn Capital https://lnkd.in/dVPdBzqH https://lnkd.in/dxS-ahZf 351 Portuguese Startup Association https://lnkd.in/dj4b_hzr https://lnkd.in/dkWWeXGH DMK Tribe https://lnkd.in/dAM2wHK8 https://lnkd.in/daQ6VxJ7 Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from experts in creativity and design thinking. ✍️Register now to reserve your spot. https://lnkd.in/d9VKWbuF We look forward to seeing you there 💙!

Let us know which #InnovationWeekYYC Day 5 evening events you're attending: 👩💼Agile Product Delivery Workshop | 🕒 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm at  Platform Innovation Centre Learn how to implement iterative software development processes with a focus on minimizing risks and gathering feedback for product-market fit. This workshop covers defining product features, launching minimal viable products, and agile project management techniques from Finnovate, making it ideal for startups looking to enhance their delivery strategies. 🔷Fundraising Realities: Navigating Barriers and Building Bridges for Diverse Founders | 🕒 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm at  Platform Innovation Centre This session will explore the unique challenges underrepresented founders face when raising capital, offering insights from experts and strategies to overcome barriers. Join the conversation to learn how funders and allies can help create a more inclusive venture ecosystem. 🌱SSRIA Business Growth Program: Final Showcase | 🕒 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM at Trolley 5 Join the watch party of the Smart Sustainable Tech Showcase to explore the latest innovations in sustainable tech for the building industry. Connect with innovators and learn how these technologies are advancing carbon reduction and building resilience in Alberta. This is a great opportunity to network and stay informed on how sustainable practices are shaping the future of infrastructure. ⚒️d.talks Presents: Design + AI, Friend or Foe? A Debate | 🕒 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at  Platform Innovation Centre Join d.talks as they explore the role of AI in the design industry during this dynamic debate. Delve into how AI is transforming careers in graphic design, architecture, and beyond—either as a tool for creativity or a disruptive force. Join industry experts for an engaging conversation on whether AI will enhance or replace traditional design roles. There are only a couple of nights left! Don’t miss your chance to celebrate, learn and grow with the #yycTech community. Register now! https://lnkd.in/gYjSnJYw

Hackathons are great for inspiring students and creating a buzz around innovation, but does this rapid brainstorming ever lead to the formation of successful start-up companies? Read more to find out how hackathons can help seed start-ups: https://lnkd.in/e3HW4r7Z

We are pleased to present an incredible event from our friends!     Do you have the passion to develop your problem-solving skills and apply your expertise in a different kind of context? Would you like to learn about design thinking and sprint-based development while tackling real business challenges?    Join the Design Thinking Hackathon in Oulu 20.-22.5.2024!   The deadline for participant applications is on 6.5.2024, at 11:59 PM  WHAT | Design Thinking Hackathon Oulu  WHEN | 20.-22.5.2024  WHERE | BusinessAsema, Hallituskatu 36 B, 90100 Oulu  FOR WHOM | All innovation-minded individuals  APPLICATION DEADLINE | 6.5.2024, 11:59 PM    At the hackathon, innovation, creativity, entrepreneurial skills, and a little bit of time pressure all come together as multidisciplinary teams tackle the challenges brought to them by companies. Whether you're a student, interested in start-up entrepreneurship, seeking direction for your career, or simply looking for new inspiration in your work and knowhow, join our hackathon and develop your skills and expertise in a different kind of context.  During the event, design thinking professionals will support your innovation work by mentoring the teams, and sharing knowledge on how to use design thinking methods in the process. Hackathons are an excellent opportunity to gain new skills from both the event organizers and professionals, but especially learning from the expertise of your own team and collaborating with them.   Bring your skills to the event and join like-minded individuals in creating new solutions and innovations for the challenges set by companies!    👉Register   https://lnkd.in/dn9C3tHf     Sign up now and secure your place in an inspiring event!    #Oulu #DesignThinking #Hackathon #HackYourFuture #HackYourDreams #Innovation #Entrepreneurship   

I've been part of the DMV Start-Up scene for nearly 20 years, and there's one question that keeps coming up: "How do we build a thriving Start-Up ecosystem in the DMV area?" After many conversations and brainstorming sessions, I realized we could look to one of the world’s top examples - the Start-Up Nation, Israel, of which I’m proud to be part of. Here’s a short article on what we can learn from Israel’s journey to becoming a global leader in innovation. We all have something to gain by learning from the best.

"Images" are a universal language. --- No matter how they are drawn, people all over the world can understand them. But how can we communicate effectively to achieve a common goal? Let's explore the world of storytelling, which can transform complex and difficult information into clear, interesting, and easy-to-understand "images" with the most sought-after communication experts of our time... Register now before the seats are full. Register for the workshop: STEAM4INNOVATOR: 4 STEPS to capture key points, visualize, and enhance tools in the innovation process. Stage 1: Insight - In-depth knowledge to help clarify innovation goals. By Tul Lekutai, Make things happen, Saraphap Company or Pictures Talk. --- STEAM4INNOVATOR: Opening the door to the hearts of listeners with STORYTELLING. How to present innovations in a compelling way. Stage 4: Production & Diffusion - Production and dissemination. By Kanokporn Fakbang, Saraphap Company or Pictures Talk. --- Register now at https://lnkd.in/gnBH8FM5 You can register for topic (1), topic (2), or both. Confirmation of registration will be sent via email by July 27, 2024. --- Join us at the "STARTUP x INNOVATION THAILAND EXPO 2024" or SITE 2024, held at the MOE Fair: SCI-POWER FOR FUTURE THAILAND (Zone C: Startup Launchpad). --- Sunday, July 28, 2024, Meeting Room 210CD | Queen Sirikit National Convention Center 09.00-12.00 hrs. STEAM4INNOVATOR: 4 STEPS to capture key points, visualize 13.30-17.00 hrs. STEAM4INNOVATOR: Opening the door to the hearts of listeners with STORYTELLING #NIA #SITE2024 #StartupThailand #InnovationThailand #Innovation #Sustainability #Startup #Unicorn #MOE #MOEFair #FutureThailand #SciPower #MinistryofHigherEducationScienceResearchandInnovation #MOEforall #STEAM4INNOVATOR #Innovator #นวัตกร #PicturesTalk #เก็บประเด็นเห็นเป็นภาพ #STORYTELLING #สาระภาพ

Celebrating 10 Sprints and counting! What does this mean? 🤝 140+ corporate-startup collaboration discussion meetings, which led to startup pilots, Proof of Concept projects and investments in some of the startups. 🏃♂️ Overcoming hurdles in corporate innovation: Sprints help to engage with the wider organization and business units, find relevant deal flow, and get to concrete next steps from startup introductions. 🌍 Solving urgent development needs: due to increased demand for open innovation services like Sprints, we have started offering tailored sprints for one corporation at a time to work on urgent innovation topics. Up next: Group sprints: - Sustainable Packaging: design for end-of-life - Energy: decentralized load balancing and grid debottlenecking Tailored sprints: - Water treatment - Direct Air Capture If you are a corporate looking for solutions to your development needs or if you wish to have trial access to one of our coming group sprints, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Emmi Kaipio or Charles Vaslet. 👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/d4U3XfGp Tetsuya Mori I Maryam Asadi #openinnovation #sprints #collaboration #corporateinnovation #corporateventurecapital