Urban Meets Rural

Purpose and goal

We created unique meetings between the youths and the entrepreneurs. The foundation of the project was that the youth got relevant support from the project leader and his co-workers during an initial camp. At the end of the camp the entrepreneurs that has received innovation support was invited to present their core business. The knowledge about technology and possibilities in the vicinity gave the youth new ideas and made them look at problems that needed to be solved in a way they probably wouldn´t have, hadn´t they had the introduction of the companies.

Results and expected effects

We had more than our estimated 30 participants. The companies found six possible future projects that might be funded by Vinova. They also found projects that they will go through with without looking for any financing. At least ten of our young participants will be offered a job with the participating companies.We also managed to get media to write about us and we´re certain that they will write about both Vinnova and our companies if they get funding for their Pilot projcets.

Approach and implementation

We let the entrepreneurs and the young problem identifiersmeet at an early stage. The entrepreneurs told them what they produce and they also showed them their offices/factories. The result was quite good, but we could expand cooperation even more. One problem we experienced was that during the first camp week, it was relatively easy to keep the young people in the group, but from July and on their parents had their vacation and the youngsters had to travel with them. Therefore it is better to plan meetings before midsummer and then in the autumn, when school has started again.