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The collaboration between the two creative industry pre-incubators marked a significant milestone as they teamed up to organise a new pitching event for their participants. This event was designed to provide an opportunity for the pre-incubator participants to present their projects to a larger audience, specifically targeting those with an interest in entrepreneurial endeavours within the creative and arts industries.

The partnership between Aalto Digital Creatives and Uniarts Hub will extend into the upcoming autumn semester, when the next batch of pre-incubator participants will have their chance to pitch at the second Creative Demo Day event. Additional details regarding the event will be released closer to the date.
 

Twelve teams developed their business ideas in the Aalto Digital Creatives programme this spring. Five of these teams took the stage in Musiikkitalo to present the pitches they’ve practiced during the 13-week programme. One of the Aalto Digital Creatives Creative Demo Day pitches was delivered by the team behind Pawple who took part in the pre-incubator in autumn 2022. Pawple is an application providing pet owners with an online community,

The five pitches from this spring’s Aalto Digital Creatives programme were The Campfire, Previu, KOTA app, Taimio and Darades. The Campfire serves as an immersive portal to story-driven virtual reality experiences. Previu provides an online platform for fashion enthusiasts where they can create and experiment with virtual outfits. KOTA app is a digital product for rearranging spaces within home for optimal wellness. Taimio offers smart modular planters combining the flexibility of traditional plant pots with the benefits of hydroponic growing systems. Darades is a unique digital showroom built on an XR platform which connects artisans with their customers in a new way that promotes creativity and sustainability.

During the programme the teams are guided by business advisors and creative industry experts. Programme modules include workshops where participants learn to develop and protect the business ideas and expand their networks. Emphasis is also put on pitching the ideas to different audiences as this serves the participants in finding partners and investors. On top of the coaching from the experts at Aalto Startup Center and Aalto Studios, peer support is one the key takeaways for the participants.

'Talking with other groups with similar mindsets and aspirations is great. The community makes you realise you are not alone, and many people have the same struggles', said Anna Li and Fiia Kitinoja from the Taimio project when asked about their experiences in the programme.

The next Aalto Digital Creatives pre-incubator program starts on the 21st of September 2023. The application period is open from the 1st of June until the 5th of September 2023. Applications are encouraged from teams or individuals who have an idea for business and a background in the creative industries.