A Week with UEF Startups in Germany: Competitions, Building Networks and Gaining Experience.
Text by Tomi Tuovinen
The Finnish delegation in Stage Two Wildcard competition in Bochum, Germany.
From September 15th to 21st, four startup founders from the University of Eastern Finland spent a week in Cologne and Bochum, Germany. The aim was to provide the founders with an initial view of what is important when planning actions in an international environment, connecting with potential international networks, and eventually expanding their startups to international markets. The week was part of an ongoing collaboration with the University of Cologne, which began in 2019, as well as a newly initiated cooperation with Ruhr University Bochum. Therefore, the aim was also to explore the opportunity of operating in Germany through collaboration with Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Cologne.
Four teams took part in the trip: EduZolve, represented by doctoral researcher Olusegun Akinyemi, which develops an AI exam preparation app for West African students; ColdXRay, with Dr. Petr Obraztsov, focused on developing innovative cold cathode X-ray technology; AliceAI, led by computer science bachelor student Anne-Mari Pitkänen which creates an AI-powered language learning app for B2B market; and AVANTO, represented by medical student Valtteri Rainio, developing an app to assist patients suffering from early-stage memory disorders.
The program consisted of introductions to local startup facilities and services in Cologne and Bochum, hands-on training, and participation in international events and competitions, all contributing to a comprehensive learning experience. This included a tour of the Gateway Excellence Start-up Center facilities in Cologne and later an introduction to the Maker Space area of Ruhr University Bochum where startups can use the available facilities to develop their products from an early prototype towards market entry.
In Cologne with the CEO Marc Kley and Janina Schmidt from the Gateway Excellence Start-up Center.
Gateway Excellence Start-up Center provided the teams with an intensive training session where an experienced startup coach from University of Cologne provided fresh insight into pitching, and in Bochum the teams got sparring from an experienced serial entrepreneur from Start2 Group. According to Olusegun Akinyemi from EduZolve the training sessions were particularly valuable in helping him to think more deeply about customer-focused development and internationalization strategies.
The UEF teams got to attend the Cologne International Health Hub event hosted by Gateway, where Petr Obraztsov from ColdXRay was invited to participate in a panel discussion about support mechanisms needed to grow internationally and also to pitch his startup on stage. Petr remarked that presenting his work to the event’s audience allowed him to gain new perspectives and connections.
The Finnish delegation visiting KölnBusiness.
The startups also visited KölnBusiness, Cologne’s business development agency. This visit highlighted the city’s support for international startups and introduced the teams to KölnBusiness’s landing program — a structured initiative designed to assist foreign startups interested in establishing themselves in Cologne. Through this the UEF teams have a concrete option if they choose to expand their operations into Cologne area. The teams also got to attend Digital X, a massive event focusing on digital transformation and emerging technological trends.
Later during the week, the teams participatedin Stage Two Wild Card competition in Bochum. Anne-Mari Pitkänen from AliceAI pitched her startup to a panel of international judges and found the trip useful for exploring the international viability of her business idea. “I was able to make contacts which will be beneficial if we expand into the German market,” she explained. “I also realized that our business idea is competitive internationally when I pitched it at the Stage Two competition. The feedback from the judges confirmed that we are on the right path. After this experience, it will be easier to develop our concept and make strategic decisions.” Out of several applicants AliceAI was one of the three teams that got to pitch on stage in the “Female Founder” -category.
Anne-Mari Pitkänen from AliceAI pitching in the Stage Two Wildcard competition.
For the participants, the week was an opportunity to refine their ideas, gain external validation, and plan next steps for developing their startups. Reflecting on the entire trip, Petr from ColdXRay commented: “The trip exceeded expectations, bringing valuable connections and insights, and it was a refreshing break from the usual research and university environment, giving us the chance to present our startup and tech solution to a much wider audience. And to top it off, we had a fantastic time with the diverse and international team from UEF, which brought a lot of inspiration and energy to keep moving forward”. Olusegun from EduZolve was as well pleased with the outcome: “it was an incredible experience! I gained fresh perspectives on internationalization and explored potential partnerships with innovative EdTech startups in Germany — exciting steps ahead for EduZolve as we continue transforming education in West Africa!” Valtteri Rainio from AVANTO summarized the trip concisely: “A lot of concrete advice from internationally successful business owners and coaches. Great trip with great people.”
By Tomi Tuovinen, Innovation Advisor at the University of Eastern Finland and Business Center North Savo
Tomi Tuovinen