Turku AMK StartLab

We support student business idea development and growth entrepreneurship

Duration of the project

1.1 – 31.12.2026

Source of funding

Foundation for Private Entrepreneurs

Total funding

70 000 €

StartLab is a continuation of the Business Academy 3.0 project, which aimed to support the development of students’ own business ideas and growth entrepreneurship at the level of the entire higher education institution. The goal is to establish StartLab’s operations, further strengthen network cooperation in the Turku region, and develop an international dimension.

StartLab is a continuation of the Business Academy 3.0 (BA 3.0) project. The purpose of BA 3.0 was to diversify the established cooperative-based entrepreneurship model by creating a parallel pathway within the entrepreneurship learning environment for students who, instead of or alongside assignment-based entrepreneurship, wish to develop their own business ideas. At the same time, the aim was to strengthen support for growth entrepreneurship at the level of the entire higher education institution. As a result of the BA 3.0 project, StartLab was created and successfully launched.

The main objective of the StartLab project is to establish StartLab as a permanent activity, further strengthen network collaboration in the Turku region, and develop its international dimension.

The project’s main objective will be achieved through the following sub-objectives:

1. further development of the concept based on piloting and implementation of the training,
2. increased focus on mentoring,
3. expansion of the mentor network and network cooperation,
4. opening an international dimension,
5. continuation and further development of events, and
6. strengthening communication, including increasing digital visibility, developing the visual identity, and disseminating results.

We will continue the events that were successfully implemented in 2025, including innovation events, pitching events, and research group matchmaking events. Through the project’s objectives, the intended impact is to increase students’ interest in entrepreneurship and to facilitate the creation of new companies. During the project, it is estimated that 60 individuals will demonstrate willingness to establish a company as a result of the developed growth-oriented environment.