The 5G Open Innovation Lab provides a platform for Finnish startup companies to develop their products or services through structured and systematic coaching while gaining access to mentors, investors, and potential partners in the North American markets.
Designed to be a collaborative, development-focused ecosystem approach, the 5G Innovation Lab aims to bring together visionary startups, industry leaders, technical experts, and investors to surpass obstacles that hamper innovation and build what is next. Their mission is to build a community of platform, industry, research, and public partnerships that explore, experiment, and understand the potential for software-defined applications and services running on future 5G & edge networks.
The Lab provides selected startups with access to cutting-edge technology, industry expertise, and resources that help them accelerate their growth and scale their business. The Lab deviates from traditional startup accelerator and incubator models. With a founder-friendly approach, the program strives to work with multi-stage teams from Seed to Series C. It also focuses on helping startups generate traction based on their own priorities and goals. The program aims to open to right doors, enabling success with their partners, and networking startups through their ecosystem.
The program
Every year, the program hosts two 12-week Batches of 12-15 startups across all funding stages. The Spring Program launches in early March, and the Fall Program launches in mid-September. The Lab recruits internationally pre-vetted companies through its network of partners, venture firms, and Founders. Startups admitted into Batches will commit to our 12-week virtual program with access to a series of benefits, including no entity requirement, hands-on engineering, industry mentorships, global exposure, and lab access.
Technology and software startups from Seed to Series C are welcome to apply. Companies driving digital transformation across industries with solutions in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced analytics, automation, and wireless technologies are welcome to join. There is no participation/application fee, and the application period is now open for the next cohort of companies. Finnish companies receive an expedited application process as part of the collaboration between the Washington state and Finland.
Contact person:
Samuli Kaijomaa
Counsellor for Trade and Investment
Embassy of Finland, Washington, D.C.
samuli.kaijomaa@formin.fi
Source: Team Finland