What do IT start-ups and SMEs need as regards IT? This question is addressed by the Accelerator project led by Sabine Proßnegg. Here she reveals three tips for those driving innovation in the IT world.
It all starts with a good idea. The Accelerator project led by the Institute of Internet Technology & Applications at FH JOANNEUM can help turn this idea into a successful project, regardless whether it is a case of setting up a new business or expanding an existing one. The project is funded by the European Union under the Interreg Programme (Danube). The Styrian Business Promotion Agency (SFG) is an associate partner, the municipality of Kapfenberg and the local Economic Chamber of Bruck/Mur support FH JOANNEUM in practical implementation in Kapfenberg.
As project leader, Sabine Proßnegg is the contact person for start-up entrepreneurs and businesses in the Hochsteiermark region. She and her team are working on establishing a virtual business incubator (KAIT) at FH JOANNEUM in Kapfenberg. She has the following three tips for those driving innovation in the IT world:
Tip 1: Give your business plan some thought
Produce a business plan, using the Canvas Business Model for instance. This will help you visualise your business concept and see if it also makes sense from an entrepreneurial perspective. Consider the financial aspect but don’t forget your market environment, sales and marketing.
If you already have a business plan or have nearly finished preparing one, you can enter the current business plan competition. Just submit your plans to FH JOANNEUM. The best ideas will be presented before a panel on 17 April 2018 and the best three business plans will be awarded vouchers to the value of EUR 1000 in total by the municipality of Kapfenberg. The best ideas also have the opportunity to receive advice, coaching and mentoring by experts from FH JOANNEUM.
Tip 2: Find out about possible funding
Ideas generally need capital to become reality. To get hold of capital you can approach public and private providers for funding. Various types of aid - at regional, federal or even at EU level - are also a good means of bringing your idea to fruition. Accelerator participants are offered advice in this regard. The Styrian Business Promotion Agency (SFG) is an associate project partner.
Tip 3: Build up a network and make use of it
Building a good network is the basis for your success: ideas can be exchanged within the IT community and checked to see that they are suitable. Everyone here speaks the same language. But contact with research bodies also brings many benefits: you get the latest research results at first hand and you can test your own products within a secure environment. There are also opportunities to recruit talent. Part of the infrastructure of FH JOANNEUM and its network are made available to participants in the Accelerator project.