1. The StudiosandHowest Christel De Maeyer, The Studios, a European Business accelerator based on Triple Helix model Combi 2011, Contempary Views on Business, Developing Business Excellence, Hamk University, Finland Manager The Studios, Howest UC Kortrijk Belgium Organizer Design For Persuasion Conference
Procedure of acceleration 3 phasesPre incubation based on internship and SBPSummer evaluationSeptember startup structureGrowth
Open creative spacesMix with senior entrepreneursNetwork with industry for young starters (chamber of commerce (voka and creative starters)User groups and other clustersCommercial insights after research (network of Howest)
Open mind/multidisciplinair/creative sectorCulture of innovation, right to failEntrepreneurship as a lifestyleThe ones who are flexible and adapt will survive and be successful (traingle factory from future flow to social gaming Belgian market/product simulation, elevenfeet from product design to interior design)Technology and social Innovation (coworking)Culture of necessity versus culture of desire (e.g. Etsy, Kickstarter)
Different start capital, depending on startupGrowth, collaboration with Ugent/IBBT e-ventureFunding channel more known with researchers then undergraduates, learning processResearch – starters - Big Co- SME-Internationalize
HowestInternational contacts – conference international entrepreneurs forum – design for persuasion- design weekArt and EconomyCreative InnovationInternational incubation, exploring, preparing, Plug and play tech center – Belgian paviljoen
Creating envolvement with the starters by participating in making it all happen, an entrepreneurs community with all the facilities needed for a creative economy and exposure.4 companies at the moment (product design, mobile comm, 3D gaming, rich apps for entreprises) 1 exit, 2 new ones coming in the fall social communciation/digtalcommuncation40/60 % mix senior – starterThe Connection to Howest is major asset, network, lead generation
Early student integration/workshops on entrepreneurship for year 1Preincubation proves to be workingInternships in startups, recruted from Howest, sets the intern in a serious setting, and makes them think differently about starting up a business
The open atmosphere, the good vibes allows for spotting sensitive areas and lack of experience and guiding the start-ups pro-activily
Playfulness makes it a joy to work while keeping the earnest. Brainstorm rooms are very popular with outside organisations and companies, creates a lot of visitors, different dynamics, and also room for lead generation, and original thinking.The design of the building is also a major asset, as it creates good spirits and put people in a good space when entering.
The driver in entrepreneurship is passion, love for the company, and the will to create and rethink and renew all the time.Good mentoring, expansive network and good communnication