New International Cooperation Projects Developing Innovations in the Sports and Wellness Sector Selected – Two Companies from Kainuu Included
The projects will progress with support funding and in collaboration with universities.
The international I3-INSHAPE project organized an open call for companies in the spring, seeking ideas and services to develop the sports and wellness sector. Out of more than 33 proposals, nine projects were selected. Two SMEs from Kainuu are involved in the projects: 73 Health Global, an expert in healthcare equipment and software technology, and Black Smoke Studios, a gaming company. Additionally, the Kainuu-based wellness service company Lentiira with Love will act as an official partner in one of the starting projects.
– The consortia consist of 2–3 SMEs from different EU regions. Other new companies come from, among others, Spain, Hungary, and the Netherlands, says Katri Takala, Senior Lecturer in Sports at Kajaani University of Applied Sciences and Project Manager of the I3-INSHAPE project.
Data and Research Information Are Key Factors in Development Work
Data and research information are utilized in the development of innovations, so universities are closely involved in the development work. From Kainuu, the EU-funded I3-INSHAPE project includes Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) and JYU-Vuokatti, as well as the sports gaming company CSE Entertainment.
– The project has progressed well, as the so-called flagship companies have found partners for their product development projects from various European countries. For example, CSE Entertainment is collaborating with a Spanish company, says Takala.
The new I3 cooperation projects will receive funding of up to EUR 91,500 from the Innovation Support Program.
Winning Projects and Consortia
1. Empowering Sports Events
Consortium: LOMARTOV S.L, Valencia | LittleShark, Hungary | BARCELONA ZERO LIMITS, Catalunya.
2. ACTIVE SPACES
Consortium: NORTH 3, Catalunya | NEORG, Catalunya | BLACK SMOKE STUDIOS, Kainuu.
3. Wellbeing for Sportsmen
Consortium: Data-Vita, Hungary | Sports Institute of Three Campuses, Päijät-Häme | Associate partner: Lentiira with Love, Kainuu.
4. Pingpong Planet
Consortium: Dudject Inc, Hungary | VR Solutions, Hungary | SC UNITED INTER, Valencia.
5. ActiveMotionAI
Consortium: Hagenaars Beheer, South NL | MakesPerfect, South NL | Total Base Capital, Catalunya.
6. ActiVschool
Consortium: Factual Consulting, Catalunya | MVP Sport, Hungary.
7. Phygital Sports
Consortium: A Mozgó Cívisért Egyesület, Hungary | MyPlay, Catalunya | Placenet Internet of Places, Catalunya.
8. The Positive Cycle
Consortium: 73Health Global, Kainuu | Improfit, Catalunya | EBHEALTH3, Valencia.
9. MISTER GOLF AI
Consortium: SOCERFAB SALUD SRL, Valencia | DataExpert Services Kft, Hungary.
The international I3-INSHAPE project promotes European innovations in the field of sports and wellness and addresses the growing concern of physical inactivity among Europeans through innovations and digital solutions. From Kainuu, the project involves Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, JYU-Vuokatti, and the sports gaming company CSE Entertainment. The project is co-funded by the European Union.
For more information:
Senior Lecturer in Sports Katri Takala, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, katri.takala@kamk.fi, tel. +358 44 710 1625
