The services offered to businesses by Kuopio Innovation expanded when the business start-up services previously belonging to the Technopolis Ventures service package in Kuopio were transferred to Kuopio Innovation from the start of 2010.

Business incubation services are  specifically targeted for starting technology and expert businesses as well as for people and teams developing their business ideas.   

- “It is good to remember that today's start-up businesses are tomorrow's growth industries. The business base in the area will grow, the area can offer diverse jobs, and the area becomes more attractive, hence increasing prosperity for the whole region” explained Heikki Nuutinen, Managing Director of Kuopio Innovation.

MoVet Oy received help from the business incubator for entrepreneurship and  development of the business idea.  Meanwhile, Ponnas Corporation used the business incubator in his search for new networks and international trade expertise. 

In June 2008, Jari Huuskonen began a three month business preincubation period. According to Huuskonen, he and the Business Development Advisor, Raija Tengvall, initially discussed a business plan, as well as issues relating to founding a business and how to obtain customers.

- “It was also a big help to be able to use the business incubator's extensive contacts” explained Huuskonen.

- “At the final stage my service provision became clearer. The key expertise in MoVet Oy is laboratory analysis. Our services are now being widely used  by  veterinaries,  trotter horse trainers and different research groups among others", said Huuskonen. 

The Ponnas Corporation, founded in 2007, specialises in emission monitoring and reporting applications. Although the company founders have years of business experience, they were happy to receive help from the business incubator.  According to Timo Toivanen, the Managing Director, the business incubator brings additional value in knowledge skills through its advisory services and co-operation networks. The future of the business - which took off so well - looks bright. 

- “With our software product you can record and report the emissions created in power stations and waste disposal plants. Our first deliveries have been made and they are not restricted to Finland – they have also gone to Pakistan, amongst other places” said Toivanen.

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