The workplace ecosystem of the future 24.4.2024 Fabritius_share ii.pdf
Jussi Kasurinen 'University of Technology), University supporting Start-Ups: Lessons Learned from Doing Something Actually Useful”
1. University Does Not Have to Be
aTerrible Parter
Lessons Learned with
Supporting Start-Ups
Presented by
Jussi Kasurinen (D.Sc.)
2. Role of University in Projects //
Cooperation?
Interviews, workshops, seminars, meetings,
constantly demanding time?
Studies that will be available 2 years from
now, no added value besides training
material?
Participating to things, but not actually
doing anything?
3. What Do Start-Ups Need?
Start-Ups have three needs: Money (…
Money and Money),Talent and Contacts.
Tools, Asset licenses, marketing and test
platforms largest ”must have” expenses.
”Office would be nice”
In practice 2-4 SME business owners making
a mobile game.
4. What Universities Have?
In most cases, university needs companies more
than company universities.
Resources:
Business, process knowledge
Programming knowledge
Human resources (interns)
Funding options
Contacts
5. How to Make ItWork
LUT funder in the game business hatchery
”LevelUp Lappeenranta” ::Tools, Office
Added voluntary courses which support
game industry-specific tools ::Talent
Add examples to existing courses (f.e. teach
Scrum in detail) :: More talent
6. Example :: Adding Games Industry
Considerations to the “Normal CS Program”
Able to work in
games industry
• Applying existing computer science knowledge in games
context.
• Games-specific technologies and fundamental aspects
• Working in teams; understanding the different tasks
and needs.
• Prototyping, designing a game.
• Ability to work as a member of ”real” team.
• Business and marketing aspects of making
games.
7. How to Make ItWork
Coordinate internships and thesis works to
startups. ::Talent
Apply game company people as teaching
and guest lecturer staff :: Money, test
Platforms
Provide student (and other) start-ups with
business contacts :: Contacts
8. Our Results
200k Euros for 3 years :: 5 new local
companies, + 15 new jobs to the region.
Regional cooperation with Cursor Oy, Game
Cluster and Playa Network.
+ Publications and other stuff on Game Industry
from theViewpoint of Software Engineering and
other “normal” stuff.