StartHub operates on the LAB University of Applied Sciences campus in Mukkula. The word hub refers to a shared workspace and community, while startup means a young, growth‑oriented company. But what exactly is being developed in Mukkula?
– Business plans, new service concepts, business models that reshape markets, and future international breakthroughs! A wide range of product and service innovations from different sectors, says Miikka Venäläinen, Lahti’s Head of Business Development.
StartHub is an accelerator for new business ideas. Its aim is to strengthen competence‑based entrepreneurship and build a strong startup ecosystem in Lahti. The incubator offers early‑stage companies free workspace, furniture, equipment and connectivity. Services also include coaching, incubation and acceleration programmes, training and events. Experienced business developers and top‑level specialists provide free mentoring for entrepreneurs.
– In Lahti, a startup entrepreneur receives a comprehensive set of free services that support growth from an idea to international business. StartHub plays a key role in providing this pathway, Venäläinen says.
StartHub supports ambitious companies regardless of sector. Fields represented so far have included artificial intelligence, wellbeing, gaming, coaching, robotics and housing services.
City support creates long-term continuity
StartHub has operated in Lahti since 2019. The City of Lahti has funded the incubator from the start. From the city’s perspective, this funding is an investment in regional vitality, the business base and long‑term growth.
– We want to support the growth potential of new companies. Our aim is to generate new growth companies and international business in Lahti, Venäläinen explains.
The funding enables StartHub to continue and further develop its core services while maintaining strong connections to higher education institutions, research and the business community. The city’s support also strengthens Lahti’s position as an emerging startup city where new business, jobs and international competitiveness are created.
In addition to the City of Lahti, StartHub is supported by LAB University of Applied Sciences and Isku Oy. Lahti Region Development LADEC Oy also contributes by advising new entrepreneurs and connecting StartHub companies with local networks and clusters. LADEC’s advisory services support startups throughout their entire lifecycle.
Company example: Qaicu builds new AI business in StartHub
The Lahti-based startup Qaicu has developed an AI solution within the StartHub community that helps organisations use their fragmented data more effectively for decision‑making.
Its key innovation is a so‑called virtual chief financial officer. The solution combines and analyses financial data and other operational information. It brings together advanced language models and the company’s own platform technology to create an internal AI system that improves operational efficiency. At the same time, it responds to the growing need to integrate AI into everyday business operations. Qaicu aims to take its solution to international markets.
StartHub has offered Qaicu an environment where product development, business model design and network building can progress side by side. The community‑driven model, expert coaching and close connection to higher education institutions have supported the company’s path from idea to market.
Qaicu’s growth‑oriented story shows how cooperation between the city, universities and companies generates new business and strengthens Lahti’s economic vitality.
More information
-
Miikka Venäläinen