in content lists or on the content page.Telespro Finland Ltd has been selected the 2006 Incubator Business of the Year. Telespro Finland Ltd specialises in products and services for emergency care and rescue services. An honorary mention was also awarded to Viconsys Oy, which develops process and quality vision systems for the paper industry.
The awards were published at a seminar in Helsinki on 31 October, which focused on experiences of incubator activities both in Finland and the EU at large. The event also introduced the results of a comparative study on the commercialisation models in research-based business. The event was jointly organised by Sitra and the Finnish Science Park Association TEKEL.
The Telespro Finland Ltd received the award for its new innovative business model, network-based product development and internationally competitive products that help save lives. The company has evolved at the Technology Centre Teknia Ltd in Kuopio. Of late, the company has increasingly shifted its focus from product development to marketing. In the near future, the aim is to strengthen the company’s position on the international markets.
“The incubator as an operative environment has created a certain security to develop both the products and the business operations. A quick access to networks and particularly making active use of them have been the key to our success,” says Heikki Hakkarainen, Managing Director of Telespro Finland Ltd.
Honorary mention to Viconsys Oy
Viconsys Oy, awarded an honorary mention, was praised by the jury for its efficient product development enabling company to increase its technological lead over competitors. The company has in a short time built an international sales network and its growth has been rapid. Viconsys is based at Technopolis JSP Ltd in Jyväskylä.
The Incubator Business of the Year awards were presented for the third time
The 2006 selections were made by a jury comprising members of the TEKEL Business Development Team from amongst eight companies nominated by technology incubators. The selection criteria were innovativeness, competitive advantages, growth potential, market potential, the development performance of the company during the incubation period and the financial performance of the company.
Read more:
- Research-based businesses need the impetus of technology incubators (pdf) »
- Cutting-edge research creates new growth companies (pdf) »
Further information
Development Programme for Business Incubators (Yrke)
Anu Nokso-Koivisto, Director, Sitra
Tel. + 359 9 6189 9228, + 358 50 563 6997
firstname.lastname@sitra.fi
Kirsi Suomalainen, Communications Officer, Sitra Communications
Tel. +358 50 369 9975
firstname.lastname@sitra.fi
Incubator Business Awards
Keith Silverang, Chairman of the Business Development Team of TEKEL and CEO, Technopolis Ventures Ltd.
Tel. +358 40 566 7785
firstname.lastname@technopolis.fi
Pia Pere-Vanhanen, Communications Manager
Tel. +358 40 867 1708
firstname.lastname@tekel.fi
www.tekel.fi »
The 2006 Incubator Business of the Year/Companies awarded
Heikki Hakkarainen, Managing Director, Telespro Finland Ltd
Tel. +358 400 573 376
firstname.lastname@telespro.fi
Hannu Ruuska, Managing Director, Viconsys Oy
Tel. +358 400 670 824
firstname.lastname@viconsys.com
Telespro Finland Ltd specialises in products and services for emergency care and rescue services. It develops, markets and sells innovative high-quality products and services that can help improve the efficiency of rescue operations and increase patient and personnel safety. The development work is conducted in collaboration with research institutes, hospitals and rescue professionals. Telespro Finland has been operating for two years and is based at Technology Cente Teknia Ltd in Kuopio.
www.telespro.fi »
Viconsys Oy produces process and quality vision systems based on new vision technology for the flat sheet process industry, such as paper and plastic lines. This high-tech growth company was awarded the prestigious Trophée d’Or ATIP 2006 de l’Innovation des Technologies Papetières award as the most innovative paper technology company. Viconsys was established in March 2005 and is based at Technopolis Ventures JSP Ltd.
www.viconsys.com »
Yrke programme
The Development Programme for Business Incubators is a joint undertaking by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Sitra, Tekes and the Employment and Economic Development Centres.
