Execution of Startup Booster – Fall 2024
Startup Booster – Fall 2024
Fall 2024 has been an exciting journey for the student incubator at Lyspæren and the participants in the Startup Booster program. This year’s program brought together 14 teams from diverse academic backgrounds, offering them the opportunity to develop their business ideas through an intensive seven-week course. Over the course of the program, students received guidance from experts, participated in workshops, and worked diligently to transform their ideas into sustainable concepts.
This was the fifth time Startup Booster was organized by the student incubator at Lyspæren. New this fall was the option for master’s students at UiS to earn 10 ECTS credits by completing the Startup Booster program as part of the elective course MSB415 Sustainable Entrepreneurship, which is open to all master’s students.
From idea to concept development
The program kicked off in September, starting with an introduction to entrepreneurship and opportunity identification. Weekly sessions followed, covering topics such as market validation, prototyping, value proposition, and cost structure. Each session included inspiring lectures by industry professionals from the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem, including Nordic Edge, DSD, Skape, Flyt Regnskap, and Validé.
Participants also engaged in group work and practical exercises and had access to a digital learning platform featuring videos and podcasts for additional learning support.
Demo Day – A presentation day full of inspiration
The highlight of the program was Demo Day, where each team pitched their business idea to a jury and audience in the beautiful setting of Innoasis. Students presented everything from sustainable solutions to tech-driven services, demonstrating a clear understanding of market needs and value creation.
The event concluded with awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, along with a sustainability prize. Innovation Norway was also present, sharing insights into their funding opportunities.
A special thanks to our jury members:
- Kjartan Melberg, DSD
- Susanne Todnem, Poynt
- Dagfinn Wåge, Validé
- Rudolf Hansen, Skape
- Tatiana Iakovleva, Business School, UiS
- Troels Jacobsen, Director of Innovation, UiS
Building knowledge and community
Startup Booster provided participants with more than just an introduction to entrepreneurship. They gained a supportive network, hands-on experience, and the tools to bring their ideas to life. Several teams have already expressed plans to further develop their concepts, and we’re excited to follow their journeys.
A space for growth
Lyspæren and the student incubator are proud to offer a space where students can explore their potential and turn ideas into real solutions. We wish all participants the best of luck and look forward to welcoming them back – whether for future events or as successful entrepreneurs.
With Startup Booster 2024 now complete, planning for next year’s program is already underway. We can’t wait to inspire and challenge a new generation of students dreaming of making a big impact!
Do you have a business idea you want to develop or need guidance on? Reach out to lyspaeren@uis.no.
