FRUSH - Circular Economy Event for Startups and Growth Enterprises
About this good practice
FRUSH originates from the results of SYMBI project, as from the studies conducted within the project a general lack of knowledge towards Circular Economy (CE) and Industrial Symbiosis (IS) was noticed. In addition, other projects have shown that new innovations and start-ups are in difficulties to find investors to get their ideas and/or products launched.
To overcome the above mentioned problems Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) and Forssa Business Development Ltd (FYKKI) started the chain of FRUSH events. There are similar types of matchmaking events for start-ups and SME’s existing elsewhere but FRUSH is the only one concentrating in CE and IS.
FRUSH entails:
- speeches by respected professionals, decision makers and innovators
- workshops etc. for students to encourage them to develop CE and IS
- pitching competition for start-ups to find investors
- business to business matchmaking meetings
- exhibition of new innovations and products based on CE
- international event for exchanging experiences and to develop collaboration.
Vision driving the event forward is to be the leading national circular economy event. FRUSH2019 is organised 18th -19th September 2019 in Forssa, Finland.
Expert opinion
FRUSH is an inspiring initiative originating from the results of SYMBI project, as from the studies conducted within the project. It addressed key challenges for industrial symbiosis (IS) development such as a general lack of knowledge among businesses about circular economy and IS. The learning potential of practice is in the approach and methodology aiming to boost the development of start-ups, creating and promoting new business opportunities around circular economy and IS. Implemented with limited resources the practice demonstrated positive results such as the increased number of participants since its launch in 2017. In addition, the pitching competition has helped start-ups and growth enterprises to get funding and promotion and also helped some businesses to launch their products. FRUSH high transferability potential and can be especially useful for other regions taking the first steps in IS development.
Resources needed
Evidence of success
The pitching competition has helped start-ups and growth enterprises to get funding and recognisability. The competition has also helped some businesses to launch their products.
Potential for learning or transfer
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Häme University of Applied Sciences - HAMK