The technology company HTM Solutions participated in the Seed Village growth program last fall, and it paid off: the program provided the company with new networks, expert coaching, and support for research-based product testing.
Harri Lehti, CEO of HTM Solutions, is pleased with the results of the Seed Village program.
- The program focused on both research and commercial aspects. We gained valuable insights and coaching for shaping our future direction, Lehti explains.
HTM Solutionsin toimitusjohtaja Harri Lehti.
Seed Village is a growth program designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), implemented by Kasvu Open and Jyväskylä's business services in collaboration with the University of Jyväskylä and JAMK University of Applied Sciences. The program offers companies a unique opportunity to network, receive expert coaching, and develop their business.
The 2024 program targeted SMEs specializing in measuring well-being and performance. Partners included the Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport (KIHU). The theme aligned perfectly with HTM Solutions' core expertise, making the decision to apply an easy one. HTM Solutions specializes in monitoring human heat strain and physiological stress using software solutions, providing data-driven tools for optimizing performance and enhancing safety in highly demanding conditions.
- We heard about the program through Kasvu Open and decided to apply. The universities and KIHU in Jyväskylä form an exceptionally tight-knit community, and collaborating with them is invaluable, says Lehti.
Support for the Validation Process
KIHU, and specifically the Sports Innovation Hub project, brought expertise in human performance research to the program. The collaboration was hands-on: in addition to networking and coaching, HTM Solutions' application was tested with KIHU personnel during cycling performance measurements, and additional data was collected in performance research conducted by the University of Jyväskylä.
- HTM Solutions receives the data for use in their product development. Similar data collection is planned to continue under different conditions during the winter season, says Iida Laatikainen-Raussi, coordinator of the Sports Innovation Hub project.
Sports Innovation Hub -hankkeen koordinaattori Iida Laatikainen-Raussi.
According to Harri Lehti, testing conducted by external parties has supported the company’s validation process, where developed algorithms and solutions are tested and verified in different environments.
- We need to conduct continuous measurements and tests to demonstrate that our model performs as expected across various settings. External testing supports this process and makes the measurements more objective, Lehti explains.
"A Great Atmosphere of Drive and Action"
Both Lehti and Laatikainen-Raussi believe that the collaboration will continue and deepen in the future.
- We've already planned new experiments and collaboration projects, reveals Laatikainen-Raussi.
Lehti mentions that discussions with experts that began during the Seed Village program have continued even after its conclusion. He believes HTM Solutions’ innovations will continue to benefit from the active community in Jyväskylä.
- I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find such a community in Jyväskylä that enables this kind of collaboration. There’s a great atmosphere of drive and action and an ideal environment for networking, for example.
Lehti recommends the Seed Village program especially for SMEs seeking growth opportunities and support for business development.
- The program, lasting a few months, is the right length and offers a chance to leverage a wide range of experts and contacts. If a company's field aligns with the program’s theme, it can be a truly beneficial experience.
The 2025 Seed Village program will focus on hydrogen and its business opportunities and networks. Apply by April 15, 2025!
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