New Factory
New Factory provides students, self-employed entrepreneurs, researchers and developers with an environment for open innovation, allowing them to process ideas into prototypes, pilot projects, products and services, new business and new jobs. Seeds of ideas can come from businesses, students, researchers or local residents. Besides ideas, enterprises in the Tampere region supply the Factory with coaching and financing. In return, the New Factory offers enterprises new talent, business ideas and concepts. The Factory's operations are run by its four engine rooms: Demola, Protomo, Suuntaamo and StartupStairs.
The Factory wants to keep its operations customer focused, down-to-earth, agile, cost-efficient and effective. Operations are characterised by acceptance of new ideas and people, inspiration and encouragement.
Excellent projects
Last year, New Factory carried out almost one hundred projects. In the early stages of operations, the main focus was on ICT and media projects conducted jointly with Nokia and YLE, Finland’s national public service broadcasting company. In the field of mechanical engineering, joint projects have been launched with major industry players such as Metso and UPM. The number of projects designed to develop social innovations, well-being, games and eco-friendly traffic is also growing.
Award-winning work
New Factory won the Innofinland regional contest in autumn 2010, achieved an honorary mention in the Tuottava idea (“Productive Idea”) regional contest, and received the AER (Assembly of European Regions) Innovation Award. Newelo Oy, a company fostered by Protomo, was awarded a prize at the World Summit Awards 2010, an event that selects the world’s best e-content and the most innovative ICT applications.
Strong support
New Factory is supported by the City of Tampere, Council of Tampere Region, the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Pirkanmaa, Tampere University of Technology, the University of Tampere, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere Chamber of Commerce, the Centre of Expertise Programme (OSKE), and the Tampere Region Economic Development Agency Tredea. Hermia Ltd, a local innovation company, is responsible for the Factory’s engine rooms and their operations.
