Last week marked the conclusion of the first Bootcamp of Module 3 of the TEAMIT+ training programme. 40 young innovators from France, Spain, Finland, and Greece met for the first time in Finland. Hosted by Tiimiakatemia, this bootcamp was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills leading to innovation and entrepreneurship.
A Week of Inspiration and Collaboration
Participants engaged in “Knowing Each Other” activities, allowing them to discover shared interests, strengths, and aspirations, which would later facilitate the formation of the teams.
Through a series of discussions and workshops, participants explored critical global issues, including education, circular economy, technology, healthcare, smart cities, and energy. In groups, they identified challenges specific to their countries and worked collectively to discuss solutions. These brainstorming sessions were highly important for the Challenge Definition & Context Setting phase, where the participants were able to exchange experiences and ideas that could be later transformed to an entrepreneurial project that would also have an impact to those society challenges.
One of the highlights of the week was a pitch session where two Tiimiakatemia students presented their entrepreneurial project on slow fashion, promoting sustainable and ethically produced clothing. Their initiative inspired participants to reflect on the importance of responsible business practices.
The most demanding part of the week was the Team Formation process. Working in teams requires participants to practice active listening, empathy, and adaptability. Maialen Mendizabal, founder of Diversity4Equality and leader of Module 3, played a crucial role in facilitating this process, ensuring smooth collaboration and conflict resolution when needed. Additionally, Chelza Inzouddine, coach and also coordinator of TEAMIT+ project, shared her experience from the African Basque Challenge and the creation of the “Impact Mama” initiative, inspiring participants and helping them understanding more about social entrepreneurship.
From Ideation to Prototyping
Once the teams were formed, they engaged in the Ideation Process, where they developed initial concepts addressing the identified challenges. A key part of this stage was the validation process, where participants tested the feasibility of their ideas. During the Action Days, they contacted companies, they collected information to confirm that their ideas could work and they had the opportunity to integrate feedback, adapt their ideas where necessary.
During the last bootcamp day there was the Pitching Presentation phase, where each team presented their work so far. The ten coaches- one for each team- were also revealed. The final Closing Ceremony marked the end of an intense but transformative experience.
The Teams and Their Challenges
Ten teams emerged from the bootcamp, each addressing a different social or environmental challenge:
GREEN BITES – Food & Sustainability – Promoting Plant-Based Diets
CARACOOL’s – Sustainable Travelling
SNACKADEMY – Food & Education – Sustainable Eating
EKO CLICK– Environmental Technology – Microplastic Pollution
RENOVO DESIGN– Circular Economy – Textile Waste Reduction
TEXTILE MATCH– Circular Economy – Connecting Sustainable Fashion Players
MONSTERA – Healthcare – Air Pollution in Schools
NEO VIFTA – Mental Health – Eco-Anxiety Awareness & Support
TRANSPORT ME– Mobility & Public Transport in Greece (personal)
TRANSPORT US– Mobility & Public Transport in Greece (public transport)
Cultural Exchange and Activities
The bootcamp was not only about work, it also promoted cultural exchange and personal development. Participants took part in a Cultural Night, where they shared traditions, food, and stories from their home countries. Fun activities led to moments of fun, ensuring a balanced and inspiring experience.
The first TEAMIT+ bootcamp in Finland successfully combined practical learning, teamwork, and inspiration, preparing the teams to continue working in collaboration with their coach, until the second bootcamp in Bilbao, that will take place in April. As these young innovators move forward with their projects, they carry with them the skills, knowledge, and networks that will lead to meaningful impact in their communities.
A huge thank you to Maialen Mendizabal founder of Diversity4Equality and Susana Zubiaurre Acha from the Mondragon Team Academy for leading the activities of this week and for their enthusiasm and inspiration and to the Tiimiakatemia team- Tapu Holttinen, Anu Manner and Janne Roiha- for hosting the bootcamp and for helping make it an impactful experience!
