Project

Well-being and growth through prototypes (ProtoKS)

Project sponsors

Project type
Development project
Focus area
Innovative Learning
Implementation time
1.9.2024 - 28.2.2026
Financing program
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021-2027
Project description

The main objective of the ProtoKS project is to develop a model for rapid prototyping to meet the diverse needs of SMEs in Central Finland. This will enhance the opportunities for micro and small enterprises to increase their experimentation and innovation activities, thereby accelerating regional growth and well-being. In addition to producing prototypes, the model includes an assessment of commercial potential, value network benefits, market situation, competitors, and profitability. The model to be developed combines technical development with business expertise and other essential aspects such as usability, human-technology interaction, user-centricity, accessibility, and ergonomics. Multidisciplinary evaluation of problems or ideas and development utilizing multidisciplinary approaches enable the prototype phase to evolve into a commercially successful product.


The project implementation period is from September 1, 2024, to February 28, 2026. The primary target group is micro and small enterprises in Central Finland from the fields of emerging industries, well-being, and experience industries.

Project objectives:
1. Develop and pilot a multidisciplinary rapid prototyping model in collaboration with the business sector, considering the needs of companies to support product and service development for SMEs.
2. Accelerate companies' RDI activities and the commercialization of innovations through concrete prototypes.
3. Improve companies' ability to assess the commercial potential of product and service innovations (prototypes).

As a result of the project, a model and processes will be obtained that enable faster and more agile responses to companies' needs to build rapid prototypes. Prototypes can be related to products, services, or concepts and can be physical or virtual. The model takes into account the needs and goals of companies. Companies benefit from the contributions of both the staff and students of JAMK University of Applied Sciences. During the project, value networks in various fields will also be strengthened as companies network more strongly and identify collaboration opportunities. Concrete results will also include at least 10 different prototypes, which will enable the acceleration of product development for companies or a broader group of companies.

Contact: 

Jyrki Vihriälä
Project Manager
Research and Development
School of Business
+358505646644