GEOsmartcampus’ focus on tech platforms enables multiple growth paths
GEOsmartcampus (GSC) is an independent thematic accelerator founded in late 2016 by four organisations. It focuses on digital geography, and describes itself as ‘a platform of innovation’ that aims to bring together businesses and academia, especially researchers.
GEOsmartcampus aims to promote and support innovation
GSC provides an acceleration program, a laboratory, a training area, and consultancy services in innovation and internationalisation. It aims to promote a culture of innovation and communication, and its consulting services also help to promote the solutions developed through its programs. Its overall aim is to discover and sustain start-ups, small businesses, spinoffs and innovative projects focused on the “science of where”. These projects and businesses usually integrate digital geography with other reference platforms.
The projects have to be reasonably advanced to be accepted
The projects submitted to GSC all have to be economically feasible. They must be promoted by a team with the necessary skills, and be able to show that there is real market demand for the product. GSC evaluates the team’s age, culture, origin, and heterogeneity (technical, sectorial, and commercial backgrounds) to assess the feasibility of the proposal. Businesses must also have carried out a study of service architecture and must include georeferencing among the requirements.
GSC’s relationship with its start-ups can be long-term and it provides a range of support
The initial acceleration period lasts up to six months. However, this may be followed by up to three years of incubation. The projects admitted to the program are given access to an international acceleration platform, and may also benefit from support such as training from GSC’s technology partners, professional support such as project management help, and networking services. This will help them to identify and develop the skills and resources they need.
GSC’s start-ups are specifically enabled to offer consultancy to others
Start-ups have access to specialist consultancy support, and help with seeking partners and clients. This aims to facilitate their business relationships both nationally and internationally, and help them to develop their own networks and commercial activity. They can also become part of the GEOsmartcampus consulting database, which may enable them to obtain work as consultants. Their work will be publicised via communication and brand awareness activities developed by GSC, and they can attend events, meetings, and fairs organised by the campus.
GSC’s management and funding is slim
GSC is managed by just six people, although it draws on others to support its programs. For example, participants in the acceleration program may also need support from technological experts from partners, and in legal issues, marketing and communication, among other functions. The campus receives no external funding. Its income comes from sponsorship, and fees from start-ups for the acceleration program. It also sells consultancy services from some of the start-ups on a revenue-sharing basis.
The acceleration offer is mainly focused on technology platforms
The main offer from GSC is to provide access to technology platforms. The acceleration program focuses on the development of innovative solutions, technology transfer and creating new enterprises. This is mainly done via its network of stakeholders and partners. GSC itself does not offer a co-working space, although some organized spaces are provided through partners. These include, for example, Talent Garden Cinecittà and Talent Garden Poste Italiane in Rome. These locations also provide networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups, as well as training courses.
GEOsmartcampus companies operate successfully across a wide range of sectors
The companies involved share a common core focused on digital geography, but beyond that may operate in almost any sector. The macro-sectors covered to date include agriculture, banking, energy, gaming, health, logistics, manufacturing and security. The campus also uses very simple measures of success, largely focused on how much of each start-up’s services or products are sold on the open market. However, it also measures the number of applicants to the acceleration program, and the quality of the projects. The effectiveness of the acceleration program is measured through start-up survival rates.
Plans for the future focus on expansion in several directions
GEOsmartcampus plans to expand in multiple ways in the future. Its first focus is an increase in its human capital, followed by an increase in the technology platforms available. It has at least one big name technology company lined up to join in the near future. It also plans to focus on further development of digital culture.
