SMEs and micro-enterprises in Lapland now have the chance to join the ACT ONE project’s prototype call, open until 31 December. Selected companies support for prototyping and business development as de minimis state aid.

ACT ONE – Arctic CreaTech Outreach, Networking and Entrepreneurship – combines creative content with innovative technologies. This may include new digital tourism experiences, gamified services, virtual and augmented reality solutions, data-driven culture or wellbeing services, and other combinations of creativity and technology. The long-term goal of ACT ONE is to build the core of an Arctic CreaTech ecosystem in Lapland.

What are we looking for?

The call seeks SMEs and micro-enterprises in Lapland that have an idea for a new CreaTech product or service, a need to test new technology in a creative use case, and a desire to develop their business using creative technology solutions in sectors such as tourism, industry, wellbeing, events or media. Companies may apply with an early-stage idea or a clearly identified need, and the concept will be refined together with the project team.

What do companies receive?

Selected companies will gain access to the expertise and RDI environments of Lapland’s higher education institutions. A typical prototype pipeline includes a joint workshop or sparring session to sharpen the idea into a CreaTech concept, the design and implementation of a light prototype such as a demo, mock-up or testable pilot, the collection of feedback and outlining of next steps such as further development, piloting or funding applications, and, where relevant, support for business planning and funding applications in collaboration with startup incubator and business advisory services.

Who can apply?

The call is open to SMEs and micro-enterprises in Lapland that develop or utilise creative technology solutions, as well as companies from other sectors – for example tourism, wellbeing, industry and services – that wish to experiment with CreaTech solutions to develop their business. No previous collaboration with higher education institutions is required.

How to apply?

The open call for prototypes, detailed descriptions and the application form (available only in Finnish) can be found at https://luote.online/protot/

The same website will serve as the main site for the emerging CreaTech hub in Lapland, developed during the project.

ACT ONE in brief

ACT ONE – Arctic CreaTech Outreach, Networking and Entrepreneurship aims to establish an Arctic CreaTech Hub in Lapland and to increase the number, growth and networking of CreaTech companies in the region. The project is coordinated by the University of Lapland together with Lapland University of Applied Sciences. The target group includes CreaTech SMEs and micro-enterprises in Lapland as well as other companies benefiting from CreaTech solutions.

Funding: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), “Renewing and Competent Finland 2021–2027” Programme, managing authority: Regional Council of Lapland

The project period runs from 1 May 2025 to 31 October 2027.

More information

ACT ONE project page (Finnish)