AppCampus

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AppCampus was a mobile application accelerator program that operated in Finland from 2012 to 2015.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The main aims and objectives of AppCampus were multifaceted, focusing on stimulating innovation in the mobile application ecosystem, particularly for the Windows Phone platform. The accelerator program sought to attract and nurture talented developers and startups from around the world, providing them with the necessary resources to create high-quality, innovative mobile applications. By offering funding, mentorship, and training, AppCampus aimed to bridge the gap between creative ideas and market-ready products. Additionally, the initiative was designed to strengthen the app ecosystem for Windows Phone, enhancing its competitiveness against dominant platforms like iOS and Android. 

How does the program work?

AppCampus provided a structured pathway for developers and startups to bring their app ideas to fruition. The process typically began with an open call for applications, where developers from around the world could submit their innovative app concepts, primarily targeting the Windows Phone platform. A panel of experts from Nokia, Microsoft, and Aalto University would then evaluate these submissions based on criteria such as creativity, market potential, and technical feasibility.

Once selected, participants entered the accelerator program, which offered a blend of financial support and educational resources. The funding aspect was crucial, with AppCampus providing seed money ranging from €20,000 to €70,000 per project. This financial boost allowed developers to focus on their app development without immediate monetary constraints. However, the program's value extended far beyond just funding.

Participants received intensive mentorship and training as a core component of the accelerator. Industry experts from the founding organizations provided guidance on various aspects of app development and business growth. This included technical workshops to enhance coding skills, design thinking sessions to improve user experience, and business development seminars to help developers understand market dynamics and monetization strategies. The program also facilitated networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers, potential partners, and industry leaders.

Throughout the duration of the program, which typically lasted several months, developers worked on refining their apps, incorporating feedback from mentors and potential users. AppCampus provided access to necessary tools and resources, including testing devices and development environments. As projects neared completion, the program offered support in areas such as app store optimization, marketing strategies, and launch planning to ensure the best possible market entry for the newly developed applications.

What is the overall cost?

AppCampus received €18 million in funding from Microsoft and Nokia. 

How was it implemented?

AppCampus was created in 2012 as a collaborative initiative between three major entities: Microsoft, Nokia, and Aalto University in Finland. The program emerged during a critical period in the mobile industry, particularly for Nokia and Microsoft, who were striving to establish a stronger foothold in the smartphone market dominated by iOS and Android.

The inception of AppCampus was rooted in the strategic partnership between Nokia and Microsoft, which had begun in 2011. At that time, Nokia had adopted Windows Phone as its primary smartphone operating system, moving away from its own Symbian platform. Both companies recognized the need to build a robust app ecosystem to compete effectively with rival platforms, which had a significant head start in terms of app quantity and quality.

Aalto University, known for its strong focus on technology and innovation, was brought into the partnership to provide an academic foundation and to leverage Finland's reputation as a hub for mobile technology innovation. The university's involvement ensured that the program would have a strong educational component, blending theoretical knowledge with practical industry experience.

What impact has been measured?

The program: 

  • approved 305 startups and resulted in the publication of 315 apps, significantly expanding the platform's app offerings
  • Attracted 4,300 teams from over 100 countries
  • Is credited with generating at least 850 new jobs globally, including 59 in Finland
What lessons can be learned?
  1. Integration of Ecosystems: AppCampus successfully linked the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Aalto University with the Windows Phone innovation ecosystem, demonstrating the importance of connecting diverse ecosystems to achieve mutual growth and innovation
  2. Focus on Quality and Innovation: By emphasizing high-quality app development, AppCampus startups achieved significantly better results compared to average apps in the Windows Phone Store, including seven times more downloads and higher revenue generation. This highlights the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in startup support programs
  3. Retention of Intellectual Property: Allowing startups to retain full intellectual property rights encouraged entrepreneurship and long-term commitment from participants, which is a critical factor for sustainable innovation ecosystems
  4. Long-Term Ecosystem Benefits: Beyond immediate outcomes, AppCampus strengthened Finland’s reputation as a hub for mobile app development, attracting talent and investments even after the program ended
Notes + Additional Context

About accelerators (excerpt from Nesta's ‘Idea Bank’ for Local Policymakers):

Accelerators have exploded across the startup scene in the past decade. Models and definitions vary, but most share the common features of delivering a time-limited, competitive, cohort-based training programme, often geared towards investment readiness. Although there may be substantial differences in terms of sector, mission and funding, mentoring is almost always a critical component of the programme.

Many accelerators are privately-funded, aimed either at generating investment opportunities or, as with some corporate-sponsored accelerators, encouraging new technical solutions. However, numerous publicly-funded accelerator programmes can also be found – often with an emphasis on urban regeneration rather than financial return. In addition, EU-funded initiatives such as the Accelerator Assembly exist to help accelerators share good practice (such as focusing on quality of applicants; promoting peer-learning; building entrepreneurial networks and finding the best-quality mentors possible).

Public policy here should focus first on understanding the existing distribution of privately-funded accelerators, so as to avoid competition using public funds. Co-investment of public funds may help stimulate private activity, although in such instances, alignment of the funders’ success criteria is important. These may diverge if, for instance, a VC funder wants accelerated firms to move abroad in search of funding or a higher valuation, whilst a public funder wants them to remain to aid the local economy.

Various national schemes have been created to develop accelerators (e.g. the South African Department of Trade and Industry’s Incubation Support Programme, or Enterprise Ireland’s Accelerator Development Scheme). However, individual cities have also taken the initiative to fund such schemes.

CURATED BY

Simona Bielli

Research Programme Coordinator – Digital Startups
Nesta
United Kingdom