UPBEAT – project kicks off AI-assisted entrepreneurship training program for young newcomers in Finland and Estonia

The UPBEAT – Upskilling Immigrants for Business Planning and Entrepreneurship using AI Technologies project offers AI-assisted entrepreneurship training course Start Smart for young newcomers (age 15–29) aspiring to start business or work as light entrepreneurs in Finland or Estonia. Project is co-funded by the Interreg Central Baltic Programme. Project is implemented by three partners; Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (lead partner) and Startup Refugees from Finland and Estonian Refugee Council from Estonia.

7.4.2025

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”We are now in the midterm of the project, and so far our focus has been on developing customised AI tools and training program. Project team consists of senior researchers with AI expertise, senior lecturers and trainers with strong track record of coaching entrepreneurship skills for immigrants. Our diverse team makes us strong together. The project has been developed in an agile manner from the very beginning. Mapping the target group and their needs, including market analyses of existing training programmes, was the starting point for the project last August. We noticed right from the start that this kind of training was not yet available. After the mapping phase, the team's technical experts began to design AI tools suitable for the target group in collaboration with senior lecturers, whose focus was on the design of the training program. Together with our partners, we further refined the program based on a common understanding.” project manager Nora Lappalainen reflects the journey of team work during nine months.

So far, the team has organized three workshops with partners and one user testing session for the target group to test the three AI tools created in the project. 1st tool Learning Assistant will give personalised learning recommendations, 2nd tool Smart Guide will answer entrepreneurship related questions using trusted sources of information and 3rd tool Business Assistant will help to execute entrepreneurship tasks.

First round of Start Smart training course will start parallel in both countries implemented by Startup Refugees and Estonian Refugee Council in co-operation with Haaga-Helia during April. ”We have had some busy weeks in finalising everything ready for the kick off. I am looking forward to see soon these trainings up and running. We have created also cross-border activities to increase international collaboration between students and trainers. One event will be the international Hachathon for both training groups to be organized online for all to pitch ideas and learn from each other. Trainers will also visit in another country to bring country specific information related to taxation etc. for those who are eager to think about establishing international business.” Nora Lappalainen explains. Next trainings will be implemented then in autumn. In between there is a good time to analyze feedback and develop details of the course and AI tools further, when needed.

More information about Start Smart Course (application open until 7.4.):