Frequently Asked Questions

When and how can you start taking Business Incubator Studies?
As a student of Oulu UAS, you can start taking Business Incubator Studies very easily and flexibly, depending on your schedule. When you have a business idea, please get in touch with the Contact Person or Business Trainer of your school.

Dare I come and develop my idea at the Business Think Tank?
Tentative discussions with the Contact Person and/or Business Trainer of your unit will help you to piece together your strengths.

How do I know whether my business idea is good enough?
At an early stage, a business idea might still be unclear and unpolished. At the Think Tank, you will be able to develop your idea further, and besides that you will gain a better understanding of your idea, you will also gain a better idea of your resources as an entrepreneur. First go through your idea with the Contact Person of your unit. Your Contact Person will then put you through for further discussions with Business Trainers.

Can I come to the Business Incubator if I already have a company?
Yes you can. In this case you will start right away at the Business Incubator, and your business activities can be developed further.

Is this all confidential?
Yes it is. A Think Tank agreement will be drawn individually with each student, in which the issues concerning confidentiality are outlined.

How long do the Business Incubator Studies take?
The duration of the studies depends on how much work you can put in per week. The amount of study points provides an estimate per each study module. The estimated average duration of studies at the Think Tank is around six months.

Can you develop an idea together with a "business partner"?
Yes you can. Often business ideas are of a nature that it is actually recommended that an idea be developed together with someone.

What is work at the Business Incubator Studies like?
Business Incubator Studies are designed for the student, i.e. we proceed according to the schedule of the student. However, the ground rule is that the student and the business trainer meet every two to three weeks. In these meetings the progress and development of the studies are analysed. The studies also require a great deal of commitment and an ability to work independently, because there are no lectures etc. The studies consist in fact of a cycle formed by discussions with an individual Business Trainer (and possibly with other trainers and fellow students) and individual work. Business Incubator Studies typically also include meetings between students and external interest groups (e.g. funding bodies and advertisement agencies).

Will I have to found a company if I come to the Business Incubator?
No. If according to the business plan drawn forth at the Pre-Incubator it does not pay for you to start a company, then you do not have to do that. Just as good an option as starting a company against your own will and without cost-effective operational prerequisites is to keep from starting a company.

Will I receive study points from the Pre-Incubator Studies even if I do not start a company?
Yes you will. It is better that you will reach that conclusion now than later.

For how long can I be a part of the Business Incubator?
You can join the Business Incubator at any stage of your studies, and you have the right to continue operating at the Business Incubator for one year after graduation.