Product Development Funding

Present your idea to us and apply for Product Development Funding!

Do you have a great idea that you would like to test in practice? Does the lack of funding stop you from carrying out a test, building a prototype or ordering a review? The objective of the €500–€1,000 Product Development Funding is to inspire the students, researchers and staff of Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences and University of Jyväskylä to invent new products and services and test them.

Please note! This funding cannot be applied for by a company and the funds cannot be used to pay wages. Funding is not available for procurement that would become the property of a potential start-up. (trademark, equipment, code or tools, for example).

For what purposes can Product Development Funding be applied for?

The Product Development Funding can be applied for implementing tests on or reviewing initial-stage ideas, e.g. for purposes such as

prototype tests
purchasing supplies
IPR reviews
making demos

Funding can be applied for to sums of €500–€1,000. The budget is prepared with VAT 0% prices.

Disbursment of the fund
The granted funding is not transferred directly to the applicant. Funding is granted against receipts/invoices/payment request forms, and the use of funding is agreed upon with the contact person of your university. Said person will be assigned after the evaluation and they'll discuss the details with you.

How has product development funding helped?

Building a prototype of a smart seat for competitive rowing training:

"The product development funding provided the courage to take the project to the next level, and we quickly gained momentum. I don't think I would have a ready-to-test prototype without the Product Development Funding from The Startup Factory."

Antti Löppönen | Dissertation researcher, the University of Jyväskylä

Engaging in risk-free product development and having the courage to experiment with the support of Product Development Funding:

"The funding came at the perfect time and was the ideal way to move the project forward."

Masi Mahlamäki | Student at Gradia

Experiences of getting Product Development Funding

"With the help of Product Development Funding, I was able to develop my own business idea, create various prototypes, and test products in practice. The financial support allowed me to experiment with different things with much less hesitation. I highly recommend Product Development Funding to anyone who has their own business idea and wants to develop it further before potentially starting their own company."

Veera ViertamoCase-Eloveera, JAMK

"We have, among other things, used the funding for conducting novelty searches regarding patents and utilized it for attending top conferences in Silicon Valley and networking in the United States. Product development funding can be used for various purposes, making it a flexible and versatile form of financing. If you have a new idea that you want to develop further, it provides opportunities for refinement."

Joona KoivistoEEG algorithm development project, the University of Jyväskylä

"For us, 1000 euros was a significant help in the beginning when we didn't have much else to start with. The funding was a proof that there is something concrete and promising in our idea, as someone was willing to provide financial support for it. The funding also boosts the motivation to take action instead of waiting for something to happen with our idea."

Masi Mahlamäki & Valtteri SalmijärviCase-Siipisuoja, Gradia

Frequently asked questions about the Product Development Funding

Who can apply for product development funding?

Product Development Funding can be applied for by students, researchers, and staff members of JAMK University of Applied Sciences and the University of Jyväskylä.

Note: Applicant can't be an already existing company, and the funding cannot be used for paying salaries.

Can an existing company apply for funding? The applicant can not be a company.

How can I apply?

Starting in autumn 2026, registration will take place directly through universities' webpages.

You can find the registration links on the Educational Institutes' coaching -page.

Do you need more information?

Please contact the contact persons of your educational institute.

Klikkaa!

Riku Ojanperä JAMK

riku.ojanpera@jamk.fi