Microsoft-Nokia AppCampus for Mobile Entrepreneurs

RMN Digital | March 26, 2012 | Consumer, Corporate, Europe, Mobiles, Regions, Strategy | No Comments

To drive innovation and business opportunities in Finland’s mobile ecosystem and beyond, Microsoft Corp. and Nokia will each invest up to 9 million euros into a newly established mobile application development program at Aalto University during the next three years.

The AppCampus program has been set up to foster the creation of innovative mobile applications for the Windows Phone ecosystem, and in addition Nokia platforms, including Symbian and Series 40, to create a new generation of self-sustaining mobile startups.

[ Also Read: Nokia’s Hopes Pinned on Asha Feature Phones ]

Announced today, March 26, and kicking off in May 2012, the Finland-based program will be led and managed by Aalto University, which has a growing reputation as a hotbed of new startup companies.

Meanwhile, France Telecom-Orange and Publicis Groupe have partnered with Iris Capital Management (Iris) to create one of Europe’s premier venture capital investors in the digital economy. (Read: Orange, Publicis, Iris to Create Digital Venture Funds)

And personalized display ad solutions company myThings says it has raised $15 million in a financial round led by Iris Capital, the manager of the Orange-Publicis Venture (OPV) Fund. (Read: Orange-Publicis Venture Fund for myThings)

AppCampus is intended to attract thousands of application proposals from students and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Aalto University will make a significant contribution to the project by providing premises, coaching services, and access to both academic and business networks for budding app developers.

Within the AppCampus program, mobile entrepreneurs can benefit from comprehensive support, training in mobile technology, design and usability, and funding to create innovative new mobile apps and services.

[ Also Read: Windows 8 to Deliver PC Power on a Tablet ]

Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store offer local and global business opportunities to program participants via distribution to consumers around the world.

Mentored by veterans in the mobile industry, program participants will be given insights and business coaching to help them commercialize their ideas while retaining the full intellectual property rights for their innovations.

Mobile entrepreneurs can apply for grants within the AppCampus program beginning in May 2012. More information can be found at http://appcampus.aalto.fi.