On September 15–16, I3-INSHAPE partners gathered at LAB University of Applied Sciences in Lahti, Finland, for the project’s latest Transnational Project Meeting. Hosted in Lahti, the meeting brought together partners from across the European sports and vitality ecosystem, including LAB, Cluster Sports & Technology (CST), LADEC, INDESCAT, Metric Salad, 4iCV and EPSI, alongside collaborators such as Data-Vita and the Sports Institute of Three Campuses.
From project achievements to the future of INSHAPE
The first day focused on the key building blocks of the INSHAPE Network of Innovation Hubs. CST, project coordinators, introduced the network and its future direction, while LADEC, INDESCAT and CST discussed the Innovation Support Programme and Metric Salad and 4iCV presented INSHAPE Connect: the new platform for SMEs that will be launched soon.
A joint demonstration by Data-Vita and the Sports Institute of Three Campuses highlighted how collaboration between innovation providers and sport organisations can translate project activities into practical applications.
The afternoon turned towards the future. EPSI provided updates on the upcoming new INSHAPE website, while partners worked with CST on the future strategy and sustainability of the network, including how to continue supporting SMEs beyond the project lifetime. The day concluded with preparations for the upcoming INSHAPE Network Launch and Final Event.
Building continuity beyond the project
The second day continued with business workshops on future SME support and next-step funding, exploring how the INSHAPE Network will remain active and connected in the future. Partners also visited the LAB campus and took part in a brainstorming session led by CST and LAB to explore potential future opportunities for collaboration. The meeting concluded with preparations for the I3-INSHAPE Final Event, which will include the presentation of the INSHAPE Inspiration Book, and the launch of the INSHAPE Network.
As I3-INSHAPE moves towards its final phase, the Lahti meeting showed that partners are building the foundations for continued collaboration, SME support and innovation beyond the project lifetime within the INSHAPE Network. If you are an SME in the field of sport, come to the INSHAPE Official Launch Event in November in Eindhoven (in conjunction with the ELIS Innovation Summit) and discover what’s in it for you!
Get your tickets here: https://elisinnovationhub.com/summit/