IDEA Series 2026

09.02.26

Coaching and funding for new business ideas

The IDEA Series helps in implementing new ventures. Test and develop your idea in the free coaching sessions of the IDEA Series at the Linnan Business Tournament and you could win a development grant worth €2500 as well as a spot in the finals of the Linnan Business Tournament competing for a €10,000 grant.

The IDEA Series is a service from the city of Hämeenlinna for businesses or aspiring entrepreneurs with a new business idea. Crazy Town is involved in implementing the program together with Linnan Development and Hämeen New Business Center.

Sign up for the IDEA Series, ongoing applications >>

Who is the IDEA Series suitable for?

You have an idea but no business, or you are a starting entrepreneur or an entrepreneur looking to innovate.
You can participate even if you are at the beginning of your journey. You will test the viability of your idea, see what works, and gain broader shoulders to carry your idea forward.
You may want to test a new product or seek additional resources for product development or marketing. You will have access to growth-supporting experts and connections to funding channels.
The IDEA Series of the Linnan Business Tournament has included ideas ranging from app development to eco-friendly children’s clothing and wellness services to marketing coaching over the years.

Content and description of the IDEA Series round

Coaching 1: In the first coaching session, we seek answers to the most important question: Why would customers buy from you? We clarify our own idea by refining the product or service and considering its business prerequisites. The coach is Antti Mikkola, Hämeen New Business Center.

Coaching 2: Prepare to convince the jury of your idea! This coaching provides concrete tips and tools to help you refine your presentation and ensure your message gets heard. The coach is Toni Pienonen, Crazy Town.

Pitch day: The IDEA Series round culminates in the Pitch Day event, where participants pitch their ideas to the jury. This is your chance to convince the jury why your idea deserves a €2500 grant!

Next steps – follow-up coaching: Each company in the IDEAs series receives company-specific coaching, where the next steps identified based on the training are discussed for business development. The meeting clarifies the company’s current needs and concrete actions are agreed upon. The package may include a digital mapping and other development services suitable for the company.

IDEAs series 2026 schedule

IDEAs series events are held at Crazy Town Hämeenlinna, PARKKI Business Park, Raatihuoneenkatu 21-23, 13100 Hämeenlinna

Round 1

The first coaching round will be held in a hybrid format, and the general language of the coaching sessions is English. However, participants can ask questions, discuss, and pitch their ideas either in Finnish or English — at their own choice.

Coaching 1, Tue 17.2. at 9:00-11:30
Coaching 2, Mon 2.3. at 9:00-11:30
Pitch day, Tue 17.3. at 9:00-12:00
Follow-up coaching is agreed on a company-specific basis

Round 2

Coaching 1, Wed 13.5. at 9:00-11:30
Coaching 2, Tue 26.5. at 9:00-11:30
Pitch day, Tue 9.6. at 9:00-12:00
Follow-up coaching is agreed on a company-specific basis

Round 3

Coaching 1, Tue 15.9. at 9:00-11:30
Coaching 2, Tue 22.9. at 9:00-11:30
Pitch day, Tue 6.10. at 9:00-12:00
Follow-up coaching is agreed on a company-specific basis

25.11.2026 Castle Business Tournament final: The coaching program culminates in the final of the Castle Business Tournament at Verkatehdas.

How to apply

Submit your application for the IDEAs series coaching, which takes place three times a year. The idea does not have to be final, and you can develop it during the coaching.

Participate in the coaching and work on your idea with the experts at Parkki Business Park. The coaching culminates in the Pitch Day event, where the jury awards some pitchers with €2,500 scholarships for developing their business ideas. The 1-2 best ideas from Pitch Day will secure a place in the final of the Castle Business Tournament IDEAs series.

Participate in the final of the Castle Business Tournament on 25.11.2026 and compete for the €10,000 grand prize.

Criteria and rules

Ideas are evaluated based on three criteria. During the application phase, ideas can still be in rough form. During the coaching, your idea will be refined before the final presentation to the jury at Pitch Day. To qualify for Pitch Day, both coaching days must be attended.

INNOVATION VALUE: The idea and its implementation have a fresh perspective.
COMPETENCE: The individual and the background team have a credible ability to create sustainable business based on the idea.
GROWTH POTENTIAL: There are visible growth opportunities in business activities based on ideas.

Individuals residing, working, or studying in Hämeenlinna, Hattula, or Janakkala; or businesses registered with a business ID in the mentioned municipalities can apply to join the IDEAs series. Please note that only companies with a business ID registered in Hämeenlinna can receive a €2500 grant. The grant can also be awarded on behalf of a newly established company, but the payment of the grant will only occur if the company is established during the year 2026.

The same company cannot receive a grant in consecutive years, even if the idea is new.