Meet an Entrepreneur: Maija Itkonen

“The Design Factory is essentially a place to which everyone can come very easily. For a start-up, this can mean that on an ordinary Tuesday morning, the exact CEO you’ve been trying to reach for weeks appears on your doorstep by accident. The low threshold is reflected in all other communication as well. People interact spontaneously and in unplanned situations, which can result in unpredictable forms co-operation. There is no unnecessary vertical hierarchy between people. A suggestion from a student is taken as seriously as one from a rector. This makes ideas fly.

Also the spirit of Design Factory is suitable for start-up companies. Here the common rule is to roll up the sleeves and get into action if something needs to be done. In case there is an obstacle – be it finding the right person for a job, needing a component, or lack of resources – there is always someone to help you. For example, the Factory setting really helped us when we were building our first prototype. All the tools were available at the Factory, and if something extra was needed, it was possible to make suggestions for developing the place. Similarly, we were able to build our product stand into the café area of the Factory. This illustrates the co-creative spirit of the place. The Factory lives with its users.”

Maija Itkonen
CEO
Powerkiss Ltd