University Does Not Have to Be a Terrible Parter

Lessons Learned with Supporting Start-Ups

Presented byJussi Kasurinen (D.Sc.)

Role of University in Projects // Cooperation? Interviews, workshops, seminars,

meetings, constantly demanding time?

Studies that will be available 2 years from now, no added value besides training material?

Participating to things, but not actually doing anything?

What Do Start-Ups Need? Start-Ups have three needs: Money

(… Money and Money), Talent and Contacts.

Tools, Asset licenses, marketing and test platforms largest ”must have” expenses.

”Office would be nice” In practice 2-4 SME business owners

making a mobile game.

What Universities Have?

In most cases, university needs companies more than company universities.

Resources:Business, process knowledgeProgramming knowledgeHuman resources (interns)Funding options Contacts

How to Make It Work LUT funder in the game business

hatchery ”LevelUp Lappeenranta” :: Tools, Office

Added voluntary courses which support game industry-specific tools :: Talent

Add examples to existing courses (f.e. teach Scrum in detail) :: More talent

Example :: Adding Games Industry Considerations to the “Normal CS Program”

Fundamentals of Unity

FGJ Code Camp

Game Development Course

Able to work in games industry

• Applying existing computer science knowledge in games context.

• Games-specific technologies and fundamental aspects

• Working in teams; understanding the different tasks and needs.

• Prototyping, designing a game.

• Ability to work as a member of ”real” team.

• Business and marketing aspects of making games.

From Computer S

cience to Game

Development Fundamentals

CS

Prog

ram

How to Make It Work

Coordinate internships and thesis works to startups. :: Talent

Apply game company people as teaching and guest lecturer staff :: Money, test Platforms

Provide student (and other) start-ups with business contacts :: Contacts

Our Results 200k Euros for 3 years :: 5 new

local companies, + 15 new jobs to the region.Regional cooperation with Cursor Oy,

Game Cluster and Playa Network.

+ Publications and other stuff on Game Industry from the Viewpoint of Software Engineering and other “normal” stuff.

http://www2.it.lut.fi/GRIP/