How a Pilot Became a Partnership with GritLab and Öfvergårds

More than a pilot

Have you ever looked back at a successful outcome and realized it all hinged on one pivotal decision to say “yes” to collaboration?

Early last spring Light in the Dark was moving into the live piloting phase, where we piloted some of the off-season products developed by tourism companies in the project. We organised both local pilots and transnational pilots in all partner regions, inviting key stakeholders in the tourism industry, potential customers, other entrepreneurs and university students to try out the new products live and give valuable feedback to the companies. 

On Åland our project partner Visit Åland had been contacted by the local Government and Grit:lab – an innovative tech study program, aimed at adults looking to build new skills and a mindset that helps them create career opportunities in tech and development. There was a desire from the Government and Grit:Lab to connect Grit:labbers with more local businesses, and create a win-win situation. 

We saw another win here, and asked one of our Light in the Dark project companies – Öfvergårds – if they would be interested in not only doing a local pilot of their product but also embarking on a new development journey. They said yes.

So in March a group of Grit:Labbers went to Öfvergårds to pilot their new off-season product while also getting to know their business better. It was a cold but lovely afternoon. With Grit:Labbers coming from all around the world, this pilot ended up being the most multicultural pilot in the whole project – giving very valuable input and feedback for Öfvergårds.

And two weeks ago the collaboration continued when a hackathon was organised at Grit:Lab. Or as they called it – a Grit:hack. Four teams had less than 48 hours to develop a tech solution/prototype for Öfvergårds, based on digitalisation and automation needs identified both during the March pilot and in the lead‑up to the hackathon.

The winning team – Kuha – will now get to work and actually deliver their solution to Öfvergårds. 

This Grit:Hack was in itself a pilot, bringing students together with real business needs in a way that generated meaningful value for all participants. Its success shows the strength of the concept and opens doors to future similar events.

As project manager for Light in the Dark at Åland UAS, I see that one way we can really have a lasting, or at least longer, impact as a project, is by looking further and beyond. Seeking possibilities and collaborations not only connected to the core of the project, but also those that can lead to future ripple effects.

Helena von Schoultz

Project Manager, Åland University of Applied Sciences

PS! If you haven’t checked out our Piloting Report, full of insights from all the pilots we did in the project, I recommend you do.  

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