Creative Digital Growth BOOSTER

Project period

1.5.2024 - 30.4.2027

Project funding

Interreg Central Baltic 2021-2027

The Creative Digital Growth Booster (CDG Booster) project is an Interreg Central Baltic funded initiative to accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the creative digital sectors across Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. Led by the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) in collaboration with LAB University of Applied Sciences, Estonian Tarto Science Park and the Swedish game industry association Dataspelbranchen, the project focuses on companies utilizing innovative digital technologies such as VR, AR, XR, metaverse, and game-based applications. The main objective is to bridge the gap between rapidly developing digital technologies and their application in traditional industries like construction, education, healthcare, and the creative sectors. The total project budget is €1,715,500. CDG Booster seeks to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the creative digital industries in the Central Baltic region.

CDG Booster aims to accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the creative digital sectors across Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. By bridging the gap between innovative digital technologies (VR, AR, XR, metaverse, game tech) and their application in traditional industries, the project seeks to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.

The project will establish a comprehensive accelerator program, including workshops, mentoring, and advisory services, supported by a cross-border ecosystem to achieve these goals. This ecosystem will facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and access to new markets and investors. The project aims to scale up 15-20 companies through these measures, providing them with the tools and support needed to develop user-friendly products and scalable business models. Ultimately, CDG Booster strives to create a robust and sustainable digital creative industry in the Central Baltic region.
CDG-Booster will significantly enhance the creative digital sectors in Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. It aims to scale up 15-20 SMEs, improving their market presence and capabilities. By establishing a supportive cross-border ecosystem, the project will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among these countries.

SMEs will receive comprehensive support through workshops, mentoring, and advisory services, helping them develop user-friendly products and scalable business models. This support will enable market expansion and attract investors via trade missions, investor meetings, and sales events.

Innovation is a key focus, with the project driving the development of digital products that integrate VR, AR, XR, metaverse, and game tech into traditional industries, enhancing these technologies' usability and user experience.

A digital platform will facilitate ongoing communication, marketing, and resource sharing among participants and stakeholders. The project will equip SMEs with sustainable business models, increasing their competitiveness and resilience and attracting new investments into the creative digital sectors.

Ultimately, the CDG-Booster project aims to influence policies by demonstrating the benefits of cross-border collaboration and innovative digital technologies, strengthening the creative digital industries and promoting sustainable business practices in the Central Baltic region.

Project manager

Ari Hautaniemi

RDI specialist

+358 44 7080882

ari [dot] hautaniemi

lab [dot] fi

More information about the project

Project state

On-going

Project area

International

LAB role

Partner

Unit

Institute of Design and Fine Arts

Key competence

Intangible value creation

Creative Digital Growth BOOSTER

Project manager

More information about the project

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