# From business concept to first pitch in EU4Dual entrepreneurial exchange: Entrepreneurial mobility as a pathway for applied innovation at Savonia University of applied sciences

> EU4Dual Entrepreneurial mobility turns learning into practice by helping students develop their own venture ideas.

## Overview of the Mobility Program
From 26 January to 31 March 2026, Savonia University of Applied Sciences hosted a new EU4Dual Entrepreneurship Mobility participant. This program continues the development of a European model where students work on their own business ideas within a real innovation environment. Unlike a conventional company internship, this mobility focuses on creating a structured entrepreneurial learning process where students develop both their business concepts and their professional identities.

## The Project: Lethe Music
The participant, Alexandre Esnard, an engineering student from ESTIA (France), focused on "Lethe Music." His project aims to develop an intuitive analog instrument that allows creators to compose cinematic soundtracks instantly, without requiring formal music theory knowledge.

The project addresses a specific market gap: while visual creators have access to high-quality production tools, sound design remains time-consuming and technically demanding. The instrument is designed to help creators build emotional, cinematic soundscapes through a simple, physical user interface.

## The Development Process
The mobility program followed a structured approach to move from concept to a viable business case:

*   **Preparation:** Before arriving in Kuopio, Finland, Savonia’s team and Start-up Manager Jérémie Faham (ESTIA) met with Alexandre to clarify objectives and the development process.
*   **Validation:** Upon arrival, the team assessed the project's current state, identified necessary resources, and mapped out a commercialization pathway.
*   **Business Modeling:** Using a pitch deck framework, the project was refined to address key areas: problem, solution, market potential, business model, competitors, team, and development plan.
*   **Technical Prototyping:** With support from Savonia’s electronic engineering department, Alexandre engaged in hands-on prototyping, including component selection, breadboarding, and soldering.

## Coaching and Iteration
The program emphasized that entrepreneurial mobility is an active, iterative process. Matti Laitinen, an innovation advisor at Savonia, provided coaching to help Alexandre:
*   Clarify priorities and set goals.
*   Navigate the uncertainty of early-stage entrepreneurship.
*   Balance technical feasibility with user needs and business viability.

The mobility concluded with Alexandre presenting his first English pitch at Hub Panostamo in Kuopio, a milestone that forced him to communicate his value proposition to an external audience.

## Key Contacts and Resources

**Coaches and Mentors**
*   **Matti Laitinen:** Innovation advisor and coach, Business Center North-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences. [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattislaitinen/) | matti.laitinen@savonia.fi | +358 44 785 6333
*   **Dr. Jérémie Faham:** Start Up Manager, ESTIA Entreprendre, Hub Estia. [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/j%C3%A9r%C3%A9mie-faham-0436335a/) | j.faham@estia.fr | +33 699578133

**Related Links**
*   [Savonia University of Applied Sciences](https://www.savonia.fi/en/)
*   [Business Center Pohjois-Savo](https://bcpohjois-savo.fi/)
*   [Estia-Entreprendre](https://entreprendre.estia.fr/)
*   [EU4Dual at Savonia UAS](https://eu4dual.savonia.fi/)
*   [Idual Entrepreneurship Program](https://eu4dual.education/learn/mobility-and-internships/idual-entrepreneurship/)
*   [EU4Dual Entrepreneurial Mobility Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRWQWAM_Hic)
*   [EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy (European Commission)](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/download/2f76a0df-b09b-47c2-949c-800c30e4c530_en)