# The Entrepreneur’s Diary podcast: Kolindo Nika & Cortex IoT - Savonia AMK

> In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Diary, I chat with Kolindo Nika, a data engineer and founder of Cortex IoT, about his journey as an expat entrepreneur in Finland and his work combining IoT with blockchain.

## Episode Overview
In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Diary, I chat with Kolindo Nika, a data engineer and founder of Cortex IoT. Based in Kuopio, Finland, Kolindo has been an expat entrepreneur for over 3 years and has created a path that combines IoT with blockchain to redefine data security, transparency, and trust.

We go deep into Kolindo’s entrepreneurial journey, from his first business to the trials and tribulations of his current one. He shares openly about how many ventures he’s tried, how some have failed, and how others have succeeded, giving a rare insight into what it takes to build something meaningful.

## Defining Success
We talk about what success means and Kolindo says: “True success is about making a real impact—positively impacting people’s lives through your solution or product or innovating within an industry. It’s about the journey, being at the forefront of new technologies, pushing boundaries and constantly evolving to be better.” His words will inspire anyone chasing their own dreams.

## Entrepreneurship in Finland
Kolindo also shares about being an international student and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. He talks about building a business in Finland and especially in Kuopio where programs like the Draft initiative by Business Center North Savo play a big role in helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into actual businesses. Through the Draft program, Kolindo reached key milestones and learned how to work with new teams—a skill that has helped him grow as a leader.

## Podcast Credits
**Author:**
Kelvin Aliche (kelvin.aliche@edu.savonia.fi)

**Co-Producers:**
* Matti Laitinen, Innovation advisor, matti.laitinen@savonia.fi, Business Center Pohjois-Savo
* Suvi Suutarinen, Mynursie Oy
* Jussi Nivamo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

## Collaboration and Resources
The podcast has been done in collaboration with Business Center North-Savo.

* **Business Center Pohjois-Savo:** [www.bcpohjois-savo.fi](http://www.bcpohjois-savo.fi)
* **Entrepreneurship and innovation skills in Savonia:** [https://www.savonia.fi/study-degree/information-about-study/innovation-competence/](https://www.savonia.fi/study-degree/information-about-study/innovation-competence/)