When four different projects come together in a business incubator, all working on their own applications, it becomes clear that it is more than just a coincidence. Thanks to its incubator, ICUK is becoming a haven for young creators who want to simplify life, connect the community, or bring a new form of experience through technology.
Four projects are currently developing their applications in the incubator. They show that developing your own apps doesn't have to be exclusive and that even regional startups can dare to do so if they have good reasons to do so.
When roommates work
Student application project Flatfly Michal Krechler was born from the complexity of everyday functioning in shared housing. And not only for students, but for everyone who is looking for a new environment. Whether you are a young student, a senior who does not want to be alone, or a woman looking for a quick and safe solution in a difficult life situation, Flatfly will help you find not only space, but also people with whom you will get along.
The project is based on personalized profiles that take into account the user's interests, lifestyle, or study/professional focus. Thanks to this, the application connects not only addresses, but also compatible personalities. The result can be not only a room, but also a new community.
"The incubator has been most useful to us so far in setting up financial plans and consulting on the operation of the application and its scope.,“" says Michal about participating in the business incubator. Flatfly is now in the design phase of the key features and user interface of the application.
Game challenges on two wheels
Motocache is not just an app, but also a community experience and a smart game for everyone who loves motorbike riding and exploring. The project by David Král and his team connects motorcycle tourism, geocaching and gamification in a unique form of entertainment that also has educational and social implications.
Each registered „motokeška“ user chooses routes in the app, divided by region. These will take them to places they might otherwise miss – historical monuments, lookout towers, museums, natural beauties and local businesses. At the locations, there is a Motokeška QR code, which, when scanned, unlocks a quiz, task or challenge in the app. By successfully completing it, the rider earns so-called motopoints., which he will then use in year-round competitions for valuable prizes or for comparison in rankings with other riders.
Today, the platform has over 2760 registered users, hundreds of whom have already purchased full or partial subscriptions. The web application is in its second year, and thanks to the interest and success in the community, the team is planning to expand.
"ICUK gave me comprehensive insight into the various phases of project development – from idea validation and lean canvas creation to financial planning and strategic direction. Thanks to the incubator, I found a marketing specialist who helps me with brand communication, and I also connected with another incubator participant who is involved in consulting on the technological development of Motokeška. I see instant consultations with experts from individual business sectors as a huge added value of the incubator and the entire innovation center,“" says Motokeška founder David Král. Now the project is preparing to expand abroad and develop a mobile version called Road Quest.
Routes for every stroller
Petra Hovorková and Michaela Jakl Kotwieja wanted to go on trips with their children, but finding suitable routes was a detective story. The idea turned into an application Kočárapp, which will offer routes according to the type of stroller, terrain and weather. It is built on a community of parents who recommend trips to each other. It should also serve as a community place where people can evaluate, submit and try routes. Over time, they would like to create a strong community and thus cover the entire Czech Republic and, in time, surrounding countries.
"The incubator helped us the most in organizing our thoughts, setting the right goals, and also in establishing a clear strategy. The biggest benefit was the workshop with Fabiana Bytyqi on social marketing, which showed us how to manage social networks.,"," they both add about participating in the business incubator. They and their team believe that the app will help thousands of families find the joy of being outdoors.
An interactive world that draws you outside
Radim Šimůnek is working on a mobile game that motivates players to move in a real environment using tasks, points, and gamification. Interactive Mixed Game (IMG) connects digital entertainment with active movement. The project is in the preparatory phase and the incubator helps primarily with validation of the intention, setting key parameters and readiness for the technical solution.
ICUK facilities and tools for a faster start
The incubator also offers the possibility to use a tool for creating beta versions of applications, ideal for those who do not yet have a development team but want to quickly "touch" their idea in practice. In the current incubator, the Flatfly project is using this option, which is used to test the first versions of its application, debug functions and prepare for wider validation among users. Other teams rely primarily on acquired knowledge, feedback and mentoring, which helps them with development and strategic development.
How will the individual applications continue to develop and where will their creators move? We will find out soon, at the final presentation before a professional jury and the public, at an event called Startup Go Grill, which will take place in the premises of ICUK already December 12th.
More information can be found at icuk.cz/podnikatelsky-inkubator or come in person at Startup Go Grill, taste the atmosphere, get to know the projects in more detail and gain inspiration for your own entrepreneurial journey.
