The UPBEAT Project aims to empower young newcomers (ages 15–29) in Finland and Estonia with AI-assisted training programs designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and light entrepreneurs. By offering tailored upskilling in business planning and entrepreneurship, the initiative provides a pathway to self-reliance and professional success.

This project tackles a critical challenge shared by both countries: immigrant integration. Many immigrants and refugees face barriers like skill mismatches and limited employment opportunities, leading to high unemployment, talent emigration, increased welfare costs, and social tensions. UPBEAT seeks to address these issues by promoting inclusion and economic contribution through innovative AI-driven training, helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable society.

Start Smart entrepreneurship training programme is part of UPBEAT project – Upskilling Immigrants for Business Planning and Entrepreneurship using AI Technologies. Project partners are Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Startup Refugees and Estonian Refugee Council. Project is co-funded by the European Union, through the Interreg Central Baltic Programme.