Case: Konecranes Accelerator

The year 2025 celebrates the seventh edition of the Konecranes Accelerator Program, an initiative developed in collaboration with Maria 01, the Nordics’ leading startup ecosystem. With a proven innovation framework, this partnership has consistently delivered fresh and thoughtful ideas while nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset within Konecranes.

Organisational Objectives

Konecranes set out to achieve three core goals through its Accelerator Program:

Focusing on Customer-Centric Innovation: Deepen the understanding of customer needs and feedback throughout the idea development by adopting startup-inspired methodologies.

Cultivating Corporate Entrepreneurship: Encouraging a growth mindset and creativity of employees while building global internal expert networks.

Developing Skills Across Innovation: Providing tools and best practices on how to turn ideas into compelling business proposals and pitch them to any audience.

Solutions Implemented

The program’s success lies in its tailored approach, supported by Maria 01’s deep expertise in startup methodologies:

Lean Thinking and Intrapreneurship Training: Hands-on workshops, coaching sessions and success stories from Maria 01’s startup and VC investor network.

Customized Framework Design: Maria 01 collaborated with Konecranes to assess their needs, design a tailored roadmap, and connect them with expert startup mentors.

Scalable Hybrid Model: A blend of global online access and immersive in-person experiences at Maria 01’s Helsinki campus.

Results Delivered

Konecranes’ partnership with Maria 01 has yielded measurable outcomes:

Empowered Intrapreneurs: Employees are equipped with the mindset and tools to innovate within the organization.

Tangible Business Impact: The program has led to actionable solutions, such as the integration of a digital risk assessment tool.

Cultural Transformation: Accelerator has become a tool to drive faster, more efficient innovation by introducing lean startup methodologies.

“Bringing the Demo Day from an online format to a live event at Maria 01 was the perfect way to amplify the Accelerator’s impact. It brought together curious, motivated individuals from around the world to celebrate innovation and innovators, creating a truly special experience—not just for the participants, but for the audience as well.”

Iina Seppälä, Partnership Specialist at Konecranes

Conclusion

The Konecranes Accelerator Program, powered by Maria 01, stands as a testament to how corporations can successfully harness startup principles to drive innovation and intrapreneurship. As the collaboration continues to evolve, the stage is set for even greater innovation in 2025.

Ready to Transform Your Organisation?

If your company is seeking to ignite innovation and intrapreneurship, the Maria 01 team is here to tailor a program that meets your unique needs.

In addition to internal accelerator programs, we also offer tailored Innovation and Strategy Days — designed around your company’s unique goals and needs. Explore our turnkey Event Services here and see how we can help spark fresh thinking and drive impact.

Contact the Maria 01 Partnership Team to discover how we can connect your employees with the dynamic energy of the startup world. You can email us at partners(a)maria.io