Project 99: Business Challenge - Local Buddy

Local Buddy – What is it?
Local Buddy Ecosystem is a concept of services and applications that interact with each other. The most essential part of the ecosystem is the Local Buddy mobile application, which functions as a mobile city guide. The mobile application is able to adapt to each user's different interests and provide information on well-known tourist attractions as well as hard-to-find local favorites. The innovative user interface enables users to focus on enjoying their surroundings while navigating.  As the content is user-generated, Local Buddy aims to create a Wikipedia-like database of points of interest around the world.

Background
Local Buddy concept was was created as one of the Demola Innosummer projects for the summer of 2009. A functioning prototype of the mobile application was also developed for the Nokia N97 using the S60 Qt framework.  A company being founded to continue the development of the concept is currently being considered.

Project goal
Study the business area and proposed market opportunity (size, demographics, etc...). Refine the proposed business model and create a funding strategy for a start-up company (including exit strategy).  Develop a product launching strategy for Local Buddy and create a marketing plan for end-users and business clients.

Main contact person with email address
Timo Pietilä, timo.pietila (at) gmail.com
Ville Kairamo, ville.kairamo (at) hermia.fi