Amidst my studies at the esteemed Sport Institute of Finland, a captivating journey unfolded—a journey that would sow the seeds of Vilike’s inception. Engaged in conducting the APM Inventory—a method devised to assess motor and perceptual skills in children aged 3-6—I found myself deeply intrigued by the intricacies of early childhood development.
As a devoted mother and a semi-professional football player, the evolution of motor and perceptual skills in young children held a profound fascination for me. However, amidst the meticulous data collection using pen and paper, a pivotal moment of frustration ensued—the loss of essential assessment papers. It was a moment that sparked a revelation, igniting the spark of innovation.
Simultaneously pursuing studies in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, I found myself at the nexus of opportunity and ingenuity. Inspired by the potential of technology to revolutionize traditional paradigms in early childhood education, I ventured into discussions at our university’s startup incubator.
It was within this dynamic environment that the seeds of Vilike were sown—a vision to harness technology for the advancement of childhood development. Thus, from the convergence of passion and innovation emerged Vilike—a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless possibilities of merging technology with education.
As we embark on this transformative journey, Vilike stands poised to redefine the future of childhood development, one technological innovation at a time.
Navigating the Challenges: Vilike’s Journey of Resilience
In the early days of Vilike, the road to innovation was fraught with challenges, yet each obstacle became a stepping stone towards progress. Securing adequate funding was a formidable hurdle, but with the support of the Finnish Invention Foundation and the fortuitous hiring of a development company, we forged ahead. As fate would have it, my final thesis and work placement led me to collaborate with the same company, resulting in the development of Vilike’s inaugural digital version of the APM Inventory in 2014.
Transitioning into the role of a solo entrepreneur after graduation presented its own set of challenges. Despite my earnest efforts to introduce Vilike’s digital solution to daycares, the concept was met with limited understanding. However, a serendipitous encounter with Riikka Luoto from the UKK Institute in 2015 breathed new life into our vision. Collaborating on Motor Skill Master events, we successfully collected data from over 200 children using Vilike’s digital solution.
Yet, amidst our triumphs, adversity struck once more when an integer mistake in the backend rendered our collected data unusable for scientific research. It was a devastating setback that led to a period of burnout. However, with resilience and determination, we regrouped and embarked on a journey of redemption. Joining the Boost Startup Journey accelerator, we found renewed inspiration in collaborating with Haaga-Helia students and digital artist Jenni Nadin.
The culmination of our efforts materialized in Vili’s Playbook: Active Adventure—a testament to our perseverance and commitment to innovation. In 2018, at the Junction Hackathon, we forged a pivotal partnership with computer vision specialist Sarthak Tripathi, enabling Vilike to integrate AI technology into our assessments. Recognized as the most promising startup at the HYPE sports tech accelerator in 2020, Vilike has emerged from a decade of development with a solid founding team and a bright future ahead.
As we prepare for our re-launch, we remain guided by our unwavering dedication to our mission and bolstered by the invaluable support of our peers. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with a holistic approach and a resilient spirit, Vilike is poised to redefine the landscape of childhood development for generations to come.
Fostering Curiosity, Igniting Growth: Vilike’s Mission and Vision
At the core of Vilike’s ethos lies a commitment to harnessing the transformative power of technology to enhance childhood development. Our mission is rooted in the belief that technology should serve as a catalyst for growth, igniting curiosity and fostering holistic well-being.
In a world inundated with digital distractions, Vilike envisions a future where technology becomes a facilitator of movement and learning, rather than a passive observer. Rejecting the notion of excessive screen time and linear user experiences, we are dedicated to leveraging the power of AI to create immersive solutions that inspire children to explore, discover, and move.
Central to our vision is the recognition that the journey of childhood development is not confined to a single moment, but rather a lifelong process. With this in mind, Vilike assumes full responsibility for the entire product lifecycle, ensuring that our digital offerings not only entertain but also nurture the growth of young minds.
As we embark on this journey of innovation, Vilike remains steadfast in our commitment to empowering children to thrive in the digital world, fostering happiness, health, and holistic development along the way.
Empowering Play, Inspiring Growth: Vilike’s Services
Vilike is proud to offer a range of innovative services designed to enhance childhood development and empower educators. Our flagship product, Vili’s Playbook: Active Adventure, is a groundbreaking digital experience that seamlessly blends physical movement with motor skills assessment and analysis. Through interactive gameplay, children are inspired to explore and engage in active learning, while our cutting-edge technology provides valuable insights into their developmental progress.
In addition to our pioneering product offerings, Vilike is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation within the education community. We will soon launch a digital community platform where educators can connect, share ideas, and develop similar solutions tailored to their unique professional needs. By providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, Vilike aims to empower educators to create impactful learning experiences for children and youth across diverse settings.
With a focus on harnessing technology to inspire growth and facilitate lifelong learning, Vilike is poised to revolutionize the landscape of childhood education. Join us on our journey as we empower the next generation to thrive in a digital world filled with endless possibilities.
Redefining Childhood Development: Vilike’s Unique Approach
Vilike sets itself apart by prioritizing children’s natural growth over entertainment. Our interactive games engage, educate, and promote holistic development. Unlike competitors, we tailor experiences to diverse learning styles, ensuring every child thrives. Vilike also champions responsible technology use, inspiring movement alongside digital exploration. Join us in reshaping childhood education for a brighter future.
Connecting with Vilike’s Clientele: Empowering Partnerships
Vilike’s clientele spans from renowned institutions like the UKK Institute to forward-thinking daycares. As we prepare to launch Vili’s Playbook via vilike.fi, we’re eager to forge co-creation partnerships with schools and academia. Our focus is not just on transactions but on collaborative relationships, where together, we tailor solutions to meet unique educational needs.
Through early access to Vili’s Playbook, stakeholders can experience firsthand the transformative potential of Vilike’s offerings. Our goal is to empower educators and caregivers, fostering holistic growth and innovation in childhood education. Join us as we shape the future of learning, one partnership at a time.
Vilike’s Collaborative Work Culture: Empowering Innovation
At Vilike, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. With a commitment to holacracy, every team member’s input is valued equally, fostering an environment where innovative ideas thrive. Transparency and open communication are key, ensuring everyone is informed and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
We celebrate diversity of thought, encouraging all team members to share their insights freely. This inclusive culture extends to our partnerships, where we collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to drive positive change in childhood education.
Our work culture is defined by a spirit of openness, respect, and shared purpose. Together, we’re reshaping the future of childhood development through technology and education, one collaborative effort at a time. Join us as we empower children to learn, grow, and thrive.
Client Testimonial: Vili’s Playbook in Action
Saara Viteli of Boutique Fun Learning Kindergarten Metsäpirtti, Finland, praises Vili’s Playbook for its simplicity and effectiveness in evaluating physical activity. Children thoroughly enjoy the engaging storyline while their physical skills are seamlessly documented and evaluated. Saara commends the product’s ease of use, highlighting the quick preparation for educators and the added charm of Panda plush toys enhancing outdoor activities. Inspired by their experience, Saara expresses interest in further digital documentation and database creation for outdoor-focused kindergarten groups. She enthusiastically recommends Vili’s Playbook to other early educators and primary education setups, affirming its value in promoting active learning experiences.
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