Through years of working on the development of the startup ecosystem, Smion has implemented the Startup Drill methodology across various programs—from healthcare innovation to education for young entrepreneurs. Startup Drill has proven to be a structured and effective approach that enables startup teams to quickly validate ideas, develop business models, and prepare for the market.
The results achieved through these programs show that with the right framework and mentorship, significant progress can be made in a very short time. That is why below we present an overview of concrete programs and achievements that clearly demonstrate the value of Startup Drill.
Startup Drill Across Different Sectors
Startup Drill is applied across different industries and with diverse user groups—from students and pupils to professional startup teams and researchers. This flexibility allows the methodology to be adapted to the specific needs of each program.
Forward to Health Innovation
“Forward to Health Innovation” is a six-month pre-acceleration support program for startup teams in the field of health innovation, implemented by Smion as an implementation and program partner in collaboration with the University of Zagreb, with the support of EIT Health. The program provides support and education through an interdisciplinary approach that includes academic resources, industry partnerships, and an international dimension.
Achievements:
- More than 26 startup teams developed healthcare innovations across different program cohorts
- 26+ teams directly educated and mentored through two key program phases
- 7+ teams reached the market or are close to market entry
- 6 teams advanced to the Market Access phase and pitched to investors
- More than 100 participants involved across program cohorts
- Over 200 key stakeholders from industry, academia, and healthcare participated
- 5 VC funds and numerous industry partners involved (AstraZeneca, Selvita, Ericsson Nikola Tesla…)
- Strong connection established with the EIT Health European innovation network
- Program reached more than 62,000 people through media and communication channels
Through these programs, startups go through the entire development cycle—from understanding the problem and validating needs to product development, testing, and investment readiness. Here are just some impressions from program participants:
StartIT Academy
StartIT Academy is a pre-incubation program for developing early-stage business ideas, organized by Digital Dalmatia (Split-Dalmatia County), with Smion acting as the partner responsible for the design and implementation of the startup program. Startup teams receive resources, mentorship, and education to help them test their ideas and prepare for market challenges.
Through these programs, Smion implemented a structured approach to startup development based on Lean Startup, Design Thinking, and Customer Development methodologies, enabling teams to quickly validate ideas and build sustainable business models.
Cumulative program results:
- More than 50 startup teams participated across different program cohorts
- 40+ teams directly educated and mentored through Smion programs
- 30 teams validated their problem and developed a business model
- More than 15 teams tested an MVP or prototype with users
- 20%+ of startups generated their first revenue
Programs are structured in phases (Kick-off, Camp, Training, and Demo Day), where teams go through the full startup development process—from idea to initial market validation and investor pitching.
StartIT Academy clearly demonstrates how long-term application of Startup Drill principles and related methodologies can build a sustainable startup ecosystem—not only through individual team success but through the continuous development of new generations of entrepreneurs.
KASPI Startup Drill
KASPI Startup Drill was one of the programs where the Startup Drill methodology was applied to teams in the earliest stages of development. The program confirmed that a structured approach can significantly accelerate the journey from idea to initial market validation.
KASPI Startup Drill was a program carried out in collaboration with the KASPI Entrepreneurial Incubator of the City of Kastav, in which Smion participated as a partner responsible for the design and implementation of the Startup Drill process, as well as mentoring startup teams.
Over 14 weeks, startup teams went through key steps of the Startup Drill process—from defining the problem and users, testing assumptions and MVPs, to developing business models and preparing for market entry. The focus was on working with real users and making data-driven decisions rather than relying on assumptions.
The results of this approach were evident in faster learning and clearer direction of idea development. In a short time, teams were able to validate key assumptions, identify real user needs, and shape more sustainable business models.
In addition to the methodology, Startup Drill provided teams with access to resources supporting their development—including workspace (up to 100 hours per month), meeting rooms (up to 15 hours per month), mentorship support, and increased visibility within the ecosystem. This combination of structure and operational support allowed teams to focus on what matters most: validation and solution development.
The value of this approach is also reflected in concrete startup stories. One example is Hartera Robotics, a team that further structured the development of its solution for automating vessel maintenance through the Startup Drill process. By working on validation, user interviews, and product iterations, the team better defined its market and improved product direction—an essential step toward further growth.
KASPI Startup Drill demonstrated that the Startup Drill methodology does not depend on context or industry—consistent application of a structured process, combined with mentorship and user engagement, leads to measurable progress for early-stage startup teams.
Why Does Startup Drill Work?
Startup Drill combines:
- structured business idea development → clear definition of problem and users
- focus on market validation → decisions based on data, not assumptions
- continuous mentorship → faster learning through feedback
- rapid iteration and testing → reduced risk before investing resources
The result is reduced risk and faster progress for startup teams—regardless of industry or experience level.
Conclusion
The application of Startup Drill across Smion programs has shown that startup success is the result of clear methodology, quality tools, and continuous support.
From international healthcare innovation programs, educational initiatives like StartIT Academy, to local incubation programs such as KASPI Startup Drill and the Hubbazia program in Opatija, Startup Drill consistently proves to be a structured process that enables startup teams to learn faster, validate ideas, and make better business decisions.
Whether in early development stages or market preparation, Startup Drill enables teams to achieve concrete, measurable results in a short time while reducing product development risk.
Want to implement Startup Drill in your program or develop your own startup idea using a proven methodology? Learn more about Startup Drill!
