A Challenge for Creative Minds

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About the Programme

UNDP Creative Industries is an innovative three-year project designed to foster the development of the creative sectors, aiming for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Recognizing the significant role of Creative Industries (CIs) globally, this project seeks to tap into Kosovo's unique advantages: a burgeoning talent pool of young creatives, competitive labour costs, favourable fiscal policies, a rich tradition in crats, and an established international reputation.

From 2017 to 2019, employment in the creative sector surged by 26%, outpacing the general employment growth rate. Despite this potential, creative industries confront several obstacles, including skill gaps, limited access to finance, and restricted research and development (R&D) opportunities.

In response, UNDP Kosovo is launching a call for innovative ideas. This initiative seeks to tap into the power of creativity to generate new knowledge and foster sustainable, inclusive development. By targeting the private sector and involving UBT College in the development and refinement of these ideas, this initiative aims to facilitate an enhanced collaboration between academia and the private sector and build a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures talent and fosters innovation, thereby enhancing a competitive position and supporting a resilient, inclusive economy. These collaborative efforts are crucial for stimulating the development of new knowledge and innovative solutions, particularly in a context where R&D activities need strengthening.

The call supports the private sector in developing innovative prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) through close collaboration with UBT College and UNDP experts in business development.
We welcome ideas from the following sub-sectors of the creative industries:

- Media and audio-visuals;
- Creative services (which include interior design, graphic design, fashion design, architecture, advertising, game design, and industrial design).

Selected proposals will receive mentoring, guidance, and support to transition from idea to prototype, and from prototype to MVP, as follows:

- Prototype development up to 5,000 EUR award or outcome-based grant.
- MVP development: up to 10,000 EUR outcome-based grant.

This financial support, combined with mentorship and academic collaboration, is designed to propel Kosovo's creative industries into a new era of growth and innovation.

Open Call