LocationsA Challenge for Creative Minds
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.
We invite applications from start-ups with innovative solutions in the creative industries. We're looking for projects that demonstrate a strong potential for impact and scalability, whether through the introduction of novel technologies, unique business models, or creative approaches that contribute to the sustainable development. Ideal proposals will leverage collaboration between academia and the private sector, showing how this partnership can drive innovation and foster growth.
- Type: You are a start-up with a minimum of 3 months of business operations and your solutions target the sectors: media and audio-visuals, creative services (which include interior design, graphic design, fashion design, architecture, advertising, game design, and industrial design).
- Location: You are registered and intend to implement your project in Kosovo.
- Language: Proficiency in English.
- Innovation: Proposals should demonstrate the use of cung-edge technologies, innovative digital tools, or introduce novel ideas, approaches, products, or services to a target group or market within the creative industries. This could include new methods of production, unique business models, or fresh artistic expressions.
- Feasibility and viability: Innovations should be feasible, indicating that they can be developed, tested, and/or implemented within the programme's timeline and budget. This requires a clear plan demonstrating how the proposed solution will progress from concept to prototype or MVP within the foreseen program timeline.
- Scalability: The proposed innovations should have the potential for scalability, meaning they can be expanded or replicated within or beyond their current geographical area of operations. This could involve reaching a larger market, extending the product line, or establishing new partnerships to scale the impact.
- Potential for impact: Proposals should contribute to the broader objectives of the programme, demonstrating high potential for impact within the creative industries. This could involve addressing significant challenges, driving sustainable and inclusive development, or creating substantial economic and social value.
- Management capacity: Applicants should have a strong team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, demonstrating the capacity to implement their innovation successfully. The team should possess the necessary skills and experience to manage the development and scaling of their project.
The Innovation Unleashed: A Challenge for Creative Minds offers a comprehensive structure designed to guide participants from idea conception through prototyping and the development of MVPs. This structure emphasizes mentorship, academic collaboration, and hands-on learning, ensuring participants receive targeted support to turn their ideas into viable products.
- Business development mentoring and coaching: This component, delivered by UNDP, focuses on business model development, sustainability, and social impact. It includes group sessions, workshops, and 1:1 mentoring with industry experts.
- Prototype and MVP development mentoring and coaching: This part is facilitated by UBT College and involves a structured mentorship programme to guide participants through the prototyping process, refining their ideas, and developing MVPs.
- Online talks and networking sessions: These sessions are designed to provide participants with insights into industry trends, business development strategies, and funding opportunities. They are led by UNDP and industry experts, covering topics such as branding, storytelling, market analysis, and technology integration.
Mentorship is a critical component of the programme, with an estimated duration of three months. Each participant receives at least 15 hours of individualized mentorship from UBT College and UNDP business development experts. The mentorship programme is designed to support participants in refining their ideas, developing prototypes, and creating MVPs. UBT College will also provide co-working spaces for mentorship and product development, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing.
The Creative Industries project is supported by the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade (MIET), Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport (MCYS), and Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI)