The Idea-to-Scale programme, a flagship initiative of ITP’s Digital Transformation Center aimed at providing support to tech entrepreneurs, was launched on 8 December 2022 at the Innovation and Training Park (ITP) Prizren.
This incubation programme is focused on supporting promising start-up business ideas throughout different lifecycle stages – from the initial business idea to scale-up – by providing a full range of services to them, including co-working space, training programs, financial support and mentorship. The programme is built upon elements of business incubation and pre-/acceleration programs adapted to the needs of the local ecosystem.
As part of this unique initiative in the Prizren region, a total of 10 start-up ideas will benefit in the first cohort of the programme, which is being implemented by Makerspace Innovation Center Prizren, a member of the Digital Transformation Center Consortium and a tenant in the ITP.
At a launching ceremony, which was attended by Deputy Mayor of Prizren, Mr. Kujtim Gashi, Deputy Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Mr. Mentor Arifaj, and Mr Simon Floeth, head of the GIZ project to establish the Digital Transformation Center, the programme was described as a driver of innovation at the ITP but also of the economic development in general in Prizren and Kosovo.
The Idea-to-Scale is supported by the German Government through GIZ and the Municipality of Prizren, and it is part of the Digital Transformation Center’s portfolio, and it will be implemented in the ITP Prizren.
The ITP’s Digital Transformation Center’s Pool of Mentors, which is comprised of professionals in different areas, will also be supporting the programme with specific expertise related to startup and entrepreneurship in general.
Eligibility, application deadlines, and selection criteria
Although the package of support to startups will be provided in the ITP, teams from all over Kosovo and the region are eligible and encouraged to apply to become part of it.
The deadline for pitching ideas is until 4.01.2023.
Once the selection of teams is completed, they will undergo mentoring sessions (both online and with physical presence) which will last 12 months (the incubation process).
For more information about the programme, the application deadlines and selection criteria, please visit a webpage created and run by Makerspace specifically for the Idea to Scale: Idea to scale – Makerspace Prizren
