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Proof-of-Concept program in Culture

February 25, 2024

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ACE at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), implements the "Innovation and Culture – Proof-of-Concept (PoC)" program, within the framework of Smart Attica European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), with the support of Κέντρο ACEin του Οικονομικού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών υλοποιεί το πρόγραμμα Καινοτομία και Πολιτισμός – “Proof of Concept” (“PoC”) με θέμα τον Πολιτισμό, με την υποστήριξη του Κόμβου Μεταφοράς Τεχνολογίας Science Agora, Innovation to Society.

Submit your proposal by March 8, 2024, here.

Challenges

Art and Culture play a defining role in shaping a place's identity, but they also contribute significantly to the economy, competitiveness, and employment. Today, their role in fostering innovative ideas, sparking positive social change, and achieving a positive social impact is increasingly recognized. The program's goal is to identify and support research and business proposals that combine art and culture with modern technologies. These proposals will aim to open new prospects in the field, offering solutions to existing industry challenges while simultaneously achieving a positive social footprint. Indicatively, proposals could cover the following thematic areas:

Integration of new technologies (e.g., AI, ML, AR/VR/MR, 3D, IoT, Analytics, etc.) within the Culture sector.
New business models for the cultural and creative industries.
Innovation in the production and promotion of cultural content.
Intellectual property management in the culture and creative industries.
Accessibility and inclusion of international audiences.
Solutions that promote and enhance culture and sustainable development.
Management and preservation of cultural heritage.
Other broader topics related to culture and the creative industries.

The PoC program is addressed:

To researchers and research teams, who wish to commercially exploit research outcomes that can be applied in the Culture sector.
To entrepreneurial teams and startups that are developing products/services related to the program's thematic areas.
Innovative SMEs that already possess new technologies, products, or services and wish to share their solutions with the market.

Funding & Support

PoC Funding ranging from €10,000 to €15,000, determined by the evaluation criteria (with the capacity to fund up to 3 proposals)
Support through Coaching, by the experts of Smart Attica EDIH.
Support through Coaching, by the experts of Science Agora.
Support through Mentoring for the PoC implementation through specialized consulting involving expert executives and mentors for the development of innovative business models.
Participation in "Matchmaking and Pitching" events aiming at networking with the market and industry.