Innovation and Culture
Proof-of-Concept in Culture
ACE at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), successfully implemented the "Innovation and Culture – Proof-of-Concept (PoC)" program, within the framework of Smart Attica, European Digital Innovation Hub. This Culture-focused initiative was carried out with the dedicated support of the SCIENCE AGORA Technology Transfer Network, Innovation to Society.
PoC phases
Phase #1 Submission of proposals
Applicants submitted their proposal to clearly articulate the problem their solution addresses and highlight a genuine market need based on the Program's stated challenges.
Phase #2 PoC design and mentoring support
Participants developed a preliminary version of their proposal, outlining the core elements of their business model, and received mentorship on how to effectively promote their idea to the market.
Phase #3 PoC Impementation
PoC funding and implementation of the PoC in real life environment.
The challenges
Art and Culture play a defining role in shaping a community's identity, contributing significantly to the economy, competitiveness, and employment. Their importance is increasingly recognized today for promoting innovative ideas, igniting positive social change, and achieving a positive social impact. While new technologies create highly promising prospects for the sector, it simultaneously faces a number of complex challenges.
The goal of the Proof-of-Concept program was to identify and support research and business proposals that successfully combine art and culture with modern technologies. These proposals aimed to open new avenues in the sector, offer practical solutions to industry challenges, and simultaneously achieve a positive social impact. The proposals addressed 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.
Who was the program addressed to
The program was addressed to:
- To researchers and research teams, possessing research outcomes that can be applied to the Culture sector.
- To entrepreneurial teams and startups developing products or services related to the thematic areas of the program.
- To SMEs who possess new technologies, products, or services and aim to expand their market reach.
Funding & Support
PoC Funding for the implementation of the Proof-of-Concept, ranging from €10,000 to €15,000, determined by the evaluation criteria (with the capacity to fund up to 3 proposals)
Support through Coaching, provided by experienced executives from Smart Attica, the European Digital Innovation Hub, and the SCIENCE AGORA Network.
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 aimed at networking with the market and industry..
Timeline
Application deadline
Proposals evaluation and results announcement
Phase #1
Phase #2
Participation in matchmaking and networking events
Participation in final pitching event για τις τελικές παρουσιάσεις
PoC implementation
Participation in Final Demo Event
