The New European Bauhaus: Designing a Sustainable and Inclusive Future

The Ignite NEB programme serves as a catalyst for turning innovative ideas into real businesses that align with the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus. These events bring together entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers to collaborate and develop long-term solutions that address societal challenges.

During Ignite NEB events, participants engage in a series of activities that blend entrepreneurship and NEB principles, using cultural and artistic elements to inspire and drive innovation. Teams are formed, and through training and mentorship, they refine their ideas and pitch them to a panel of experts. The most promising concepts are then selected to move forward into the Grow NEB program.

The Grow NEB programme provides selected teams from Ignite NEB with the resources and support needed to prototype and test their sustainable solutions. It focuses on reinforcing the business models for these solutions as well as providing access to workspaces equipped with tools, materials, and technologies for experimentation and learning.

During the Grow NEB program, teams undergo assessment of their business needs and engage in matchmaking sessions with mentors from the NEB community. These mentors, with their expertise in design-led strategies and development processes, help teams define and strengthen their business models. Additionally, teams have the opportunity to conduct prototyping sessions and gather feedback from potential consumers to refine their solutions.

Catalyse NEB aims to identify and support businesses that integrate social innovation into their operations, products, and services. By addressing sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, these NEB-minded businesses contribute to systems change and new ways of living together.

The program offers entrepreneurship training and mentoring to selected startups, empowering them to become international game-changers. Through Catalyse NEB, these businesses can access resources, networks, and funding opportunities that enable them to scale their impact and deliver innovative solutions aligned with the values of the New European Bauhaus.

Connect NEB focuses on activating citizen-generated solutions and initiatives to address challenges faced by European cities, peri-urban, and rural areas. By facilitating the exchange of knowledge and encouraging transdisciplinary collaboration, Connect NEB aims to create innovative projects that promote sustainability, quality of experience, and inclusivity.

In collaboration with public and private entities, Connect NEB engages citizens and end-users in identifying and addressing challenges specific to their communities. By harnessing the collective wisdom and creativity of individuals, Connect NEB aims to develop scalable and replicable solutions that contribute to a just, equitable, and prosperous future.

Co-create NEB focuses on resolving challenges faced by cities, peri-urban, and rural areas through innovative solutions that enhance public spaces. By integrating NEB values, such as sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, into their projects, Co-create NEB aims to transform these spaces and complement local policies.

Activities supported by Co-create NEB are tailored towards specific target groups and aim to have a long-term sustainable impact. By encouraging collaboration between diverse stakeholders and utilizing design-led approaches, Co-create NEB fosters the development of projects that improve the quality of public spaces and contribute to positive societal change.

Enhance NEB focuses on scaling and replicating the most promising projects from the Connect NEB and Co-create NEB programs. By amplifying the impact of these projects, Enhance NEB aims to foster comprehensive cooperation within the NEB ecosystem and create new pathways for collaboration.

Selected projects embedded with NEB values and principles are supported through partnerships with cities, regions, and affiliated entities. This collaboration allows for a broader reach and the enhancement of successfully tested solutions, ensuring their long-term sustainability and impact.

To ensure a lasting and high-quality NEB experience, the initiative cultivates a pool of NEB Mentors. These mentors, identified through a rigorous selection process, provide guidance and support to participants in various NEB programs, including Catalyse NEB, Grow NEB, Connect NEB, Co-create NEB, and Enhance NEB.

NEB Mentors possess a strong grasp of design-led strategies and development processes, bringing a NEB mindset to encourage and inspire participants. Their mentorship adds value to the NEB programs, fostering continuity and ensuring the delivery of impactful and innovative solutions.