Workshops
Group workshops with experts from relevant industries.
Empowering student innovators to turn ideas into reality
About Challenger Ideator
Challenger Ideator is a three-month educational program for university students. It aims to foster entrepreneurship among students from Kosice region. The program's mission is to empower students with the skills and mindset necessary to transform their ideas into successful startups. Through online and in-person workshops and mentoring, participants will learn to identify customer problems, explore innovative solutions, and refine their presentation skills.
What we offer
Mentoring & Coaching
Sessions with mentors and regular coaching meetings.
Network
Connections to the innovation community.
Free of charge
All activities within the program are free and “equity-free”.
Demo Day
Participants get to present their project during the public event.
Main prize
Winner selected by the expert jury will receive 3,000 EUR and tickets to Pohoda festival.
People's Choice Award
1,000 EUR for the winning team chosen by the audience
Program outline
The program is divided into 6 phases.
Recruiting
September 2023Active students and employees with motivation to build new skills and develop entrepreneurial thinking are invited to apply.
Application Deadline
October 2023All applications must be submitted by Sunday, 1 October 2023, 23:59 CET.
Kick-off
October 2023Introduction of the program and Q&A
Initiate
October 2023Participants will form 10 teams which will be introduced to "design thinking" method and the challenges.
Understand & Define
October 2023Teams will explore and collect data in order to better understand the end users.
Ideate & Decide
November 2023Teams will explore and analyse their potential solutions. They will select the one with the greatest chance to succeed.
Prototype & Validate
November 2023Focus will be on developing and testing prototypes in cooperation with the challenge owners and its experts.
Implement
December 2023Teams will learn how to prepare a short presentation, pitch deck, and will focus on developing their sales skills.
Launch Day
December 2023The grand finale of the Challenger Ideator is Launch Day, where teams will present their projects to the public.
Frequently asked questions
No, the some of the workshops will be in-person in Kosice. Specific location for each workshop and event will be shared with you after beginning of the program.
No, you can also apply as an individual. You can form a team within the first weeks of the program.
You don't have to have a specific idea or a solution in order to apply. You can choose a challenge you want to solve and the program will guide you from problem definition to brainstorming and choosing a solution during the program.
These are defined problems that we want to tackle during the program; and you and your solution can solve the one you choose. You can apply for one of the following three challenges:
1. Promoting entrepreneurship among university students
2. Increasing financial literacy among young population in Slovakia through sport
3. Open challenge
Yes, you have to choose one of the specified challenges. However, you can apply to the Open Challenge and present your solution in the registration form.
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