VISIONERS Academy
About this good practice
The VISIONERS Academy was initiated by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Activities of Sofia Municipality to empower young people and harness their innovative ideas to benefit the Sofia community. It was launched in 2021 to support projects by individuals and teams aged 15 till 29. The Academy aims to address the lack of platforms for young people to develop and implement innovative projects that can positively impact the local community.
The Academy accepts projects in four thematic areas: Arts and Culture, Environment, Science and Innovation, and Animals at Risk. These areas are aligned with Sofia's Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3). The Academy provides mentoring, logistic and financial support, motivation sessions and practical training in project management, business skills and technology fields e.g. coding, AI, biotech, mechatronics, design, etc. Participants interact with experts from academia and business, and their projects are showcased at public events, in schools and through mass media, fostering a wider educational and engagement outreach.
The main stakeholders are the young participants, the mentors from academia and business, the schools and the local community. The main beneficiaries are the young innovators who gain skills in teamwork, project management, entrepreneurship and various technical fields. The projects provide educational benefits to school students and create pathways for vocational training and career development.
Resources needed
A grant of 2500 EUR is available per youth project to mature and prototype ideas. An average of 5 projects are funded each year.
All mentors work with the applicants on a pro-bono basis. Four to five mentors join each edition of the Academy to cover all thematic areas.
Evidence of success
In 2021-2023, the Academy has funded 12 youth projects. Evaluation results for the year 2024 are awaited.
Some projects receive further awards and grants and evolve into successful start-ups, e.g. portable bioreactors with micro-algae to purify indoor air; beehive STEM constructor as an educational and toy model, etc.
Approved projects take part in roadshows in more than 100 public schools in Sofia and promo events, attracting great interest from students, parents and the media.
Potential for learning or transfer
The VISIONERS Academy facilitates cross-sector links between young innovators and experts from academia and industry intending to foster future startup funding, apprenticeships and employment offers. It is an interactive way of learning and developing skills that combine school education with practical, real-life experience in different professional fields. Presenting youth projects at public events and in schools fosters community engagement and raises awareness about new technologies, carriers, innovation culture, intergenerational dialogue, etc.
Key factors for successful transfer are: active young people, committed mentors, small grants and follow-up support.
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