Applications are now open for the 6th Edition of the Cork Oak Forest and Cork Ideas and Creativity Contest, promoted by the Municipality of Coruche, the leading entity of the Collective Efficiency Strategy (EEC) PROVERE Cork Oak Forest and Cork, together with a broad group of partners.
In 2023, this initiative — which aims to foster entrepreneurial, creative, and innovative approaches to the valorization of the Cork Oak Forest, its endogenous resources, and its main and most recognized product, cork — seeks to go even further in the areas of innovation and sustainability.
The contest features two categories: **“Design and New Cork Products”** and **“Fashion.”** Applications are open until **March 23, 2023** in both categories. The prize for the winners of each category and subcategory in “Fashion” is **€750**.
The Ideas and Creativity Contest aims to encourage creativity and entrepreneurship within the EEC PROVERE territory, while also promoting the integration and capitalization of its endogenous resources into the existing or potential economic fabric.
It does so by recognizing innovative projects that demonstrate potential to drive the dynamization of the Cork Oak Forest and Cork — projects that raise awareness of the importance and uniqueness of this ecosystem, and that stand out as business ideas with the capacity to contribute to the region’s economic development.
The contest thus establishes a pool of business ideas focused on promoting and enhancing the Cork Oak Forest and Cork.
This year’s edition includes two competition categories — **“Design and New Cork Products”** and **“Fashion” (Coordinated Outfits and Footwear)**.
The 6th edition of the Ideas and Creativity Contest seeks original, creative, and innovative proposals that promote and valorize the Cork Oak Forest and Cork, while offering competitive advantages for the territory and its products, and that may give rise to new products or services.
Entries must therefore focus on the intervention territory of the EEC PROVERE “Cork Oak Forest and Cork.”
The contest for both categories (“Design and New Cork Products” and “Fashion” – Coordinated Outfits and Footwear) will unfold in three phases. The **application period runs until March 23, 2023**, and the list of finalists will be announced by **April 3**.
Participants selected in the **“Fashion”** category (Coordinated Outfits and Footwear) will have until **May 23** at the latest to produce their cork garments and footwear for presentation, on a date to be announced, during **Coruche Fashion Cork** at the **FICOR – International Cork Fair**.
Projects in the **“Design and New Cork Products”** category will be presented during the last weekend of May at the **Cork and Cork Oak Observatory**.
The contest’s participation rules and application form are available below for consultation and download.
For questions or further information, please send an email to: **observatorio@cm-coruche.pt**