Applications are now open for the 7th Edition of the Cork Oak Forest and Cork Ideas and Creativity Contest, promoted by the Municipality of Coruche and a group of partners.
In 2024, this initiative 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 – continuing to pave the way in the fields of innovation and sustainability.
The contest features two categories: “Design and New Cork Products” and “Fashion” (Coordinated Outfits and Footwear).
Applications are open until March 1, 2024, and the prize is €750 for the winners of each category and subcategory.
The Ideas and Creativity Contest seeks to stimulate creativity and entrepreneurship within the EEC PROVERE territory, while promoting the integration and capitalization of its endogenous resources within the existing or potential economic fabric.
It does so by recognizing innovative projects that demonstrate potential to generate a driving effect in the dynamization of the Cork Oak Forest and Cork — projects that raise awareness of the importance and uniqueness of the ecosystem and position themselves as business ideas capable of stimulating and qualifying the PROVERE territory’s economy, proving to be viable on their own or in network with existing business projects.
The contest therefore establishes a pool of business ideas focused on promoting and enhancing the Cork Oak Forest and Cork, particularly its unique endogenous resources and strategic economic sectors.
As in the previous year, there are two competition categories — “Design and New Cork Products” and “Fashion”, subdivided into “Coordinated Outfits” and “Footwear” — however, each proposal may only apply to one category.
The 7th Edition of the Ideas and Creativity Contest is therefore seeking ideas that promote and add value to the Cork Oak Forest and Cork (territory, endogenous resources, and strategic sectors), while also presenting competitive advantages that could lead to the creation of new products or services.
Entries must meet the criteria of originality, creativity, innovation, and feasibility, focusing on the EEC PROVERE intervention area and making use of its existing endogenous resources.
The contest unfolds in three phases, with the application period open until March 1, 2024.
Selected applicants will have the opportunity to take part in mentoring sessions to present their projects, with this second phase running until April 3, 2024, at which point they will be contacted to move on to the final stage.
The presentation of design projects will take place on a date to be announced.
As for fashion projects, selections will be made by March 27, 2024, and will later be presented during Coruche Fashion Cork, held as part of FICOR – International Cork Fair, on a date to be announced at the end of the second phase.
The detailed calendar, participation rules, and application form are available for consultation and download here.
For any questions or information requests regarding this contest, please send an email to: observatorio@cm-coruche.pt.