Registration is open for the 9th edition of the Ideas and Creativity Competition
Registration is open until February 27, 2026, for the 9th edition of the Ideas and Creativity Competition, promoted by the Municipality of Coruche, the leading entity of the Collective Efficiency Strategy (EEC) PROVERE “Cork Oak and Cork Woodland,” which involves a wide range of partners.
In 2026, the initiative renews its commitment to promoting entrepreneurial, creative, and innovative approaches to valuing the Cork Oak Woodland, its endogenous resources, and its main and most recognized product – cork – continuing the path of innovation and sustainability that has marked previous editions. Two categories are competing: “Design and New Cork Products” and “Fashion” (“Coordinated Outfits” and “Footwear”). The prize is R$ 750 for the winners of each category and subcategory.
The Ideas and Creativity Competition aims to stimulate creativity and entrepreneurship within the territory of the EEC PROVERE “Montado de Sobro e Cortiça” (Cork Oak and Cork Wood Forest), simultaneously promoting the integration and capitalization of endogenous resources in the existing or potential economic fabric. It does this by recognizing innovative projects capable of generating an impact on the economic dynamism of the Cork Oak Forest – ideas that raise awareness of the importance and uniqueness of this ecosystem, that add differentiation to its products, and that establish themselves as potential business initiatives, autonomous or articulated with existing activities. The competition, therefore, constitutes a pool of business ideas oriented towards the promotion and valorization of the Cork Oak Forest and cork, and the strategic sectors that comprise it.
As in previous editions, each proposal can only be registered in one category. The 9th edition aims to identify original, creative, innovative, and viable ideas that promote and value the Cork Oak Forest and cork, its endogenous resources, and the PROVERE territory, presenting competitive advantages and potential to originate new products or services. In the “Fashion” category, “Coordinated Outfits” subcategory, finalist projects will receive up to 10 meters of cork fabric to create the pieces to be presented on the catwalk, while in the “Footwear” subcategory, finalist candidates must ensure the production of the complete pair for the final presentation.
The competition takes place in three phases.
Phase I, for the submission of applications, runs until February 27, 2026.
Phase II follows, dedicated to the analysis of proposals and the selection of finalists, during which the shortlisted candidates will have access to mandatory mentoring sessions aimed at preparing their presentations.
Phase III consists of the public presentation of the finalist proposals: the “Design and New Cork Products” projects will be presented to the jury in a separate session; the “Fashion” projects will be presented on a catwalk, as part of Coruche Fashion Cork, on a date to be announced by the Coruche City Hall.
The detailed schedule, participation rules, and registration form are available for consultation and download in the attachment.
For clarification of doubts or requests for information regarding this competition, please use the following emails: carmo.giao@cm-coruche.pt and barbara.santos@cm-coruche.pt.
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