2024 WINNERS & FINALISTS
Get inspired by the bright ideas shared by your colleagues in 2024!
Sorted alphabetically by organisation. Click on each solution to read more, or browse the full best practice library for more solutions from previous editions.
Bilişim Vadisi, Türkiye, “Robotaxi Passenger Autonomous Vehicle Competition”
The Robotaxi Passenger Autonomous Vehicle Competition fosters technological innovation by engaging university and high school teams in developing autonomous driving technologies. It enhances participants' skills and career prospects while contributing to Türkiye's technology ecosystem and connecting young talent with industry professionals.
1st PLACE WINNER
2nd PLACE WINNER
National Science and Technology Park, Pakistan, "Rising Stars Startup Competition”
The Rising Stars Startup Competition promotes diversity in the innovation ecosystem by supporting marginalised and underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women and minority groups. The program provides training, mentorship, networking, and seed funding, significantly increasing representation and fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial environment.
La Salle Technova Barcelona, Spain, “SDG's Challenges”
The SDG's Challenges initiative engages 852 first-year university students in developing entrepreneurial projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Using the Candy Innovation Model, students work in multidisciplinary teams, fostering social consciousness, creativity, and collaboration, with industry mentors and companies supporting the initiative.
3rd PLACE WINNER
ELIDZ-STP, South Africa, “Prototype development support programme"
The ELIDZ Prototype Development Support Programme aids Eastern Cape entrepreneurs by leveraging sector-specific innovation opportunities. It enhances local manufacturing capabilities, supports over 523 entrepreneurs, and develops prototypes to attract investment, fostering skills in 4IR, IP, and other advanced technologies.
Research and Technology Innovation Park, Mexico, “Research Summer at PIIT"
Research Summer at PIIT offers impactful internships for higher education students, fostering STEM career interests and integrating prospective researchers into the workforce. This program, engaging 305 participants across five editions, enhances R&D centres' capabilities while cultivating essential skills and facilitating new academic partnerships.
Surrey Research Park, UK, “Surrey Women's Entrepreneurship Network”
The Surrey Women's Entrepreneurship Network supports women entrepreneurs by enhancing access to funding, providing investor-readiness training, and fostering mentorship and allyship. Since November 2023, SWEN has grown to 152 members, organised successful events, and connected women with investors and mentors, driving gender equity in innovation.
Technology Park Ljubljana, Slovenia, “Community Building Academy Ljubljana”
The Community Building Academy unites community builders from global STPs to enhance commercial services, brand visibility, and international cooperation. This initiative fosters entrepreneurial communities, leverages global business opportunities, and strengthens STPs as business development hubs through training, monthly meetups, and collaborative projects.
tecnoPARQ (Technology Park of Viçosa), Brazil, "Inova Lácteos Acceleration Program”
The Inova Lácteos Acceleration Program supports startups in the milk production chain with training, networking, and financial backing. Since 2022, it has impacted over 600 individuals, developed 50+ solutions, and awarded 13 companies with financial support and incubation, enhancing innovation and sustainability in the dairy sector.
Tehnopol Science and Business Park, Estonia, “Innovation Leaders Club”
The Innovation Leaders Club (ILC) fosters collaboration between corporate innovators and startups to drive innovation. With nearly 80 members, ILC enhances R&D investment and product development, promoting systematic innovation and open innovation strategies through meetups, matchmaking, workshops, and collaborative tools.
The Biopharmaceutical Industry Incubation Service Platform accelerates biopharmaceutical R&D through refined lab management and technical services. With over 30 innovation projects supported, it integrates advanced technologies and international resources to drive technological breakthroughs and foster a robust innovation ecosystem in Beijing's biopharmaceutical health sector.