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SmartChannel: Digital Platform and Smart Caffe Network within Erasmus+ Projects — Hybrid Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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We successfully implemented a large-scale program to create a hybrid ecosystem that united 13 physical Smart Caffe business incubators across 4 countries (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova) with the powerful digital platform SmartChannel.org.

This project, executed within the framework of the international Erasmus+ SMART and CONNECT programs, provided students and companies with unique opportunities to develop entrepreneurship, exchange innovations, and access high-quality online education, thereby creating long-term value for the region

About the Project

International Smart Caffe Network and Online Platform SmartChannel.org (within Erasmus+ projects SMART and CONNECT)

SMART Project: 2017 – 2024
CONNECT Project: 2021 – 2024

Key Metrics and Achievements

04

3 key online platforms launched and fully operational (SmartChannel.org, SmartChannel.digital, Mediaera.digital)

03

Over 100 events and workshops conducted via the platform

02

Over 1200 students trained, and 448 faculty members taught and mentored through the platform

01

13 Smart Caffe established in 4 countries (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova)

07

Over 100 business ideas/solutions published on SmartChannel.org

05

Platform integrated into university curricula

08

Over 100 successful startups supported by the ecosystem in Moldova (60), Armenia (20), and Georgia (20). Approximately 10 startups are still operational to date. All presented their cases at the Business Digital Competition event

06

Mentors and international experts connected

How It Started

In the Eastern Partnership countries, there was a pressing need to develop the innovation potential of companies and stimulate student entrepreneurship. Existing mechanisms for collaboration between universities and businesses were insufficient, hindering effective graduate employment and the creation of new startups.

Our goal was to create a unified, accessible, and effective hybrid ecosystem that would not only provide physical incubation spaces but also connect participants through a powerful online platform, fostering idea exchange, mentorship, and the creation of joint projects.

Challenge and Goal

Program Scale and Reach

The project was implemented through the creation of a hybrid network, combining physical "Smart Caffe" locations and online platforms. This ensured both deep immersion and in-person interaction within the incubators, as well as broad audience reach through digital tools.

The program covered four Eastern Partnership countries: Moldova, Armenia, Belarus, and Georgia, which allowed for the creation of an international cooperation network. A total of 13 unique Smart Caffe spaces were established — modern, fully equipped university-based facilities that became hubs for young entrepreneurs. The project engaged hundreds of students, faculty, business representatives, mentors, and international experts from various countries, creating a multifaceted community.

Geography and Format

Structure and Content

We implemented a comprehensive structure that united several key components:

Key Ecosystem Components

Equipped workspaces, furniture, computers, and office equipment.
Support in business development: from idea generation to market entry.
Mentorship and consulting from external specialists.
Coworking spaces for networking and collaboration.
Assistance in attracting funding and preparing investment pitches.

Smart Caffe Network:

01

SmartChannel.org: A central hub for open innovation, sharing business ideas, challenges from companies, and solutions from students.
SmartChannel.digital: A platform for organizing multidimensional extracurricular educational programs and distance learning.
Mediaera.digital: A platform for professional development in media education, including courses on digital media, copywriting, photo/video, and graphic design.

Digital Platforms:

02

03

Educational Programs and Events:

Regular webinars and online trainings.
Intensive offline events: Pitching Events, National Business Competitions, Innotech Forum.
Development of hybrid micro-credential certified courses adapted to market requirements.

Attraction Channels and Long-Term Value

Integrated Approach:

The engagement of participants and partners was achieved through the synergy of the physical presence of Smart Caffe and active online promotion of the platforms.

Events:

Examples of events

Regular national business competitions and forums, such as Innotech Forum and Pitching Events, served as powerful attraction points for the target audience.

Online Learning:

The availability of webinar recordings and courses on SmartChannel.digital and Mediaera.digital ensured continuous learning and long-term value, allowing access to knowledge regardless of time and place.

Community Building:

The platforms and physical spaces fostered an active community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and experts, which became a self-sustaining channel for attraction and development.

Examples of events:

See Details

02

Digital Business Competition Armenia

See Details

01

Digital Business Competition Georgia

InnoTech Forum 2024

03

Program Results and Impact

The SmartChannel project and the Smart Caffe network significantly impacted the development of the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region:

A strong and effective link was created between universities and businesses, stimulating the exchange of knowledge and needs.

Strengthened Connections

01

Companies gained access to fresh ideas and solutions from students, enhancing their innovativeness.

Increased Innovation Potential

02

03

Development of Entrepreneurial Competencies

Students acquired practical skills in AI, digital marketing, business organization, and personal development.

Conditions were created for the development of student startups and increased their competitiveness in the labor market.

Increased Employment and Self-Employment

04

The hybrid model provides continuous support and development for entrepreneurial initiatives, and the accessibility of online content ensures the program's long-term value.

Sustainable Ecosystem

05

06

Successful Cases

The projects have already yielded examples of successful initiatives, such as "ArtTherapy" (Best Potential for Positive Social Impact) and "Econtabil" (Best Advanced Project).

Client Testimonial

“SmartChannel became more than just a platform –

it united the regional network into a single digital community. This is an example of a sustainable Erasmus+ outcome for years to come, significantly strengthening interaction between academia and business.”

Team

Overall Project Coordination

Elena Simciuc (State University of Moldova, CONNECT Project Coordinator).