The Urban Forest Innovation Lab (UFIL), is a innovation lab in forest bioeconomy based in the city of Cuenca (Spain) and hosts a prestigious entrepreneurship program. UFIL's main objective is to provide participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to become entrepreneurs in the sustainable forestry sector, thus generating a positive impact on Cuenca and its forests. They train entrepreneurs in design, innovation, forest bioeconomy and agile methodologies for the implementation of business projects that take advantage of the resources offered by forests in a sustainable and eco-efficient way.
Do you want to be part of the most innovative Forest Bioeconomy Entrepreneurship Program? Urban Forest Innovation Lab (UFIL) is launching the third edition of its entrepreneurship programme in January 2022. It aims to provide participants with the knowledge and necessary tools to develop a business project in the forestry sector. The participanst will learn about forest bioeconomy and sustainability, creative design and innovation methodologies, sustainable leadership, and business and product development.
Who is the program for? For people hoping to start a business project that promotes economic development around certain areas of the forest bioeconomy in Cuenca. Training and professional experience, attitude and motivation, as well as knowledge or experience in any of the areas related to the bioeconomy sector are appreciated in applicants, however diverse profiles are welcomed. Participants should be fluent in Spanish.
Where? In Cuenca. A UNESCO World Heritage City for more than 20 years, Cuenca hosts one of the largest municipal forest areas in Europe. The City Council has launched the European innovation project Urban Forest Bioeconomy Laboratory (UFIL) with the aim of creating and strenghthening a local economic fabric around the opportunities arising from the sustainable use of forests. The conditions of the program are extraordinary, financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund and the Innovative Urban Actions initiative. If applicants are unemployed, they will be eligible for a scholarship and if they are not a resident of Cuenca, UFIL will provide accommodation and meals.
A team of experts and facilitators from the University of Castilla La Mancha, the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), the Polytechnic University of Madrid, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Confederation of Business Organizations of Cuenca (CEOE-CEPYME Cuenca) will accompany the participants on an experimental journey to learn about the latest trends in forest bioeconomy and forest sustainability, identify opportunities for innovation, design and prototype products or services using the equipment available in a laboratory located at the University Campus of Cuenca, and pitch their business ideas to potential investors and funders.
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Where?: Campus of the University of Castilla La Mancha (UCLM) in Cuenca. Institute of Technology, Construction and Telecommunications. On-site.
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Length: 6 months, January - July 2022.
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Costs: Free. Subject to a strict selection process.
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Language: Spanish, although some lectures and documents will be in English.
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Certificate: Title from the University of Castilla La Mancha
For more information, visit the website uia.cuenca.es where you can download the dossier and register. For more information contact ufil@cuenca.es.
