GAEA Innovation Bootcamp
Prague, Czech Republic – The upcoming GAEA Innovation Bootcamp will be held in Prague from March 18th to 20th, 2024, as a key initiative within the EU-funded GAEA Project. This intensive, 3-day training program will bring together young women, experienced mentors, and SMEs from across Europe to develop skills and foster innovation in agriculture, agrifood, and agrotourism sectors. Funded under the Erasmus+ Alliances for Innovation program, the GAEA project comprises a partnership of 13 organizations from 10 European countries, including Cyprus, Greece, and the Czech Republic.
The Mission of the GAEA Project
The GAEA project is dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and training women involved or interested in agripreneurship, with a commitment to promoting an inclusive, gender-sensitive training environment in rural business development. According to recent statistics at both national and European levels, women remain underrepresented in new business ventures, particularly in agriculture. The GAEA project aims to close this gap, encouraging women of diverse ages and backgrounds to develop sustainable business ideas, supporting economic growth, and addressing community needs in rural areas.
Event Highlights and Key Objectives of the Bootcamp
The GAEA Innovation Bootcamp is set to be an interactive, intensive training program focusing on key areas of agripreneurship and entrepreneurship. The Bootcamp will:
• Equip Participants with Core Skills: Through hands-on workshops, participants will gain knowledge in sustainable practices, innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship specific to agriculture and agrotourism.
• Foster Knowledge Exchange: Featuring both trainers and young women from 10 partner countries, the Bootcamp will create an informal network for ongoing collaboration and skill-building across the EU.
• Showcase Digital Resources: Attendees will interact with the GAEA digital platform and an AI-powered mobile app for skills assessment and career guidance, developed within the project.
Structure and Focus Areas
The Bootcamp will adopt a participatory approach, emphasizing:
1. Interactive Training and Pilot Implementation: The training integrates interactive sessions and curriculum testing to ensure practical knowledge transfer.
2. Expert-Led Sessions: Trainers include women agribusiness owners, experts in sustainable development, and digital skills. These mentors will guide trainees in developing entrepreneurial competencies and exploring innovative business ideas.
3. Focus on Sustainability and Digital Skills: Training content highlights sustainable practices, digital tools, and digital transformation as fundamental to modern agripreneurship.
Target Audience and Skill Development
- Trainers and Mentors: Experienced professionals, including established women entrepreneurs, agribusiness owners, and experts in sustainable development, innovation, and digital skills.
- Trainees:
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Women VET Learners:
Women participating in Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs. These are typically skill-based or job-specific education programs aimed at enhancing employability in various industries.
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Women HE Students:
Women pursuing studies in Higher Education (HE), which includes academic degrees such as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs offered by universities and colleges.
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Women NEETs:
Women classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). These are individuals, often young adults, who are not engaged in formal education, the workforce, or skill development programs.
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Women Agripreneurs:
Women who are entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector, focusing on innovative practices, agricultural businesses, or value-chain development to generate income and foster sustainability in farming.
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Other Women Interested in Agripreneurship:
Women who, while not currently active agripreneurs, have an interest in exploring entrepreneurship opportunities within agriculture, potentially as a career or business venture.
Attendees will develop competencies in:
• Entrepreneurship: Starting and growing agribusinesses or agrotourism and agriculture initiatives.
• Innovation and Sustainable Practices: Integrating sustainable agricultural methods and digital skills.
• Networking and Collaboration: Building connections with other professionals and young entrepreneurs across Europe.
A Europe-Wide Impact
With participation from 40 women across 11 countries, the Bootcamp aims to broaden perspectives, promote best practices, and empower women in agriculture by providing insights from diverse backgrounds and fostering long-term partnerships. Training outcomes and resources developed through the Bootcamp will be accessible via the GAEA digital platform to ensure wider impact across Europe.
Application Details for Participant
Women interested in participating can apply by following these steps:
• Contact for Further Information: Reach out to Contact Us | Gaeaproject
• Complete Online Application Forms: The selection process will evaluate language skills, interest in entrepreneurship, and commitment to sustainable agriculture.
• Eligibility and Expenses: Selected participants will travel to Prague for the Bootcamp with all expenses covered by the GAEA project.
• Eligible Countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Netherland.
Applications are now open!
For mentors
For trainee
Don’t miss this chance to participate in a transformative event designed to empower women and promote sustainable development in agriculture across Europe.