Problem addressed

Békés County faces rapid population decline, low economic performance, and a lack of innovation opportunities, resulting in the outmigration of young talent. The region lacks the infrastructure and support systems needed to retain and empower young entrepreneurs.

Innovative solution

KOLLABOR offers a holistic incubation process based on experiential pedagogy and startup methodologies (lean, design thinking). It fosters hands-on problem solving, co-creation, and project-based learning. Unlike traditional incubators, it unifies education, social innovation, and business development in one integrated space, creating a sustainable model for long-term local impact.

Key results and benefits

15 participants in the self-care and resilience workshop

30 individuals engaged in the Plan B hackathon

3 teams received 3-month mentoring

KOLLABOR Operational Handbook created

A business plan developed for long-term sustainability

Validated process for future spin-off projects

Potential for mainstreaming

The KOLLABOR model is highly adaptable to other rural or underperforming regions. Its modular design allows replication in different contexts where educational, economic, and social innovation need to be combined to generate new solutions and retain talent. Its sustainability is ensured through an action-based, self-sustaining operational structure.