Image source: QBO Manila

Innovation Hubs, or IHubs, are designed to build strong and vibrant networks of young science and technology entrepreneurs around the world. The hubs are created in partnership with local startup incubators. For the participating incubators, IHub offers another avenue to support their entrepreneurs. 

The ultimate goal of the initiative is to stimulate local entrepreneurial activity and ensure participants can grow their skills and scale their businesses together – both in their home country and through the GIST Network’s global connections.

In this roundup we highlight a few of the GIST IHubs whose work in these uncertain times exemplifies the purpose of STEM innovators across the world. 

 

IHub Tbilisi - Georgia

Like many IHubs, IHub Tbilisi has changed its plans for current and upcoming events, adapting to the changes in everyday life by designing new projects and moving events/programs online. 

In collaboration with Garage48, IHub Tbilisi co-organized the Global Hackathon aimed at fighting the pandemic. The event had over 12,000 participants from 100+ countries working on 500 life-changing projects. 

IHub Tbilisi organized their first ever workshop series about climate change in Georgia called the ”Climate Change Workshop for Beginners.” The workshops touched on the latest climate science and utilized local multimedia elements to spur discussion around this complex issue. Although originally planned as an in-person event, the last-minute pivot to entirely online resulted in weekly sessions with up to 20 participants per workshop. 

Failure can be an important learning tool for entrepreneurs. IHub Tbilisi is hosting “F-up Nights Tbilisi,” a virtual series where successful entrepreneurs share their failure stories and how they have learned and grown through those experiences. This series provides a safe space for entrepreneurs to discuss their shortcomings and encourages resilience despite them. The first online session was held on 23 April.

 

Startup Macedonia - North Macedonia

Like many IHubs, Startup Macedonia has had to shift its operations from in-person engagements to virtual. Facing this new normal is no easy feat however, Startup Macedonia has managed to roll with the punches quite smoothly. In the past month, In the most recent month, Startup Macedonia has hosted over 70 virtual educational trainings and conferences with help from its supporting organizations and partners. Like other IHubs, Startup Macedonia has participated in multiple hackathons including the Online Startup Weekend: COVID-19 edition.

This past weekend, Startup Macedonia won their national Hack the Crisis Hackathon and is preparing to launch it’s project www.techpack.mk. With free tech resources from local startups and IT companies, and education content provided by local training companies, the website helps SMEs make the transition to digital. The program includes more than 50 real-sector opportunities and more than 30 trainings. Working with ten Chambers of Commerce, Startup Macedonia conducted an ecosystem assessment  to target companies in the most affected industries such as tourism, transport, light manufacturing, lifestyle, and hospitality.

With mentorship being in such high demand, Startup Macedonia has initiated an online mentoring service, starting with the creation of a national mentors database. Later this year they plan to onboard and train 100 local and diaspora mentors followed by an expansion of mentors from US, Canada and Europe. 

 

QBO - Philippines

Even with shifting their programming entirely online, QBO has managed to successfully continue their monthly workshops, consultations, and networking events. In response to the COVID-19 crises, they have begun a weekly newsletter featuring a COVID 19 toolkit for startups that includes tools and resources to help their community. QBO has also begun a series of webinars that feature startup founders who share their experiences and advice on how to adapt to the new normal and thrive in uncertainty. 

Some of their most popular workshops include:

• QONSULTATION: Branding and Marketing
• BASIQS: QBO’s Introductory Class on Pitching 
• WORQSHOP on Negotiating Term Sheets 
• FEEDBAQ: Valuation and Fundraising with 500 Startups
• QONSULTATION: Product Development