Over two productive days, the CreaTech consortium reviewed progress across all of CreaTech's work packages, shared achievements and challenges, and aligned on the next phase of implementation. 

The first day, held at the Faculty of Design in Ljubljana, focused on project management, communication, Knowledge Lab activities, student participation, and the Start-up Booster Programme. Partners discussed reporting obligations, staff training led with EMUNI as the central contact point, and next steps in the Capacity Building Programme. The consortium also reviewed the Start-up Booster Programme, including support for current cohorts, preparation of the next cohort, and planned online meetings with investors from September to December. We were especially excited to hear the welcoming remarks from Prof. Nada Matičič, Dean of the Faculty of Design, who highlighted the importance of creativity, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of higher education and the cultural and creative sectors.

On day two, Prof. Dr. Rado Bohinc, President of EMUNI University, reminded us of the important role universities play in fostering innovation and creating meaningful connections between knowledge, creativity, and societal impact. It was a fitting introduction to a day focused on scaling capacity-building activities, strengthening support mechanisms, and developing the digital infrastructure that will help ensure CreaTech's long-term legacy! While consortium meetings are always an opportunity to review progress and plan next steps, it was particularly exciting to see how our three core activities – the Capacity-Building Programme, the Knowledge Labs and the Start-Up Booster – are increasingly converging, creating synergies that strengthen one another and contribute to the project's broader vision for innovation and entrepreneurship in the CCIs. Beyond the meeting rooms of the Faculty of Design and the new EMUNI site in Koper, we had the chance to discover beautiful Ljubljana, get to know the local implementation sites, and gain a deeper understanding of the Slovenian partners' work and the contexts in which CreaTech is taking shape. A heartfelt thank you to our hosts at EMUNI University and the Faculty of Design for their warm welcome and excellent organisation, and to all partners for the commitment they continue to bring to the project! 

The meeting confirmed the strong partnership between the CreaTech consortium, reinforcing their shared commitment to innovation, creative entrepreneurship, and cooperation between higher education, students, start-ups, investors, and the cultural and creative industries.