Proud to highlight the University of Bedfordshire Business School’s contribution to the CreaTech Program and the distinctive way the team translated entrepreneurship into a deeply human, inclusive, and practice-driven learning experience.

What stood out was the university’s holistic approach: combining emotional intelligence, creative leadership, and hands-on venture development into a coherent journey from self-reflection to market-ready start-ups.

Capacity Building Program (CBP)

The program began with a strong focus on soft skills: emotional intelligence, communication, leadership, and intercultural awareness. Delivered online, the CBP encouraged participants to critically reflect on their creative identities, identify gaps, and build confidence as collaborative innovators. This emphasis on personal development laid a solid foundation for team dynamics and creative leadership in the hashtag CCIs.

Knowledge Lab

The University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Lab translated ideas into action. Through design thinking, business model development, and market validation, participants worked in interdisciplinary teams to shape viable start-up concepts. Industry insights, real-world case studies, and digital strategy tools ensured that innovation was both creative and grounded in practice.

8-Week Mentoring Cycle

The final phase offered tailored, one-to-one mentoring, supporting entrepreneurs in refining their business plans with a strong focus on financial modelling, operational planning, and pitching. Sustainability, inclusion, and digital transformation were not treated as add-ons, but embedded throughout the mentoring process.

A great example is Carolyn, founder of Rites of Way, who clarified her brand vision, strengthened her market positioning, and developed a sustainable pricing model. By the end of the program, she had a confident, investor-ready pitch and a clear strategy for scaling her nature-inspired celebrant service.

The CreaTech consortium sincerely appreciates the University of Bedfordshire’s outstanding efforts and looks forward to continuing this strong collaboration.