The second design SPEED mentoring programme closed with outstanding results

The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency’s design SPEED mentoring programme, held together with the Italian Istituto Europeo di Design for the second time, expanded the business knowledge of designers with an already stable presence, or those with international experience. The programme consisted of a series of lectures made up of six modules, personal consultation sessions, and the preparation of an independent project with the support of domestic and international experts.

After the success of the first design SPEED, the programme was launched once again at the end of last summer, this time around opening international horizons for five Hungarian designers. As previously experienced, the training sessions supported the participating designers in entering the international market through workshops and one-to-one meetings, as well as the completion of a project work, although due to challenges imposed by the virus situation, the sessions were held online. The HFDA paid special attention to reflect on the changed economic circumstances in the topics of the training, as well as supporting the development of brands with professional advice.

The mentors of the second design SPEED took part in the programme through an open competitive selection process. Compared to 2019, in light of the virus situation, the Agency expanded the range of applicants, so that in addition to companies, sole proprietors could also apply. Based on the decision of the professional jury, the programme was able to take place with the following participants at the end of last summer: unique ceramics manufacturer Error N 'More; the creator of the award-winning Logifaces logic game Planbureau; marta edocs, known for her glass combinations; Oleant Lighting, an expert in lighting and furniture made of durable materials; and Socowoo. These participants are the ones who, thanks to their international potential, have been able to successfully identify the critical points in their operations with the help of experts under the guidance of Italian and American professors, as well as Hungarian experts.

During the programme, the brands have already demonstrated that they are ready for international expansion. Error N 'More was able to introduce itself at the International Ceramics Symposium, marta edocs won the Art Jewellery Night Challenge Cup, the Socowoo team took part in the Construma OTTHONDesign trade fair, and the products of Planbureau are already being bought from overseas, while Oleant Lighting won the famous i-NOVO Selection Innovative Product Award. According to their feedback, the trainings throughout the programme, specifically tailored to design companies, has helped them view their brands from an outsider’s perspective. Thanks to the help of the professional mentors, they are able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their brands, so they can carry on with the development process of their brand far more consciously, both in Hungary and internationally as well.

The second design SPEED mentoring programme has given them the long-sought-after momentum to help them stand their ground on the international market, and after completing the programme, they can start their development process with a toolkit enabling them to plan their strategy at a higher level and more consciously.

Applications for the latest design SPEED mentoring programme have opened

Hungarian designers have once again been given the opportunity to further develop their operations. Together with the support of IED, the Agency is looking for applications and designers with at least two closed financial years and two product families to join the programme, with the primary goal of entering the international market. Gaining entry into the mentoring programme is conditional on participating in an open, professional selection procedure, details of which can be found on the link below.

The application description and further application details can be found:https://hfda.hu/hu/cikkek/design-speed-mentorprogram-palyazati-felhivas-designmarkaknak-2196

Application Deadline: 8 April 2021. (Midnight)