Applications are now open for Creative Business Cup 2018, the largest international competition for the creative industries and a meeting place for the most inventive entrepreneurs.

If you’re one of them, apply by 14 June by filling in a few details about your business idea in the registration form and join the competition alongside the best ideas from across the creative industries: design, architecture, arts and crafts, advertising, film, video and photography, performing arts, music, fashion, gastronomy, publishing and the press, radio and television, software, computer applications and online publications, toys and games.

Through the competition, you have the chance to secure investment as well as prizes and services worth over EUR 100,000, while gaining international business exposure in front of attending investors and partners.

In the first stage, five creative entrepreneurs will be selected to receive mentoring in business and finance and to take part in fundraising and pitching workshops to prepare for the final selection.

The selection criteria are:

• A product or service in the creative industries, including ICT, at least at prototype stage
• The applicant must be a start-up (founded no more than 6 years ago)
• A scalable product/service (with potential to grow internationally)
• Team (skills and structure will be assessed)

The winner of the Romanian selection, to be chosen in September on the strength of a pitch, will compete for the title of World’s Best Creative Entrepreneur and present their idea to a jury of more than 20 international experts in Copenhagen, one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals for design and the creative industries.

In Romania, the competition is organised by Civitta Romania, a company that supports innovative start-ups, with support from Banca Transilvania, the partner of Romania’s creative industries.

In last year’s edition, Romania was represented by Product Lead - a service for influencers and brands that enables monetisation of social media content by effectively integrating artificial intelligence with affiliate marketing.

We wish this year’s competitors the best of luck!