DAE Creative Bootcamp 2024 programme wrapped up in Buenos Aires

We’re delighted to have been involved with and to share a unique and transformative experience for Argentine Design: the closing event for Diseño Argentino Exponencial. Creative Bootcamp in Argentina! The STEAMhouse team have been virtually mentoring 15 amazing entrepreneurs from Argentina as part of the Argentine Exponential Design: Creative Bootcamp, helping creative and design businesses with a focus on sustainability to develop their products and business growth.

“DAE’s goal is to provide not only financial resources, but also comprehensive training that allows entrepreneurs to grow sustainably and generate a tangible impact in the design sector” said Iván Petrella, Director of Cultural Innovation at the Bunge y Born Foundation. Valeria Zamparolo, Head of Arts America at the British Council, added: “We are proud to see how this programme connects local talent with global opportunities, and how Argentine design continues to expand its horizons thanks to these spaces for growth and training”.

From over a whopping 240 applicants, 15 amazing entrepreneurs were selected to participate in the DAE Creative Bootcamp programme 2024. They come from all over Argentina, and have all developed innovative design projects, working on responsible production and sustainability.

In addition to the winners receiving seed capital, the 15 selected ventures participated in an extensive training process that included more than 175 hours of master classes and individualised mentoring by experts from institutions such as STEAMhouse and renowned Latin American business leaders. The training covered key topics such as innovation, sustainability and social impact, in order to strengthen the strategic and productive capacities of entrepreneurs.

We’ve been inspired by every single entrepreneur and the ingenuity, determination and creativity they’ve demonstrated since the start of 2024. We’re proud to be helping these unique businesses that are making the world a better place through design and creativity!

Head of Service Innovation and Experimentation at STEAMhouse Patrick Bek remarked: “it’s privilege and pleasure to be able to share knowledge across continents. The DAE Creative Bootcamp process is testament to the value of working with people who have different cultural and professional perspectives, I can see the innovative results already! The talent, ambition and tenacity of the mentees we’re working with is hugely inspiring.”

As part of the closing celebration event for the programme, our Head of Growth and Incubation David Mellor was invited to represent STEAMhouse on the judging panel of a programme which has worked across continents to create strategic alliances, promote triple impact actions and generate opportunities for innovation. The closing event even saw an appearance from the British Ambassador to Argentina, Kirsty Hayes. On being invited to the closing event, David commented: “It was a genuine honour to be asked to judge at Diseño Argentino Exponencial. Creative Bootcamp (and to meet the British Ambassador). Sincere thanks to the team at the British Council for the invitation and support, and to the amazing people at DAE and Fundación Bunge y Born, and the other wonderful supporters. It was also one of the hardest jobs I’ve faced, to be part of the team deciding who won, such was the ability of the cohort. Congratulations to the winners, Bolsa Red (Chubut), Cuero LO’OC (Chaco) and Robbina, diseño inclusivo, but most of all to everyone who took part. You have all made an impact on me that I will never forget. Thank you!”

You can read about the transformative power the programme (curated by STEAMhouse) has played in the development of the creative industries in Argentina in this column by Valeria Zamparolo, Head of Arts Americas of the British Council, for Forbes Argentina.

Special thanks go to the institutional representatives, strategic partners, entrepreneurs, cultural managers, press and the public who brought together a collaborative and innovative community together within Argentina’s national design ecosystem. The cohort on the innovation programme showed unprecedented levels of commitment, attention, togetherness and determination.

Laura Veart, STEAM International Programme Manager, who coordinated the project on behalf of STEAMhouse said “the team have really enjoyed the experience and we look forward to working with the British Council and DAE again in the future!”