Call for Applications to the H&ART Incubator Mentor Pool

Call for Applications to the Transnational Mentor Pool of the H&ART Incubator of the KreativEU Alliance

The H&ART Incubator / Technology Transfer Office of the University of South Bohemia invites experienced professionals, practitioners, researchers, creatives, and experts to apply for its transnational mentor pool.

This call is open to individuals willing to share their knowledge, experience, and expertise on a voluntary (pro bono) basis and contribute to the development of a vibrant transnational ecosystem supporting culture, heritage, creativity, and innovation.

About the H&ART Incubator

The H&ART Incubator is a new transnational initiative of the KreativEU European Universities Alliance, aiming to support the creation, development, and implementation of ideas, projects, and products in the cultural and creative sectors, arts, cultural heritage, and related fields.

At its initial stage, the H&ART Incubator is evolving from a conceptual framework into a living ecosystem. Mentors play a key role in this process by helping shape mentoring practices, supporting startups, emerging artists, and individuals in developing their entrepreneurial ideas and creative projects in the cultural and creative sectors, and co-creating the culture and standards of the incubator.

Those interested in the conceptual and governance framework of the H&ART Incubator may consult document D4.1: Art and Heritage Incubator Structure, Rules and Procedures for the Joint Management (Version 1, 2025).

Who We Are Looking For

The H&ART Incubator seeks diverse, motivated, and active mentors who wish, through their experience, to become part of building a real structure, rather than only providing occasional expert consultations to incubated participants.

We welcome applications from experts with experience in one or more of the following areas (non-exhaustive list):

• arts, culture, and cultural heritage,
• cultural and creative industries,
• design, media, and digital creativity,
• entrepreneurship, innovation, and startups,
• cultural management and cultural policy,
• funding, sustainability, and social innovation,
• digital transformation, AI, XR/VR, platforms,
• education, training, and capacity building,
• intellectual property and valorisation,
• marketing, branding, and community building.

Applicants may come from academia, cultural institutions, creative businesses, non-profit organisations, public institutions, or independent professional practice.

We especially value mentors who:

• are motivated to support the growth and learning of others,
• enjoy working in interdisciplinary and multicultural environments,
• believe in collaboration, openness, and knowledge sharing,
• are interested in contributing to the development of a European transnational incubation ecosystem.

Role of Mentors

Selected mentors will:

• provide guidance, feedback, and expertise to emerging artists, startups, students, and creative teams in developing their entrepreneurial ideas and creative projects in the cultural and creative sectors;
• participate in mentoring programmes, workshops, and incubation cycles;
• support the development of ideas, projects, and competences;
• be recognised as contributors and members of the KreativEU Alliance community.

Mentoring activities are voluntary and unpaid (pro bono) and will take place flexibly (online, hybrid, or occasionally in person) from June 2026 to March 2028.

What Mentors Will Gain

Although mentoring is voluntary and unpaid, mentors will benefit from:

• inclusion in a transnational mentor pool across 11 European universities;
• networking with peers from different disciplines and countries;
• visibility through the communication channels of the H&ART Incubator and the KreativEU Alliance;
• opportunities for collaboration, learning, and exchange of experience across European universities, cultural organisations, and creative ecosystems;
• participation in selected H&ART Incubator events, workshops, and community activities;
• development of leadership, advisory, and mentoring skills through reflective practice;
• new inspiration and creative perspectives through collaboration with young talents and innovative projects;
• the opportunity to be part of a shared journey towards meaningful cultural, social, and creative impact;
• recognition as contributors to the H&ART Incubator and the KreativEU Alliance.

Eligibility and Selection

Mentors will be selected in accordance with the H&ART Incubator rules based on the relevance of their expertise and experience, motivation and commitment to mentoring, ability to contribute to the incubator’s goals, and openness to collaboration in a transnational environment.

I. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

• at least 3 years of practical, teaching, or research experience in relevant fields;
• availability of at least 3 hours per month during the mentoring period (declaration required);
• participation in an introductory meeting/workshop on mentoring tasks and the mission and goals of the H&ART Incubator;
• ability to effectively manage time and commitments (short justification required);
• submission of a complete application;
• submission of the application within the specified deadline.

II. Evaluation Criteria

Total: 1.00

Application Process

Applications are submitted through an online form. The entire process has been intentionally designed to be simple and administratively light while still providing sufficient information for evaluation.

Application link: Application Form Transnational Mentor Pool

After submitting the application form, applicants must send the following supporting documents to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• completed application form [PDF file that can be generated after submitting the form by clicking the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner of the form and selecting “Print response”];
• professional CV or link to an updated LinkedIn profile;
• professional recommendation (optional but recommended).

Timeline

• Launch of the call: 20/05/2026
• Application deadline: 30/06/2026
• Evaluation and selection: 31/07/2026
• Mentor onboarding/training: after completion of the selection process

All applicants will be informed of the results by e-mail.

Contact and Further Information

For questions regarding the call or the H&ART Incubator, its mission, vision, goals, and development strategy, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Join us and help transform the H&ART Incubator from a concept into a living ecosystem - together.