When we launched Kolba over a year ago we were the only social venture incubator/design lab within UNDP. Twelve months and a lot of (emotional) scars later we thought it was time we shared our big hits and blunders.
1. Focus on the problem, not the product
We launched Kolba as a social enterprise incubator. The start-up scene in Armenia got a small boost, but the ventures which graduated in 2013, while impressive, are unlikely to change the system anytime soon. We propose to focus future incubation efforts on addressing specific development challenges; the organisational form for scaling the ideas should be a secondary concern.
2. Bridge the digital divide
A mix of online outreach and workshops across Armenia generated a lot of interest. We almost doubled the number of applicants, compared to Mardamej: Reload, a Social Innovation Camp we hosted in 2012. Over 70 percent of applicants were from communities outside of the capital, Yerevan.
3. Don’t befriend dictators
As one of our techies says, “Facebook is like a dictatorship, you have no control.” But alas, building Kolba on a shoestring meant using Facebook as Kolba’s community space. Our own website was static: a space for information on logistics and a channel for applications. We have re-designed our online space to make it more interactive. Any thoughts on how to improve it?
4. Care for your mentors
We engaged a team of mentors from business and academia to support the ventures incubated by Kolba. Some mentors need love and recognition. They also need more information on what is expected of them. We should take better care of our mentors in future. Start-up cup has a sleek mentor support programme that we like.
5. Don’t pitch, prototype
Once our panel of judges filtered the applicants, we hosted prototyping events. These were a lot of fun, but most of the teams focussed on the pitches at the close of the event rather than prototyping and testing their ideas. We plan to drop these events from the incubator and replace them with individual design workshops for each team.
6. Make space
Kolba is a useful interface with networks of active citizens. In order to enhance UNDP in Armenia’s ability to connect and co-create with these networks, Kolba should consider establishing a co-working space.
7. Keep exploring
Alongside its incubation efforts, Kolba has been promoting design literacy within UNDP. We think we should scale-up our work involving citizens in the re-design of public services, as well as explore the application of behavioural science to UNDP Armenia’s programmes and projects.
What next?
Our next incubation cycle will be focussed on local government. We are looking for activists as well as change-makers within municipalities to share their ideas for shaking up services, increasing accountability and empowering citizens. Watch this space for updates.