1. Define the Core Purpose

Start by choosing the type of innovation you want to drive. This determines venue, partners, and audience.

Choose one primary goal:

• Generate new business ideas

• Solve a specific company/industry problem

• Teach innovation methods (Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Prototyping)

• Build a community of innovators

• Create hands‑on prototypes (hardware, IoT, 3D printing)

Deliverable: 1–2 sentence mission statement.

2. Select the Workshop Format

Pick a format that fits your mission.

Option A — Design Thinking Sprint (4–6 hours)

• Empathy → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test

• Works well at KUMST or coworking spaces.

Option B — Startup Ideation Lab (2–3 hours)

• Problem framing

• Idea generation

• Pitching

• Inspired by JIC’s startup events.

Option C — Prototyping & Maker Workshop (3–5 hours)

• Hands‑on building

• 3D printing, laser cutting, IoT

• Perfect for FabLab Brno.

Option D — Innovation Meetup (1.5 hours)

• Short talks + networking

• Modeled after Velvet Innovation meetups.

Deliverable: Choose 1 format and write a short agenda.

3. Secure the Venue

Brno has excellent innovation spaces. Pick based on your format.

Best options:

• FabLab Brno — for prototyping, hardware, hands‑on sessions

• KUMST — for design thinking, creativity, team workshops

• JIC — for startup‑focused innovation

• Impact Hub Brno — for community meetups

• Clubco Vlněna — modern, central, business‑friendly

Action: Contact the venue, ask for:

• Room availability

• Capacity

• Equipment (projector, whiteboards, tools)

• Pricing

4. Build the Workshop Structure

A strong structure makes the workshop feel professional.

Standard 3‑hour structure:

1. Welcome & intro (10 min)

2. Problem framing (20 min)

3. Ideation session (40 min)

4. Break (10 min)

5. Prototype or concept creation (45 min)

6. Presentations (30 min)

7. Networking (20 min)

Materials needed:

• Sticky notes

• Markers

• Whiteboards

• Templates (problem canvas, idea canvas, prototype sheet)

• Timer

• Slides (optional)

5. Build Partnerships

Brno’s innovation ecosystem is collaborative. Partnerships increase credibility and attendance.

Potential partners:

• JIC — innovation support, mentors

• Velvet Innovation — community promotion

• Masaryk University / VUT / Mendel — students, researchers

• Local startups — speakers, case studies

• FabLab Brno — technical support

Action: Send 5 partnership emails.

6. Promote the Workshop

Use channels that Brno innovators actually follow.

Promotion checklist:

• Create an event page (Eventbrite, Facebook, LinkedIn)

• Post in:

  • Velvet Innovation community

  • JIC event listings

  • LinkedIn groups (Brno Startups, Czech Founders)

  • University innovation clubs

• Ask partners to share

• Share in coworking spaces (Impact Hub, Clubco)

Goal: 20–40 participants for the first run.

7. Run a Pilot Workshop

Start small. Focus on learning, not perfection.

Pilot goals:

• Validate the format

• Test timing

• Collect feedback

• Identify what resonates with Brno’s audience

Action: Run a 10–15 person pilot at KUMST or FabLab.

8. Collect Feedback & Iterate

After the workshop, gather insights.

Ask participants:

• What was most valuable

• What was confusing

• What they want next

• Whether they’d attend again

Use this to refine the next version.

9. Scale Up

Once the pilot works, you can:

• Run monthly workshops

• Create themed sessions (AI, IoT, sustainability, logistics, design)

• Invite guest speakers

• Partner with companies

• Build a Brno innovation community

10. Optional: Build a Brand

If you want to grow long‑term:

• Create a name (e.g., Brno Innovation Lab)

• Build a simple website

• Create a mailing list

• Offer certificates of completion

• Partner with local companies for sponsorship