Impact Kickstarter – Balkan Edition
A regional program for launching impact projects through crowdfunding.
Impact Kickstarter – Balkan Edition is a development program for creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs from the Balkans who want to present their social, environmental, or cultural impact projects to a global audience through crowdfunding.
The program connects and supports projects from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, providing mentorship, community, and international visibility.
Who is the program for?
The program is designed for:
- creators, designers, and innovators
- startup teams and social entrepreneurs
- projects with a prototype or a clearly developed concept
- teams ready to actively work on campaign development
We are looking for projects with a clear positive impact and the ambition to enter the international market.
What do the selected teams receive?
Up to 6 projects will be selected.
Selected teams receive:
- free intensive crowdfunding bootcamp (starting in March)
- weekly mentoring support until the campaign launch
- assistance with storytelling, campaign structure, and community building
- 3-day tickets for the DIFFRNT festival
- accommodation during the festival in Slovenia
- the opportunity for a live campaign launch on June 19, 2026
- možnost živega lansiranja kampanje 19. Junija 2026
- exhibition space and project presentation at the festival
- networking with mentors, entrepreneurs, media, and partners
The goals of the program are long-term entrepreneurial growth and regional connection among like-minded visionaries and creatives who want to change the world for the better.
The path to realizing your idea
1. Applications
Applications are open via the online form until February 18.
2. Project Selection
An expert jury selects up to 6 projects based on 6 projektov na podlagi:
- impact potential
- crowdfunding readiness
- project maturity
- and team motivation
The Jury:
- Niko Klanšek – crowdfunding mentor
- Mateja Koren – program lead, SoundGarden / DIFFRNT
- a representative from Kickstarter Europe
- a representative of Center Rog
Teams will be notified by February 20.
3. Bootcamp
In the first week of March, teams participate in an intensive online bootcamp covering:
- campaign strategy
- storytelling
- communication adn community building
- reward structure and budget
4. Mentoring Process
From March to June:
- weekly mentoring meetings
- campaign development
- individual feedback
5. Launch at DIFFRNT Festival
On June 19, teams will present their campaigns live at the DIFFRNT festival in Slovenia, where they will:
- perform on the main stage
- present their projects to visitors
- connect with partners and media
6. Mentoring Process
From July to October:
- monitoring campaigns
- gathering impact data
- preparing the next edition of the program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- In which language will the program be held?
The entire program is conducted in English, as the group of participants is international. - Is there a fee for the program
No. The bootcamp, mentoring, festival tickets, and accommodation are free of charge for the selected teams. Participants cover their own travel expenses to Slovenia. - Is attendance at the festival mandatory?
Yes. Participation and the pitch at the DIFFRNT festival (June 19–21) are a mandatory part of the program. - Does the product need to be finished?
No, but the project must be developed enough to realistically prepare and launch a campaign by June. - How many projects will be selected?
Up to 6 projects will be selected. The commission reserves the right to select fewer projects if deemed appropriate. One or more projects may be selected from a specific country. We reserve the right not to select any project from a specific country. - When will the results be known?
Selected teams will be notified by February 20, 2026.
Apply
The application deadline is February 18, 2026.
Please only apply if you are able to participate in all key phases of the program.