Connecting Youth, Entrepreneurship, and Culture for the Future

ECoCNetwork is an international project that connects the economy, educational institutions, and young people from European Capitals of Culture (ECoC). The main goal of the project is to gather best practices and develop common ideas for linking young people with green, digital, and creative companies, as well as with entrepreneurial support environments.

The project is funded by the European Union from the Small Projects Fund GO! 2025 of the Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia 2021-2027 Programme, managed by EGTC GO.
www.ita-slo.euwww.euro-go.eu/spf

News and Events of the ECoCNetwork Project

Exchange of best practices among European Capitals of Culture.

International Hackathon of European Capitals of Culture

Follow the International Hackathon of European Capitals of Culture, taking place in October 2025 in Nova Gorica, the city that, together with Gorizia, holds the title of European Capital of Culture 2025. This unique event will bring together young people, entrepreneurs, creators, and tech enthusiasts from across Europe in a creative environment to tackle the challenges of the future.

What is the goal of the hackathon?

The hackathon will be a space for innovation, where participants will collaboratively seek solutions in the following areas:

Green Transformation

How can technology and culture support the sustainable development of cities?

Digitalization

Developing digital tools to enhance accessibility to culture and the arts.

Creative Industries

Connecting culture and entrepreneurship to create new opportunities.

Participants will have the opportunity to develop ideas and solutions that contribute to the sustainable vision of the European Capitals of Culture.

Event Program

October 2025

Nova Gorica, Slovenia



48 hours of intensive collaboration and creation

The main activities will include: an introductory presentation of the challenges and goals of the hackathon, work in interdisciplinary teams with international participation, presentation of solutions to a professional jury, final awards ceremony, and social networking.

*The program is still being finalized.

The Hackathon of European Capitals of Culture is not just a competition—it is an opportunity for collaboration, learning, and creating a sustainable legacy that will shape the future of culture, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Want to learn more? Get in touch with us!

Do you have an idea on how to combine culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship? Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the international story of European Capitals of Culture and contribute to shaping the future of Nova Gorica and Europe.

Submit your ideaContact

Learning from Best Practices

Connecting past experiences to shape a better future.
European Capitals of Culture are a key source of inspiration for young people and entrepreneurs. Within the ECoCNetwork project, we will use the experiences of past cities to create new solutions for Nova Gorica – European Capital of Culture 2025 and future ECoCs.

2019

Matera (Italy)

  • “Traditional heritage as an inspiration for contemporary creativity.”
  • Theme: Art and urban regeneration.
2024

Tartu (Estonia)

  • “Digital transformation opens doors to new dimensions of creativity.”
  • Theme: Digitalization and the environment.

Bodø (Norway)

  • “Culture in harmony with nature.”
  • Theme: Sustainable art and community.

Bad Ischl (Austria)

  • “Cultural heritage as a bridge between the past and the future.”
  • Theme: Rural regeneration through culture.
2025

Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy)

  • “Connecting two cities, two countries, and two cultures for a shared future.”
  • Theme: Collaboration and cultural unification.anje in združevanje kultur.

Chemnitz (Germany)

  • “Past and future meet in creativity.”
  • Theme: Revitalization of industrial areas.
2026

Oulu (Finland)

  • “With innovation, we create a better world for everyone.”
  • Theme: Technology and youth inclusion.
2027

Évora (Portugal)

  • “Cultural traditions as inspiration for contemporary solutions.”
  • Theme: Revitalizing traditions through innovation
  • How do we learn from the past for the future?

    The experiences of these cities teach us how culture can:

    Connect young people and the economy

    Create new jobs and opportunities through art and technology.

    Support sustainable development

    Develop solutions that combine nature, community, and innovation.

    Strengthen international cooperation

    Connect cities for shared goals and projects.

    Contacts

    Are you interested in learning more about the ECoCNetwork project? Get in touch with us.

    LEAD PARTNER
    Primorski Technology Park
    PARTNER
    Slovenian Regional Economic Union