The CiD Accelerator programme, organized by Tallinna Ettevõtlus Inkubaator, provided participants with a transformative learning experience that bridged the gap between architecture and sustainable business. For architects, traditionally focused solely on design, this programme introduced them to the complexities of bringing a product to market.

At the heart of this programme was a fundamental shift in how architects perceive their role. As one participant shared, “We always thought about making a product, but we never really considered how it fits into what the consumer actually wants.” This change in mindset was crucial: the focus was no longer just on creating efficient or sustainable designs but on understanding the needs of the end-users, a rare consideration in traditional academic settings.

Another major realization came when the team discovered that, although they thought their project was already well-developed, there was still a vast amount of work to do, especially on the business side. “We thought our project was already complete,” one participant admitted, “but we realized there was still so much to be done from a business perspective.” The programme taught them the importance of validating their product beyond academic circles, preparing them to introduce their ideas to a real market.

The accelerator programme helped participants understand how to make their products accessible to a wider audience. This was eye-opening for many who were accustomed to focusing on a narrow, architecture-centric audience. “We had to learn to communicate our solutions in simple terms, so everyone could understand,” one participant said. They also began to see the importance of making design decisions that prioritized the human factor and market needs. By the end of the programme, they realized that reaching a mass audience isn’t just about creating a great product,  it’s about knowing how to market it and ensuring it meets the needs of people.

Personal Growth and Team Dynamics

On a personal level, the programme expanded their horizons, not only in terms of business but also in their ability to work effectively as a team. Through a management workshop, they analyzed their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses, which helped them complement each other better. “We had to communicate better, especially when making decisions,” one participant explained. The experience helped them understand that decisions can be made in many different ways, and that compromise and collaboration are key to overcoming challenges.

Like any collaborative effort, the programme wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments of conflict and miscommunication, but participants learned how to address disagreements constructively. “We learned how to overcome challenges through better communication,” one participant said, emphasizing the importance of trust and flexibility within the team.

Moving Forward

The final lesson from the CiD Accelerator programme was the realization that, with a growth mindset and the right tools, starting a business is achievable. “Before, I thought it was complicated to start a business,” one participant shared. “But now I realize that with the right processes, it’s not that impossible.” This newfound confidence led them to consider taking their project to the next level: “We’re thinking about moving beyond the academic phase and making this a real business,” they explained.

The CiD Accelerator programme proved to be a life-changing experience for these architects, providing them with the tools, mindset, and confidence to bring their designs to the market. By shifting their focus from just architecture to a more holistic understanding of business, they are now equipped to make a bigger impact on the world. The combination of design, business, and personal growth has set them on a path that is not only about building structures but about solving real-world problems.

Additionally, in the context of the CiD Accelerator programme, the teams benefit from recurrent feedback from experts throughout the programme and,  at the closing event,  from the feedback provided by circular economy business experts and potential investors. This feedback helps participants learn, reflect on their ideas and progress, and iterate, embodying the growth-mindset philosophy in a real-world, entrepreneurial setting.

Reference

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Random House Publishing Group.