The final RISE workshop took place in Paris: reflection, ideas, and new collaborations

On 20 and 21 November 2025, the final workshop within the RISE project was held in Paris, France. This workshop allowed us to deeply reflect on the work accomplished within the project, consider the results achieved, and develop new ideas for future initiatives through which we will continue the RISE mission.

Together with representatives of the project consortium and other local incubators from the Western Balkans, we actively discussed and developed concepts for future projects, aiming to engage the ALUMNI community, involve them in new activities, and strengthen mutual collaboration and the exchange of experiences.

During our stay in Paris, we had the opportunity to visit Les Petites Cantines Paris – a communal space that brings together local food, creative ideas, and social initiatives. Here, community members can meet, exchange experiences, and create joint solutions to local and global challenges, fostering innovation and collaborative action.

We also supported the activities of CHKarty – a platform and community for innovation and social projects that connects creatives, startups, and social entrepreneurs from around the world. CHKarty encourages the creation of high-impact ideas, engages young people, and develops solutions that are sustainable and responsive to local needs.

This workshop was the culmination of our joint work and a motivation for new challenges, leaving us with fresh ideas and energy to continue the successful story of RISE.

The RISE project is led by a consortium consisting of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), SOS Pulse Group, and the Franco-German Youth Office, and implemented by six local incubators – ARNO, Balkan Green Foundation, Nesto Vise, Smart Kolektiv, IEC Tehnopolis, and Yunus Social Business. The project is co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), and the Erasmus+ program of the European Union. ARNO is proud to have been selected as a local incubator and national structure implementing this six-year project together with partners from the region.