Client Overview

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a leading provider of international cooperation services for sustainable development and international education, operating in over 120 countries. With more than 50 years of experience, GIZ works with public institutions, civil society, and the private sector to address global challenges and promote cross-sectoral innovation.

The Challenge

To support economic growth and cross-border collaboration in South-Eastern Europe, GIZ launched the 12th edition of the Lab of Tomorrow with a focused objective: increase trust in eCommerce across the region.

The challenge was broad and multi-layered—touching on user behavior, infrastructure gaps, and policy barriers—and required more than a one-off event. GIZ needed a comprehensive, hands-on innovation process that could bring together stakeholders, align on real pain points, and spark sustainable business models.

Solveo was brought in to design, facilitate, and manage the full 9-month program—from research and challenge framing to innovation sprints and startup incubation.

Our Approach

The project unfolded in three main phases: Understand, Innovate, and Incubate.

Understand Phase (Jan–Apr):
We kicked off with in-depth desk research and stakeholder interviews to map the eCommerce landscape in South-Eastern Europe. The findings were used to define and frame the central challenge, which was then refined in a collaborative Challenge Framing Workshop.

We organized and facilitated the workshop, prepared materials and Miro boards, and guided the participants through the problem space. Over the course of the phase, we:

• Conducted extensive research and interviews with key stakeholders
  
  
• Mapped and invited relevant participants
  
  
• Finalized a detailed Insights Report
  
  
• Created strong momentum and interest around the initiative
  
  

Innovate Phase (May):
Next, we prepared and led a week-long Innovation Sprint, gathering participants from across SEE and the EU.

Outreach included over 150 companies, with 43 applications submitted. Through LinkedIn outreach and strategic targeting, we formed multidisciplinary teams that brought together industry, design, and business expertise.

Each team was supported by a dedicated Design Thinking facilitator and had access to guest experts and jury members. Workshops were hosted via Zoom and Slack, with fully prepared Miro boards guiding every session. The result: high energy, strong collaboration, and a diverse mix of qualified teams ready to move forward.

Incubator Phase (Jun–Sep):
Three teams were selected to continue into the Incubation Phase, where Solveo provided tailored mentoring, biweekly check-ins, and flexible coaching sessions.

Support was delivered through Slack, Miro, and Zoom, with tasks and feedback adjusted to each team’s needs. Two of the teams requested additional in-kind support, and all continued engaging post-sprint, with connections to potential partners facilitated by Solveo.

Outcomes

• Challenge Discovery: Research, interviews, and a successful framing workshop defined a relevant, grounded challenge
  
  
• Market Engagement: Outreach to 150+ companies and 43 applications from SEE and EU organizations
  
  
• Team Formation: Diverse, cross-border teams formed—each with strong collaboration and commitment
  
  
• Sustained Impact: Three teams moved into incubation; two requested further support; connections established with potential partners
  
  

Facilitated End-to-End: From challenge definition to post-sprint incubation, Solveo supported the full 9-month innovation lifecycle