Yekaterinburg's New Iron accelerator fuels 16 bold creative projects

Yekaterinburg’s first creative industries accelerator, New Iron, has wrapped up after two months of intensive work. Sixteen standout projects were presented at the final event, ranging from cultural initiatives to innovative business ideas. The programme aimed to boost the Urals’ creative economy with expert training and regional backing.

The accelerator, organised by the Sverdlovsk Regional Entrepreneurship Support Fund (SOFPP) and the regional government, was developed by the Na Zavode creative cluster. Its curriculum included key modules such as The Creative Product and Its Features, Producing a Creative Product, and Financial Modeling. Participants spent weeks refining their concepts under professional guidance.

At the final showcase, projects like an Advertising Museum, a board game club, and a digital child diagnostics system were among the top contenders. Other notable ideas included personalised bedding, an Urals-themed adventure calendar, and a new creative cluster. Each team received expert feedback to help polish their plans before entering the market. Earlier this year, *Oblastnaya Gazeta* covered a Yekaterinburg forum focused on unconventional business strategies and creative innovation. The *New Iron* accelerator builds on that momentum, aligning with the *Efficient and Competitive Economy* national project. Valery Pilichev, director of SOFPP, stressed the region’s commitment to supporting these ventures through funding and development tools.

The accelerator’s completion marks a step forward for the Urals’ creative sector. The 16 selected projects now move toward implementation, backed by regional resources and expert advice. Organisers anticipate further growth in the area’s creative and entrepreneurial landscape.