A festival that thinks in public.
Festival of Thinking brings young creative entrepreneurs into the same room as the people who build, fund and distribute culture. We believe the best ideas deserve a stage — and the mentorship to make them real.
Now in its third edition — and its first international one — the festival begins in Bucharest with intensive labs, then crosses the Atlantic to a finals night in New York. Raw ideas leave with momentum.
Three programs
LABS
Bucharest Labs
Three days of intensive workshops, mentorship and late-night rewrites — where the pitch finds its spine.
FINALS
New York Finals
The finals night at Sony Hall: live audience, cameras on, where the pitch meets its moment.
NETWORK
Year-round network
Access to the founder community, alumni, mentors and partners long after the festival ends.
“We bring together the people building what’s next — and put the next generation on the same stage.”
Ligia Ciornei · Festival Director
The team
Support
Frequently asked
Who can apply to the program?+
Anyone aged 18–35 with a project across tech, film or business.
When can I apply?+
Apply for free between July 24 and August 10.
How does it work?+
You can apply between July 24 and August 10. We will then review all applications and select the most promising projects. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a short video pitch to assess their English proficiency and communication skills.
Following the assessment, 20 participants will be selected to take part in three days of masterclasses and 1:1 mentorship, taking place from August 27–29. The program will culminate on August 30 with a live pitch in front of a panel of investors.
What do I need to submit with my application?+
We ask you to submit a project presentation or pitch deck in PDF format. Present your project clearly and structure it in a visually engaging way, just as you would prepare a professional pitch deck to present your idea to investors.
Is the program held in English?+
Yes. The program will be conducted primarily in English, as our mentors and tutors are international professionals. The final pitch will also be delivered in English, as our goal is to prepare participants to take their projects to the international market.
Who are the tickets for?+
The tickets are for those who are not participating in the program but want to focus on their personal and professional development.
What does the ticket include?+
Access to the masterclasses taking place from August 27–29 and, depending on the pass, access to the main event on the final day.
I wasn’t selected — can I still attend?+
Yes! All applicants who are not selected will receive a discount on their ticket.
Still stuck? Email contact@noeticark.com
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