Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about participation in the Design Wings programme.

Can a non-governmental association participate in the programme?

Yes. If the association is registered in Lithuania and has an official designation in the Register of Legal Entities confirming its status as a non-governmental organisation (NGO), it is eligible to participate in the programme.

Can a public sector institution participate in the programme?

No. Organisations established by a municipality or the state generally do not meet the definition of a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) under Lithuanian legislation and are therefore not eligible to participate.

Is it worth attending the Design Wings training programme?

Absolutely. The training programme is an integral part of the project and is designed to ensure that the design solutions developed are not only functional but also strategically valuable for your organisation.

Training topics include:

• Innovation development and implementation
• Product and service market entry
• Digital marketing
• E-commerce
• Artificial intelligence in business
• Social impact creation and measurement
• Other relevant business development topics

Sessions are delivered by experienced business and marketing professionals with extensive practical expertise. Participants also receive practical tools for strengthening organisational performance and may benefit from individual consultations with trainers.

What principles must design solutions developed within the programme follow?

Between 2024 and 2027, all design solutions created through the programme must contribute to positive social impact.

Who can participate in the programme?

The programme is open to:

• Micro, small, medium-sized and large enterprises
• Self-employed individuals conducting economic activities
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Eligibility requirements for companies

Applicants must:

• Have operated for at least one year
• Be registered in the Lithuanian Register of Legal Entities
• Generate revenue
• Have employees (this requirement does not apply to Small Partnerships)
• Regularly submit reports to relevant state authorities

Eligibility requirements for self-employed individuals

Applicants must:

• Have conducted economic activities for at least one year prior to application
• Generate income from these activities

Eligibility requirements for NGOs

Applicants must:

• Be registered in Lithuania
• Have official NGO status registered in the Register of Legal Entities
• Have submitted financial statements and annual activity reports

Additional requirements

• The applicant's total de minimis aid received during any rolling three-year period must not exceed €300,000.
• The applicant must not be subject to international sanctions, nor may sanctioned individuals or entities be involved in its activities.

Are there any additional criteria?

Yes. The design solution to be developed must demonstrate a clear potential to create social impact.

What is social impact?

Social impact refers to a positive social and/or economic change experienced by a target group as a result of an organisation's activities.

Examples include:

• Addressing social challenges
• Creating inclusive and sustainable working environments
• Supporting young people and creative professionals
• Expanding participation in cultural activities
• Increasing accessibility of cultural content
• Improving opportunities for socially excluded groups, including older people and people with disabilities

Social impact is assessed based on the scale of change achieved and the size of the target group affected.

What costs are involved for participating organisations?

Participants receive non-financial support through the programme.

However, organisations are expected to:

• Ensure their representatives attend training sessions
• Dedicate time to collaborating with the designer and mentor
• Contribute financially when necessary, for example for materials, external services, or prototype production

Our organisation participated in 2022. Can we apply again?

Yes. Previous participation does not prevent an organisation from applying in a future call.

What design services can participants receive?

Participants may receive support in developing an innovative product or service through one of the following design fields:

Product Design

• Industrial design
• Fashion and textile design
• Furniture and interior product design
• Transportation design
• Food design

Communication Design

• Graphic communication design

• Visual communication design
• Graphic design
• Packaging design
• Typeface design
• Brand design
• Advertising design
• Publishing design

Service, Process and Interface Design

• Strategic design

• Concept design
• Design research
• Social design
• Service design
• Multimedia design
• User Experience (UX) design
• User Interface (UI) design

Important: UX and UI design projects are available only to micro, small and medium-sized organisations. Large enterprises are not eligible for UX/UI design services.

Which types of design projects are not eligible?

The following are outside the scope of the programme:

• Interior design
• Exterior design
• Website design
• E-commerce store design

Can a large company receive UX/UI design services?

No. UX and UI design solutions may only be developed for organisations that are not classified as large enterprises.

What is important when preparing an application?

Applicants should carefully review all application guidelines and supporting documentation before submitting an application.

The application should clearly explain:

• The problem that needs to be addressed
• Why design is the appropriate solution
• The challenges currently faced by the organisation
• The consequences of those challenges for customers, users or communities
• The expected changes resulting from the new design solution
• The social impact that will be generated
• The organisation's readiness to implement the project

Strong applications provide clear, concrete and well-structured arguments supported by evidence wherever possible.

Applicants are also encouraged to demonstrate how the project will:

• Increase competitiveness
• Expand market opportunities
• Create additional value
• Strengthen long-term organisational development

What will the designer do during the programme?

The design development process lasts five months.

Month 1

• Project briefing and alignment of objectives

Months 2–3

• Research and analysis

• Review of the organisation and competitive environment
• Concept development and prototyping

Months 4–5

• Finalisation of the prototype

• Development of the final design solution
• Presentation of outcomes

Will our organisation need to employ the designer?

No.

Designers participating in the programme receive scholarships funded directly by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.

Cooperation is formalised through a tripartite agreement between:

• The designer
• The participating organisation
• The Lithuanian Council for Culture

Participating organisations are expected to support the collaboration by providing relevant information and regular feedback.

Must the organisation provide a workspace and equipment for the designer?

Providing a permanent workspace is not mandatory.

However, organisations are encouraged to involve designers in their daily activities to help them better understand the organisation, its operations and business context.

Designers typically purchase their own software, hardware and personal work equipment using their scholarship funds.

Organisations are responsible for covering materials and services required for prototype production.

How many hours per week does the designer work on the project?

Designers are expected to dedicate their full working time to the project, equivalent to approximately 40 hours per week.

What is included in the €35,294.12 of non-financial support?

The support package covers:

• Designer scholarships
• Mentor fees
• Training activities
• Project management and administration
• Communication and publicity activities
• Promotion of project participants and final results

Can a public institution (VšĮ) participate?

A public institution may participate if it:

• Was established by one or more individuals and/or private legal entities; and
• Meets the definition of a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise.

If a public institution has been established or controlled by the municipality or the state, it will generally not be eligible under SME criteria.

When will the next call for applications be announced?

Two additional calls for participation are planned before the end of 2027.

The next call for businesses is expected to be announced in October 2026.

Can't find the answer you're looking for?

Please contact the Design Wings team at: dizainosparnai@ltkt.lt