Sigmund: New, Free Platform for Tourism Industry Innovation Inspired by COVID Collaborations
The Sigmund Project is the tourism industry's first digital not-for-profit dedicated to advancing travel through innovation and collaboration.
New York, NY, 20th July, 2021 - As the travel industry adapts to the future, the need to come together is more prevalent than ever -- enter The SIGMUND Project. SIGMUND is a free, open-source hub for the sharing of ideas and innovation with the goal of fostering interconnectivity and finding new solutions to the challenges facing the travel industry today.
Developed by industry expert Alan Elliott Merschen, The SIGMUND Project is an online platform created for like-minded individuals to connect and collaborate. SIGMUND is open to anyone who has a great idea to advance the tourism industry; from small entrepreneurs to large multinational companies, from accommodation providers to the transportation sector, from universities to startups.
Announcing the launch, Merschen shared, “Like many others in the industry, I have always tried to connect individuals and companies with potential collaborators. SIGMUND is bringing that concept to scale. Being a not-for-profit and fully funded by foundation grants, we are in the unique position to offer the platform free of charge. Our only currency is collaboration.”
Although SIGMUND may lead to potential funding, it’s main purpose is to connect innovators with collaborators who can offer advice, tools, partnerships and paths ahead.
How SIGMUND Works
Present ideas and collaborate with others on The OPEN · SOURCE Platform
Find inspiration and resources at The LOOKING FORWARD Journal
Take ideas to the next level through SIGMUND’s INVESTMENT GRANTS Program
Nothing mentioned, nothing gained.
“After innovators submit an idea on OPEN · SOURCE, our team will reach out to schedule a 14-minute call to discuss their idea in more detail. Together, we’ll brainstorm ways to best attract future collaborators to help take the idea to the next level,” said Merschen.
Current user-submitted ideas include:
A safety-oriented app for solo women travelers
A dynamic pricing model for museums to encourage visitation during slow periods
Using noise pollution data to create “quiet travel” tours for those suffering from PTSD
Industry experts share their experience on The LOOKING FORWARD Journal
The LOOKING FORWARD Journal is a source of inspiration and education for tourism entrepreneurs. The Journal features thoughts and ideas from SIGMUND’s global board of advisors which includes some of the most successful and innovative entrepreneurs, CEOs, educators, and government officials from the tourism industry and beyond.
Investment Grant Opportunities
SIGMUND is offering an Investment Grant Program for partnerships that have formed as a result of networking through the platform. Applications for the grant program will open in 2022. The Investment Grant comes with a carefully selected team of global advisors who will help guide the winning submissions.
“We are not micro-financing. We are not a VC incubator. We are looking for ideas that have a strong triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. With all investment grants, The SIGMUND Project will take an interest in the company. All proceeds will then be reinvested into more ideas. That’s how we stay sustainable, paying it forward for years to come,” Merschen concludes.
To download images courtesy of The SIGMUND Project, click here.
Video is available here.
Media Contact:
Ally Stoltz LaBriola
ally@sgmnd.org
Director, The SIGMUND Project
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About The SIGMUND Project
The SIGMUND Project is the tourism industry's first digital not-for-profit dedicated to advancing travel through innovation and collaboration. SIGMUND is a not-for-profit benefits corporation, fully funded by private grants. With the goal of increasing innovation in the global tourism community, SIGMUND asks for no funds from individuals, companies, or governments. Our only currency is collaboration. SIGMUND is supported by a board of advisors which includes individuals from private industry, governments, associations, NGOs, consultants, academicians, investors and entrepreneurs. The OPEN · SOURCE Platform is a hub for the free sharing of ideas and innovative collaboration. The LOOKING FORWARD Journal hopes to inspire, educate and celebrate creativity in tourism and beyond. The INVESTMENT GRANTS Program offers uniquely structured investments to applicants who have met through the platform. Learn more at www.sgmnd.org