PLACE accelerates and leverages the innovation newcomers bring to Europe
European societies need more and stronger voices with a recent history of migration to bring their perspectives and make their contributions to key economic sectors
We accelerate talent and match it with opportunities for new talent in 4 sectors. Find out what role you can play!
Business
Upskilling for meaningful employment
in a shifting economy
PLACE creates a pipeline that is win-win for both newcomers and the private sector: newcomers master new skills and opportunities to access meaningful work and companies get matched with the diverse talent they seek.
Entrepreneurship
From a choice by default to a self-defined life project, entrepreneurship can be a way to find a place in a new society.
PLACE offers a pathway to start and test entrepreneurial projects which takes newcomers further on their empowerment journey: successfully integrating a business incubator or starting their own business.
Public
Leadership
We need new voices of influence on the complex challenges our societies are facing. We need newcomer voices in the public sphere.
PLACE runs the first of its kind public leadership incubator, to create capacity and room for new voices on key topics and invent new leadership models. We create the conditions for eye-level interactions for emerging leaders, and provide new talent to established leadership networks for new conversations that need to happen.
Media &
the Arts
Our complex societies need new conversations and forms of dialogue that only new voices can catalyze.
PLACE develops bold proposals with diverse voices who speak for themselves, to challenge mainstream views of migration, leadership and other conversations wanting to be born.
By unlocking this new talent and matching it with organisations looking for new players in the areas of business, entrepreneurship, public leadership, and media & arts, we are shifting the perspective of migration from a burden to a unique asset for the development and growth of Europe.
PLACE champions migrant-led innovation: since 2016, we offer transformative and innovative learning experiences to newcomers and host societies, while also giving newcomers space for self-determination to find their version of power.
We do this through designing and running programs and events, from our flagship pop-up innovation labs in European capitals to 9-month fellowships online, from public events to retreats, hackathons, training of trainers, exhibitions and more. Our formats are migrant-led, apply next-generation learning methodologies and ed-tech, and involve groups from 10 to 100 people. They all share one aim: create the link in practice between migration and innovation in the sectors concerned.
Facilitation services
Knowing how to facilitate a group and lead collaboration online and offline, is a form of power. PLACE trains past learners of its programs to be Facilitators for online and offline learning, experiences and events. All PLACE events are migrant-led, and we also facilitate external events.
Interested in facilitation services?
Become a coach or an expert
PLACE monitors all learning outcomes through external experts, who assess the participants’ learning journey. We also provide a personal coach to all our participants, to help them to reach their goals.
Interested in being a PLACE expert or coach?
%
of PLACE program participants are refugees or asylum seekers
%
of learners have gained innovation skills exceeding industry standards for the future of work
learners in PLACE programs since 2017
%
of learners receive training-of-trainers and train on average 30 more people through PLACE
PLACE is working towards 5 Sustainable Development Goals
The place team
8 nationalities, 4 continents and 14 languages… we come from all walks of life, but here are a few points we have in common:
We care above all about people
We are perfectionists, self-motivated and relentless until we get results
We communicate openly and honestly
We need playfulness and challenges
We breathe through feedback
We put results and the team first
We excel at working across locations and cultures
PARTNER WITH US
PLACE gets its strength and impact from the power of community. Our work is heightened by the collaborative efforts of our partners: forward-thinking actors from different sectors and countries, who push the boundaries so new embodiments of power can arise. Together, we’re changing the narrative of migration and transforming it into a vision of innovation. Join us today: work with us to change the game on a sector-level as a strategic partner.
Facebook feed
As part of the Resilient Cities program and with the City of Lyon, a diverse group (residents with migration backgrounds, city officials, civil society, and democracy professionals) came together to explore:
👉 How can we ensure that the voices, concerns, and experiences of people with migration backgrounds are truly reflected in public policies and the life of the city?
🧪 Micro-experiment:
In Feb 2025, an Enhanced Citizens’ University (UC+) on the Wellbeing Compass welcomed a dozen international residents to join local dialogue.
💬 Participatory workshops, accessible presentations, and a world map icebreaker 🌍 created a space where everyone felt confident to speak up.
📌 3 Key takeaways:
1️⃣ Sustainably involve international residents
2️⃣ Adapt formats for inclusive participation
3️⃣ Use dedicated channels (e.g. WhatsApp)
💡 Ready to inspire other cities!
👉 Want to be part of this change? Let’s connect! 🤝
---------------------------
🎯 Inclure les résident·es internationaux·les dans la participation citoyenne : une réussite à Lyon !
Dans le cadre de Resilient Cities, et avec la Ville de Lyon, un groupe de résident·es internationaux·les, élu·es, associations et professionnel·les de la démocratie locale a participé à une expérimentation :
👉 Comment permettre la prise en compte des problématiques et expériences
des personnes avec un parcours de migration dans les politiques publiques et la vie de la cité?
🧪 Micro-expérience :
En février 2025, une Université Citoyenne+ (UC+) autour de la Boussole du Bien-Être a permis à une dizaine de résident·es internationaux·les de rejoindre les échanges citoyens.
💬 Ateliers participatifs, présentations pédagogiques, brise-glace avec carte du monde 🌍 : tout pour un vrai climat de confiance.
📌 3 recommandations clés :
1️⃣ Intégrer durablement les résident·es internationaux·les
2️⃣ Adapter les formats pour une participation inclusive
3️⃣ Créer des canaux spécifiques (WhatsApp…)
💡 Une expérience à partager pour inspirer d'autres territoires !
👉 Envie de faire bouger les choses ? Prenons contact ! 🤝
#ParticipationCitoyenne #Inclusion #DémocratieLocale #ResilientCities #Wellbeing #Migrations #LocalDemocracy #InnovationDémocratique #CityOfLyon
Through the Resilient Cities program, and in partnership with the City of Lyon, a diverse group — including city officials, residents with international backgrounds, local democracy professionals, and civil society actors — came together to take part in the Policy Labs experience. Together, they explored one central question:
👉 How can we ensure that the voices, concerns, and experiences of people with migration backgrounds are truly reflected in public policies and the life of the city?
🧪 Their Micro-Experiment:
➡️ In February 2025, the team organized an “Enhanced” Citizens' University (UC+), focused on the theme of the Wellbeing Compass.
Citizens' Universities are usually spaces where neighborhood councils, civic committees, and local groups gather to explore public policy topics through open discussion.
For the first time, a group of a dozen residents with international backgrounds joined the dialogue — alongside neighborhood council members, local residents, city officials, and city staff.
➡️ An interactive workshop, a clear and accessible presentation, and a fun icebreaker using a world map helped create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone felt confident to share their views freely.
📌 Key Lessons from the Experience:
1️⃣ Actively and sustainably involve residents of international backgrounds in existing civic engagement spaces.
2️⃣ Design participatory spaces that are inclusive, interactive, and encourage genuine exchange.
3️⃣ Set up dedicated communication channels (such as WhatsApp) to maintain engagement and build lasting relationships.
💡 The group is proud to share their experience to inspire more cities to strengthen inclusion and rethink civic participation!
👉 Want to be part of this change?
If you're a city leader, community organizer, or simply passionate about building more inclusive cities, let's connect and together create spaces where every voice truly matters.
#CivicParticipation #Inclusion #LocalDemocracy #Wellbeing #WellbeingCompass #LivingTogether #CityOfLyon #DemocraticInnovation #ResilientCities #PublicPolicy #Migration
---------------------------
🎯 Inclure les résident·es internationaux·les dans la participation citoyenne : une expérience réussie à Lyon !
Dans le cadre du programme Resilient Cities et en partenariat avec la Ville de Lyon, un groupe de personnes a participé à l’expérience des Policy Labs – composé de résident·es internationaux·les, d’élu·es de la Ville, de professionnel·les de la démocratie locale et d’acteurs associatifs et ont réfléchi ensemble à une question essentielle :
👉 Comment permettre la prise en compte des problématiques et expériences
des personnes avec un parcours de migration dans les politiques publiques et la vie de la cité?
🧪 Leur micro-expérience :
➡️ En février 2025, une Université Citoyenne "augmentée" (UC+) a été organisée autour du thème de la Boussole du Bien-Être. Les Universités citoyennes sont des événements généralement destinés aux conseils de quartiers, aux conseils citoyens et aux comités d’intérêt locaux pour découvrir une thématique et/ou une politique publique tout en favorisant le dialogue de manière participative.
➡️ Pour la première fois, une dizaine de résident·es internationaux·les ont été invités à participer aux échanges aux côtés de membres de conseils de quartier, citoyens, élu·es et agent·es de la Ville.
💬 Ateliers participatifs, présentations pédagogiques, brise-glace original avec une carte du monde 🌍 : tout a été mis en place pour créer un vrai climat de confiance et permettre à chacun·e de s’exprimer.
📌 Les recommandations issues de cette expérience :
1️⃣ Intégrer durablement les résident·es internationaux·les dans les instances participatives existantes.
2️⃣ Adapter les formats des événements participatifs pour favoriser une participation active et inclusive.
3️⃣ Créer des canaux de communication spécifiques (comme WhatsApp) pour maintenir le lien et encourager l'engagement.
💡 Le groupe est prêt à partager son expérience pour inspirer d’autres territoires!
👉 Vous voulez faire bouger les choses ?
Que vous soyez un·e élu·e local·e, un·e acteur·rice de terrain ou simplement passionné·e par le développement de villes plus inclusives, prenons contact ! Ensemble, nous pouvons créer des espaces où chaque voix compte vraiment.
#ParticipationCitoyenne #Inclusion #DémocratieLocale #BienÊtre #BoussoleDuBienÊtre #VivreEnsemble #VilleDeLyon #InnovationDémocratique #ResilientCities #politiquespubliques #migrants
Through the Resilient Cities program, and in partnership with the City of Lyon, a diverse group — including city officials, residents with international backgrounds, local democracy professionals, and civil society actors — came together to take part in the Policy Labs experience. Together, they explored one central question:
👉 How can we ensure that the voices, concerns, and experiences of people with migration backgrounds are truly reflected in public policies and the life of the city?
Their Micro-Experiment:
In February 2025, the team organized an “Enhanced” Citizens' University (UC+), focused on the theme of the Wellbeing Compass.
Citizens' Universities are usually spaces where neighborhood councils, civic committees, and local groups gather to explore public policy topics through open discussion.
For the first time, a group of a dozen residents with international backgrounds joined the dialogue — alongside neighborhood council members, local residents, city officials, and city staff.
An interactive workshop, a clear and accessible presentation, and a fun icebreaker using a world map helped create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone felt confident to share their views freely.
📌 Key Lessons from the Experience:
1️⃣ Actively and sustainably involve residents of international backgrounds in existing civic engagement spaces.
2️⃣ Design participatory spaces that are inclusive, interactive, and encourage genuine exchange.
3️⃣ Set up dedicated communication channels (such as WhatsApp) to maintain engagement and build lasting relationships.
💡 The group is proud to share their experience to inspire more cities to strengthen inclusion and rethink civic participation!
👉 Want to be part of this change?
If you're a city leader, community organizer, or simply passionate about building more inclusive cities, let's connect and together create spaces where every voice truly matters.
🎯 Inclure les résident·es internationaux·les dans la participation citoyenne : une expérience réussie à Lyon !
Dans le cadre du programme Resilient Cities et en partenariat avec la Ville de Lyon, un groupe de personnes a participé à l’expérience des Policy Labs – composé de résident·es internationaux·les, d’élu·es de la Ville, de professionnel·les de la démocratie locale et d’acteurs associatifs et ont réfléchi ensemble à une question essentielle :
👉 Comment permettre la prise en compte des problématiques et expériences
des personnes avec un parcours de migration dans les politiques publiques et la vie de la cité?
🧪 Leur micro-expérience :
➡️ En février 2025, une Université Citoyenne "augmentée" (UC+) a été organisée autour du thème de la Boussole du Bien-Être. Les Universités citoyennes sont des événements généralement destinés aux conseils de quartiers, aux conseils citoyens et aux comités d’intérêt locaux pour découvrir une thématique et/ou une politique publique tout en favorisant le dialogue de manière participative.
➡️ Pour la première fois, une dizaine de résident·es internationaux·les ont été invités à participer aux échanges aux côtés de membres de conseils de quartier, citoyens, élu·es et agent·es de la Ville.
💬 Ateliers participatifs, présentations pédagogiques, brise-glace original avec une carte du monde 🌍 : tout a été mis en place pour créer un vrai climat de confiance et permettre à chacun·e de s’exprimer.
📌 Les recommandations issues de cette expérience :
1️⃣ Intégrer durablement les résident·es internationaux·les dans les instances participatives existantes.
2️⃣ Adapter les formats des événements participatifs pour favoriser une participation active et inclusive.
3️⃣ Créer des canaux de communication spécifiques (comme WhatsApp) pour maintenir le lien et encourager l'engagement.
💡 Le groupe est prêt à partager son expérience pour inspirer d’autres territoires!
👉 Vous voulez faire bouger les choses ?
Que vous soyez un·e élu·e local·e, un·e acteur·rice de terrain ou simplement passionné·e par le développement de villes plus inclusives, prenons contact ! Ensemble, nous pouvons créer des espaces où chaque voix compte vraiment.
@Ville de Lyon, @Mission Démocratie Ouverte, @Mission Budget Participatif, @Synergies Migrations
#ParticipationCitoyenne #Inclusion #DémocratieLocale #BienÊtre #BoussoleDuBienÊtre #VivreEnsemble #VilleDeLyon #InnovationDémocratique #ResilientCities #politiquespubliques #migrants
#CivicParticipation #Inclusion #LocalDemocracy #Wellbeing #WellbeingCompass #LivingTogether #CityOfLyon #DemocraticInnovation #ResilientCities #PublicPolicy #Migration
On International Health Day, we’re taking a moment to focus on workplace well-being because it’s at the heart of staying healthy and thriving in our daily lives.
➡️ Through PLACE’s programs, we see how learning, community, and leadership play a crucial role in well-being. Creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered isn’t just good for individuals but it’s also the key to a thriving workplace.
💡 What’s one thing workplaces should do to support well-being? Let’s start the conversation.
If you’d like to learn more about how to maintain employee well-being, an essential part of being a good leader, check out this article: https://lnkd.in/e7RSiTDX
hashtag#internationalhealthday hashtag#workplacewellbeing hashtag#MentalHealthMatters hashtag#resilientleadership hashtag#healthyworkplaces hashtag#employeewellbeing hashtag#leadershipdevelopment hashtag#adaptability hashtag#selfawareness
Over the past six months, Fast Forward 2024 has seen 35 women with migration backgrounds step into their leadership, challenge perspectives, and shape new conversations around the workplace. 🎉
Through hands-on learning, coaching, and real-world practice, they’ve built skills in mobilizing ecosystems, self-awareness, and mental flexibility, which have given them the key to the future of work.👏
The impact speaks for itself: 8 entrepreneurial projects born, 40 hours of immersive learning, and each participant leading their own 2-hour Professional Empowerment Workshop. They leave with more than just certificates; they carry the confidence, skills, and experience to lead and create change.
This chapter may be closing, but the work isn’t over. Let’s keep pushing for diverse leadership, and welcoming newcomer women to the table. Are you in? 💫
#LeadershipMatters #WomenInLeadership #DiverseLeadership #FutureOfWork #Empowerment #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkplaceDiversity #InclusiveLeadership
Introducing Mohamed Salem Mohamed Ali, a passionate gardener, artist, and documentarian. In Algeria’s Smara refugee camp, Mohamed transforms the desert with his project, The Nomad Garden, an experimental farm designed to foster self-sufficiency. Through the garden, he explores creative ways to cultivate organic food in extreme environments while addressing cultural and traditional barriers to self-sustainability.
His award-winning documentary brings to life the poetics of the desert, inspiring communities and attracting visitors to his innovative work. As part of the Emerging Leaders Artivism Alliance 2024 and a member of the Community Arts Network, he is committed to empowering refugees and fostering resilience through art and agriculture.
🌍💡 A true artist and activist, redefining what’s possible.
#TheNomadGarden #Artivism #Sustainability #RefugeeEmpowerment
