POMedy Cup joins forces with Erhan Demirci in search of inspiring entertainers

HASSELT – Using comedy, storytelling and mentalism to get entrepreneurs thinking. That is the starting point of the POMedy Cup, a new initiative by economic development agency POM Limburg. The organisation is looking for Limburg-based entertainers who can bring themes such as innovation, collaboration and growth to entrepreneurs in a surprising way. Comedian Erhan Demirci will be the face of the campaign and will also serve on the jury.

With the POMedy Cup, POM Limburg aims to introduce entrepreneurs to the so-called growth levers in a different way: 28 concrete actions that can help companies become stronger and more competitive. These growth levers already exist today in the form of a card game and an online test.

For the new campaign, the bridge is now being built to the stage. Comedians, storytellers, mentalists, magicians and other entertainers are given the opportunity to develop an act centred around themes such as leadership, strategy, innovation and collaboration. The selected acts will be featured from 2027 onwards at corporate events, networking gatherings and other entrepreneurial events throughout Limburg. The initiative can count on the support of Limburg employers’ and employees’ organisations, which are helping to promote the growth levers within the business community.

Erhan Demirci as the face of the campaign
To raise awareness of the search for talent, POM Limburg has enlisted comedian Erhan Demirci. He will be the face of the campaign and will also sit on the jury that evaluates the candidates. Demirci brings with him his experience from the comedy world. In addition to assessing the submissions, he will also help determine which acts have the greatest potential to reach entrepreneurs.

Erhan Demirci: “Limburg has a great deal of creative talent, but not everyone finds it equally easy to reach a large audience. With the POMedy Cup, creators get the opportunity to showcase their talent and immediately perform on a professional stage. I am especially curious to see the different ways in which candidates will translate themes such as collaboration, leadership and growth into a strong act.”

Talent gets performance opportunities
Participants can apply by submitting a video of up to five minutes. After an initial selection, a live pitch session for the jury will follow. Those who are selected will receive professional guidance to further develop their idea into a performance of approximately fifteen minutes. POM Limburg will then provide a series of paid performances at events organised by the organisation and its partners.

“Our companies are facing major challenges. Through the growth levers, we want to provide them with concrete tools to become stronger businesses. At the same time, we know that people often remember a message better when it is delivered in a surprising or relatable way. With the POMedy Cup, we combine content and creativity while also creating opportunities for new Limburg talent,” says Tom Vandeput, Provincial Executive Member for Economy and Chairman of POM Limburg.

Applications open until the end of August
Candidates can submit their proposal until 31 August 2026 via pomlimburg.be/pomedycup. From the autumn onwards, the selected performers will receive guidance to further develop their act. The performances will be deployed at entrepreneurial events throughout Limburg from January 2027 onwards.