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Europe’s biggest stage for young entrepreneurs is back!

The European Commission’s Youth Start-Up Competition (YSC) 2025, a flagship initiative of the European SME Week campaign, is officially open for applications. If you are aged 18 to 25 with a bold idea rooted in European values, this could be your launchpad to the future.

Finalists will pitch live in Copenhagen at the SME Assembly 2025, with the winner heading to the European Innovation Council Summit 2026 in Brussels. Applications close on 20 September 2025. Read on to discover how past YSC alumni have turned bold ideas into thriving businesses and global impact.

🔗 https://futurium.ec.europa.eu/en/promoting-enterprise/youth-start-competition

YSC is not just about winning: it’s about shaping the future and stepping into Europe’s thriving innovation ecosystem. Read on to meet inspiring alumni who turned their ideas into impact.

Why enter?

The top three finalists will pitch live at the SME Assembly 2025 in Copenhagen this November. This is Europe’s most significant event for SME policy, held this year in conjunction with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The winner will be invited to the European Innovation Council Summit 2026 in Brussels, joining a network of investors, policymakers, and trailblazers.

Alumni spotlight: where are they now?

From shrimp shells to parking sensors, our past competitors prove the YSC is a launchpad for real-world impact:

Mariia Alipatova — Solar Optic (Winner, 2023)

Mariia is a climate-tech entrepreneur from Ukraine. Creator of Solar Optic, a patented system cutting lighting electricity use by up to 80%. She also leads the Startup Ecosystem Incubator at the Kyiv School of Economics and is a PhD researcher in renewable energy. Mariia was recently announced a role model in the European Commission’s supporting Women Entrepreneurs initiative.

Frederico Mauritty and Madalena de Castro Felipe — HidroQapa (Winner, 2024)

Co-founders of HidroQapa, Frederico and Madalena developed an innovative way to transform seafood industry byproducts into waterproof clothing. Frederico pitched their concept in Budapest, winning the Youth Start-Up Competition 2024. Together, they overcame early networking nerves to connect with key players at the SME Assembly and the European Innovation Council Summit, turning their bold idea into a springboard for future growth.

Andrea Buri — CityZ (Top 10 Finalist, 2024)

Founder of a smart urban mobility solution now expanding across Italy, Andrea his sights set on international markets to ensure that smart parking tech shaping the cities of tomorrow. He recently had the chance to share his entrepreneurial journey at the European Youth Event in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, alongside fellow finalist

Why youth matter now

From climate change to urban mobility, today’s big challenges need bold, creative and relentless solutions. Young innovators are leading the way.

Your ideas can spark change in sustainability, inclusivity and competitiveness. The Youth Start-Up Competition gives you the platform, visibility and network to make it happen.

Apply now – the deadline is closer than you think

 Deadline: 20 September 2025
👥 Who can apply: Young people aged 18 to 25 from EU or Single Market Programme-associated countries
🇩🇰 Final pitch: SME Assembly 2025, Copenhagen (travel and accommodation covered)

How to apply:

  • Submit a short video (maximum 3 minutes) explaining your start-up concept and why it is relevant today.

  • Provide a 3-page document with a concise overview of your business model.

Do not just watch change happen. Lead it!

Learn more and apply on Futurium!

Got a question? Reach out to smeweek@loweurope.eu!

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