YouthStart European Entrepreneurship Award
25ht - 28th of October 2025
shkodër, albania
About the event
Every year, the YouthStart – European Entrepreneurship Award brings together young visionaries from across Europe and beyond to share their ideas, spark innovation, and compete for the prestigious title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year. In this dynamic competition, participants present their creative and impactful business ideas across three categories, all aimed at building a better, more sustainable future.
Following the success of previous editions in Kitzbühel (Austria) and Berlin (Germany), the 2025 edition of the YouthStart Award is heading to Shkoder, Albania – from October 25 to 28, 2025. Over four exciting days, Shkoder will become a hub of youth entrepreneurship, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration, featuring teams from over 15 European countries.
The Awards
The Youth Start European Entrepreneurship Award will be awarded in three categories:
The category Idea Challenge includes ideas which are at the beginning of implementation and focus primarily on finding an innovative solution to a (social) problem.
The category Real Market Challenge includes mature ideas which have already taken the first steps towards implementation and are thus at a higher stage of development.
The category We Grow Together includes ideas which aim at creating a positive change in the world and contribute to one (or more) SDGs in various ways. In this category, there is a focus on a cooperative implementations of the idea.
Additionally, the EUROPEAN CLIMATE IMPACT AWARD is presented to the concept that makes the greatest contribution to the sustainable development of our society. Possible topics from which the ideas can originate are climate protection, clean energy, sustainable consumption, mobility and health. The jury will select the best ideas for the European Climate Impact Award form all the concepts submitted.
The City
Shkoder is one of Albania’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities, full of energy and soul. Nestled between the stunning Lake Shkodra and the Albanian Alps, it’s a perfect mix of natural beauty and deep-rooted history. You feel the city’s pulse in its colorful streets, buzzing cafes, and artistic spirit. Shkoder isn’t just about the past; it’s alive with creativity, music, and a youthful drive that makes it an inspiring place for anyone looking to explore, connect, and grow. Nature lovers will love Lake Shkodra for its peaceful views and boat tours, while the nearby Albanian Alps make Shkoder a perfect base for hiking adventures.
Registration
In order to participate, the national team leader or coordinator from each member country will have to fill out the registration form provided by the host organisation or the chairman of the network and send it back in time. If you want to participate as an individual, please contact the host at info@yea.al
The Host
YEA! offers training in a unique, high quality and hands-on manner. The operation of YEA! is possible thanks to partnership with the business community, social organisations, the academic community and government. The success of YEA! is based on the interactive commitment that we expect from all participants in the training program.
