YouthStart European Entrepreneurship Award
23ht - 26th of October 2026
skopje, north macedonia
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 the 2026 edition of the YouthStart Award is heading to Skopje in North Macedonia – from October 23 to 26, 2026. Over four exciting days, Skopje will become a hub of youth entrepreneurship, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration, featuring teams from all over Europe.
The Awards
The Youth Start European Entrepreneurship Award will be awarded in three categories:
In the Idea Challenge young people present cool and creative ideas for innovative solutions to real problems. The target group are young entrepreneurs, who just started their entrepreneurial journey and developed their first (business) idea.
The Real Market Challenge includes mature ideas that either have already entered the market or are near market entry. The target group are young entrepreneurs who already have some experience in the field and are at a more advanced stage with their (business) idea.
The We Grow Together Challenge includes projects and social ideas that aim to create a positive change in the world by working together and fostering cooperation. The target group are young changemakers with an idea for a social business, a non-profit-organisation, a movement or a local initiative.
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
Skopje is one of the Balkans' most fascinating and dynamic capitals, bursting with contrasts and character. Draped along the banks of the Vardar River and framed by rugged mountain ridges, it's a city where ancient history and bold ambition collide in the most unexpected ways. You feel Skopje's energy in its lively Old Bazaar — one of the largest and oldest in the region — where the scent of fresh bread and the sound of craftsmanship fill the narrow stone lanes. Skopje isn't just a city of monuments and grand squares; it's alive with a young, creative generation reshaping its identity through art, food, and music. Culture lovers will be captivated by the mix of Ottoman architecture, Byzantine churches, and the city's famously theatrical neoclassical statues, while the nearby Matka Canyon offers breathtaking gorges, cave kayaking, and serene nature just a short drive away.
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 zoranzlatkovski@yahoo.com