The Jury’s Playbook: What Will Define a Standout YSC Project in 2025

As the 2025 edition of the Youth Start-Up Competition builds momentum, we’re turning the spotlight to the jury. These are the people who will carefully review the entries and select the top projects to be presented live at the SME Assembly in Copenhagen.

From creativity and clarity to values-driven impact, here’s what they’ll be looking for in this year’s pitches, and why your idea might be the one to impress.

Let’s meet the 2025 jury and hear what they’ll be looking for in this year’s pitches:

👤 Igor Kalinic (Chair of the Jury)
Head of Sector at the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)

With over 20 years of experience in international business, innovation, and EU policy, Igor brings a strategic perspective to entrepreneurial impact across Europe.

“As Chair of the Jury for the Youth Start-up Competition 2025, I am committed to recognising bold ideas, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, and helping young founders turn their visions into reality.”

👤 Anita Krohn
Board Member of the European Innovation Council (EIC)

A trailblazer in green innovation and entrepreneurship, Anita is a former CEO of Hewlett-Packard Norway and Innovation Norway, and a bestselling author on leadership.

“Courageous and outrageous ideas and minds!”

👤 Frederico Mauritty
2024 YSC Winner | Nursing student and young innovator from Portugal

Frederico, co-developer of HidroQapa, a waterproof bioplastic made from seafood waste, created the project alongside Madalena de Castro Felipe and won the Youth Start-Up Competition in 2024. He now brings a results-driven, sustainability-focused perspective to this year’s jury.

“I seek fearless innovators who embody European values and dare to disrupt the norm. The competition is about bold, out-of-the-box ideas that drive real, lasting change — projects with the courage to challenge, create, and transform our future sustainably and inclusively. I encourage all young people to apply and seize this unique opportunity to make their vision heard and shape a better Europe.”

👤 Sofie Jæger
Chief Advisor and Team Leader at the Danish Business Authority, part of the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs
 

With expertise in EU SME policy and the internal market, Sofie works to ensure the best conditions for start-ups and scale-ups to thrive in Europe.

“I look forward to meeting passionate young entrepreneurs and am excited to support them in turning their innovative and creative ideas into reality.”

👤 Dana Redford
Prof. Dana Redford is an internationally recognised expert in entrepreneurship, innovation, and policy. With extensive experience advising global institutions, he brings a deep understanding of start-up ecosystems, entrepreneurial education, and inclusive innovation across Europe and beyond.

Want to share your great idea? Learn more about eligibility and apply now!