Promoting Enterprise blog

What makes a start-up idea stand out? What will grab the attention of a panel made up of EU innovation leaders, policy experts, and a former Youth Start-Up Competition winner? As the 2025 edition of the Youth Start-Up Competition builds momentum, we’re turning the spotlight to the jury.

In a world obsessed with high-growth startups and billion-dollar "unicorns," what happens to the backbone of our economy - SMEs? A new episode of the Promoting Enterprise podcast aims to answer that very question, featuring a thought-provoking conversation with Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Friederike Welter.

The national winners of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards 2025 have been revealed, following a rigorous selection process by national juries across Europe. These outstanding initiatives will now go forward to compete for the European title at the SME Assembly in Copenhagen later this year.

In the latest episode, we hear the inspiring story of Gillian White and Nina Shelton, co-founders of Sully and Juno—Ireland’s only sensory-friendly design house. From their kitchen table to award-winning recognition, they’ve built a thriving business rooted in inclusion and bold Irish creativity.

For the 2025 Schumpeter ‘Innovation in Enterprise’ Lecture, we are honoured to welcome Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Friederike Welter MAE — a pioneering voice in European entrepreneurship research and policy.

As the final deadline for the 2025 edition approaches, a distinguished European jury has been appointed. Their task will be to evaluate national winners and select the standout projects that will be honoured at the SME Assembly.

Alina Marnenko is the founder and CEO of the 03:00 Foundation and the Museum in the Dark “03:00” —Ukraine’s only museum operated entirely in the dark and guided by visually impaired staff. What began as a hobby project inspired by escape rooms has grown into a transformative social enterprise.

Petra Kotuliaková is the founder and CEO of Aj Ty v IT ("You Too in IT")—a Slovak non-profit empowering women and girls to thrive in the digital world. Since 2012, her organisation has helped more than 51,000 women access education, mentoring, and careers in tech.

Got a bold idea that could shake up your industry—or help build a better Europe? Bring it to the big stage with the Youth Start-Up Competition 2025! As a flagship initiative of European SME Week, the competition spotlights young entrepreneurs aged 18–25 and supports bold start-up ideas.