As the summer draws to a close and we move into the autumn, the finale of the Youth Start-up Competition 2024 (YSC) inches closer! The ceremony will be held at the SME Assembly in Budapest, hosted by the Hungarian Presidency of the EU between 18-20 November. We are pleased to announce the fourth member of the jury who will be judging the innovative start-up ideas of the competition: Igor Kalinic! 

Igor is well-experienced to judge this year's YSC, having over 20 years of professional expertise spanning the private sector, academia, and policy-making in the field of international economics. He currently holds the position of the Head of Sector for Competitiveness and Internationalisation at the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) within the European Commission. 

Boasting specialist knowledge of sustainable economic growth, industrial policy, and promoting entrepreneurship, Igor has represented the European Commission at various forums demonstrating his ability to cultivate strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. Alongside this, he has published numerous research papers, holds a PhD from the University of Padova, Italy, and is currently a visiting senior fellow at the Turku School of Economics. With his expansive economic knowledge and practical experience, we are proud to have Igor join the jury! 

The 2024 YSC is looking for innovative start-up ideas which tackle major global challenges, such as climate change and sustainable development, crafted by entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 25. Submissions to the 2024 YSC are open until 20 September – you can apply here! This is the perfect opportunity to champion your ideas and shape a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for Europe!