With the Youth Startup Competition (YSC) finale at the SME Assembly approaching, it’s time to announce the jury selection who will be reviewing the game-changing start-up ideas from young people across Europe.

One of the distinguished Jury members will be Mariia Alipatova, winner of the YSC in 2023 with her focus on GreenTech, Sustainability, and Renewable Energy. Mariia is the CEO and co-founder of Solar Optic, a deep-tech system designed to revolutionise building illumination with the potential to cut CO2 emissions. With a strong background and expertise in mechanical engineering and deep tech, and a passion for innovation and championing the start-up ecosystem, Mariia’s expertise makes her a great choice to judge this year’s YSC.

If, like Mariia, you’re aged between 18 and 25, live in an EU or COSME country, and have a revolutionary start-up idea that addresses urgent issues from sustainability to social inclusion and technological advancement as well as embodying European values, then why not submit your entry to the YSC 2024? 

Submissions are open until 20 September 2024. The jury will judge submissions based on how original, creative, and well-presented they are. The top 3 candidates will get the chance to present their ideas at the SME Assembly in Budapest, Hungary (18-20 November 2024), and the winner will be invited to the 2025 European Innovation Council (EIC) summit.

As Mariia says in the video below, where she shares her experience participating in the YSC 2023, "You will be able to make your dreams come true!":

Call for Applications: 2024 Youth Start-Up Competition (youtube.com)

Apply now! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to champion your ideas and shape a better future for Europe!