Youth Start-Up Competition (YSC) 2023: Encouraging Young Entrepreneurs to Shape the Future

The European Commission is proud to announce the launch of the 2023 European SME Week Youth Start-up Competition (YSC), a competition designed to celebrate and support young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 25 who are developing innovative start-up ideas that tackle today’s most critical challenges.

EC is thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter for the SME Week! Over the past years, the Youth Essay Competition (YEC) has served as a launch pad for young thinkers and innovators across Europe and COSME countries. This year, they are turning a new leaf with the launch of the Youth Start-Up Competition (YSC)!

The YSC is the fresh, bold initiative set to take the stage during SME Week 2023. This is not just a contest – it’s an opportunity for young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 25 to share their inventive start-up ideas that address today’s pressing issues, such as sustainability, social inclusion, and technological innovation.

Take your start-up idea to the next level

• The YSC is organised as part of the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote enterprises and support entrepreneurship across Europe. They recognise the crucial role that young people play in shaping the future of the European Union, and they are committed to fostering entrepreneurship as a promising career path for the next generation.
• Are you ready to take your start-up idea to the next level? If you are, then don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your innovation, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain exposure for your start-up. Start preparing your video submission today and get ready to make your mark on the world of entrepreneurship.
• As a reward for an exceptional entrepreneurial vision and dedication, the winner of the Youth Start-up Competition will be granted a remarkable opportunity: the chance to attend the EIC Summit in 2024. This prestigious event will serve as a dynamic platform for innovative start-ups to gather, exchange knowledge, and connect with industry experts. The EIC Summit is akin to an SME assembly specifically designed to celebrate and empower groundbreaking start-ups.

What you need to know

• To be eligible for the YSC, you must be between 18 and 25 years old and submit a video of no more than three minutes explaining your start-up idea, its relevance, and your business plan. The video should be submitted in English. They are particularly interested in start-up ideas that promote sustainability and reflect EU values. Originality, uniqueness, and the potential to generate public interest and media attention are also key criteria for selection.
• The winner of the YSC will be chosen by a jury based on three essential criteria: creativity, visibility, and communications. The three shortlisted candidates will be announced online and invited to the SME Assembly in Bilbao, Spain, which is taking place in 13-17 November. In a dedicated YSC session at the event, they will have the opportunity to present their start-up idea and business model. The audience, along with the jury, will vote for their favourite, resulting in a final winner.
• Attending the SME Assembly 2023 is not only an opportunity to showcase your start-up but also a chance to connect with potential investors and partners. The event offers a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and networking events where young entrepreneurs can learn, grow, and collaborate with industry professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Entrants must be aged between 18 –25 (included) and be citizens of the COSME countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine.
• Project Requirements
  • Theme: Your start-up idea must promote sustainability and reflect EU values.
  • Presentation
    • You need to create a short video (maximum 3 minutes) detailing:
      • the concept of your start-up idea;
      • why your idea is relevant today;
      • a brief overview of your business plan.
• Videos must not exceed 3 minutes in length.
• All videos must be in English.
• Only one entry per applicant.

For more information, visit YSC.