Young Entrepreneurs Program 2024: A Transformative Final Week

Last week, we concluded our NUCC Young Entrepreneurs Program 2024. This intensive business-educational initiative united 21 ambitious individuals from Norway and Ukraine, all sharing a passion for international business and entrepreneurship. The program aimed to foster collaboration with Ukrainian and Norwegian entrepreneurs, enhance understanding of both markets, and develop sustainable business solutions that support Ukraine's economy, rebulding after war and its integration into the European Union.

A Week of Growth and Collaboration in Krakow

The final week in Krakow marked the culmination of a three-month journey filled with growth, collaboration, and inspiration. Participants engaged in workshops, group projects, lectures, and insightful discussions. They honed essential skills in public speaking and self-presentation—valuable tools for effective communication with future partners.

A visit to N-iX provided insights into idea validation, launching start-ups and exploring key business processes to support their entrepreneurial ambitions. An online webinar on Doing Business During War featured the European Business Association sharing valuable statistics and key investment indicators, offering a deeper understanding of Ukraine's current business landscape and future growth prospects.

Connecting with the local business community was a highlight of the week. A special networking event hosted by Board Krakow and the Ukrainian business community offered a unique platform to exchange contacts, expand networks, and explore new avenues for international collaboration.

Innovative Projects for Sustainable Impact

On the final day, participants presented the group projects they had meticulously developed over the past three months, focusing on sectors crucial for Ukraine's development: ‍

• Construction group: Presented a project focused on developing both traditional private homes and modular housing using sustainable, eco-friendly materials. This initiative aims to provide safe, comfortable housing for those displaced by the war, offering a rapid and resilient solution for community rebuilding.
• Waste management group: Proposed a solution to address plastic bottle waste by installing reverse vending machines in retail stores across Ukraine. Launching in Kyiv, this initiative aligns with EU regulations on plastic waste management, targeting the collection of 90% of single-use plastic bottles by 2029.
• Energy group: Presented a waste-to-energy project funded by carbon credits to tackle Ukraine’s landfill and emissions issues. This project supports decentralized, resilient energy generation while attracting international investments focused on decarbonization.
• AgriTech group: Introduced an innovative project utilizing CO₂ capture and excess heat technologies to power greenhouses, reducing both energy costs and emissions. The solution includes access to high-quality seedlings and an inclusive, automated workspace to improve efficiency, with plans to raise capital and collaborate with agricultural companies in Ukraine and Norway for implementation.

Each project showcased exceptional creativity and strategic thinking, demonstrating the participants' dedication to creating sustainable impact in their respective fields. The judges provided valuable feedback and recognized their efforts to contribute positively to Ukraine's economic development.

The Young Entrepreneurs 2024 program facilitates meaningful exchanges between Norwegian and Ukrainian participants, deepening their understanding of each other’s markets and cultures. Participants were able to research and identify viable business opportunities that support Ukraine's economy, especially in war times. Additionally, the program built a strong network of young professionals dedicated to strengthening Norwegian-Ukrainian business relations, creating connections that will support ongoing collaboration and growth.

We are incredibly proud of our participants' achievements and dedication. The skills, insights, and connections they’ve gained will empower them to shape the future of international business and make a lasting impact on the Norwegian and Ukrainian markets.

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