HackTheBusiness BULGARIA All Winners

It’s a wrap: Meet the Winners of the Final HackTheBusiness contest held in Bulgaria

by Uncategorized

The HackTheBusiness competition, aimed at nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs, reached its pinnacle from March 26th to 27th at the Innovation Forum “John Atanasoff” in Sofia Tech Park, Bulgaria. This event marked the culmination of the HackTheBusiness adventure, serving as the grand finale of three gatherings organised by the ENTREPRENEDU team.

The Final Round: HackTheBusiness Bulgaria

HackTheBusiness Bulgaria offered an entrepreneurship challenge tailored for young minds eager to explore the vast potential of sustainability. In a groundbreaking finale hosted by CleanTech Bulgaria, the third and final instalment of the HackTheBusiness hackathon series sparked a wave of innovation set to redefine Europe’s sustainable landscape. With a sharp focus on green and eco-conscious solutions spanning agri-food, construction, manufacturing, and digital and creative industries, participants were primed to unleash their creativity and address pressing environmental challenges head-on. The goal? To catalyse contributions towards a future that’s not only environmentally aware but also resilient across these pivotal sectors.

The HackTheBusiness Experience

For young entrepreneurs, HackTheBusiness Bulgaria was the perfect opportunity to present their innovative and sustainable business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges and get invited to the ENTREPRENEDU Coaching and Mentoring programme, where they will have all the business support needed!

During the two-days competition, our participants were firstly presented with a challenge: Pitch the innovative and sustainable idea related to agri-food, construction, manufacturing, and digital and creative industries! Afterwards, our participants had hours of hacking time to work on their ideas with the possibility to ask support from ENTREPRENEDU mentors.

But HackTheBusiness Experience is more than just a competition – it’s an immersive journey of learning and growth filled with business tricks and tips presented by ENTREPRENEDU experts, all with an aim to make our participants’ hacking time as effective as possible. Moreover, every participant had the invaluable opportunity to glean insights directly from our panel of judges and mentors, receiving constructive feedback aimed at honing their ideas and strategies to perfection.

Meet HackTheBusiness Bulgaria Winners

After 48 hours of work and having fun, our participants were ready to pitch their innovative concepts, while ENTREPRENEDU team of experts had a difficult task of choosing the top five ideas! With no specific order, a round of applause for creativity, innovative thinking and diligence goes to:

  • LOCAL.,
  • Brick3D,
  • AI School,
  • Foodilizer and last but not least
  • Green team!

ENTREPRENEDU congratulates to all winning teams – you hacked the business in Bulgaria!

The end of the HackTheBusiness chapter

HackTheBusiness events were more than just a platform for brainstorming groundbreaking ideas – they were a hub for forging lasting connections. The HackTheBusiness concept was all about supporting European youth and their ideas, forging business connections and embracing their entrepreneurial path. In this way, our HackTheBusiness participants seized invaluable networking opportunities destined to extend far beyond HackTheBusiness Era.

As the curtains close on this transformative chapter, the legacy of HackTheBusiness lingers, while ENTREPRENEDU journey towards enhancing entrepreneurial ecosystems for European education continues!

ENTREPRENEDU Team

HTB-Greece-Finals-Picture-for-Blog

They hacked the business in Greece: Meet the Winners

by Business

The second HackTheBusiness competition organised by the ENTREPRENEDU team was held in Greece, where emerging talents gathered to showcase their groundbreaking space-ideas. Here’s a quick recap!

About HackTheBusiness Greece

HackTheBusiness Greece is an entrepreneurship challenge for young minds to learn, explore and discover the secrets of Space! The challenge was to pitch an innovative business idea, with the aim of bringing a real revolution to the space sector in Greece.

The first phase of the event was organised from 3d to 5th of November 2023 at different Universities, across Greece: Democritus University of Thrace, National Technical University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and University of Thessaly. Teams with most innovative ideas have received 2 weeks long mentoring and a paid ticket to the Finals.

The second phase of the competition – the Finals, took place in Athens, Greece on 25th of November 2023. In the finals, winners of the first phase of the competition pitched their innovative business ideas and competed for a place in the Mentoring & Coaching Programme delivered by ENTREPRENEDU project plus other valuable prizes.

Opening session

During the opening session, our teammates from Corallia as main organisers presented ENTREPRENEDU project and the whole team. Afterwards, we had a greatest pleasure of hosting Mr. Konstantinos Kyranakis, Deputy Minister of Digital Governance in Greece, who inspired us all with his speech about innovation and prosperity of young minds in Greece.

Moreover, our participants had an opportunity to hear more about space-related opportunities and industry from our sponsors and business representatives itself. At the end of the opening session, HackTheBusiness Greece team hosted space-entrepreneurs from Angely, Insigh.io and Caius startups to share their invaluable experiences and support our young participants at the start of their entrepreneurial journey.

12 groundbreaking pitches

Innovation, ambition and inspiration were in the air at Corallia premises in Athens, Greece as our participants presented their groundbreaking pitches! All participants showcased an incredible entrepreneurial spirit and a passion in the Finals of the HackTheBusiness Greece contest. The pressure was strong as each team had a limited time frame of 7 minutes to portray the vision and a mission behind their space-solutions. All of this, while the panel of ENTREPRENEDU judges and mentors provided them with valuable questions and constructive feedback. At the end of all presentations, 12 pitches were evaluated based on several criteria, including innovation, feasibility, market scalability, and social impact.

Watch the video to see all key moments! 🎥

Meet HackTheBusiness Greece Winners

After almost 3-weeks of hard work and having fun, four top-notch teams and their innovative ideas were chosen:

  • MICROSATLAB team,
  • EXKE team,
  • UNIWA ICE team and
  • GROUNDWATER team.

They hacked the business!

ENTREPRENEDU team wants to congratulate once again to all winning teams!

Indeed, HackTheBusiness events are the perfect opportunity for young individuals, researchers and startups to present their business ideas and get the support they need by winning the ticket to the ENTREPRENEDU Coaching and Mentoring programme!

Interesting in hacking the business with us? Stay tuned!
Next HackTheBusiness adventure is just around the corner. 🙂

ENTREPRENEDU Team

Congrats 2

Cheers to the successful start of the HackTheBusiness competition in Greece

by Uncategorized

ENTREPRENEDU team marked a successful start of the second HackTheBusiness competition, this time in Greece! In this article, we are revealing our finalists and showcasing backstage moments from the first phase of the competition.

About the HackTheBusiness competition

HackTheBusiness is a series of three ideation contests for young minds to learn, explore and discover secrets of business! The second HackTheBusiness competition was held in Greece and encouraged participants to join EDU and the ENTREPRENEDU team on a adventure in space! Let us explain…

A weekend to HackTheBusiness

Starting from 3d November and concluding on 5th November, our participants had a weekend to hack the business… and what a weekend that was! After a warm welcome by our team, HackTheBusiness participants were presented with a challenge to pitch an innovative solution related to space technologies! They had around 48 hours to work on their ideas with the support of ENTREPRENEDU mentors, who delivered several sessions on different business aspects and helped our participants to make their ideas pitch-perfect!

At the end, in total 68 participants divided in 18 teams joined us across four locations – National Technical University of Athens, University of Thessaly, Democritus University of Thrace, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – and showcased their space-oriented business concepts. ENTREPRENEDU team and jury members were amazed by the creativity of our participants, but we all knew that only some of them could become HackTheBusiness finalists and join us in Athens.

Meet the top 10 teams

After three days of hard work and having fun, the time has come to announce the winners and their innovative space-solutions:

  • UNIWA ICE team,
  • MicrosatLab team,
  • Groundwater team,
  • Luminous team,
  • Spa/c team,
  • Ocean Defenders team,
  • Exke team,
  • PPD Control team,
  • KORI team,
  • Prometheus Auth team.

And remember, it’s not all about the competition, it’s about the opportunity to gain business experience, learn something new, get feedback directly from experts, expand your business network and of course, have fun. This is what means to HackTheBusiness with us! That is why, ENTREPRENEDU team congratulates to all HackTheBusiness participants on their entrepreneurial spirtis and innovative thinking!

 

 

What’s next?

Winning teams will now have time to enhance their ideas even more with the support of our mentors, before we all meet again to HackTheBusiness in Athens, on November 25. 

Until then, cheers!

ENTREPRENEDU Team

Blog #4

How to Build a Winning Team at the HackTheBusiness contest: Strategies for Success

by BusinessUncategorized

HackTheBusiness ideation contest is a business competition that provides an opportunity for wannabe entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and strategic mindset. However, winning this kind of competition is not merely about having a groundbreaking concept; it’s also about assembling a winning team. Your team is your backbone, the driving force that propels your idea to success. In this article, we’ll explore essential strategies to build a winning team during your HackTheBusiness adventure.

Identify individual strengths

At the HackTheBusiness competition, you can register as an individual or as a team. If you register as an individual and want to be a part of a team, don’t worry, you can do that directly in the competition. How? Begin by recognizing the unique strengths and skills of each potential team member. Assess their expertise, background, and experiences. Someone might excel in marketing, while another might have a knack for logistic planning. By understanding these strengths, you can choose your best match and allocate roles effectively, ensuring each team member contributes optimally to the project.

Foster effective communication

Open and transparent communication is the key to any successful team. Effective communication not only fosters teamwork but also enhances creativity and problem-solving abilities within the group. Therefore, each team member should be encouraged to voice their ideas, concerns, and feedback.

Encourage collaboration

Foster a collaborative environment where team members brainstorm ideas, challenge each other’s assumptions, and work together towards common goals. Collaboration promotes the exchange of diverse perspectives, leading to innovative solutions that can set your idea concept apart from the competition.

Emphasise Leadership and Delegation

Every successful team needs a leader who can guide the group toward the competition’s goals. A good leader listens to team members, provides clear directions, and inspires confidence. Additionally, learn the art of delegation. Assign tasks based on individual strengths and trust your team members to deliver exceptional results in their respective areas.

Create a positive Team Culture

Foster a positive and supportive team culture where members respect each other’s opinions and celebrate each other’s successes. A positive environment boosts morale, encourages creativity, and enhances productivity, creating an atmosphere where winning ideas can flourish. For example, you can together decide upon your team-name or a team-phrase.

Prepare for Challenges

At the HackTheBusiness competition your challenge is to bring an innovative idea from the space sector. But, during the competition per se, it is very important to anticipate other challenges that may arise during the competition. This could range from technical issues to disagreements within the team. Prepare contingency plans and encourage your team to brainstorm potential obstacles and devise solutions beforehand. A well-prepared team is more resilient and better equipped to handle unexpected challenges.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability

Everyday is a new day for learning. Don’t forget to do good research and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies related to your business idea. Adaptability is crucial in a competitive environment – teams that can pivot and adjust their strategies based on feedback and changing circumstances are more likely to succeed.

Don’t be afraid to ask Questions

ENTREPRENEDU mentors and experts will be present during the first phase of the competition, as well as the Finals. Don’t be afraid to ask Questions! Reach out to mentors and advisors who have experience in your industry or previous business competitions. Their insights and guidance can provide invaluable direction, helping your team refine its strategies and improve the overall quality of your idea.

Let’s HackTheBusiness!

In conclusion, building a winning team at a business competition requires a combination of strategic planning, effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability. By recognizing individual strengths, fostering a positive team culture, and preparing for challenges, your team can create a strong foundation for success. Remember, a cohesive and motivated team not only enhances your chances of winning but also enriches the overall experience of the competition, turning it into a transformative learning opportunity for everyone involved. 

Don’t miss to HackTheBusiness with us!

 

Frame 49

The Role of Mentorship in Competitions: Why Having a Mentor Can Make All the Difference

by BusinessUncategorized

Competitions have long been a platform for individuals to showcase their skills, talents, and innovations. Whether it’s in the realms of business, sports, or academia, participating in a competition can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. For young people, these competitions can be particularly daunting as they strive to prove themselves and achieve their goals. This is where mentorship plays a crucial role. In this article, we will explore the significance of mentorship in HackTheBusiness competition and why having a mentor can make all the difference.

Guidance and Expertise

Business competitions often require participants to navigate uncharted territory, whether it’s developing a business plan, perfecting a pitch, or honing a specific skill. A mentor brings invaluable guidance and expertise to the table. They can provide insights, share their experiences, and help you avoid common pitfalls. With their guidance, you can approach the competition with a well-informed strategy.

Building Confidence

Young participants may face self-doubt and anxiety when entering a competition. A mentor acts as a source of encouragement and support, helping you build the confidence needed to perform at your best. Their belief in your abilities can be a powerful motivator, pushing you to overcome challenges and excel in the competition.

Networking Opportunities

Mentors often have extensive networks in their respective fields. They can introduce you to key players, potential collaborators, and industry experts. These connections can open doors to opportunities that you might not have access to otherwise, such as partnerships, internships, or job offers.

Feedback and Improvement

Constructive feedback is essential for growth. Mentors provide honest and constructive criticism to help you improve. They can review your work, evaluate your performance, and offer suggestions for enhancement. This feedback loop is invaluable for refining your skills and strategies as you progress through the competition.

Mental Resilience

Competitions can be emotionally draining, especially when facing setbacks or tough competition. A mentor can offer emotional support and help you develop mental resilience. They’ve likely faced similar challenges in their own journeys and can provide perspective on how to stay focused, handle pressure, and bounce back from disappointments.

Customised Strategy

Every competition is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not work. A mentor can help you tailor your strategy to the specific competition you’re entering. They can identify your strengths and weaknesses, fine-tune your approach, and help you stand out among competitors.

Accountability

Having a mentor can hold you accountable for your goals and commitments. Knowing that someone is invested in your success can motivate you to stay on track and put in the necessary effort to excel in the competition. It’s a partnership that keeps you responsible and focused.

Long-Term Benefits

At your HackTheBusiness adventure, the mentorship relationship doesn’t end when the competition does. HackTheBusiness mentors will continue to support you even after the competition concludes through a business acceleration programme, where they will teach you how to turn your idea into a successful business. This ongoing relationship can lead to further opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Let HackTheBusiness mentors to guide you!

In the world of competitions, mentorship is the ace that can tip the scales in your favour. Having a mentor by your side provides guidance, builds confidence, offers networking opportunities, and fosters personal and professional growth. Their expertise and support can make all the difference in your journey to success, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, or scholar.

So, what are you waiting for – HackTheBusiness with us and let our mentors help you unlock your full potential and achieve your goals.

HackTheBusiness Italy Day 3

Exciting news: We are Unveiling Winners of the first HackTheBusiness Competition held in Rimini

by Uncategorized

The HackTheBusiness competition held from 15th to 17th of June in Rimini (Italy), was the first of three events organised by the ENTREPRENEDU team for emerging talents to showcase their groundbreaking ideas. And so they did!

We were at We Make Future

We Make Future, held in the city of Rimini, has become synonymous with innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. This prestigious event attracts forward-thinking individuals from various industries, offering a unique opportunity to explore emerging trends, network with industry experts, and gain invaluable insights. And at the heart of We Make Future, ENTREPRENEDU team organised the HackTheBusiness competition, a thrilling showcase of entrepreneurial prowess and innovative ideas.

Unveiling HackTheBusiness concept

HackTheBusiness is an entrepreneurship challenge for young minds to learn, explore and discover the secrets of DeepTech industry! The competition encourages participants to think outside the box, refine their pitches, and leverage their creativity. HackTheBusiness event was (and still is) the perfect opportunity for young individuals and startups to present their business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges and industry leaders and get invited to the ENTREPRENEDU Coaching and Mentoring programme, where they will get all the support needed to level-up their business idea!

The Experience

On the day one of the competition, our participants were presented with a challenge: Pitch the innovative problem-solving idea related SpaceTech, ClimateTech or FoodTech! Afterwards, our participants had 72h to work on their ideas with the possibility to ask support from ENTREPRENEDU mentors. In this way, HackTheBusiness goes beyond a mere competition as it serves as a opportunity for learning and growth. All participants received valuable feedback from the panel of judges and mentors, who offer constructive insights aimed at refining their ideas and strategies. Moreover, contestants gain access to a network of mentors and industry experts, who provide guidance and support, helping them navigate the challenging entrepreneurial journey.

Our participants worked very hard on their pitches to captivate the audience and judges within a limited time frame. The pressure was strong as each contestant strived to convey their vision, value proposition, and market potential concisely and persuasively. The pitches were evaluated based on several criteria, including innovation, feasibility, market scalability, and social impact.

Meet HackTheBusiness Italy Winners

After 3-days of hard work, excitement, learning and having fun, ENTREPRENEDU team of experts has chosen the first four winning teams and their innovative DeepTech ideas:

  • BACKWARDS team is eager to solve the problem of packaging waste by creating reusable packaging and logistics infrastructure!
  • SHADES OF BLUE team wishes to create a certification system and consultancy services for sustainable management of water resources, providing companies monitoring, improving and communicating the negative impact on rivers and water. 
  • AS YOU LIKE team aims to transform dining experience with a mobile app: customize meals, access real-time nutrition info with Visual-AI, and discover restaurants aligned with dietary needs.
  • BOBIS team has a goal to reduce CO2 emissions caused by last mile logistics, offering the end user a platform that can encourage local consumption and the search for products and services within a distance of 3km.

They hacked the business!

ENTREPRENEDU team wants to congratulate once again to all the winning teams!

At the end, HackTheBusiness competition provided an ideal environment for fostering connections and collaborations. Participants had and will have the chance to network with like-minded individuals, potential investors, industry influencers, and representatives from renowned organizations. This networking aspect enables them to build relationships, explore partnership opportunities, gain exposure to a broader ecosystem of innovation, experience and level-up professionally!

Until the next HackTheBusiness opportunity, cheers!

ENTREPRENEDU Team