Yep 5.0 – Young Entrepreneurship Program
The YEP 5.0 – Young Entrepreneurship Program, led by AIDA CCI, has the central goal of fostering an entrepreneurial culture among young people, encouraging the emergence of new companies that offer innovative responses to social and societal challenges. The project also aims to increase the survival rate of startups and improve their sustainability, creating a more robust ecosystem for new ventures.
The implementation of YEP 5.0 includes several structured initiatives to ensure the programme’s success. Among the main actions is the training and support for entrepreneurship through mentoring programmes and startup support. The project seeks to drive the creation of new businesses by offering expert guidance and promoting the incubation and acceleration of ideas.
One of the programme’s core activities is the “Big Ideas Challenge”, an idea competition that encourages young people to present innovative projects. This contest involves several stages, including idea pitching sessions and the selection of winning projects. In addition, the project offers workshops focused on key social and business challenges, contributing to the development of innovative solutions.
YEP 5.0 also promotes technical visits to companies and acceleration/incubation facilities, facilitating the exchange of experience and knowledge between young entrepreneurs and industry professionals. One of the most inspiring initiatives is the visit to the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem, giving participants the chance to engage with one of the world’s leading innovation hubs.
Expected results include the creation of at least 12 new companies within six months of the project’s conclusion, particularly in knowledge- and technology-intensive areas. Additionally, the project aims to train 75% of participating youth—from both basic and higher education—enhancing their confidence and readiness to launch their own businesses.
With support from the European Social Fund and a total eligible cost of €713,096.59, YEP 5.0 is strongly committed to boosting innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting a dynamic and sustainable business environment for young people in Portugal’s Central and Northern regions.
More information
Cristina Martins
DAT – Technical Support Department
T.: +351 234 302 492
c.martins@aida.pt
