Jonk Entrepreneuren Announces Winners of 2025 Young Enterprise Project

The finals of  Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg’s (JEL) 14th Young Enterprise Project (YEP) took place on Tuesday 13 May 2025 at the Melusina club in Luxembourg-Clausen. 

In a press release, JEL stated that six teams were selected to participate in the final, out of an initial 28. A total of 90 students from various BTS (Higher Technician Certificate) programmes, from eight secondary schools (Atert - Lycée Redange, Ecole de Commerce et de Gestion (ECG), Ecole d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL), Lycée Technique d’Ettelbruck, Lycée Guillaume Kroll, Lycée des Arts et Métiers, Lycée Nic Biever Dudelange, Lycée Technique Agricole), participated in the 2024-2025 Young Enterprise Project. 

The YEP is described as a programme offered at secondary school level in which students work in teams on an innovative product or service concept. Students study the project's feasibility using tools such as empathy mapping and the Business Model Canvas and develop a prototype, as well as a commercial video. JEL added that it is an opportunity for students to work differently and put themselves in the shoes of real entrepreneurs.

Teams can be coached by volunteer experts from the business world. The programme fosters an exchange between students and professionals who are experts in their field. To support the teams in their projects, the students availed of training sessions on: the business model canvas by Adis Sabanovic of the House of Entrepreneurship; marketing by Ricardo Prosperi of Fundament Agency; financial management by Grégoire Seron of Capital Group; project management by Richard Woodha of Project Management Institute; video creation with Cecilia Said Viera; freelance introduction to pitching with Dursun Halimova, business coach.

The 2024-2025 jury was composed of: Dominique Moeremans of ECG; Imene Guidoumi, Alyssa Caroff and Rudy Mazzalovo of Accenture; Pedro Ferreira Leal, House of Entrepreneurship; Bastien Berg and Julien Gharrou, Luxembourg City Incubator; Tanyth Blackler, Do Your Thing; Sam Paulus and Jérémy Del Rosario, Microlux; Sébastien Jungen, Bamolux; Sarah Tagliarol, Edmond de Rothschild; Dursun Halimova, Stellar. Jury members also supported and evaluated the participating teams throughout the year.

Each of the six groups had four minutes to present their project to the jury at the final.

First prize winner was the "ONSKO" project led by Pierre Felten, a BTS student in "Digital Content" at the Lycée Nic Biever in Dudelange. Described as a cultural platform dedicated to local Luxembourgish art, where private and professional art lovers can sell, buy and rent works, this project aimed to develop local art by making it accessible and visible through access to a local community and dedicated events. The project was described as having a strong local presence and a response to a real problem. Jeff Lemmer was the team instructor. 

Second prize was awarded to the "Majestic Event" team, composed of Belé Sousa Morgane, Catarina Pinto, Hannah Gryczka, Calista Dolci, Enzo Scatigno and Andrea Petruzzi, all students studying for a BTS at the ECG. This project showcased Luxembourg's local culture. The jury stated it was impressed by the team's dynamism and its ability to find sponsors and partners, thus ensuring the project's rapid implementation. Birgit Lehner was the team instructor.

The third place went to the "Why Buy" team, composed of Maroa El Assani, Luna Picco and Lenny Haag, who are currently studying for a BTS in Hospitality Management at the EHTL. Their project aimed to develop a web platform for equipment rental between individuals in Luxembourg. Their mission was to avoid overconsumption and waste while giving a second life to unused everyday objects. The project's environmental impact and the team's motivation won over the jury. Claudine Thoma was the team instructor.

Moreover, there were two Alumni Leadership Awards. Amélie Havé (Mindful Minds team: a platform offering a personalised programme aimed at preventing burnout in the workplace) and Calista Dolci (Majestic Event team) received the Alumni Leadership Award presented by the Alumni Committee. This award is given to students who have demonstrated leadership qualities and the ability to lead their team.

Offered at the higher education level, the Young Enterprise Project is aimed at young BTS and university students between the ages of nineteen and 30. Teams of two to five students are formed at the beginning of the academic year. Together, they must create a business plan based on an innovative product or service idea.

The team must identify an opportunity, develop a business plan and study the project's feasibility with the support of their teachers and professionals from the business world. During the school year, the projects are presented three times to a jury composed of experts from the educational and professional worlds, as well as potential investors. The winning team will have the opportunity to participate in the "GEN-E" European final, organised by Junior Achievement Europe.