Unloc and Verizon launch 2025 challenge for small businesses across Europe with £10,000 prize and training

Unloc and Verizon Business announced the launch of the 2025 Young Entrepreneurs Challenge, an annual competition designed to discover Europe’s brightest young entrepreneurial talent.

Open to 16-25 year olds from across Europe, the challenge invites participants to submit technology-driven business ideas for a chance to win £10,000, professional training, and a technology package to help their startup. The winner will also receive a ticket to the prestigious Global One Young World 2025 conference in Munich.

Now in its seventh year, the challenge aims to inspire and support the next generation of business leaders. Winners will present their concepts live to a panel of judges at the grand finale in March 2025. Applications are judged on criteria including business viability, technological innovation, and sustainability.

Sanjiv Gossain, General Manager and Head of EMEA for Verizon Business, emphasized the importance of helping small entrepreneurs realize their visions. “Young talents in Europe often face difficulties in getting the necessary funding and training to turn their ideas into reality. This challenge is designed to bridge that gap and give young entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their innovations to the world.”

Founder and CEO of Unloc, Hayden Taylor, noted that technological ideas are at the forefront of solving global challenges. “Investing in the minds of young people with the power to deal with issues such as sustainability and health care is important. Last year’s winner, Ethan Waisberg, with his app AngioGenius, showed how cutting-edge technology can bring about change, and we’re excited to see what this year’s entrants will bring.”

To apply, entrants must submit a 60-90 second video pitch and an online application explaining their business idea. The deadline for applications is January 17, 2025, and full details can be found at youngentrepreneurchallenge.com