Econverse V4: Accelerating the development of young entrepreneurs in CEE

With its expansion into Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, and Warsaw, the largest start-up simulation programme for youth, Econverse is now an international platform, offering unprecedented opportunities for youth innovation and collaboration.

Backed by the Visegrad Fund, Aspen Institute CE, Orange, Baker McKenzie, and more, Econverse V4 has a mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs by helping them build, pitch, and launch business ideas, all while fostering international cooperation among young leaders.

A proven model for success

Econverse has already left a lasting impact on Poland’s entrepreneurial landscape, having directly engaged more than 3,500 participants, forming partnerships with over 20 major industry players, and distributing over 40,000 euros in prizes over the past three years.

The organisation’s flagship events, including the Econverse FUSE at Warsaw’s National Stadium, have attracted high-profile speakers and mentors from both academia and industry, including Natalia Brzeziński, Tina Sobocinska, and Andrzej Anton.

By combining innovative education methodologies with real-world application, Econverse is already bridging the gap between traditional schooling and the practical skills required in today’s fast-paced startup ecosystem. Now, with Econverse V4, it aims to replicate its impact internationally.

Real-world impact and social innovation

At the core of Econverse’s success lies its commitment to fostering inclusivity and bridging education gaps. By engaging students from small towns and ensuring a near-even male-to-female participation ratio, Econverse reaches beyond urban centres to democratise access to entrepreneurial education. This inclusivity aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure equitable, high-quality education for all, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers​.

Econverse emphasises experiential learning, taking inspiration from the model of Minerva University, where students learn by actively applying concepts to real-world problems. Econverse’s novel startup simulation formula allows participants to develop key business skills – such as complex problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking – through hands-on experience.

This approach has garnered wide recognition, earning Econverse the Emerging Europe Award in the category of Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative of the Year, cementing its status as a leading force in youth entrepreneurship across the region​.

The expansion: Econverse V4 and its regional significance

With the debut of Econverse V4, the organisation is scaling its model across the Visegrad Four countries, bringing together 400 participants and more than 50 industry mentors to create a unique international competition.

Each event, from Prague to Warsaw, will provide participants with an immersive two-day experience where they will collaborate in cross-border teams, develop business ideas, and pitch to a panel of experts representing venture capital firms, NGOs, public sector leaders, and multinational corporations – all in English. This cross-border collaboration not only fosters a sense of regional unity but also prepares participants for the challenges of launching startups in a globalised economy.

The Grand Finale, set for March 2025 in Warsaw, will showcase top four teams from each country. It will not only highlight their achievements but also create networking opportunities with investors and mentors from across the region, further enhancing the participants’ prospects and drive for long-term success.

Supporting a new generation of entrepreneurs

The driving force behind Econverse is its belief in the untapped potential of young people. Organised by students for students, Econverse gives its participants the mindset and tools to build something significant, even at a young age.

With ongoing mentorship from business leaders and opportunities to pitch before venture capitalists and business leaders, participants gain invaluable exposure and experience, unfortunately absent from the traditional classroom.

“Econverse V4 is more than a competition; it’s a platform that empowers young innovators from across Central and Eastern Europe to break barriers and build the future,” says Mateusz Włodarczyk, Chief Marketing Officer at Econverse.

“Connecting them with seasoned mentors and entrepreneurs, we create a generational bridge, allowing invaluable experiences and knowledge to flow to the next wave of leaders. Our goal is to democratise access to entrepreneurial education and equip youth with the skills needed to thrive in today’s global start-up ecosystem. This exchange of knowledge and support aims to inspire a new wave of resilient leaders, ready not just to launch businesses but to drive meaningful change in a rapidly evolving world.”

Looking ahead: The future of econverse

Econverse is poised to become a transformative force in entrepreneurial education throughout the CEE region. With its demonstrated real-world impact and a growing network of partners, mentors, and alumni, the organisation is set to inspire thousands more young Europeans to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

By participating in Econverse V4, young innovators will gain not only critical business skills but also access to a regional network of peers and mentors, laying the groundwork for their future endeavours in the start-up world.

This combination of education, mentorship, and international collaboration makes Econverse V4 a key milestone in the region’s economic development and a unique platform for the next generation of CEE entrepreneurs.

For more information and to apply, visit Econverse V4.

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