Luxembourg-based intergenerational housing solution WeConnect has scooped an award at the GEN-E festival in Tallinn, Estonia.
WeConnect was awarded first prize in the 2022 Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg Project for its coliving project between students and senior citizens. Founded by University of Luxembourg bachelor students Clémentine Offner and Ivo Silva, the business aims to foster intergenerational relationships while providing a shared solution to individual issues.
Under WeConnect’s shared housing model, students will never pay more than €800 per month in rent and they will receive a rent reduction if they help out with tasks around the house.
The service is funded by the homeowners, senior citizens who pay a €50 application fee and annual subscription of €500, falling to €200 upon renewal.
The two founders, who had their first taste of success at the Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg mini-entreprise in 2020 with their company Frëschkescht, developed WeConnect during the European Skills Championship, Euroskills, in Graz, where they were awarded the bronze medal.
“The FedEx award recognizes the JA Start-Up that gave more emphasis on the importance of global access in a more interconnected world,” said Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg CEO Stéphanie Damgé, adding: “At Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg, we are so proud and excited to see them turning into real entrepreneurs and putting their ideas into life. They enormously inspire us with their talent, energy, and passion as well as their drive to succeed.”
