Organised by Junior Achievement, Gen-E is a major European event for young entrepreneurs aged 15 and above. Luxembourg startups Citygum and WeConnect will represent the grand duchy at the event held from 12 to 14 July 2022 in Tallinn, Estonia.
Joining thousands of other European students, both startups will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas and exchange with other European startups. During the event, two annual European entrepreneurship competitions will take place. The Junior Achievement (JA) Company and the JA Startup event.
The winner of the 21st edition of the Mini-Enterprises programme, Citygum will represent Luxembourg in the “European JA Company of the Year” competition at the Gen-E Festival.
The team is composed of five students from Lycée Aline Mayrisch: Julian Millim, Leo Gehlen, Loïc Hoffarth, Mika Witry and Thibaut Mailliet. With the support of Sandra Thibeau, teacher, and Douglass Welch, Managing Director & Portfolio Conducting Officer at Pemberton Asset Management Group and coach.
The young entrepreneurs created the first handmade, biodegradable, 100% vegan chewing gum made in Luxembourg, available in two flavours: watermelon and mint-lemon.
As the winner of this year’s Young Enterprise Project (YEP), WeConnect will represent Luxembourg at the JA Europe Startup of the Year Competition in Tallinn.
Ivo Silva and Clémentine Offner developed WeConnect during the European Skills Championship “Euroskills” in Graz, where they received the bronze medal. With the support of coaches Mathias Nimlin and Christian Gutenkauf, they hope to develop their idea further.
WeConnect is a platform that aims to foster intergenerational relationships, while providing a common solution to individual problems. While students struggle to find affordable housing, the older generation often suffers from loneliness. WeConnect offers a solution to both problems, allowing young students to move into the home of a retired person.
Last but not least, there is also a public award decided by public vote. Six Luxembourg teams will in the running for this category, all of which can be found here, where you can also cast your vote.
