POPRI EUSAIR Youth, the prestigious international competition nurturing entrepreneurial innovation among young talents from the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region, returns for its sixth edition. The event will be held on May 19–20, 2026, in Skopje, North Macedonia, as part of the 11th EUSAIR Forum at the Holiday Inn hotel. This year’s edition is particularly significant as the POPRI project was honored as a winner of the 2025 European Enterprise Promotion Award (EEPA) in the category of "Supporting the Internationalisation of Business," recognizing its vital role in connecting young talents and fostering cross-border cooperation.
The competition brings together the brightest young minds from 10 Adriatic-Ionian countries, operating as a unified innovation hub through a dynamic network of technology parks, regional agencies, and schools. The program begins on Tuesday, May 19, with the EUSAIR Talents panel titled »Can Purpose and Profit Coexist? Social Entrepreneurship is the Answer«. This panel will explore how youth can act as drivers of social change and how entrepreneurial thinking can address society's most pressing challenges, from environmental sustainability to social inclusion.
The core of the event takes place on Wednesday, May 20, with the EUSAIR POPRI Youth business model competition. High school and university teams from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, San Marino, and Slovenia will pitch their innovative solutions to a distinguished jury of experts. The event will culminate in a grand Award Ceremony, featuring welcome notes from prominent figures including Gaby Hagmüller (European Commission, DG REGIO), Tanja Kožuh (Primorska Technology Park CEO), and Paolo Galetta (EU funds National Coordinator, Italy). The winning teams will be recognized for their creativity and their potential to contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region.
Beyond the prestige of winning, this year’s top teams will receive unique international experiences:
1st and 2nd Ranked Teams: Will be invited to an exclusive study tour to Brussels (July 8–9, 2026) to participate in the Macro-regional & Sea Basin Strategies Days 2026. This offers direct insight into EU-level strategic discussions and networking with key stakeholders.
3rd Ranked Teams: Will be hosted in Izola, Slovenia (September 15–17, 2026) for the Mediterranean Coast and Macro-regional Strategies Week, focusing on regional collaboration and sustainable coastal development.
All awarded teams will gain not only recognition but also a unique opportunity to expand their perspectives, strengthen their ideas, and build meaningful international connections.
POPRI EUSAIR Youth is more than just a competition; it is a process of entrepreneurial learning where young people develop creativity, teamwork, and confidence. As the organizers emphasize: "Winning is great, but the real victory lies in the knowledge, connections, and unforgettable experiences that serve as the building blocks for a brighter future for the whole region".
