Throughout this immersive day, 37 young people aged 16 and over, from 11 different schools, came together to tackle a social innovation challenge proposed by the Ministry of Labour and the Social Business Incubator.

The morning began with a talk by Vanessa Schummer, Head of the Department for Social and Solidarity Economy, who introduced the key themes of the day. Minister Mischo then presented the Business Challenge and took time to engage with the different participant groups, encouraging them to show creativity and commitment.

Divided into 8 teams, the participants were tasked with addressing a timely and vital issue for the new generation, focused on mental health:

“How can we create a work environment where young people can truly thrive and succeed professionally?”

Guided by the team from the Ministry of Social and Solidarity Economy and the Social Business Incubator—Vanessa Schummer, Martin Muller, and Paul Thein—the students received practical advice and personalized support to help structure their ideas and refine their presentations.

This event, a true springboard for teamwork, project management, and creativity, complements traditional education by exposing students to the realities of innovation, competition, and meeting deadlines.

At the end of the day, the 8 teams presented their projects to a jury composed of:

• Sven Baltes, Director of Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg
• Vanessa Schummer, Head of the Department for Social and Solidarity Economy
• Paul Thein, Project Manager at the Social Business Incubator
• Petra Penders, Project Coordinator at the Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte

First place was awarded to the group “Prosperitas”, composed of Lenny Quaranta (Lycée Robert Schuman), Pierre Sauvegrin (Lycée Français du Luxembourg – Vauban), Anja Barthelmy (Lycée Aline Mayrisch), and Oulimata Diop (Lycée Technique d’Ettelbruck). Their innovative idea proposed implementing a company rating system in Luxembourg, scored out of 10, based on the collection and analysis of data using cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Top-rated companies could benefit from tax incentives. Additionally, the students proposed the creation of a dedicated corporate well-being fund. An original and inspiring concept to promote balance and quality of life at work.

Second place went to the group “Wellanced” for their project: a mobile app dedicated to psychological well-being and work-life balance. The app centralizes various services, including flex desk reservations, nutrition advice, group sports session scheduling, and the ability to submit anonymous feedback. A centralized, user-friendly solution designed to enhance employee well-being. The group consisted of Agathe Ponsard (Lycée Français du Luxembourg – Vauban), Eléonore Pereira (École de Commerce et de Gestion), Camille Neuberg (Lycée Aline Mayrisch), Mara Tkalec (Lycée Michel Lucius), and Onosata Osaigbovo (École Privée Fieldgen).

Third place was awarded to the group “JobSelect”, who designed an inclusive platform focused on workplace well-being. The platform features anonymized CVs and offers employees access to psychological support, childcare placements, themed workshops and training sessions, as well as tools for tracking leave and health-related absences. A forward-thinking approach aimed at improving the daily professional lives of the younger generation. The team was composed of Hannah Cisowski (International School of Differdange and Esch-sur-Alzette), Lalou Rodríguez (Lycée Aline Mayrisch), David Gonçalves (Lycée Technique d’Ettelbruck), Charlotte Biver (Lycée Français du Luxembourg – Vauban), and Max Zenner (École de Commerce et de Gestion).

This event reflects the commitment of Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg and its partners to encouraging young people to engage in the social and economic transformation of the country, by promoting innovation, collaboration, and responsible entrepreneurship.

Sven Baltes expressed his appreciation for the partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy, as well as their Social Business Incubator:

“We are very pleased to work closely with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy, as well as with their Social Business Incubator. It is a real honour to support them in their mission to promote the social and solidarity economy among younger generations. Together, we are helping to inspire and empower youth to become agents of sustainable social innovation for Luxembourg’s future.”

Minister Georges Mischo also shared his thoughts on the event:

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s social entrepreneurs. In this context, we are particularly pleased to have strengthened our partnership with Jonk Entrepreneuren Lëtzebuerg this year, enabling us to raise awareness of and provide training in social entrepreneurship and social innovation—topics that are increasingly capturing the interest of young people. Social entrepreneurs work daily to advance social justice and ecological responsibility, helping to build a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable future.”