The 5th edition of the prestigious B4Students Business Idea Competition, organized by the Mane Foundation, has revealed the next generation of young entrepreneurs poised to revolutionize the market with their innovative ideas. The final event, demo-day, placed the finalists before a jury, with the two best pitches winning funding and mentoring from the B4Students program. This competition has grown into a significant event for budding entrepreneurs, offering a platform to showcase their innovative ideas and gain valuable insights from industry experts.
To foster communication among the student community, 7 in-person information sessions were conducted across various universities in Albania. The call for applications, which opened in April, was met with enthusiasm, resulting in 36 submissions. After a rigorous selection process, 15 promising participants were chosen to advance in the competition. During June, these participants attended two essential workshops: “Business Model Canvas” and “Pitching in front of Investors,” designed to equip them with crucial skills in business model design, monetization strategies, and presentation techniques, ensuring they were well-prepared for the final event.
The competition’s top honor, a first prize of €5000, was awarded to Mexhit Kastrati from Tirana Business University for his project, Unify. Unify is a groundbreaking app aimed at simplifying life in Albania by revolutionizing the way businesses and tourists navigate restaurant reservations. Mexhit Kastrati, a passionate business administration student, envisions Unify as a tool that will enhance the dining experience for users by making it easier to find and book restaurant tables.
“For me, as a student, it has been a very positive and inspiring opportunity to bring my idea to reality,” says Mexhit. “I have received extraordinary support from B4Students, and I believe it is exactly what a young Albanian needs to develop a business idea. During these months, I have had the fortune to participate in meetings and training sessions with various experts, expand my network, and have mentors at every step I take.”
Mexhit is confident that the Unify app will bring Albanian restaurants closer to both local clients and the increasing number of tourists each year. “We aim to make the work of restaurants as easy as possible. We are currently finalizing the platform and are in talks with several restaurants to start our operations as soon as possible.”
Mexhit Kastrati’s success in this competition serves as an inspiring example for all students and young entrepreneurs who wish to realize their ideas and contribute to the development of the Albanian economy. B4Students continues to support and encourage young talent, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and professional development.
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