Entrepreneurship Support Measures in Vidzeme Planning Region (Entrepreneurship in Vidzeme)

Algae lamp, seedling pots to be planted in the ground, wooden bottles, an app that motivates to sort waste, organic waste collection boxes for catering companies and products with a second life – these innovative ideas were proposed and developed by young people in the hackathon "Radi pats Limbažu novadā" organised by Vidzeme Planning Region. The first three prizes were won by: 1. "Walstrītnieki" (Limbaži Secondary School), who created an algae lamp to improve air quality; 2. "Spriganie zaķēni" (Limbaži State Gymnasium), who confidently presented seedling pots planted in the ground, made from organic waste;  3. "Zars" (Limbaži State Gymnasium), who in less than two days managed not only to improve their idea, but also to develop its prototype – a wooden bottle.

Seven teams from different educational institutions of Limbaži District participated in the hackathon. One mentor was involved in each team’s work, with whom ideas were purposefully developed within two days up to the presentation stage.

The teams prepared prototypes of their products to convince the jury of the ability to carry out the idea and the need for the product in the market. The business ideas chosen by the young people were original and relevant to the priority areas set by the organisers: sustainable consumption of environmental resources; reducing the amount of waste; improving air quality; the preservation of biodiversity.

In addition to practical work, young people acquired knowledge of a zero-waste lifestyle, numerous techniques for generating ideas and finding solutions, as well as preparing effective presentations.

The participants of the hackathon highlighted the face-to-face effect, which has been lacking for a long time. In this format, it is much better to feel the spirit and excitement of the competition. The following were mentioned as the most valuable benefits: new knowledge, information, and acquaintance with mentors. Mentors were especially pleased with the initiative of young people, the values they stood for, offering their own solutions to problems that affect the whole of society. Both participants and organizers ended the hackathon with the belief that participation or victory in such event does not end there – the ideas must be polished and developed into functioning products.

The aim of the hackathons held and planned is to develop the entrepreneurial abilities of the youth of the Vidzeme region and motivate young people to start a business.

The youth entrepreneurship hackathon "Radi pats Limbažu novadā" was implemented within the framework of the project "Entrepreneurship Support Measures in Vidzeme Planning Region" of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism programme "Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Cultural Cooperation" for the period 2014-2021 and the project "EUROPE DIRECT Vidzeme".

For more information: Ilze Liepa, Assistant Expert of the project "Entrepreneurship in Vidzeme", phone: 29335677, e-mail: ilze.liepa@vidzeme.lv

Information prepared by: Sabīne Mieze, Public Relations Specialist in Vidzeme Planning Region, e-mail sabine.mieze@vidzeme.lv