Young ideas, big impact: My day on the EntrepreneurSkills jury
Last Saturday, I was privileged to be part of the jury for EntrepreneurSkills – an innovative competition where young vocational trainees from various fields showcase their entrepreneurial skills. Spoiler alert: I was impressed.
The task was clear, but challenging: Within just five hours, the teams were to develop their own business idea and present it to a jury. The topic? A concept to combat the spread of fake news. It couldn't be more topical.
I wasn't sitting there as a photographer, not as a designer. But as an entrepreneur. And I was reminded of how important it is to give young people space to develop. Ideas need a platform. And this generation definitely has something to say.
The cases we heard were impressive: From a sophisticated AI tool for detecting misinformation to creative awareness campaigns, they covered everything. I was particularly impressed by the winning team of Kevin Willeit and Michael Epper – two aspiring application developers from the canton of St. Gallen. They've been working on their own startup for some time, and it was clear they mean business. They've earned a ticket to the 2025 SwissSkills finals in Bern.
The event was organized by the University of Applied Sciences OST in partnership with the St. Gallen-Appenzell Chamber of Commerce and Industry . A total of six teams competed, supervised and judged by a jury consisting of Lukas Scherrer (FHS OST), Pascal Nufer (SRG SSR), and myself.
Why am I doing this?
Because I'm convinced that we have a responsibility to foster, encourage, and make this energy visible. Entrepreneurship doesn't begin with a finished business plan, but with a question. An idea. An impulse.
The Vocational Championship offers young people exactly that: a playground for ideas, real challenges, and the opportunity to make the most of their talent. It is part of a Switzerland-wide program that recognizes entrepreneurship as a key skill for the future – for succession solutions in SMEs as well as for new start-ups.
Thanks to the EntrepreneurSkills team for the invitation and to all participants for having the courage to pitch in front of a panel of judges. You have inspired me.
Cover: Davide, Valerio, and Philip took third place. (From left to right: Ralf Boltshauser, Davide Vitto, Valerio Huber, Philip Lehmann, Sandro Breu, Regula Buob)
Photos: Patrick Binder