Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs provides aspiring or newly established entrepreneurs with the chance to travel within Europe. This opportunity allows them to hone their entrepreneurial skills by collaborating with experienced entrepreneurs in managing small businesses. Additionally, the program aids host entrepreneurs in expanding their business reach through innovative ideas or techniques acquired during their collaboration with a new entrepreneur. Some of these innovations can be translated into new products, services, or business partnerships. 

This programme not only benefits entrepreneurs but also fosters innovation in sustainability. In partnership with the European Council Innovation and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), an initiative was launched called the Innovator Award.  

The initiative aims to award the most exemplary new entrepreneur (NE) and host entrepreneur (HE) whose EYE exchanges have led to an innovative impact in terms of technical or process innovation, be it in the fields of environment, sustainability, transport/logistics, smart cities, e-care, digital technologies or any other. 

For 2023, new entrepreneur Mariia Alipatova, founder of Solar Optic, won the award for the sunlight router startup, which allows users to illuminate warehouses with sunlight during the daytime with 95% efficiency. The EYE exchange helped Mariia to boost her skills and encouraged her pursue her dream creating a more sustainable future for everyone.  

To learn more about the award and new entrepreneur Mariia Alipatova, you can watch it here.

For more information about the programme, please contact monica@dublinchamber.ie