Startify7 is a novel programme of thematic academies aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among young people. Building on experience and lessons from previous EU projects a key feature of Startify7 that differentiates it from other entrepreneurial start-up training is its hands-on and real-world approach, which gives participants the opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate with entrepreneurs, practitioners, technologists and academics working in the different thematic areas in an applied way.
Already the emerging success of Startify7 has been evidenced through the academies and bootcamps held, which have seen the project exceed some of the anticipated objectives that will also prove important to the sustainability of the project. More specifically this includes developing an international network of coaches, mentors and experts engaged, which was intended to be 70 over the 2 year project and after the first 3 academies 71 coaches, mentors and experts have been engaged. In terms of wider stakeholder engagement, the project has engaged with 5 incubators and accelerators directly through the academies and the bootcamps to date and has further interest from other incubators and enterprise centres at universities who are interested in the Startify7 format. Looking forward, the progress to date provides an excellent foundation to ensure the continued delivery of the project and ensure a sustainable legacy is created.