âAwardX by LaunchX, in partnership with Friends of Bata, has officially concluded AwardX Europe, a virtual startup pitch competition designed for high school and university students residing across Europe.
The competition provided student entrepreneurs competing both individually or in teams the opportunity to pitch their early-stage ventures for up to $1,000 in cash funding and LaunchX program scholarships.
AwardX Europe 26 represents the first European startup competition collaboration between LaunchX and Friends of Bata, with major contributions from Valentina Mueller and the Triple B family.
Friends of Bata supports student entrepreneurship through its "Founders of Tomorrow" events hosted in Barcelona, Lausanne, and Toulouse, as well as online masterclasses and its Pitch Lab podcast. The organization's international network spans over 130,000 students across 20 countries.
Following final presentations, the judging panel selected two winners to receive top funding and scholarship awards:
Submissions were evaluated by a panel of industry executives bringing more than 30 years of combined experience across technology, retail, finance, and corporate strategy:
The panel evaluated ventures based on market opportunity, execution strategy, adaptability, and clarity of pitch.
The 10 finalist teams selected to present at the live virtual event included:
AwardX Europe is an initiative hosted by LaunchX to identify and fund promising student-led ventures across the European continent. Participation is free for all eligible high school and university students. Top finalists receive direct capital funding, mentorship, and LaunchX program scholarships.
