In a continued effort to empower the next generation of innovators, EMUNI University (Slovenia) successfully delivered its flagship Entrepreneurship Sprint workshop across three North African countries—Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria. Organized in close cooperation with EKIC offices at partner universities, this initiative aimed to inspire students, equip them with entrepreneurial tools, and provide a hands-on introduction to transforming ideas into viable business concepts.
The tour was led by Prof. Dr. Jaka Vadnjal, Head of the International Relations Department, alongside MSc. Polona Oblak, Head of the Network, and Moataz Elissawy, Assistant to the Head of Network. Together, they guided the workshops and ensured the delivery of a high-quality, impactful experience across all three locations.
At its core, the Entrepreneurship Sprint is designed to offer students a realistic glimpse into the life of entrepreneurs—challenging common misconceptions, fostering creative problem-solving, and motivating participants to pursue entrepreneurial paths. Through an intensive, full-day program combining theory, teamwork, and practical application, students were guided from identifying real-world problems to pitching structured business ideas.
A Structured and Impactful Learning Experience
The workshop followed a comprehensive agenda designed to maximize engagement and learning outcomes. It began with an Opening Session, bringing together EKIC representatives, university leadership, and ecosystem stakeholders to establish institutional support and align the initiative with local innovation ecosystems.
The Morning Session: From Problem to Idea introduced participants to the entrepreneurial mindset, addressing key themes such as myths versus reality and the unique advantages students have as founders. Through guided workshops, students worked in teams to identify real problems, validate them, and develop initial solution concepts. By the end of the session, each team had created a structured problem-solution framework.
Following a Lunch & Networking segment—facilitating informal mentoring—the Afternoon Session: From Idea to Business focused on business fundamentals. Students explored business models, revenue streams, and competitive positioning, before refining their ideas with mentor support. The day concluded with Pitch Training and a Final Pitch Competition, where selected teams presented their ideas to a jury panel.
Importantly, the workshop included two core presentations, and all learning components were immediately applied by participants through hands-on activities and team collaboration.
Tunisia: A Strong Opening at the University of Sousse
The first stop of the journey was the University of Sousse in Tunisia, where expectations were exceeded from the outset. While the workshop was initially planned for 100 participants, attendance surpassed 120 students—demonstrating strong interest and enthusiasm.
The quality of student engagement and final presentations was particularly noteworthy. Participants showcased innovative ideas and delivered pitches of remarkably high standard. The EMUNI team was especially encouraged by the students’ ability to translate workshop concepts into well-structured solutions.
This success was made possible through the strong support of the EKIC office and the university’s leadership. Special appreciation goes to Prof. Dr. Lotfi Belkacem, President of the University of Sousse, for his commitment and support in facilitating this initiative.
Morocco: Exceptional Engagement at Hassan 1er University, Settat
The second workshop took place in Settat, Morocco, at Hassan 1er University, where participation reached an impressive 170 students. The level of enthusiasm, curiosity, and ambition among attendees stood out, reflecting a strong entrepreneurial spirit among the participants.
One of the most remarkable outcomes was the generation of over 25 project ideas, making the final selection process particularly challenging for the jury. The diversity and quality of these ideas highlighted the students’ creativity and readiness to engage in entrepreneurial thinking.
A meaningful highlight of this stop was the presence of EMUNI alumni—Halima, Hiba, Kawthar, and Ibtisam—who had previously attended the EMUNI Summer School. They shared their personal experiences in Slovenia, offering valuable insights and inspiring current students by demonstrating the long-term impact of EMUNI programs.
EMUNI extends its sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Abdel Latif Moukrim, President of Hassan 1er University, for his support, as well as to the dedicated university staff and the EKIC team, whose efforts were instrumental in the success of this event.
Algeria: Inspiring Excellence at the University of Tlemcen
The final stage of the journey brought the Entrepreneurship Sprint to the University of Tlemcen in Algeria, where the workshop was delivered in close coordination with the EKIC office.
The EMUNI team was deeply impressed by the intellectual quality, creativity, and engagement of the students. Throughout the event, Prof. Omar Behadada played a key role in ensuring the smooth execution of the workshop and maintaining high standards of organization and support.
Special thanks are extended to Prof. Dr. Meghachou Mourad, Rector of the University of Tlemcen, for providing the opportunity to connect with such promising young minds.
EMUNI also expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Urška Kramberger Mendek, Ambassador of Slovenia in Algeria, for her continued support of these collaborative initiatives.
Looking Ahead
The Entrepreneurship Sprint across Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria marked not only a successful series of workshops but also the beginning of deeper engagement between EMUNI University and students across the region. The enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by participants reaffirm the importance of such initiatives in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.
These workshops serve as a foundation for future collaboration, with EMUNI continuing its mission to connect, educate, and empower students from diverse backgrounds. By bridging academic learning with practical entrepreneurial experience, EMUNI remains committed to shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders across the Euro-Mediterranean region.