Italy Starts 2024 Announces Winning Teams

July 9, 2024

On June 27, Italy Starts 2024 selected the best final presentations of an entrepreneurial idea to resolve a perceived challenge to the environment. Teams of 4-5 high school students (mentees) worked under the guidance of an undergraduate student (mentor) to solve real business problems or develop business models for their business or social venture idea during the 5-week program. To foster more cohesive teamwork, mentees met online to form their teams two weeks before the program officially began.

Italy Starts encourages cross-cultural learning through remote and in-person teamwork. Developing the skills necessary to achieve team objectives in an intercultural context are key outcomes of the program. Students learn first-hand the importance of effective communication and collaboration. Teams formulate proposals for solutions to perceived problems regarding the environment and compete for the best idea in an 8-minute presentation. Final presentations are evaluated on the idea and the effectiveness of the illustration of the value proposition, financials, and marketing.

35 mentees from 7 Italian high schools in 5 cities were guided by 28 mentors from 3 American universities, including John Cabot University, in 3 different countries. 8 teams competed in this year’s Italy Starts edition.

At the Kick-Off Event on May 28 Professor Riccardo Maiolini, Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship, welcomed all participants to this demanding program with words of encouragement about the challenges students were ready to face. The session for the Final Presentations competition was opened by Gina Marie Spinelli, Executive Coordinator of JCU’s Programs for High Schools, who commended all those participants who succeeded in reaching this moment with a viable business proposal.

Professor Silvia Carnini Pulino, Director of the Frank J. Guarini School of Business and Founder of the Institute for Entrepreneurship congratulated all participants on their work at the final presentation meeting. She emphasized the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset even more than the passion necessary to start a business. “Going through the process of thinking about a problem, brainstorming solutions, and putting together a business model to address the issue develops an entrepreneurial mindset that will serve students in many of life’s challenges,” said Professor Pulino.

FIRST PRIZE
300 Euro, in the form of gift vouchers, is awarded to Team “Spatches,” a startup idea for sustainable fashion by transforming discarded garments and fabric scraps into stylish, unique clothing. “Spatches” is committed to reducing textile waste and promoting environmental responsibility through innovative upcycling techniques. The team was composed of students from Class 3 at Liceo Classico Statale “G. Carducci,” in Milan. Their mentors were Giorgia Cinaglia (John Cabot University), Anna Ter-Khachatryan and Lusine “Lucy” Khalatyan (both from the American University of Armenia).

200 Euro, in the form of gift vouchers, is awarded to Team “Greenbrick”, a startup idea for a sustainable solution to plastic waste in the environment. By transforming plastic waste into innovative construction materials, “Greenbrick” aims to reduce the burden of plastic pollution and repurpose this waste.

The team was composed of students from Class IV BL, IV BS, and III BS at Liceo Giordano Bruno, Rome and Class III Anr at Liceo Scientifico Statale “M. Curie” di Pinerolo, Torino. Their mentors were Chenyu “Alex” Zhou (John Cabot University), Zhanna Karapetyan (American University of Armenia), and Ani Asatryan (American University of Armenia).

THIRD PRIZE
100 Euro, in the form of gift vouchers, is awarded to Team “Pleroo by Bubblicious,” a startup idea that creates zero-waste refill stations where customers can bring their own containers to refill detergents, shampoos and cleaning supplies.

The team was composed of students from Class 4 at Liceo Classico Statale “G. Carducci,” in Milan. Their mentors were Tatevik Abrahamyan, Lili Gasparyan and Sona Avetisyan (all from the American University of Armenia).

SPECIAL MENTIONS

Urban Improvement: SafeClist
Sustainable Fashion Innovation: O.N. Fashion
New Product Development: Team “Greenbrick,” which was also awarded 2^nd place
Responsible Consumption:
- Team “Spatches,” which was also awarded 1^st place
- Team “Pleroo by Bubblicious,” which was also awarded 3^rd place

…

URBAN IMPROVEMENT
Team “SafeClist,” a startup idea for an App to enjoy eco-friendly and safe city bicycle travel. “SafeClist” helps cyclists find the safest and most efficient routes, avoiding busy roads and pedestrian areas. In addition, cyclists can find the nearest public toilets along their route. It is also a platform for bike rental.

The team was composed of students from Class 3 at Liceo Classico Statale “G. Carducci,” in Milan. Their mentors were Loucine Mazloumian (American University of Armenia) and Virginia Moranti (John Cabot University).

SUSTAINABLE FASHION INNOVATION
Team “O.N. Fashion,” a startup idea to transform fast fashion waste and ocean glass into affordable bags and jewelry, offering a distinctive blend of eco-friendliness and Italian craftsmanship.

The team was composed of students from Class 3E and 3B at Liceo Scientifico Vito Volterra, in Ciampino. Their mentors were Knarik Margaryan and Davit Vanyan (both from the American University of Armenia) and Virginia Moranti (John Cabot University).

Congratulations to all participants for their work in this challenging program!

Participating high schools: