Category 4 of the 2025 European Enterprise Promotion Awards, ‘Supporting the Internationalisation of Business’, honours forward-looking initiatives that open new markets, remove barriers, and help businesses scale and compete globally.
At the SME Assembly 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Primorski Tehnološki Park (Slovenia) emerged as the winner in this category for its inspiring POPRI – Entrepreneurs of the Future programme which young innovators across ten Adriatic-Ionian countries and helping them scale their ideas internationally.
Launched in 2004 as a regional competition, POPRI has evolved into a cross-border youth entrepreneurship movement. It supports young people through mentoring, training, and international competitions, producing 2 000 business plans and distributing €150 000 in prizes.
The EEPA jury were impressed by this exceptional cross-border programme, recognising EU good practice, and applauding its ability to nurture global-minded entrepreneurs.
Learn more about POPRI’s cross-border youth entrepreneurship programme.
