Skopje, February 1, 2024 – The first meeting between MTU, Arno – Organization for Social Innovation, and RISE (Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs) took place today on the premises of Mother Teresa University in Skopje.

The focus of the meeting between the parties was the organization of the Green Ideas competition, in which students from all faculties of the university can participate, where prizes of up to 5,000 Euros are to be awarded to the first three winners.

MTU students are to be involved in thematic projects that support the development of small, local, and green business ideas.

Green Ideas is an annual competition which, in addition to our country, also takes place in Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Greece. RISE is a program for young future social entrepreneurs (16–35 years old) where teams of young people with ideas for social and green entrepreneurship apply. As a local incubator for Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, with funds secured until 2025, at this competition, young people are to be trained on how to start a business from an idea, through training, mentoring, consultation, and networking.

So far, competitions have taken place with 32 teams and 100+ young participants in the program.

The vice-rector for science and research of MTU, Lecturer Bekim Fetaji, Ph.D., the dean of the Faculty of Law, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Argëtim Saliu, Ph.D., Asst. Prof. Valbona Hajretin, Ph.D., the head of the Department of International Relations, Bujar Kajoli, M.A., as well as representatives of the associations, Ms. Irena Janevska, co-financier and president of ARNO, and Mr. Marjan Icoski representative of ARNO were present at the meeting.