Soutěž & Podnikej is a prestigious entrepreneurial competition for students from all types of secondary schools across the Czech Republic. 

The program empowers young individuals to develop and realize their business ideas outside of traditional school settings. Over the course of several months, participants receive mentoring, support, and resources to turn their innovative ideas into viable projects. The program culminates in a national final where students present their projects to a jury of experts. 

With hundreds of successful alumni, the competition is recognized for its impact on shaping future leaders and fostering entrepreneurial skills in youth.

In 2015, I founded Soutěž & Podnikej with a clear mission to create an opportunity for young people to explore their entrepreneurial potential beyond the confines of the classroom. At the time, there was no structured way for students to test their ideas and learn the ropes of entrepreneurship in a real-world setting. I saw this gap as an opportunity to bring meaningful change to education by providing hands-on experience in building projects and solving problems creatively.

Over the course of nine years, Soutěž & Podnikej evolved into a benchmark program for youth entrepreneurship, attracting students from all types of secondary schools. It became a sought-after initiative, replicated by innovation centers across the country. The program’s success wasn’t just in the numbers—it was in the stories of students who gained confidence, launched startups, and carried the entrepreneurial mindset into their future endeavors.

In 2024, I made a pivotal decision to exit the program, transferring it to another nonprofit organization to ensure its long-term sustainability. In the Czech Republic’s nonprofit sector, such an exit is rare, making this transition a unique example of building a lasting legacy. 

Today, Soutěž & Podnikej continues to inspire and educate the next generation of entrepreneurs, carrying forward the vision that began with a simple idea: to give young people the freedom and tools to turn their dreams into reality.