We created Econverse because young people in Central and Eastern Europe face a serious gap: schools often do not prepare them with the skills, mindset, or networks needed for the 21st-century economy. Traditional education rarely teaches entrepreneurship, digital literacy, or foresight thinking, leaving youth unprepared for rapidly changing futures shaped by AI and technology. We believed that students should not have to wait until university or the workplace to learn how to innovate, build ventures, or understand future skills. As students ourselves, we saw how much potential was being wasted due to lack of access to opportunities. Econverse was born as a grassroots response, a youth-led “Ministry of the Future” that designs hands-on programs, connects young people with mentors, and creates spaces where experimentation, creativity, and problem-solving thrive. Our goal is to empower a generation of startup-ready, future-proof talent who can transform not just their careers, but their societies.
Econverse operates as a network of youth-driven programs that bring innovation and entrepreneurship directly to schools and universities. In practice, this means running large-scale competitions, skill-building programs, and foresight events. Our main operational pillars are: Econverse CUP: a national startup simulation where students form teams, pitch ideas, and compete in 8 biggest Polish cities, with a grand finale at Google for Startups Campus Warsaw; AI-Ready: an AI literacy initiative with Microsoft, bringing workshops, toolkits, and resources to high schoolers that already upskilled over 5,000 young people (and aiming to reach 20,000 learners by the end of 2026), FUSE: a foresight-infused conference uniting youth, corporates, and policy leaders around smart cities, education, and innovation.
Every program blends education with hands-on practice, mentorship, and exposure to real problems. Students build, test, and collaborate during each event. Our model is scalable, community-based, and designed to bridge the gap between classrooms and future-ready careers.
Econverse began as a small student initiative but quickly grew into a national youth movement. We started by organizing grassroots innovation events in our universities and high schools, gradually expanding to 35+ events across 4 countries. Today, Econverse CUP runs in 8 cities, supported by local ambassadors and universities. AI-Ready is expanding regionally through partnerships with Microsoft and educational offices, and FUSE is attracting international speakers and policymakers. Growth has been possible thanks to strong partnerships with corporates (Microsoft, Roche, Orange, ABB), universities (Kozminski, SWPS, WSB Merito), and ecosystem players (Google for Startups, ReaktorX, Aspen Institute). We use our social media channels, network of ambassadors and traditional media to build recognition. Our scaling strategy is based on empowering local leaders, creating plug-and-play toolkits for schools, and aligning with regional and global networks.
Econverse started with a single event but has continuously evolved to respond to the changing needs of youth. We first introduced the CUP as a startup competition, but soon realized young people also needed digital and AI skills — leading to the creation of AI-Ready with Microsoft.
Later, we recognized that education reform requires foresight, not just training, so we launched FUSE, a platform where youth meet policymakers, entrepreneurs, and global thinkers. We also shifted from running events ourselves to empowering local ambassadors who lead city chapters, ensuring scale and ownership.
What started as a grassroots NGO is now a growing ecosystem of programs.
Trying Econverse is simple and adaptable. Schools, NGOs, or youth groups can start by adopting one of our programs using ready-made toolkits and support from our team. For example, a teacher can run a mini-CUP startup challenge in their classroom using our materials, or integrate AI-Ready workshops into digital skills classes. Universities or city offices can host FUSE-style foresight panels, connecting students with mentors and local innovators. We provide guidance, curricula, and training for local organizers, making the model plug-and-play. Partnerships with corporates and mentors can be built through our existing network, while local ambassadors bring community engagement.
