Last Friday the final of the competition organized by the University of San Marino, open to people between 18 and 28 years old
In May, San Marino will participate in the 2026 edition of the POPRI International Youth Business Model Competition, dedicated to young people's entrepreneurial ideas, with "Lovewise," an app project designed to foster greater awareness of young people's emotions and relational behaviors, featuring short lessons, quizzes, practical simulations, and interactive diaries. The project was developed by two San Marino residents, Simona Casali and Valentino Mastrangelo: "In an era where relationships are becoming increasingly complex and communication channels are moving almost exclusively online," they explain, "it is essential to offer a tool that speaks the language of the new generations" and "gradually guides them toward greater emotional balance."
The announcement was made on the morning of Friday, March 20, at the end of the final round of a competition, organized by the University in collaboration with San Marino Innovation, which involved eight projects selected from fourteen entrepreneurial ideas submitted by young San Marino citizens between the ages of 18 and 28, or enrolled at the University of San Marino.
During the event, held at the university campus in the Ancient Monastery of Santa Chiara, in the historic center, the authors presented the characteristics, strengths, and prospects of their ideas, which were summarized in a business plan. They also described the delivery methods for the products and services involved, their financial plans, and other details.
The contest's results were decided by a jury composed of representatives from six entities: the Ministry of Labour, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Education and Culture, the Department of Territory, the University of San Marino, and San Marino Innovation. Among the aspects taken into consideration were industrial feasibility, impact on the territory, potential, originality, and environmental sustainability.
Three ideas won awards in the competition: second place went to "Terracore," a project for a start-up that develops buildings and structures using geopolymers, innovative materials with diverse environmental benefits. The project was developed by three students from the University of San Marino's Design program: Cristiano Drudi, Giulia Badioli, and Maria De Vita. Third place went to "La Temperia," an artisanal workshop that enhances local organic legumes through a fermentation process inspired by Indonesian tradition, submitted by San Marino students Alice Giardi and Chiara Giardi.
The winners will have the opportunity to participate in the "POPRI International Youth Business Model Competition," taking place in North Macedonia and part of the European Union's Adriatic-Ionian Strategy. They will compete against projects selected from all countries in the region.