VMU FEM Recognized the Best Social Business Idea at the MMB eXpo 2026 in Panevėžys
On March 18, the regional eXpo 2026 of student training companies (MMB), organized by Lithuanian Junior Achievement, took place at the Panevėžys Robotics Center “RoboLabas.” The VMU Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) also participated in the event and was entrusted with an important role this year – to select and award the best social business idea.
A Social Business That Builds Values
The award established by VMU FEM was presented to a team from Pakruojis “Žemyna” Progymnasium for their educational game “Miau.” The idea is aimed at younger children and focuses not only on teaching pet care, but also on fostering empathy, responsibility, and a caring attitude toward animal welfare.
The creators emphasized that part of their revenue would be donated to animal shelters, aiming not only to educate but also to contribute to solving real-world problems.
“The winners were selected based on the strength of their mission – promoting animal welfare, educating children, and contributing to addressing the challenges faced by animals in shelters,” said Paulius Bakanauskas, Vice-Dean of VMU FEM.
Young Creators Present Mature and Relevant Ideas
MMB eXpo events have been bringing together young entrepreneurship enthusiasts from across Lithuania for years, and the quality of ideas continues to grow.
“Lithuanian Junior Achievement events never cease to impress with their organization, but even more so with the students themselves, who are able to generate such creative, original, and mature ideas. It creates a real sense of pride,” noted P. Bakanauskas.
This event once again demonstrated that student-led social entrepreneurship is increasingly focused not only on products, but on creating meaningful value for society.
Growing Partnerships and Shared Initiatives
VMU FEM’s involvement in Lithuanian Junior Achievement activities reflects a strengthening synergy between academia and practical entrepreneurship education. The faculty not only contributes to evaluating student initiatives but also actively promotes the development of social business ideas.
“We are already looking forward to upcoming LJA events. We thank the organizers and all participants of this great initiative and are proud to contribute by recognizing the best social business ideas,” emphasized P. Bakanauskas.
Such events create a space where young people not only learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship but also begin to understand the broader impact their ideas and decisions can have on society.
