VMU Faculty of Economics and Management Awards Best Business Idea at the Student Company eXpo
On December 12, 2025, the Student Company eXpo: Startup Jungle took place at the LITEXPO Exhibition Centrein Vilnius. The national event, organized by Lithuanian Junior Achievement, gathered hundreds of young innovators eager to showcase their most creative and ambitious business ideas.
This year’s eXpo featured an impressive 170 student companies (MMB) and more than 900 students from schools across Lithuania. The participants presented a wide range of concepts — from sustainable products and social business initiatives to technological solutions and educational platforms.
The Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Faculty of Economics and Management (EVF) joined the event as a partner and established a special award for the best business idea presentation. Faculty Vice-Deans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mantautas Račkauskas and Paulius Bakanauskas met with over thirty selected teams, evaluated their presentations, and selected the winner. The award went to the student company “Candeloro” from Kaunas Veršvai Gymnasium.
Students Impressed with Their Creativity and Business Logic
Before the exhibition began, the VMU EVF representatives selected the most promising student companies to meet in person. During the evaluations, several clear criteria were applied: the structure of the presentation (problem, solution, business model, impact, and team), persuasive communication, business model clarity, and the team’s confidence in their idea.
Many students impressed the jury not only with creativity but also with their ability to justify their projects using business logic, data, and market insights. Several teams had already conducted surveys, created prototypes, and even generated early sales — showing maturity well beyond their school years.
“We saw everything from original educational apps to ideas that could revolutionize the construction and automotive industries. The level of maturity and strategic thinking shown by the students was truly inspiring,” said VMU EVF Vice-Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mantautas Račkauskas. “Many of these ideas have real potential to grow into successful businesses in both Lithuanian and international markets.”
According to the Vice-Dean, such initiatives demonstrate that young people are not only creative but also capable of thinking critically and structurally — essential qualities for any future entrepreneur.
The Winning Team Presented a Fully Functioning Business
After several hours of discussions and evaluations, the title of Best Business Idea Presentation went to “Candeloro”from Kaunas Veršvai Gymnasium. Their product — edible chocolate birthday candles — stood out because it was already a functioning business. During the event, the team not only presented their idea but also sold their products, attracting a long line of customers.
“The line of buyers itself became the strongest argument for choosing the winner,” said VMU EVF Vice-Dean Paulius Bakanauskas. “The students had prepared professional business and marketing plans, conducted market research, and were ready to answer every question. While the idea may seem simple on paper, its execution was highly professional — and the team was already generating real sales during the exhibition.”
The “Candeloro” project demonstrates that youth entrepreneurship in Lithuania is evolving rapidly — more and more students are creating viable business models and learning how to turn ideas into profitable ventures even before they enter university.
VMU Faculty of Economics and Management — Where Ideas Grow into Sustainable Ventures
Participation in the eXpo gave the faculty representatives valuable insights into how Lithuanian youth think about innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as what support and knowledge they need to develop their ideas further.
“Despite the impressive ideas we saw, we also recognized how universities can help — by providing theoretical knowledge, structure, and the strategic mindset necessary to build sustainable businesses,” said VMU EVF Vice-Dean for Studies Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mantautas Račkauskas. “If these student ideas were further developed at university using the knowledge gained in our programs, many could become truly successful ventures.”
The VMU Faculty of Economics and Management has been fostering an entrepreneurial culture since 1989, encouraging students to combine academic learning with real-world projects. Its programs equip young entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to build strong, evidence-based business strategies.
Learn more about Bachelor’s studies at the VMU Faculty of Economics and Management and become part of a community that has been shaping business leaders since 1989:
