READING, UNITED KINGDOM : - Verizon has again joined forces with Unloc in 2019 to launch a competition for young entrepreneurs across Europe – the Unloc Enterprise Challenge. The Challenge invites budding European entrepreneurs aged 16-25 to submit their technology-led start-up business concept online. A panel of senior Verizon leaders will judge ideas based on their viability, sustainability and technological innovation to choose a winning entrepreneur, who will receive £10,000 of funding, plus a mentorship package to help get their business off the ground.

Unloc is a social enterprise that works with schools and colleges to inspire, motivate and develop entrepreneurship in young people. The organisation has expanded-rapidly in recent years from a local business ran by two young entrepreneurs into a national operation which now has partnerships with over 100 leading schools and colleges.

Verizon has a long history of supporting innovation. The company describes its purpose as to deliver the promise of the digital world by enabling people, businesses and society to innovate and drive positive change. In the United States, the Verizon Innovative Learning initiative provides next-generation technology access and innovative curricula to millions of under-resourced students to prepare them for a tech-dependent economy. In addition, Verizon 5G Labs work with local innovators to grow the 5G ecosystem, exploring the boundaries of 5G network technology, co-creating new applications and hardware, and rethinking what’s possible in a 5G world.

“We are delighted to see the Verizon/Unloc Enterprise Challenge return”, said Hayden Taylor, Managing Director of Unloc. “Verizon’s focus on fostering innovation makes the company an ideal partner for the Challenge. We’re looking forward to seeing what technology-led ideas young European entrepreneurs are able to generate – and helping one lucky winner take the first step to turning their idea into a business.”

“Verizon strongly believes that by promoting entrepreneurship we can promote independence, innovation and success,” said Dyanne Ierardo, head of HR for Verizon International. “The Verizon team regularly works with schools and college groups to help students develop the business and technology skills required in the modern workplace, and working with Unloc on this competition is a natural extension of those initiatives. We’re looking forward to seeing the ideas this competition generates – and also to supporting the winning entrepreneur as they take their idea from concept to reality.”