BeChangeMaker 2024 teams get ready for their live pitch

Excitement is building as the finalists of BeChangeMaker 2024 countdown to WorldSkills Conference 2024, where they will vie for the top spot in a live pitch before a panel of judges and a crowd of more than 300 delegates, as well as a global online audience.

To prepare, the teams have been working with business specialists and presentation trainers, all part of the support offered by WorldSkills and HP Foundation. For their final presentations, they have focused on bringing to life the origins of their idea, the challenges they hope to solve, and the market opportunity for their innovation.

Delegates of WorldSkills Conference 2024 will be able to soak up the entrepreneurial atmosphere live at Eurexpo Lyon. For those unable to attend, the event will be live-streamed and interested viewers can register to watch the final pitch of BeChangeMaker 2024.

One of the five finalists is Planet Plus from Kenya, a young women-led organization dedicated to championing environmental protection and conservation by building resilient communities in the face of climate change. For Sarah and Idah, two of its seven founders, anticipation is building ahead of the final. Idah says, “Live pitching is exciting! This opportunity is the first of its kind for both of us. It is a worldwide platform that offers us the opportunity to network, exchange, and uphold collaborative initiatives.”

Meanwhile, Yvet Turugari and Tatenda Edward Muzondori from Zimbabwe are the founders of CarePlug (formerly DotConnectors) and have been incorporating user feedback, refining their platform, and building their social media presence in the run-up to Lyon. Their social enterprise uses telemedicine to bridge the gap in healthcare access.

Yvet says, “We are absolutely thrilled to be heading to Lyon for the live pitch! Beyond the excitement of exploring a new destination, we are also feeling deeply humbled by the opportunity to present our innovation, CarePlug, to a global audience.”

Tatenda continues, “We are looking forward to the pitch with a mix of eagerness and nervousness, knowing that this moment could be a game-changer for our project. We are ready to showcase our passion, dedication, and hard work, and we are excited to connect with like-minded individuals who share our commitment to transforming healthcare.”

BeChangeMaker 2024, now in its eighth year, continues to elevate the work of young social entrepreneurs worldwide. With the support from UNESCO-UENVOC this year, this joint initiative by WorldSkills and the HP Foundation offers a comprehensive start-up acceleration programme for innovators aged 18 to 35 whose ideas promise to enhance community development and wellbeing. Participants benefit from HP LIFE’s cutting-edge learning content, personalized coaching, mentorship, and tailored support to bring their visions to life.

The programme’s impact has grown exponentially since it launched in 2017. To date, it has received over 3,500 applications and nurtured more than 300 teams. 2024 marked a record-breaking year, with 650 teams from 92 countries vying for a spot in the programme, underscoring the commitment of global youth to driving positive change through entrepreneurship.

As part of their prizes, all five finalist teams will receive EUR 1,000 worth of post-programme coaching to further refine their ideas. The top three teams will be awarded an additional EUR 2,000 each to accelerate the development of their projects.

Register to watch online the final pitch of BeChangeMaker 2024, taking place from 13:00 to 14:00 (GMT+2) on 12 September at WorldSkills Conference 2024 in Lyon, France.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024

WorldSkills Lyon 2024, 10 to 15 September, is the world’s largest international skills competition, featuring 1,400 Competitors from almost 70 countries and regions. The 47th WorldSkills Competition showcases excellence in young skilled talent, while also bringing industry, education, and government leaders together to move skills to the top of the global agenda. WorldSkills is highlighting the critical role skills play in addressing global challenges, boosting economies and industries, and promoting excellence.