The Austrian Living Lab debuted with a lot of energy and connection as the 13 participants gathered in person after weeks of online prep. Day one set the tone with an inspiring dive into Social Entrepreneurship and Purpose – a powerful introduction to building mission-driven ventures that put impact before profit. Young changemakers explored how sustainable business can be a force for good, then took a local field trip to Zurndorf, where the spirit of a regional fair brought community individuals entrepreneurship to life.

Day two (Saturday, 11 May) shifted into high gear with intensive training on identifying customers, shaping value propositions, and creating meaningful relationships. The atmosphere was filled with creativity as participants locked in their project ideas and started mapping out their Business Models Canvas. These weren’t just ideas anymore – they were the seeds of purpose-driven enterprises.

The second weekend, on Friday, 16 May, brought a hands-on focus to the nuts and bolts of building a sustainable business. Sessions explored key resources, activities, and partners, encouraging participants to think big and strategically. The afternoon saw brilliant minds co-creating, testing, and refining their concepts in a lively exchange of ideas.

The fourth workshop, Saturday, 17 May, deepened that momentum with group activities and practical case studies around the “3 K” elements of BMCs. A standout moment was the introduction of the KIVI Model – Knowledge, Innovation, Value Creation, and Impact – which helped participants turn abstract visions into grounded, impactful plans. The day wrapped up with a thought-provoking climate change session that tied sustainability directly to business innovation.

By Friday, 23 May, participants were putting final touches on their BMCs, building confidence and clarity as they prepared for real-world application. The afternoon’s visit to the Agrivoltaics plant in Bruck, courtesy of Mr. Ralf Roggenbauer from ENERGIE Park, was an eye-opening experience that blended renewable energy with sustainable farming – and generated even deeper thinking about integrated solutions.

The sixth and final day (Saturday, 24 May) brought celebration and pride. In a dynamic pitching session, participants shared their finished business models, radiating creativity, commitment, and purpose. Certificates and Youthpasses capped off an unforgettable learning journey – one that equipped these young visionaries with the tools, confidence, and community to shape a more sustainable world.

But the story doesn’t end here. Although the workshops have wrapped up, the Austrian Living Lab journey continues. Participants remain engaged, and an upcoming evaluation phase will help measure impact and guide future improvements. Through three focused questionnaires – assessing content quality, learning outcomes, and behavioural change – the Living Lab will capture how deeply this experience has influenced its changemakers, both in thought and in action.