Project Europe aims to drive European innovation | Hacker News Reader

Project Europe aims to drive European innovation

projecteurope.co

27 pointsdoener9 comments

I don't get why you need to be under 25. Europe needs innovation in digital infrastructure, not 'apps'. Digital infrastructure innovation requires capital and experience.

This is jumping on the the "Europe Innovation" bandwagon, imo.

> I don't get why you need to be under 25.

I didn't either, but the FAQ offers this answer:

> Why focus on 25 years and younger? Our goal is to encourage the next generation to take more risks and make entrepreneurship more acceptable across European culture. We believe many VC products out there cater to entrepreneurs irrespective of age. By focusing on under 25 year olds we aim to support a younger set of founders that often don’t fit the requirements of venture investors. Backing first-time founders at a young age is more risky but it’s the bet we’re making to change the narrative of European entrepreneurship.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11nM7i-WlGqgC9w_2uAl0LZVO...

"Criteria

You are under 25 years old."

That's pretty low and strict, I wonder what the reasoning for this is? I would argue that most people looking to drive innovation have actually had some time to gather experience in some industry to see what opportunities exist to innovate on, so most candidates for this would definitely be above 25...

---------------------------------- Edit: Found the answer from their FAQ https://docs.google.com/document/d/11nM7i-WlGqgC9w_2uAl0LZVO...

"Why focus on 25 years and younger?

Our goal is to encourage the next generation to take more risks and make entrepreneurship more acceptable across European culture. We believe many VC products out there cater to entrepreneurs irrespective of age. By focusing on under 25 year olds we aim to support a younger set of founders that often don’t fit the requirements of venture investors. Backing first-time founders at a young age is more risky but it’s the bet we’re making to change the narrative of European entrepreneurship."

I mean I think it's great to fill the gap where venture investments are lacking, but then don't call it 'Project Europe' if it's an initiate with a rather narrow focus!

If I had to guess, it's because "old dogs can't learn new tricks" rationale whoch doesn't make sense. How about judging innovation on its merit regardless of age.

My guess is that the "old dogs know all the tricks", when it comes to landing government contracts.

Totally agree. Maybe they want less experienced people that can be manipulated into working tons of hours?

In any case, I'm pretty sure that's illegal under anti discrimination laws

Anything with Europe in the title gets shunted off the frontpage within an hour or so. What gives dang?

I am glad I am not in Europe anymore, because at almost twice the age of 'under 25' I wouldn't be good enough for 'innovation' anyway

> Criteria

> You are under 25 years old.

Huh, what? Why on earth?

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