On October 23, 2025, Youthmakers Hub took part in the Innovation Fair 2025 in Brussels. Co-founder and CEO Konstantinos Maragkos joined over 500 stakeholders, including startups, SMEs, policymakers, business support organizations, and civil society actors, in a dynamic environment focused on shaping the future of cross-continental innovation.

The event served as a platform to showcase innovative solutions for sustainable growth, featuring pitch sessions, exhibitions, and an Open Innovation Challenge designed to connect ideas with opportunities. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across ecosystems, unlocking funding pathways, and scaling impactful projects. Youth innovation emerged as a critical driver, underscoring the need to place young changemakers at the heart of research and innovation agendas.

Konstantinos actively contributed to conversations on how youth-led initiatives can move from local action to scalable solutions within the Africa-Europe innovation landscape. Through networking sessions, exhibitions, and collaborative discussions, Youthmakers Hub strengthened its connections with stakeholders working at the intersection of policy, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Reflecting on the experience, Konstantinos Maragkos noted:

“Events like the Innovation Fair remind us that innovation is not only about technology, but about people. Youth must be part of the process, not just beneficiaries of it. Our role is to ensure their ideas are heard, supported, and scaled.”

Youthmakers Hub’s participation was driven by its strategic role within the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective programme Through its work, the organization continues to connect young people with decision-makers, institutions, and opportunities across continents.