FERI and Enactus Germany Promote Social Entrepreneurship: Young Talent Develops Solutions to Societal Challenges

As a long-standing partner of Enactus Germany FERI promotes entrepreneurial engagement among young people in addressing societal challenges. This year, as part of the National Cup, we presented the “FERI Award for Sustainable Entrepreneurship” for the first time. Through this award, FERI recognizes student projects that combine societal impact with entrepreneurial thinking and demonstrate a particularly strong connection to the FERI Focus SDGs. The award focuses on Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

This year’s winning team, friGIS addresses one of the key challenges of climate change: dealing with rising temperatures in urban areas. Using its data-driven software solution, cities can analyse potential greening measures and make use of data-based information for planning climate adaptation initiatives.

friGIS supports cities in planning climate adaptation measures based on data.

What particularly impressed us is that friGIS has already moved beyond the concept stage and is implementing concrete pilot projects with its first municipal partners. In doing so, the team demonstrates how environmental objectives, technological innovation and economic viability can be successfully combined.

Taking Responsibility Together

"For us, the partnership with Enactus is an important component of our social commitment. By promoting education, entrepreneurial thinking and innovative approaches, we support young people in taking responsibility and actively addressing societal challenges. Projects such as friGIS demonstrate the potential that lies at the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship," says Dr. Julia Bahlmann, Co-Head of the FERI SDG Office. 

The Enactus Germany National Cup 2026 once again showcased the diversity and quality of student-led projects. More than 500 participants gathered in Cologne to present innovative business ideas with social value, exchange experiences and gain new inspiration for their further development. In addition to the stage presentations, the Market Place provided opportunities for networking and professional exchange between teams, corporate partners and other stakeholders. For FERI, the event once again underlines the value of its collaboration with Enactus: young people are supported in developing forward-looking ideas and putting responsible entrepreneurship into practice.

The Market Place offered space for exchange, networking and the presentation of innovative project ideas.

Foto Credit: Gordon Welters