Playing the Future Now!
THE CHALLENGE
Facing the challenge of economic sustainability in Portugal, driven by demographic imbalances caused by an aging population and the emigration of top young talent to other countries. Currently, this brain drain costs the economy 2 billion euros per year.
Economic Impact of Brain Drain
The Portuguese economy loses an estimated €2 billion annually due to brain drain, with lost tax revenue, reduced productivity, and the innovation declining.
~€2bi
per year
Economic Impact of Brain Drain
Source: World Bank
Portugal's Aging Population
In 2021, people aged 65 or older made up 23% of the population, and the old-age dependency ratio was one of the highest in the EU, at 34.5%.
Portugal's aged dependent ratio
Source : Eurostat
Youth Migration and Brain Drain
40% of Portuguese graduates want to work abroad, leading to a severe talent loss for the future workforce.
Portugal has lost approximately 10% of its young population (under 35) to emigration since the financial crisis.
Youth Migration and Brain Drain (under 35y.o.)
Source: OECD Report
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Investing in early entrepreneurship to empower teenagers to create value from a young age, boosting their confidence to embark on entrepreneurial ventures and reducing migration to other countries. All of this is achieved through the integration of entrepreneurial education into school curriculums across Portugal and the organization of a national student startup competition.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Investing in early entrepreneurship to empower teenagers to create value from a young age, boosting their confidence to embark on entrepreneurial ventures and reducing migration to other countries. All of this is achieved through the integration of entrepreneurial education into school curriculums across Portugal and the organization of a national student startup competition.
THE SOLUTION WE PROPOSE
Venture Tracks Portugal, the entrepreneurial education program for teenagers proposed by Liquid Innovation Co., is based on five pillars:
EXPERIENCE
TECHNOLOGY
EMPOWERMENT
FUN
MARKET CONNECTION
Balance between theory and practice with a learning approach focused on applying knowledge and developing social-emotional skills through real market projects for consumers or partner companies. (Critical thinking, problem-solving, market connection, self-directed learning → motivation and reward).
Inspiring role models, featuring successful speakers and mentors who serve as inspirational figures for teenagers, allowing them to envision potential paths for their own futures.
Positive and Supportive Environment, promoting a welcoming atmosphere that encourages dialogue, respects differences, and celebrates the skills of peers. Creating a safe space that allows for the expression of ideas and sharing without fear.
Venture Tracks offers a progressive training program, starting in middle education to ensure that students grasp the fundamentals, continuing through middle and high-school, where they develop professional skills.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
4 MODULES
INSPIRATION | EXPLORATION | IDEATION | ACTION
PRE-DEFINED OPPORTUNITIES
PROJECTS CONNECTED WITH “SPONSORS” BUSINESSES NEEDS
DEMO DAY
EXPERIENCE DEPLOYED
HIGH SCHOOL, SECONDARY
4 MODULES
IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES | IDEATION | SOLUTION & MARKET FIT | FINAL BUSINESS CASE | PITCH STRUCTURATION
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
PROJECTS CONNECTED WITH “SPONSORS” BUSINESSES NEEDS
INVESTOR DAY
WITH “SPONSORS” AND REAL INVESTORS
COMPLIANCE WITH INITIATIVES & LAWS OF THE PORTUGUESE GOVERNMENT
This directive aims to formalize entrepreneurship education, aligning with existing legislation and educational frameworks.
The Decree-Law No. 55/2018, of July 6, introduces the Citizenship and Development curriculum component in the matrices of all years of basic and secondary education, thus applying to all educational and training offers within the scope of compulsory education.
In this way, the Entrepreneurship Education Framework aims to contribute to the framing of practices and the development of principles, values, attitudes, and skills, in accordance with current legislation, namely the Profile of Students at the End of Compulsory Schooling, DL 55/2018, articulated with DL 54/2018, of July 6, the National Strategy for Citizenship Education, the Regional Legislative Decree No. 16/2019/A, of July 23, and the Regional Legislative Decree No. 11/2020/M, of July 29.