iKid program

Summary
The iKid program is an informal entrepreneurial education initiative designed for students aged 10–14, particularly those in grades 4–8 of primary school. It is linked to subjects such as Entrepreneurship, Social Studies, Economics, Civic Education, Mathematics, Ethics, Art Education, and Informatics. The main objective of the program is to develop children’s entrepreneurial mindset and practical business skills by guiding them through the complete process of creating a start-up. It aims to cultivate creativity, innovation, financial literacy, teamwork, and self-confidence, preparing students to think like future entrepreneurs and active citizens.

Key activities and Student Experience

The central activity of iKid is a six-month, team-based simulation of start-up development. Students meet approximately once a week and work in groups to develop their own entrepreneurial project across five phases: idea generation, market research, prototype creation, marketing strategy, and final presentation. With the support of experienced business mentors, children experience first-hand how to transform an idea into a viable solution. They participate in workshops, debates, company visits, and creative brainstorming sessions, while also using digital platforms to collaborate and share outputs. Through these activities, students develop entrepreneurial competences such as spotting opportunities, creativity, vision, valuing ideas, mobilizing resources, financial and economic literacy, planning and management, and coping with risk. They also enhance 21st-century skills including problem-solving, communication, digital skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership.

Program Features and Principles

The program emphasizes experiential and practice-oriented learning. Its uniqueness lies in immersing students in a real-world entrepreneurial process, combining mentorship, teamwork, and competition. It promotes values such as creativity, perseverance, ethical thinking, social responsibility, and openness to risk. A key principle is learning by doing—students are not passive learners but active innovators who explore, test, and present their own business ideas. The strong involvement of mentors and partner companies ensures practical insights and real-world relevance.

Methodology and Structure
The program is structured as a six-month cycle consisting of weekly team meetings and guided phases of start-up development. It uses a variety of methodological approaches including project-based learning, experiential learning, problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, design thinking, case studies, competitions, and workshops. Students are supported by mentors, attend webinars and company visits, and work on their projects both in class and online. Each stage of the process is designed to actively engage them in entrepreneurial thinking and hands-on practice.

Expected Outcomes and Value

Students gain an entrepreneurial mindset, confidence, perseverance, and the ability to plan, manage, and present projects. They learn to generate and evaluate ideas, understand financial and economic principles, collaborate effectively in teams, and cope with uncertainty and risk. For teachers, iKid offers a structured, ready-to-use program with clear guidance, strong support from mentors, and engaging resources that increase student motivation. The practice demonstrates how children can experience the full entrepreneurial journey in a supportive and inspiring environment, making entrepreneurship education both accessible and meaningful.