For a decade, Generation Entrepreneur has introduced young Australians to the world of self-employment through hands-on workshops and hackathons.
Its mission will now continue under the banner of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE), which on Wednesday announced its takeover of the not-for-profit training platform.
ASE CEO Jahin Tanvir says the Generation Entrepreneur programs and curriculum, developed for high school classes, will roll into the existing ASE operation.
The acquisition ensures young would-be entrepreneurs maintain access to those tailor-made tools, advice, and mentorship opportunities, Tanvir tells SmartCompany.
“School students will not only learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship but also gain hands-on experience in ideating, pitching, and launching their own ventures in a collaborative and supportive setting,” he says.
The acquisition will allow ASE to “significantly broaden our reach and impact on youth education and entrepreneurship across Australia,” Tanvir continues.
ASE plans to debut its new Generation Entrepreneur Fund, which it says will direct educational resources to underserved communities.
Founded by Sydney teens Victor Zhang and Alex Luo in 2014, Generation Entrepreneur quickly built a name for its hackathons, in which students were tasked with formulating startup ideas within 48 hours.
Early editions saw those student participants pitch their ideas to accelerators and early-stage investors, giving young Australians a taste of the startup sector.
That model developed over the years: in 2023, Generation Entrepreneur collaborated with Finder to hold its third School Entrepreneur of the Year Competition.
Students at Northholm Grammar School contributed the winning pitch: a subscription service designed to decipher ingredient lists for users with food allergies.
That kind of opportunity will carry on through ASE, says Generation Entrepreneur CEO Esmond Ye.
“This transition ensures that entrepreneurial education remains accessible and impactful for students across Australia,” Ye says.
Generation Entrepreneur has expanded into new regions, with Ye saying it has put particular focus on rural areas and communities underserved by ‘traditional’ startup events.
“It’s not just about starting businesses,” Ye continues.
“It’s about instilling a mindset that enables young people to innovate and lead, no matter what field they choose.”
Ye will serve in an advisory capacity as Generation Entrepreneur integrates with ASE.
“We look forward to consulting with him in an advisory capacity and keeping the organisation’s legacy alive through the GE Scholarship Fund,” Tanvir says.
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Senior Business Journalist
Focused on the small business sector, David’s work covers the political, regulatory, and economic issues facing Australian entrepreneurs. Prior to joining SmartCompany, he was a reporter for Business Insider Australia. You can follow him on LinkedIn.
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