Market Berri Activates its 3rd Edition to Transform Basque Commerce through Youth Innovation

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Market Berri Activates its 3rd Edition to Transform Basque Commerce through Youth Innovation

Market Berri

Market Berri Activates its 3rd Edition to Transform Basque Commerce through Youth Innovation

The Oñati campus hosted the launch and project selection event on November 12, showcasing 29 innovative ideas developed by LEINN degree students to address the sector’s strategic challenges

2025·11·17

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Oñati, November 2025. The Basque commercial, educational, and entrepreneurial ecosystem gathered once again at the Faculty of Business Studies of Mondragon Unibertsitatea to kick off the 3rd edition of Market Berri. This program, driven in collaboration with the Basque Government’s Directorate of Commerce, aims to bridge young talent with the real-world needs of local trade.

A Highly Participatory Selection Process

Following an intense preparation phase that began with the launch of strategic challenges on October 1, students from the LEINN laboratories in Bilbao, Irun, and Oñati submitted a total of 29 project ideas. The final selection was determined through an open voting process on the Poll Unit platform, where sector representatives could evaluate the students’ video pitches.

Inspiration and Connection with the Sector

The event featured institutional opening remarks by Izaskun Gómez Cermeño, Director of Commerce for the Basque Government, and Lander Beloki, Dean of the Faculty. During the day, a roundtable discussion titled "Shall We Talk About the Sector?" took place, where local entrepreneurs like Óscar Nieto (Raos Resoler), Mayte Tallada (La Varilla Mágica), and Gorka Añibarro (Euskape) shared their entrepreneurial journeys with the students.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the 6 winning ideas. These teams delivered two-minute live presentations, showcasing their ability to synthesize complex ideas and their passion for transforming the industry.

Project Market: Networking and Community

To conclude the day, the MTA Laboratory in Oñati was transformed into a vibrant Project Market. Accompanied by live music from the Basque jazz/blues group Cheek to Cheek, attendees explored all 29 proposals while enjoying a lunch featuring personalized pastries. As a special token, the Leinn Blesk team from Oñati presented guests with handmade thermal sachets featuring the program's logo.

Four Key Challenges for the Future

The selected projects will now focus on developing solutions for four critical axes defined by the Basque Government:

  • Generational renewal: Giving new life to active businesses.
  • Inclusive commerce: Integrating people and communities with fewer resources.
  • Empty premises: Finding new social and economic uses for closed storefronts.
  • Value-added services: Developing new models to complement online sales.

With this launch event, Market Berri solidifies its role as a flagship project within the Innovation Hub, reaffirming Mondragon Unibertsitatea's commitment to revitalizing our cities through entrepreneurship and collaboration.

 

(Argazkiak karpetan daude baina hemendik ere deskargatu daitezke: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCAYuN