NextGen Founders
See a problem. Build a solution. Pitch it.
A hands-on entrepreneurship experience introducing young people to business, problem-solving, teamwork, financial literacy, and what it means to turn an idea into something real.
At a glance
- Audience
- Secondary-school students
- Format
- One-day entrepreneurship experience
- Focus
- Entrepreneurship & financial literacy
- Initial Geography
- Ghana
- Status
- Pilot Launching Soon
Why NextGen Founders Exists
Africa's next generation of builders starts now.
Young people already see problems in their schools, communities, and everyday lives.
NextGen Founders gives them a structured opportunity to see those problems differently — as opportunities to build, create, and solve.
Participants learn the basics of entrepreneurship, work in teams, develop an idea, understand the economics behind it, and present their solution.
How the Day Works
01 — Learn
Understand entrepreneurship, business models, and financial literacy through practical examples.
02 — Identify a Problem
Find a real challenge affecting your school or community.
03 — Build
Work with a team to turn that problem into a business concept.
04 — Pitch
Present the idea, customer, solution, and revenue model to judges.
05 — Win & Keep Building
Selected teams may receive recognition, prizes, scholarships, mentorship, or seed support depending on the event.
What Students Gain
- Entrepreneurship exposure
- Financial literacy
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Confidence
- Pitching experience
- Exposure to founders and professionals
Program Experience
- Team exercises
- Problem identification
- Business concept development
- Financial exercises
- Pitch preparation
- Judging
- Awards
- Group photography
For Schools & Partners
Bring NextGen Founders to your community.
Schools, community organizations, and corporate partners can work with AWI to host a NextGen Founders experience.
Schools
Host a program.
Professionals
Become a judge or facilitator.
Companies
Sponsor a program.
Partners
Bring NextGen to a new community.
Where this fits in the AWI journey
NextGen Founders is AWI's earliest-stage program in the lifelong participant ecosystem.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Who can participate?
NextGen Founders is designed for secondary-school-age young people. Initial AWI portfolio plans focus on selected public high schools in Ghana.
How long is the program?
Current AWI portfolio materials describe NextGen Founders as a one-day entrepreneurship roadshow.
What do students do during the program?
Students learn entrepreneurship and financial literacy, identify a problem in their community, develop a business concept in teams, and pitch their idea and revenue model to judges.
Does a student apply individually or through a school?
NextGen Founders is initially delivered in partnership with schools and community organizations. Participation instructions will be provided by each host.
Is there a cost for students?
Any participation costs will be communicated by AWI and the host organization before registration.
What does a school need to provide?
AWI works directly with each host to confirm student participation, venue, scheduling, safeguarding, and program-day logistics.
Can I volunteer as a mentor or judge?
Yes. AWI expects founders, professionals, alumni, and community leaders to play a role as facilitators, judges, speakers, and mentors. Opportunities will be posted as pilots are confirmed.
Can NextGen Founders operate outside Ghana?
Ghana is the initial focus. Schools and organizations in other markets can contact AWI to discuss future partnerships.
Bring NextGen Founders to your school.
Give young people the opportunity to identify a problem, build a solution, and experience what it means to create.
School and partner inquiry details will be shared here once confirmed.
Continue Your AWI Journey
Explore more AWI programs.