The 4th IdeiAçores Regional Competition involved the participation of 35 schools in the archipelago, three of which were selected by a jury as the winners of "IdeiAçores." Under this event, middle/junior high school students and secondary/vocational training school students presented various business projects.
Gaspar Frutuoso Basic Education School won in the category of projects developed by middle school students. The winning project was a "Barbecue Kit"; it consists of a recycle packaging that includes all products for the preparation of a barbecue, including charcoal, firelighters and matches.
The team from Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School won first place in the junior high school category with the project "ColdKiller." It consists of a waterproof and breathable coat that is heated by a rechargeable electric circuit.
In turn, students from Vila Franca do Campo Vocational Training School were the winners in the secondary/vocational training school category. Their project, "Hortafácil," is a manual multifunction machine designed to perform almost all agricultural tasks that do not require an engine.
The winning teams in the junior high school and secondary/vocational training school categories were awarded a trip to Lisbon, where they will have the opportunity of knowing business incubators, interact with successful entrepreneurs and visit Gesentrepreneur; the latter being a company specialised in entrepreneurship. They will also have a social and cultural programme that is suited to their interests.
The Ideiaçores Regional Competition takes place under the programme "Entrepreneurial Education: The Path to Success." An initiative of the Government of the Azores, the competition is organised by the Regional Directorates for Youth and Education as well as by the Society for the Business Development of the Azores (SDEA) and the Entrepreneurship Centre of the University of the Azores.
The programme aims to raise the awareness of Azorean teachers and students for the entrepreneurial potential and the possibility of controlling their future, which will allow them to create their own jobs. This will actively contribute to the revitalisation of employment policies and the generation of wealth in the Region.