The Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (FBAE), in collaboration with the Office of Admissions at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) – Shouf Campus (SC), hosted the first edition of the Youth Business Challenge: Innovate for Impact on Friday, April 4, 2025. This initiative offered high school students a unique opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship by developing and presenting innovative, sustainable business ideas.
The event followed an engaging workshop held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at NDU-SC. The session was led by Cezar Mahmoud, a visionary entrepreneur, in collaboration with Souhad Abi Zaki, Senior Admission Officer at NDU-SC. Students worked on their respective projects which were presented in this ceremony. The workshop focused on nurturing the students’ entrepreneurial mindsets and equipping them with tools to transform their ideas into actionable ventures. The session was further enriched by the participation of outstanding NDU undergraduate students, who volunteered as mentors, fostering meaningful connections between high school and university students.
During the pitching ceremony, the FBAE had the honor of welcoming Salah Malaeb as keynote speaker. Malaeb is the Founder and General Manager of TeknoBuild, a software development company, as well as the CEO and Co-founder of Del Libano, Lebanon’s first pasta factory using 100% Lebanese durum wheat. He is also the creator of several mobile apps. He shared valuable insights from his entrepreneurial journey, inspiring the audience and helping students refine their ideas to create greater impact.
With enthusiastic support from parents, friends, and NDU students, contestants from various schools across the Shouf region presented their business concepts to a jury panel composed of both internal and external members:
- Salah Malaeb, CEO and Co-founder of Del Libano
- Cezar Mahmoud, Entrepreneur
- Souhad Abi Zaki, Senior Admission Officer at NDU-SC
- Dr. Talie Kassamany, Coordinator and Associate Professor at NDU-SC
The jury evaluated each team’s project based on pre-established criteria, including innovation, sustainability, relevance to the Lebanese market, feasibility, clarity, and presentation skills. Winners were awarded significant tuition discounts for one semester at FBAE–SC as follows: 60% for first place, 40% for second, and 20% for third. All participants received certificates of participation.
Following careful deliberation, the jury announced the winning teams:
- First Prize: Majd Alameh, Rony El Danaf, and Sami Kazzaz (Shouf National College) with Roy Al Kaassamani (Shouf High College); Mentor: Saeed Ammar (Financial Engineering student)
- Second Prize: Rachel KheirAldeen, Reem Hassoun, and Jessica Al Ashkar (Shouf High School); Mentor: Majd Azzam (Financial Engineering student)
- Third Prize: Hala Bou Diab, Rami Moukhaiber, and Najlaa Hassanieh (Le Lycée National); Mentor: Roudy Al Hassanieh (Financial Engineering student)
The event concluded with warm congratulations from the jury, who commended the students for their creativity and enthusiasm, and extended heartfelt thanks to the mentors for their dedication and support throughout the challenge.