GESS Alumni Summit in South Africa Sparks Global Collaboration

The Global Entrepreneurship Summer School (GESS) Alumni Summit held in South Africa marked a milestone for the Social Entrepreneurship Academy (SEA), bringing together 16 alumni from 10 countries for four days of collaboration, learning, and connection. This first-ever summit provided a unique platform for participants to reflect on the transformative impact of GESS and reignite their commitment to driving change through entrepreneurship.

Over the course of the event, alumni—representing a variety of professions, ages, and years of participation—shared experiences that forged a strong sense of belonging and community. Kristina Notz, Executive Director of the SEA, noted the passion among attendees: “There’s a powerful desire among our alumni to shape the future of GESS, to unfold the potential of its network, and to create even more opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

GESS, a flagship program of the SEA, empowers young people to address global challenges by developing sustainable, innovative, and profitable business models. Operated in collaboration with leading universities in Munich, Shanghai, Querétaro, and Cape Town, the program unites participants in interdisciplinary teams to work on large-scale problems. With expert coaching and interactive sessions, teams gain the tools and knowledge to pitch their ideas to a public audience—joining a global community of changemakers.

At the South Africa summit, participants reflected on how GESS has influenced their lives, sharing diverse perspectives that highlighted the program’s far-reaching impact. The event strengthened the alumni network, fostering a renewed enthusiasm to co-create opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Building on this momentum, a follow-up online meeting is scheduled for January, with organizers encouraging alumni to get involved and stay connected. SEA hopes to continue expanding the GESS network, uniting change agents worldwide to build a brighter and more sustainable future.

For more information or to join the initiative, alumni can contact [email protected]