The Canadian team won the competition from a field of 29 challengers comprised of National Champions from the Enactus country network around the world.
BANGKOK, Thailand — The Enactus World Cup 2025 Presented by ThaiBev marked a historic milestone as both the 25th edition of this world-class competition and Enactus’ dynamic return to Southeast Asia after Thailand’s reintegration into the global network.
The competition brought together over 1,800 students, educators, and staff from 35 countries at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok, from September 26-28, 2025, held alongside Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025).
Square Roots & Alaagi address two major Canadian challenges through separate but complementary projects, with Square Roots operating a franchise model rescuing surplus produce from farms and Alaagi developing seaweed-based bioplastic alternatives through extensive biodegradable materials research. The innovative dual approach embodies the circular economy principles that were central to many competing projects.
Second place went to Bindura University of Science and Education of Zimbabwe for their projects Biodermagent & VoltStep – addressing agricultural productivity and energy access through cutting-edge technology development by working with farming communities and students in energy-poor areas while developing seed treatment solutions and wearable energy generation devices.
Germany – University of Münster received the ThaiBev SEP Award (Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Award) for their Seads project, presented by Khun Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group CEO of Thai Beverage, recognizing their embodiment of Thailand’s sustainable development principles through marine ecosystem restoration.
Generation:Re Theme and Thailand’s Triumphant Return
This year’s competition was themed “Generation:Re,” celebrating the power of young people to reimagine, restore, and regenerate the world. Many participating students drew inspiration from Thailand’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) framework, built on moderation, resilience, and sustainable development—values that closely align with Enactus’ mission.
In a momentous homecoming, Thailand returned to the Enactus World Cup stage after nearly a decade, with Chulalongkorn University representing the nation on home soil. Their groundbreaking project transforms waste from cacao processing into high-quality cattle feed, simultaneously cutting agricultural waste, boosting value for local producers, and helping reduce methane emissions.
The project exemplifies the regenerative spirit of the competition and demonstrates Thailand’s leadership in sustainable innovation—a fitting tribute to the country’s role as host and its rich legacy in the Enactus network.
A Golden Anniversary and Strategic Partnership
The 2025 event marked the 50th anniversary of Enactus, which began in 1975 as Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and rebranded in 2012 to reflect its broader mission: Entrepreneurial Action for Us All.
“We were deeply impressed with the Rakkaew Foundation’s vision and proposal,” said George Tsiatis, CEO of Resolution Project and Enactus Global. “The Thai team demonstrated remarkable dedication—even while out of the network since 2016, they maintained a strong local program and never stopped training students. Their commitment to youth empowerment made them the perfect partners to bring the World Cup back to Southeast Asia. We’re thrilled to elevate these incredible youth voices and give them a platform in the global sustainability conversation.”
The event was hosted in partnership with the Rakkaew Foundation and presented by Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev), demonstrating strong private sector commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development across the ASEAN region.
Honoring Outstanding Leadership and Alumni Impact
The Enactus World Cup 2025 also celebrated exceptional leaders who have championed the organization’s mission. Geraldine Acuña Sunshine and Gabriel Sunshine were honored with the Global Champion Award in recognition of their extraordinary dedication and transformative support of Resolution Project and Enactus.
In recognition of decades of unwavering partnership, KPMG received the 2025 Enactus Legacy Award. KPMG’s commitment spans seven Enactus network countries—Brazil, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, and Thailand—as well as the Global Enactus program. As a steadfast force for good, KPMG has amplified student voices and prioritized impact for young people around the world, making them an invaluable partner in advancing Enactus’ mission worldwide.
The 2025 Enactus Alumni Award was presented to Song Min-pyo, CEO of Coactus, a pioneering South Korean social venture. Song’s innovative “Goyohan Taxi” service connects deaf drivers with passengers who communicate via in-vehicle tablets, demonstrating how entrepreneurial thinking can drive both economic opportunity and social change—embodying the lasting impact of Enactus education.
Global Impact and Future Vision
Students competed across diverse sustainability categories, showcasing entrepreneurial projects that address real-world challenges while gaining valuable strategic insights to transform initiatives into viable enterprises or meaningful careers. The competition serves not only as a learning platform but as a launchpad for long-term impact, with continued support from Enactus and the Resolution Project through mentorship, leadership development, and funding connections.
During the event, Edson Matsuoka, President & CEO of Enactus Brazil, and Márcio França, Minister of State for the Ministry of Entrepreneurship of the Federative Republic of Brazil, announced that São Paulo, Brazil will host the 2026 Enactus World Cup from November 16-19, 2026. “It is with great joy that we announce the Enactus World Cup will be coming to Brazil in 2026,” said the Minister. “See you in Brazil!”
Expanding Global Network
The organization’s integration with Resolution Project has strengthened support for student-led ventures, with combined impact engaging over 50,000 young social entrepreneurs annually across nearly 100 countries.
The event would not have been possible without the Rakkaew Foundation, presenting sponsor ThaiBev, impact sponsor The Sunshine Charitable Foundation, innovation sponsors Bentley Systems, Harmony Gold, KPMG, and Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, and the support of Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025).
With its successful return to Southeast Asia and a new generation of changemakers taking center stage, Enactus World Cup 2025 has inspired bold action, sparked global collaboration, and reinforced the organization’s mission to shape a more sustainable future through youth-led entrepreneurial leadership.
“Having students from 35 countries, learning from one another, is what makes this event unique,” said Tsiatis. “The true success lies in how they carry these lessons forward—to create lasting impact in whatever path they choose.”
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