Winners Revealed at the EWA Demo Day 2025 Finale in Ljubljana

After careful deliberation, the jury announced the three winning entrepreneurs of the EWA 2025 programme: 

1st Prize (€10,000) – Petra Gorečan, Milkimami 
Petra impressed the jury with Milkimami, a line of functional snacks designed specifically for breastfeeding mothers, including lactation cookies and granola made from natural, locally sourced ingredients. The products support milk production while nourishing the body, and the brand has already shown strong market traction with more than 7,000 items sold and a 38% repeat-purchase rate. Milkimami delivers clear social impact by supporting maternal health and contributing to a more equitable and sustainable food system. 

2nd Prize (€5,000) – Janja Matk, Meeeksi 
Janja Matk presented Meeeksi, an innovative freeze-dried goat milk ice cream mix crafted from local ingredients and indigenous Slovenian goat breeds. The product blends tradition with modern food technology, maintaining full nutritional value without the need for refrigeration. This long-lasting, healthy treat is especially appealing to tourists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. 

3rd Prize (€2,000) – Lara Božič, Selfuel 
Lara Božič received third place for Selfuel, a clean, sugar-free powdered energy drink formulated with guarana, adaptogens, electrolytes, and vitamins. Designed to deliver steady focus and long-lasting vitality, Selfuel offers a healthier alternative to conventional energy drinks without the typical spikes and crashes. 

The event also featured inspiring addresses from Rok Liković, Head of Purchasing at dm Slovenia, and Nataša Štruc, Director of Indy&Pippa. Both speakers shared practical insights on product-market fit, retail readiness, and brand strategy for early-stage agrifood innovators. 

The finale concluded with a networking session and tastings of selected products, giving attendees an opportunity to connect, exchange experiences, and celebrate the achievements of this year’s cohort. 

Winner, Petra Gorečan, founder of Milkimami, shared that the brand was inspired by a deeply personal experience: seeking natural support in the early months after childbirth. “The EWA programme gave us structure, excellent mentors, and a community that believes in our vision,” she said. “The first prize confirms that caring for mothers belongs at the heart of the food system. We will use the financial award to scale production, launch new products, and expand into the Italian market.” 

Prof. Blaž Zupan, EWA Slovenia Lead, emphasized the programme’s impact: “This year’s EWA cohort showed extraordinary progress in just six months—developing new products, commercializing their first batches, and expanding sales internationally. EWA transforms knowledge into concrete growth for women-led agrifood ventures.” 

Nataša Štruc, CEO of Indy&Pippa, expressed her support: “I’m proud to see such amazing women entrepreneurs with great ideas. I hope they continue to succeed and make an impact in the sector.” 

The Centre of Business Excellence (CBE) at the University of Ljubljana's School of Economics and Business offers top-tier business education and networking opportunities. With over a decade of experience, CBE combines academic expertise with practical insights from industry professionals. It provides a range of programmes, from short online workshops to longer academies, including the prestigious LJUBLJANA MBA. As part of the triple-accredited SEB LU, ranked among the top 1% of business schools globally, CBE aims to foster long-term growth and development for both individuals and businesses, adapting to dynamic trends and changes in the business environment.

Learn more about The Centre of Business Excellence (CBE) on their webpage.