Nurturing imagination and entrepreneurial thinking in young people
Otilia Qaraman, Founder of the Excellence Online Academy, shares her thoughts on an online learning experience led by the Imaginative Curriculum Centre (ICC), and the Excellence Online Academy.
Education is about more than preparing young people for examinations or future careers. It is about nurturing curiosity, creativity, imagination and the confidence to engage with the world in meaningful ways. These qualities also lie at the heart of entrepreneurship, where innovation begins not with business plans, but with the ability to imagine new possibilities and respond creatively to real-world challenges.
With this shared vision, the Imaginative Curriculum Centre (ICC) in the School of Education, University of Leeds, and Excellence Online Academy (EOA) collaborated to deliver an interactive online learning experience as part of the Entrepreneurship and Leadership Programme for Teens. Facilitated by Professor Chrissi Nerantzi and Dr Delyth Edwards, the session invited young learners to explore how imagination, creativity and collaboration can become powerful drivers of entrepreneurial thinking.
The programme culminated in the Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition, where learners presented innovative business ideas addressing authentic challenges within their communities. Building on their earlier workshop, Professor Chrissi Nerantzi and Dr Delyth Edwards returned as members of the international judging panel, evaluating the students' final pitches, providing thoughtful feedback and encouragement, and celebrating their entrepreneurial achievements. Their continued involvement enabled them to witness the learners' development throughout the programme and celebrate how imagination, creativity and collaboration had been transformed into entrepreneurial action.
Bringing together young students from different countries and cultural backgrounds, the workshop and the friendly competition created an inclusive international learning community where learners were encouraged to think creatively, exchange ideas and learn from one another.
Imagination as the foundation of entrepreneurial thinking
Entrepreneurship is often associated with innovation, opportunity recognition and problem-solving. Yet before learners can create solutions, they need opportunities to ask questions, challenge assumptions and imagine what might be possible.
Drawing on the educational philosophy of the Imaginative Curriculum Centre, the session encouraged learners to embrace curiosity, playfulness and creative exploration. Through interactive activities and collaborative discussion, students discovered that imagination is not simply an artistic skill but a powerful way of thinking that supports innovation, resilience and lifelong learning.
Rather than searching for correct answers, participants were encouraged to explore ideas, reflect on different perspectives and build on one another's thinking in a supportive learning environment.
Learning together across borders
One of the most rewarding aspects of the session was the diversity of the learning community. Young people from different countries came together online to share ideas, experiences and aspirations, discovering how different perspectives enrich creativity and strengthen collaborative problem-solving.
The session demonstrated how thoughtfully designed online learning environments can create meaningful international connections while fostering active participation, confidence and mutual respect.
The impact on learners
Throughout the session, learners became increasingly confident in expressing their ideas, contributing to discussions and approaching challenges with curiosity and openness.
The experience encouraged them to see entrepreneurship not simply as starting a business, but as a mindset characterised by creativity, empathy, collaboration and a willingness to explore new possibilities.
These qualities became evident throughout the remainder of the programme, as learners developed increasingly original ideas and demonstrated greater confidence in presenting entrepreneurial solutions designed to address real needs within their communities.
During the final Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition, learners presented innovative projects that reflected not only entrepreneurial thinking but also empathy, creativity and a genuine commitment to improving their communities. Inspired by the Imaginative Curriculum Centre's strengths-based approach to learning, the judging panel also introduced a Judges' Recognition Award, celebrating the unique strengths, creativity and potential demonstrated by each young entrepreneur. This reflected a shared commitment to recognising personal growth, collaboration and imagination alongside entrepreneurial achievement.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Professor Chrissi Nerantzi and Dr Delyth Edwards shared:
"We were delighted to be invited to be part of the programme and were impressed with the young people's proactive engagement, enthusiasm, commitment to learning and achievements. They demonstrated confidence and self-belief, were open to critique, and recognised its value for their individual and collective growth. Judging their ideas was a real challenge because everybody was a winner. The interventions they proposed focused on addressing real-world challenges that affect everyday life and highlighted the importance of collaboration and keeping people at the heart of innovation and the solutions. Their work also demonstrated the value of imaginative curriculum design that nurtures creativity, curiosity and entrepreneurship, empowering learners of all ages to identify opportunities, develop solutions and create positive change in their communities."
Looking ahead
The collaboration between the Imaginative Curriculum Centre (ICC), University of Leeds, and Excellence Online Academy demonstrates how imagination can be meaningfully integrated into entrepreneurship education, helping learners develop not only entrepreneurial knowledge but also the creativity, confidence and collaborative mindset needed to navigate a fast-changing world.
Together, we look forward to exploring further opportunities to inspire young people through learning experiences that place imagination, creativity and human connection at the heart of education.
Otilia Qaraman is the Founder and Director of Excellence Online Academy, a UK-based education provider delivering live online programmes in entrepreneurship, leadership, English language learning and professional development for young people, educational institutions and organisations worldwide. Otilia is passionate about empowering learners with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world through innovative, internationally collaborative learning experiences.
Learn more about Excellence Online Academy here.
