The IGNITE Youth Entrepreneurship Programme is a flagship initiative empowering young people aged 14–18 in Luton to develop bold, practical entrepreneurial ideas that address a real-world social challenge. The programme has been devised by Kailesh Karavadra and is delivered in partnership with the Raise Up Foundation. Kailesh—one of the shareholders of Luton Town Football Club—arrived in the UK as a refugee from Uganda and was raised in Luton. He has since built a highly successful professional career and remains deeply committed to giving back to the community that shaped his own life.

Over six months, young people will work in teams to explore Luton’s key health challenges and develop practical, innovative solutions. The programme will equip them with core innovation skills, collaborative ways of working, and the ability to
pitch ideas confidently. Participants will engage directly with local businesses and institutions, gaining insight into how real organisations address complex issues. Along the way, they will build entrepreneurial skills, strengthen their confidence and ambition, and gain a strong sense of achievement.

IGNITE blends entrepreneurial learning with immersive, hands-on experiences. Young people progress through a tailored sequence of masterclasses, site visits, networking events, and project development sessions. Each element has a clear purpose: masterclasses are led by industry professionals; workplace visits offer insight into how different sectors operate; and structured work sessions allow participants to test ideas, explore solutions, and develop a strong business or social enterprise plan.

Every team is supported by a mentor from the business or community sector, providing personalised guidance, challenge, and expertise. Through this mix of inspiration, professional input, and practical application, participants steadily build the skills and confidence to bring their ideas to life.

From the outset, participants work in teams, each supported by a dedicated mentor drawn from Luton’s vibrant business and community networks. As the programme progresses, teams refine their ideas through feedback, exposure to professional environments, and iterative development. This journey culminates in the Grand Finale, hosted at a prestigious venue in Luton, where teams present their final concepts to a panel of respected judges. For participants, this is a moment to demonstrate their potential and celebrate their progress; for sponsors, it is an opportunity to see the impact of their support first-hand.