Empowering the next generation of Hampshire’s entrepreneurs
About the awards
The Julian Chen Awards recognise and support young entrepreneurs aged 13–21 from across Hampshire - empowering them to turn their ideas into real businesses through funding, mentoring, and guidance.
Formerly known as the Youth in Test Valley Awards, the programme has already helped dozens of young people start their entrepreneurial journey. Renamed in honour of the late Julian Chen, the awards continue his legacy of mentorship, generosity, and belief in young people.
Each year, we host a fundraising ball to raise funds for The Julian Chen Fund, which directly supports finalists through grants, workshops, and mentorship.
The Julian Chen Awards are a platform for the next generation of innovators, dreamers, and leaders.
A legacy of opportunity
For years, the Youth in Test Valley Awards helped local young people explore entrepreneurship through mentoring, challenges, and grants. From the very start, the programme was supported by Julian Chen, founder of New Street Dental Care.
Julian was not only a sponsor but also a mentor, a believer, and a guide. His encouragement and generosity helped young people realise their potential and start businesses of their own.
In 2025, Julian sadly passed away. In honour of his extraordinary contribution to the community and his unwavering belief in young people, the awards have been renamed The Julian Chen Awards.
The awards now expand beyond Test Valley, reaching young entrepreneurs from across Hampshire - continuing Julian’s mission to inspire ambition and opportunity.