#Gen_E 2026 is bringing together Europe’s next generation of entrepreneurs in Riga, Latvia, celebrating young people who are turning ideas into solutions with real business, social and innovative impact. The Online Awards are a key part of that journey, recognising standout JA student companies across themes such as growth, sustainability, STEM, inclusion, intellectual property and market expansion. This year’s winners reflect the energy, creativity and ambition of young entrepreneurs across the JA network, and they will now continue their Gen‑E journey toward the on-site festival in July.
What are the Online Awards?
The Online Awards celebrate the strongest ideas submitted by JA teams before the festival in Riga, with partner organisations recognising excellence in specific areas of entrepreneurship. Winning teams receive tickets for up to 4/5 representatives to attend Gen-E 2026 in Riga, where they can network, join festival activities, apply for Get in the Ring and take part in the on-site student Expo on 9 July. The awards are designed to highlight both innovation and impact, while giving young entrepreneurs a bigger platform to showcase their work.
2026 Winners
Entrepreneurial Journey of Growth Award, Sponsored by Euroclear Foundation
The Entrepreneurial Journey of Growth Award recognises Gen‑E teams that show remarkable progress in developing their business idea, from first concept to a venture ready to grow. This year’s winner is BIOCABA from JA Spain.
NN Social Innovation Award
The NN Social Innovation Award recognises ventures that respond to real social needs and create positive change for individuals and communities. The winners are 1. INTERDORM – JA Czech Republic, 2. NEIGHBORLY FAVOURS – JA Poland, and 3. EPIEAR – JA Hungary.
Europen Market Expansion Award
The Europen Market Expansion Award recognises teams with the ambition and strategy to take their business beyond their home market and grow across Europe. The winner is Algebo.ai from JA Romania.
Schneider Electric Foundation Award
The Schneider Electric Foundation Award celebrates innovative ideas that contribute to a more sustainable future and encourage responsible thinking around energy and resources. The winner is Vivo from JA Romania.
PMIEF Best Application of Project Management Award
The PMIEF Best Application of Project Management Award recognises teams that have applied project management throughout the lifecycle of their venture, showing strong planning, organisation, innovation and execution. The winner is Calmoria from JA Poland.
J&J Brilliant STEM Innovation Award
The J&J Brilliant STEM Innovation Award recognises teams that use science, technology, engineering and mathematics to create innovative solutions with positive community impact. The winner is InsighteED from JA Romania.
EUIPO Youth IP Awareness Award
The EUIPO Youth IP Awareness Award recognises teams that understand how Intellectual Property can protect and strengthen their innovation, even if they have not formally registered IP rights. The winner is Unison from JA Malta.
Inclusion Impact Award
The Inclusion Impact Award recognises JA teams developing innovative solutions that promote inclusion and accessibility, with a focus on improving autonomy, dignity and quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. The winner is LiftUp from JA Spain.
Why These Awards Matter
The Online Awards showcase the diversity of ideas coming from JA teams across Europe, from business growth and market expansion to social innovation and inclusive design. They also help connect young entrepreneurs with partners who can open doors, provide visibility and support their journey beyond the online stage. For many teams, winning an Online Award is not just recognition — it is a step toward the full Gen‑E experience in Riga this July.
Looking Ahead to Riga
All winning teams will now move closer to the on-site Gen‑E 2026 festival in Riga, Latvia, where they will have the chance to showcase their ventures, meet peers from across Europe and take part in the wider event programme. The festival takes place in the beginning of July, and the on-site experience will bring the online journey to life through networking, expo moments, stage presentations and celebration. To stay up to date with everything leading up to the event, keep checking gen-e.eu for the latest information, updates and opportunities. And if you want your team to be recognised next year, start creating and sharing your content with #Gen_E — because great ideas deserve to be seen.
