JA Europe joined entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation leaders at the EBAN Congress 2026 in Vilnius, showcasing the achievements of the FERD’s List honorees, a distinguished group of JA alumni who are building impactful ventures and shaping the future of entrepreneurship across Europe.
As part of the programme, JA Europe CEO Salvatore Nigro participated in the panel discussion “Spot the Unicorn in a School Uniform”, alongside Martynas Kandzeras, JA Europe Board Member, and Andželika Rusteikienė, JA Lithuania CEO, Inga Juozapavičienė, Junicorns CEO, Danielius Stasiulz, Ogvio Co-Founder & CEO, Andra Bagdonaitė, FIRSTPICK General Partner.
The discussion explored how entrepreneurship education helps identify and nurture the next generation of innovators, founders, and business leaders from an early age.
Throughout the Congress, JA Europe highlighted the growth, innovation, and entrepreneurial ambition of FERD’s List honorees, demonstrating the long-term impact of entrepreneurship education in creating successful ventures and future-ready leaders.
The event also provided an opportunity to engage with angel investors, policymakers, and key stakeholders from across Europe, strengthening connections between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the young founders emerging from the JA network.
JA Europe extends its thanks to Lietuvos Junior Achievement, Junicorns, Martynas Kandzeras, Johan H. Andresen, Katharina K. Andresen, and Andželika Rusteikienė for their leadership and collaboration in making this initiative a success.
The Congress served as a powerful reminder that Europe’s future unicorns may well be sitting in today’s classrooms, provided they are given the opportunity, skills, and support to turn their ideas into reality.
