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Meet the AmCham EU YEA 2025 Finalists 

We are thrilled to announce the finalists for the AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award (YEA) 2025! These inspiring young changemakers are transforming global challenges into bold, scalable solutions through innovation in clean-tech, circular energy, and sustainable construction. 

Here are the standout finalists:

Headshot Sophia

2025 Finalist

Sophia Plamenova Nikolova

BioBliss

Sophia, a high school student from Sofia, Bulgaria, is the Founder and CEO of BioBliss, a startup transforming bio-waste into eco-friendly, high-performance button-cell batteries. By replacing lithium and cobalt with hard carbon sourced from organic waste, BioBliss offers a sustainable and circular alternative to traditional energy storage. Sophia is passionate about climate action and innovation. Alongside her entrepreneurial journey, she leads the student council, represents Bulgaria in international youth programs, and actively contributes to environmental and media organizations. BioBliss empowers industries and individuals alike to choose cleaner, greener energy alternatives.
Headshot Maria

2025 Finalist

María Martínez Gómez

TecH2Ocean

María Martínez Gómez is the Co-Founder and Project Manager of TecH2Ocean, a Spanish clean-tech startup pioneering decentralized water reuse solutions. With a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Design Engineering and an MBA, María brings a unique combination of technical insight and business acumen to the forefront of water innovation. Through her leadership on the ADSOL project, TecH2Ocean develops smart, modular systems, like the “Water Battery”, to recycle greywater using solar energy, nanofiltration, and intelligent automation. Serving residential, industrial, and public sectors, the startup aims to democratize access to sustainable water and accelerate the shift toward circular water systems.
Headshot_EliiseLehtsaar

2025 Finalist

Eliise Lehtsaar

Voon

At just 20 years old, Eliise Lehtsaar is the CEO and co-founder of Voon, an award-winning greentech startup turning waste wool into eco-friendly air filters. Voon’s innovative solution reduces environmental impact, improves indoor air quality, and supports sustainability in the construction sector. Eliise is a trailblazer in circular design and clean technology, demonstrating how natural waste materials can power high-impact environmental change.

Each year, the Youth Entrepreneurship Award (YEA) shines a spotlight on exceptional entrepreneurs who have emerged from Junior Achievement programmes and are actively addressing today’s most pressing societal challenges. Through innovation, sustainability, and purpose-driven leadership, these young changemakers are redefining the future of business. 

Following a rigorous selection process led by JA Europe and AmCham EU, three outstanding finalists have been chosen to travel to Brussels, where they will pitch their ventures and take part in jury interviews. The winner will be announced at the prestigious AmCham EU Gala on 12 June 2025 and will receive a €10,000 prize and mentorship to support the growth and impact of their startup. 

Stay tuned for more updates on their journey and join us in celebrating the power of youth-led innovation! 

 
#AmChamEU #YEA2025 #JAAlumni #YouthEntrepreneurs #Sustainability #Innovation  

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