Brussels, 5 June 2026 – Three young female entrepreneurs were recognised at the 14th edition of the AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2026, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) in collaboration with JA Europe. The event brought together EU policymakers, business leaders, and transatlantic stakeholders to celebrate the role of youth-led innovation in shaping Europe’s competitiveness and economic future.
The ceremony featured the participation of European Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque, the Cabinet of Commissioner Glenn Micallef, MEP Eva Maydell, and senior representatives of the United States Mission to the European Union.
Since 2021, the Award has placed a dedicated focused on female-lead start-up emerging from JA programs across Europe, recognising ventures with strong commercial potential, innovation and sustainability. Now in its 14th edition, it is one of the longest-running platforms supporting young female entrepreneurs in Europe.
The 2026 edition received strong institutional support of MEP Eva Maydell (EPP, European Parliament); Clint Tanti, Head of Cabinet of Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport,and John Simmons, Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs at the United States Mission to the European Union — reflecting the transatlantic and policy-level relevance of investing in young female entrepreneurs.
Three female founders, three countries, one stage
During the Jury Deliberation Session held at AmCham EU in Brussels, the three finalists presented their ventures live before a jury of senior business leaders, policymakers, and transatlantic representatives. Each finalist delivered a pitch followed by a question-and-answer session, allowing the jury to assess their business models, growth ambitions, and entrepreneurial vision.
Following jury deliberation, Elenya Spiteri, Founder of Medilert was announced as the winner of the AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2026 during the AmCham EU Annual Gala. The winning founder receives a €10,000 cash prize and access to 12 months of mentorship from members of AmCham EU’s Executive Council.
The three finalists of the 2026 edition are:
Elenya Spiteri, Medilert (Malta) a smart medication management system combining an automated dispenser, app-based monitoring and voice reminders to support safe and timely medication use for older adults. Medilert aims to support healthy ageing and address a growing challenge in elderly care.
Bora Selenica, Pigi (Albania) – a family-centered financial education app helping children aged 5–14 learn, earn, save and spend in a safe, parent-monitored environment. Pigi is addressing a growing need at the intersection of finance, education and technology.
Marija Ručevska, Outlast Fund (Latvia) – an early-stage venture capital fund investing in pre-seed and seed technology companies across the Baltics and Nordics. With €21 million in assets under management, the fund backs high-potential founders building in areas such as AI-native teams, hard tech, next-generation marketplaces, and health and wellbeing.
“Women Who Move Europe” business breakfast at The Nine
On 5 June, JA Europe and AmCham EU hosted a private “Women Who Move Europe” breakfast, bringing together the finalists with senior representatives from the European Commission and industry at The Nine in Brussels.
The session opened with a video address by Julie Linn Teigland, Global Vice Chair, Alliances & Ecosystems, and EMEIA Area Managing Partner at EY, and member of the JA Europe Board, followed by a welcome remark from Malte Lohan, Chief Executive Officer of AmCham EU.
Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services and Savings and Investments Union joined the discussion, engaging directly with the finalists on topics such as financial literacy, fintech and venture capital.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for informal exchange between emerging entrepreneurs and senior leaders, fostering dialogue on the challenges and opportunities for female founders in Europe.
The roundtable brought together senior representatives from the European Commission and industry, including Alice Guedel (European Commission), Michelle O’Neill (O’Neill Strategy), Claudia Selli (AT&T), Aylin Lusi (UPS / AmCham EU), Petra Florizoone (IBM Quantum), and Elena Tosheva (Google), alongside JA Europe, creating a space for direct exchange between emerging entrepreneurs and experienced leaders across policy and business.
Fourteen years of championing young entrepreneurs in Europe
Since its launch in 2013 at AmCham EU’s 50th Anniversary Gala, the Youth Entrepreneurship Award has spotlighted dozens of young entrepreneurs from across Europe, many of whom have gone on to build globally recognised companies across sectors such as clean energy, health tech and circular innovation.
The 2026 edition reaffirms the joint commitment of AmCham EU and JA Europe to advance female-led innovation, transatlantic cooperation, and the entrepreneurial talent that will shape Europe’s next decade.
“Medilert is a strong example of how young women entrepreneurs are bringing fresh thinking to Europe’s economy. Elenya has shown what is possible when a clear business idea is matched with the determination to bring it to market. We are pleased to recognise her achievement and the example she sets for women entrepreneurs across Europe.”
— Malte Lohan, Chief Executive Officer, AmCham EU
“The AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award embodies what we believe at JA Europe: that when young people are given the skills, networks, and opportunities to lead, they don’t just succeed — they reshape entire industries. In its 14th edition, this Award continues to spotlight the female founders driving Europe’s next generation of innovation. Together with AmCham EU, we are proud to amplify the voices of young women whose ventures are already addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time — from healthcare and financial literacy to the future of European investment.”
— Salvatore Nigro, Chief Executive Officer, JA Europe
“What strikes me most about this year’s finalists is the depth of their conviction. Elenya, Bora, and Marija are not waiting for permission — they are building companies that solve real problems for real people, from supporting families with elderly relatives, to empowering children with financial skills, to backing the next wave of European tech founders. They reflect the very best of what JA Europe stands for: bold ideas, hands-on learning, and the courage to lead. Our long-standing partnership with AmCham EU continues to be one of the most meaningful platforms for showcasing female-led entrepreneurship in Europe.”
— Diana Filip, Deputy CEO and Chief Development Officer, JA Europe
About the AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award
The AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award was launched in 2013 by the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union, in collaboration with JA Europe, to recognise outstanding young entrepreneurs emerging from JA programmes across Europe. Since 2021, the Award has focused on start-ups with a female founder, co-founder, or key team member, addressing the persistent gender gap in entrepreneurship. The winner receives a €10,000 cash prize and 12 months of mentorship from members of AmCham EU’s Executive Council.
About AmCham EU
AmCham EU speaks for American companies committed to Europe on trade, investment and competitiveness issues. It aims to ensure a growth-oriented business and investment climate in Europe. AmCham EU facilitates the resolution of transatlantic issues that impact business and plays a role in creating better understanding of EU and US positions on business matters. Aggregate US investment in Europe totalled more than €3.5 trillion in 2024, directly supports more than 4.6 million jobs in Europe, and generates billions of euros annually in income, trade, and research and development. For more information, visit amchameu.eu.
About JA Europe
JA Europe is the largest and leading organisation in Europe dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed. For over 100 years, JA Worldwide has delivered hands-on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health. In the last school year, the JA Europe network in over 40 countries provided over 7.5 million learning experiences for youth in online, in-person and blended formats, the organisation provided over 95,500 teaching experiences and 86,500 volunteering and mentoring experiences.
For additional information please contact Maryna Venneri, Development Associate, JA Europe at maryna@jaeurope.org
Join the conversation: #Gen_E #YEA2026 #FemaleEntrepreneurship #StartUp @AmChamEU @JA_Europe
