We are excited to announce the launch of the UPS Healthcare Award 2026 — celebrating outstanding youth-led innovation in the healthcare sector that has relevance to logistics and/or UPS across Europe.
This award is open to JA alumni aged 18–30 who are founders or co-founders of a start-up in this industry.
Why Apply?
The three winners of the UPS Healthcare Award will each receive a 5,000$ cash prize each and benefit from visibility and in-person networking with senior leaders from UPS Healthcare and the pharmaceutical sector.
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Participation in a Junior Achievement entrepreneurship programme in Europe
- Age 18–30 at the time of application
- Serving as CEO, Founder, or Co-founder of a company operating in the healthcare sector
- Demonstrating a strong commitment to growing and scaling their business
- Eager to enhance their entrepreneurial skills through in-person networking with UPS Healthcare leaders
- Based in one of JA Europe’s 42 member countries
- Available to travel in April 2026 for jury interviews, business meetings, and the award ceremony
- Able to submit a completed application by 30 January 2026 (midnight CET)
Applicants should emphasise in their application how their solution and Startup fit one or more of the following focus areas within which UPS Healthcare operates OR explain the Startup’s relevance for UPS Healthcare.
- Medical devices: “Reimagining medical devices for scalable and tech-driven healthcare logistics”
Medical devices are no longer used only in hospitals. They are increasingly found in homes, communities, and connected digital systems. This creates new logistics challenges, such as weaker supply chains, complicated regulations, and the need for technology-driven, scalable solutions. These challenges also open huge opportunities for innovation.
- Laboratories: “Building the Smart, Sustainable Laboratory of the Future”
Laboratories drive important discoveries: from disease diagnostics to developing vaccines. But they are under increasing pressure to work faster, cleaner, reduce errors, and stay better connected.
- Pharma: “Revolutionising Pharma Logistics for Resilience, Equity, and Smart Distribution”
Pharmaceutical logistics is facing challenges such as rising costs, risks in the cold chain (temperature-controlled packaging and shipping), and the need for greater precision and speed. These pressures also create opportunities for scalable, technology-driven solutions that can deliver real business impact.
Please see more details on UPS Healthcare, examples in the above focus areas and challenges/questions here.
Key Dates
- Deadline to apply: 30 January 2026
- Top 10 announcement: By 16 February 2026
- Presentation submission deadline: 2 March 2026
- Top 3 announcement: By 20 March 2026
- Jury interviews and award ceremony: April 2026
How to Apply?
Submit your application by completing this form. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain recognition, take the next step in your entrepreneurial path and be a part of this transformative experience.
For more information or inquiries, please contact vera@jaeurope.org.
