JA Europe is delighted to announce the 2026 cohort of FERD’s List honourees, recognising exceptional JA Alumni whose entrepreneurial journeys continue to demonstrate the power of innovation, resilience and purpose-led leadership.
Each year, the FERD’s List celebrates outstanding alumni who have translated their Junior Achievement experience into impactful ventures, bold ideas and meaningful contributions to society. The 2026 cohort brings together founders and leaders working across technology, sustainability, fashion, renewable energy, digital identity, biotechnology and logistics — reflecting the diversity and ambition of Europe’s entrepreneurial talent.
The initiative was created and is supported by Johan H. Andresen, owner and Chair of FERD, who has long championed the role of Junior Achievement in helping young people develop the confidence, skills and mindset to succeed. “The profiles recognised through FERD’s List show, year after year, that there is a clear link between a JA experience and the ability to build successful, impactful ventures. They are proof that when young people are given the opportunity to practise entrepreneurship early, they can go on to shape industries, communities and society,” said Johan H. Andresen.
The award ceremony took place at Gen-E 2026, Europe’s largest entrepreneurship festival, where the next generation of European leaders and innovators competed for the titles of Company of the Year and Start Up of the Year. The setting gave the honourees a powerful opportunity to inspire younger entrepreneurs, connect with JA staff and partners, and share once again the journeys, challenges and achievements that have shaped their success so far.
PICTURE OF THE GROUP WITH THE AWARDS
From building fast-growing adtech and digital identity companies to pioneering biomethane infrastructure, sustainable living movements, urban biotechnology and customer-centred delivery solutions, this year’s honourees show how entrepreneurial mindsets can create long-term value for people, communities and the planet.
The 2026 cohort brings together:
- Hale Acun Aydın, Founder of Türk İşi Minimalizm, has turned her passion for minimal and sustainable living into a platform for awareness, action and community-building. Through workshops, content and the #kahvemtermosta movement, supported by the UNDP Accelerator Lab and active in more than 60 Turkish cities, she is helping reduce single-use waste and inspire more conscious lifestyles.
- Franco Ferrario, Founder and CEO of Blu H-Energy, is helping advance renewable energy infrastructure through one of Italy’s dynamic biomethane platforms. A former Junior Achievement student entrepreneur and European competition winner, he combines industrial execution, investment expertise and a strong commitment to long-term sustainability.
- Fredrik Hamilton, Founder of Instabee and Founder and CEO of Hemla, has helped transform last-mile delivery through technology, customer experience and sustainability. By introducing data-driven logistics, flexible delivery solutions and more sustainable approaches such as electric vehicles and optimised routing, his ventures have reshaped how consumers receive online purchases.
- Kaarel Kotkas, Founder and CEO of Veriff, is working to build a safer internet through trusted digital identity. Recognised among Europe’s leading young entrepreneurs, his leadership has earned distinctions including the Order of the White Star from the President of Estonia, Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year in Estonia.
- Kristiāns Lancmanis, Founder and CEO of Adsmom, represents a new generation of adtech entrepreneurs. His journey began in 11th grade through Junior Achievement Latvia, where he co-founded a student company that went on to place second in the European finals. More than a decade later, that first venture remains active, while Adsmom is now a fast-growing, venture-backed tech startup.
- Kateryna Oleksiuk, Founder and Director of Kateryna Olek Atelier, is a Ukrainian fashion designer based in Mexico whose work spans bridal wear, haute couture, education and leadership. Through Fashion Leader México and her digital academy, Atelier Kateryna Olek, she supports creative professionals in transforming talent into purpose and growth.
- Pablo Vidarte, Founder and CEO of Bioo, is pioneering biotechnology solutions for greener urban environments, including bioreactors for green areas and bioluminescent plants designed to reduce energy consumption and light pollution in cities. His work has been recognised by organisations including the European Parliament and Google.
Across their different sectors and countries, the 2026 FERD’s List honourees share a common thread: each has used entrepreneurship not only to build successful ventures, but also to address real-world challenges and inspire others to act.
To learn more about the new honourees and their achievements, visit the FERD’s List honourees page on the JA Europe website.
