About Gen-E
Gen-E is Europe's largest entrepreneurship festival for young people — a celebration of the ideas, ventures and ambition of thousands of students and entrepreneurs from across the continent.
How Gen-E Works
From local competitions to Europe's biggest entrepreneurship festival - here's the journey of JA students.
400,000+
Youth
40+
Countries
1
Festival
Company Program / Start Up Program
- • JA students join their school's entrepreneurship program
- • Teams create and run their own companies
Virtual Gen-E
- • JA Businesses build virtual expo stands and present their company
- • Compete for online awards and the Public Choice Award
National Competition
- • JA Businesses take part in JA national competition
- • Showcase their company in front of a jury of business experts
Winners qualify for in-person Gen-E
In-person Gen-E
- • Teams exhibit their stand, pitch on stage, meet international juries
- • Attend workshops, inspirational talks and networking events
Award ceremonies for:
Who Is Gen-E For?
Select your profile to see your journey
Who You Are
You are a secondary school student or university student.
What You Get
You gain hands‑on experience, build key skills, network and compete for European titles.
Your Journey
Join a JA Programme
Join the JA Company, JA Start Up programmes or equivalent JA program in your country.
Apply to Online Awards
Create your Virtual Expo stand and apply
Build and Compete Nationally
Present your company at your national JA competition.
Experience Gen‑E in Riga
National winners get to travel to Riga, Latvia and compete with the best student companies from across Europe.
Virtual Expo
Year-round digital platform showcasing Europe's youth entrepreneurs
2,000+
Businesses
40+
Countries
24/7
Access
Throughout the year, the Virtual Expo provides a digital stage where JA students present their companies, connect with visitors and compete for online awards. It extends the Gen‑E experience beyond the physical event and is open to all teams.
Showcase Your Business
For Students & Teams
- •Create and manage virtual booth with your business story, videos etc.
- •Share your social impact, sustainability goals and business achievements
- •Gather feedback, generate leads and build visibility for your business
- •Apply for online awards and the Public Choice Award
Discover & Support
For Everyone
- •Explore innovative youth‑led businesses from across Europe
- •Find projects that match your interests or organisation's priorities
- •Connect with young entrepreneurs and help them grow their ventures
- •Vote for businesses to help choose the winner of the Public Choice Award
Awards Overview
Celebrating excellence in youth entrepreneurship across Europe
What Are Awards
Gen‑E Awards honour the most promising youth‑led ventures emerging from JA programmes across Europe.
Businesses are evaluated by international juries composed of business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators and institutional partners. The criteria depends of the award and are such as innovation, market potential, etc.
Winners receive European‑level recognition, visibility across JA Europe channels and opportunities to connect with mentors and partners.
Award Categories
Awards accessible to all participants in JA programmes and the Virtual Expo
Public Choice Awards
Voted for by the public on the Virtual Expo — anyone can back the JA Business team they believe deserves to win.
Online Awards
Awards judged through teams' Virtual Expo presence, open to entrants competing online without needing to reach the on-site final.
Stay Connected
Get the latest updates on Gen-E 2027, application deadlines, and exclusive content for young entrepreneurs.