GET IN THE RING
About Get in the Ring
It’s not just a pitch. It’s a pitch battle. Fast-paced, high-impact, and expert-fuelled, Get in the Ring gives online award winning teams the chance to sharpen their pitch, strengthen their strategy, and prepare to compete live on stage in Riga.
Get in the Ring is a global pitch battle initiative created and delivered by Unknown University, designed to challenge and elevate early-stage entrepreneurs through dynamic head-to-head competition formats across the world.
In collaboration with Unknown University, JA Europe is bringing Get in the Ring to Gen-E 2026, offering eligible teams a unique opportunity to learn, train, and step into the spotlight in an internationally recognised live battle format.
How it works
Win an Online Award
Online award winning teams become eligible to continue their journey through Get in the Ring at Gen-E 2026.
Introductory call
Teams join an introductory call with Unknown University to discover the format, expectations, and next steps.
Submit a short video pitch
Participating teams prepare and submit a short video pitch as part of the selection and preparation process.
Semi-finalists announced in Riga
On site in Riga, teams will find out which four teams progress to the semi-finals, followed by on-site preparation.
7-9 July, Semi-Finals
Four teams compete in the live semi-finals, pitching head-to-head in front of the jury and audience.
7-9 July, Final
The two finalist teams go head-to-head in the final battle to decide the Get in the Ring champion at Gen-E 2026.
Prize
Scholarship opportunity
The winning team will receive a scholarship opportunity from Unknown University, supporting their continued entrepreneurial and academic development.
In collaboration with Unknown University
At Unknown University of Applied Sciences, students start their own business from day one while earning a degree. Offering a fully accredited Bachelor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and a Master in Scaling Up, specifically designed for entrepreneurial students who thrive in a hands-on environment supported by a network of mentors, founders, and field experts.
Through this collaboration, Gen-E participants step into the spotlight to pitch in a dynamic environment, sharpening their ideas and stage presence through real-world experience.
Further details will be shared directly with online award winning teams.
Find out more
LinkedIn feature
Watch JA Europe’s LinkedIn feature and see more from the Get in the Ring format.
Watch videoGet in the Ring
Explore the global initiative and learn more about the pitch battle concept.
Visit websiteUnknown University
Learn more about Unknown University and its entrepreneurship-focused programmes.
Discover more