The latest national winner from JA Austria has been announced, showcasing the exceptional talent and innovative spirit of young entrepreneurs across the country.

For each kilogram of cheese that is produced approximately 9 kilograms of whey are generated as a waste or by-product. Throw it away? – Not with [re]whey! Through up-cycling and further processing, they support the local circular economy.

They offer an alternative to sugary and artificially enhanced protein and whey powders, promoting a healthy and tasty lifestyle.

Congratulations to the team for their outstanding achievement and innovative approach to business and sustainability.

Brussels, 10 June 2025.

JA Europe is proud to announce the 10 winners of The Entrepreneurial School Awards (TES Awards) 2025. These outstanding schools are being recognised for their remarkable commitment to entrepreneurship education at primary, secondary, and vocational levels, inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders across Europe. The awards are supported by FedEx, a long-time partner of JA Europe.

The 2025 TES Award Winners:

• BG/BRG Stainach – Austria
• The Junior and Senior School – Cyprus
• Erhvervsakademi Aarhus (Business Academy Aarhus) – Denmark
• Tampere Vocational College Tredu – Finland
• 3rd Junior High School of Argyroupolis – Greece
• Riga Teika Secondary School – Latvia
• Lycée Aline Mayrisch – Luxembourg
• Business Academy Nevädzová in Bratislava – Slovakia
• Hitachigymnasiet Västerås – Sweden
• Vasylkiv Vocational Lyceum – Ukraine

 

“The Entrepreneurial School Awards shine a spotlight on the schools that are shaping the future of Europe. Each winner demonstrates a powerful commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and skills in students, preparing them for a world of opportunity and change. By recognizing these schools, we celebrate the educators who are transforming lives every day. The TES Awards highlight the importance of entrepreneurial education in empowering young people to become the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow” mentioned Salvatore Nigro, CEO, JA Europe.

“At FedEx, we believe that nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset in young people is essential for developing resilient communities and a thriving future economy. Our longstanding partnership with JA Europe, has shown us how schools across Europe are transforming education by embedding entrepreneurship into everyday learning. The TES Awards shine a light on these inspiring endeavours, and we’re proud to support and celebrate the educators and students who are shaping the innovators and leaders of tomorrow,’’ said Mark Timmermans, Vice President Planning and Engineering, FedEx.

The TES Award criteria recognise excellence in entrepreneurship education, focusing on the active participation of both teachers and students, the allocation of dedicated resources, meaningful community engagement, ongoing professional development, and the integration of a European perspective. By meeting these standards, the winning schools inspire young people to think creatively, take initiative, and realize their potential as the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.

BG/BRG Stainach – Austria

The BG/BRG Stainach is an academic secondary school located in the rural region of Upper Styria, Austria. While offering a well-rounded general education, the school is nationally and internationally recognised as a Best Practice institution for entrepreneurship education. Its unique “Business – START UP!” track integrates Business Administration, Business English, and practical entrepreneurship experience through the long-established Junior Company program. Students earn multiple certificates, including the Entrepreneur’s Skills Certificate and Austrian business license. Beyond business, the school also specialises in languages, science & IT, and digital education, supported by strong national and European partnerships (e.g., Erasmus+). With over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience, BG/BRG Stainach regularly wins prestigious awards at national and European levels and offers its students exceptional practical and theoretical skills for the future.

The Junior and Senior School – Cyprus

The Junior and Senior School is a well-established all-through school for students aged 3–19, offering a seamless educational journey from Early Years to Sixth Form. From September 2025, the school proudly operates as an IB World School, complementing its foundation in the National Curriculum for England. With over 1,400 students across both campuses, including those joining from Greek and other primary schools in Year 7, the school fosters academic excellence in a fully English-speaking environment. Students graduate fluent in English and receive IGCSEs, A Levels, and the Cyprus Ministry of Education’s Apolytirion. High academic standards, consistent monitoring, and targeted interventions ensure strong student progress and outcomes. Graduates regularly gain admission to leading universities in the UK, USA, the Netherlands, and across Europe. The shared ethos and unified leadership across both sites create a nurturing and aspirational setting for success.

Erhvervsakademi Aarhus (Business Academy Aarhus) – Denmark

Business Academy Aarhus (EAAA) is an academy with more than 12500 students and offers a wide variety of 58 educations. The academy also has an international focus and offers international educations. The academy focuses on the students as our starting point. The learning style is based on: Practical relevance and relevance – e.g. ongoing involvement of companies Evaluation culture – e.g. ongoing evaluation and feedback are a natural part of the learning A good knowledge base – the academy connects both current and relevant theory with business practice We focus on developing and completing the programmes so they create value for students and companies alike. Therefore, Business Academy Arhus focuses on using its competencies in specific research and innovation projects in collaboration with partner companies. The academy has a long and valuable history working with innovation and entrepreneurship and is a valued institution by The Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship.

Tampere Vocational College Tredu – Finland

Tampere Vocational College Tredu is one of the largest vocational education providers in Finland, serving over 17,000 students across the Pirkanmaa region. With a strong emphasis on practical learning and working life skills, Tredu offers a wide range of study fields, from technology and healthcare to business and creative industries. Tredu is committed to promoting student well-being, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Entrepreneurship education is a central focus area at Tredu and is integrated into the learning experience through extensive cooperation with local businesses, community organisations, and national initiatives. Tredu’s strategic partnerships and dynamic learning environments provide students with real-world opportunities to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and competencies.

3rd Junior High School of Argyroupolis – Greece

The 3rd Junior High School of Argyroupoli is a dynamic, open, and sustainable school actively participating in both National and European programs. Our students engage in Erasmus+, eTwinning, ESA, and JA Greece initiatives, achieving distinctions in STEM, robotics, 3D design, and notably in entrepreneurship. We foster entrepreneurial thinking through a variety of programs such as JA Company Program, Company Junior, Apps 101, the Girls Go Circular, the Dreamwisely, the SIR program, the program “Become the Leader of Yourself”, the Economics Alphabet and the KMOP “Our Digital Village” program. Simultaneously, we cultivate creativity and argumentation skills through our Rhetoric Club. The school also promotes innovation via robotics activities (EV3 lego mindstorm, Spike Prime, Arduino, micro:bit), virtual laboratories, 3D design and artificial intelligence. We also foster environmental awareness through the Climate Detectives and the DIAZOMA initiatives, and expand scientific horizons with virtual visits to major research centres such as CERN and Virgo.

Riga Teika Secondary School – Latvia

Riga Teika Secondary School is a comprehensive school with 1,058 students from grades 1 to 12. With a 75-year history, the school is rich in traditions, symbolised by its own flag, anthem, and commemorative badge. The anthem’s refrain — “Because Teika does not die, Teika sings. And Teika takes its own path!” — inspires unity and resilience in both challenges and celebrations. Students actively engage in annual events such as aerobics and dance festivals, and the singing competition Teikas lakstīgala. A wide range of extracurricular activities is offered, including national dance, choir, theatre, ceramics, arts, robotics, and sports. The Student Council plays a vital role in school life, organising numerous events. The school is a regular participant in Junior Achievement Latvia programmes, particularly student company trade fairs and other activities. As an eTwinning and Erasmus+ school, Riga Teika fosters international collaboration through teacher and student exchanges.

Lycée Aline Mayrisch – Luxembourg

Lycée Aline Mayrisch is a classical secondary school located in Luxembourg City, welcoming students aged approximately 12 to 19, corresponding to classes 7e to 1ère in the Luxembourgish system. As a “classical lyceum,” the school follows a broad academic curriculum rooted in the national educational tradition. What truly distinguishes our school within Luxembourg is its outstanding range of extracurricular activities, spanning sustainability, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and the arts. This wide offer is a defining feature of our school and a key reason why many motivated and committed students actively choose to attend Lycée Aline Mayrisch. In this dynamic environment, students regularly initiate and lead meaningful projects, reflecting their creativity and sense of responsibility. Our students also perform well in national and international competitions. Guided by the school’s motto “To give students both roots and wings”, we aim to empower learners to become autonomous and independent individuals – a core value embedded in our educational concept.

Business Academy Nevädzová in Bratislava – Slovakia

Business Academy Nevädzová 3 in Bratislava is a modern vocational secondary school with a strong focus on practical economic education, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy. Since 1995, students have annually established student companies in cooperation with Junior Achievement Slovakia—this school year marks the 30th anniversary of the tradition. The school cultivates creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, critical reasoning, and innovation through diverse educational projects, competitions, and international programs. It is widely recognised as one of the top vocational schools in Slovakia, consistently ranked at the top of national rankings. The school is known for its innovative pedagogical practices and the high success rate of graduates both in the job market and in higher education. It maintains active memberships in national educational and professional networks and plays a leading role in the advancement of entrepreneurship education in the region.

Hitachigymnasiet Västerås – Sweden

Hitachigymnasiet in Västerås: Educating for a Better World Founded in 1994 as ABB Industrigymnasium, Hitachigymnasiet is a cutting edge school and a leader in innovation and sustainability. Our curriculum integrates technology, natural sciences, and social sciences, fostering critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving. As Sweden’s first secondary school to offer education in Artificial Intelligence (AI), we’ve been instrumental in developing national AI-courses for secondary and university levels. Through strong industry partnerships, students engage with real-world challenges, creating sustainable, innovative solutions. Entrepreneurship, innovation, and product development run as a common thread throughout our program, from year one to year three. Through the Junior Achievement (JA) program, students combine theory and practice, growing through teamwork, dreamwork, and real work. With our vision: Educating for a Better World, we aim to inspire not only our students but also our partners. Together, we’re shaping a future where the next generation is ready to take on global challenges with creativity, collaboration, and confidence.

Vasylkiv Vocational Lyceum – Ukraine

The Vasylkiv Vocational Lyceum is a modern educational institution in the Kyiv region that combines vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and social responsibility. The lyceum offers training in 29 in-demand professions across IT, services, construction, light industry, and food services. Its learning environment includes four training and practice centres, a beauty salon, a mini-hotel, and a zoned cafeteria, providing students with real-world experience. The institution supports learners with special educational needs and empowers youth from vulnerable groups to become leaders of a new generation. The Lyceum prepares specialists who not only possess relevant professional skills but also think like entrepreneurs, ready to transform their country.

We are proud to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of these schools and their inspiring efforts to advance entrepreneurship education. Through their dedication and creativity, educators and students alike are fostering the skills and mindset needed for future success. Our heartfelt thanks go to FedEx for championing this year’s Entrepreneurial School Awards and supporting young innovators across Europe.

Don’t miss your chance to applaud the winners at Gen-E 2025 in Athens from 1–3 July, a gathering where tomorrow’s entrepreneurial leaders take centre stage.

Learn more and join the celebration at www.gen-e.eu.

The latest national winners from JA Czech Republic have been announced, showcasing the exceptional talent and innovative spirit of young entrepreneurs across the country.

Upper-secondary Team: Prismatica
Prismatica, a student company from Prague British International School, emerged victorious in the upper-secondary category. Their business was founded as part of the JA Czech Student Company program and stands out for its commitment to sustainability. Prismatica specializes in 3D-printed decorations and accessories, blending modern design with an ecological ethos. By utilizing a proprietary machine that transforms PET bottles into filament, alongside other eco-friendly and biodegradable materials, the team is able to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Comprising three motivated students, Prismatica aims to deliver affordable, well-designed home items while also changing perceptions of 3D printing technology. Their product range includes contemporary vases and a standout charging dock for the Apple Watch, which doubles as a stand for phones, notes, or business cards due to its innovative, space-saving design. Additionally, they offer smart accessories such as stylish analog clocks, stress-relief toys, and practical trays—each crafted to appeal to discerning customers.

University Team: Cooltivate
In the university category, Cooltivate from Anglo-American University in Prague secured the top spot. Cooltivate is revolutionizing agriculture through AI-driven drone analytics. Their solution empowers farmers to increase yields, minimize waste, and digitize land management. Designed specifically for the agricultural sector and supported by robust data analytics, Cooltivate demonstrates the transformative potential of technology in traditional industries.

Congratulations to both teams for their outstanding achievements and innovative approaches to business and sustainability. Their accomplishments reflect the high standard of entrepreneurship education fostered by JA Czech Republic.

The student company ‘PflanzLicht’ from the Peter-Joseph-Lenné Comprehensive School in Potsdam won the JA Germany National Final today against 12 strong teams. PflanzLicht has thus secured the coveted ticket to Europe’s largest entrepreneurship festival and student company competition ‘Gen-E 2025’ and will be competing for Germany against student companies from 40 different countries in Athens in July.

There was great joy when the jury around Prof. Dr. Michael Hüther (Director at the German Economic Institute) announced the decision at the award ceremony at the German Economic Institute in Cologne. Four criteria were assessed: Business idea, Pitch-Deck, Company Presentation on Stage and the Jury Interview. ‘PflanzLicht’ impressed on all counts.

Their idea: room decorations made out of plants and lights.

JA Montenegro is proud to announce that Woolish, a student team from High School “Danilo Kiš”, Budva, and EngineClip, a startup team from the University of Donja Gorica, have been selected as national winners of the GEN-E Montenegro 2025 competition. They will represent Montenegro at GEN-E 2025 in Athens, Greece!

Woolish, guided by teacher Pavle Kentera, transforms surplus wool into cushions and toys specially designed for children with autism—offering calming sensory stimulation while promoting inclusion, eco-conscious production, and support for sensitive social groups.

EngineClip is an innovative software tool that saves time and effort for design and engineering companies by centralizing project data. It connects architects, designers, engineers, surveyors, investors, accountants, and legal teams—ensuring seamless collaboration across all project stakeholders.

We look forward to seeing both teams bring their innovation and vision to the European stage, proudly representing their organisation and Montenegro at GEN-E 2025.

Over the past three days, Serbia’s brightest young entrepreneurs gathered for the National Student Company Competition, showcasing their innovative ideas and business acumen.

After an inspiring and closely contested event, they are proud to announce that the team T-Buddy from Gymnasium Mladenovac, guided by teacher Petar Milanović, has been selected as Serbia’s representative for GEN-E 2025.

T-Buddy is a student-led company dedicated to running creative labs for children aged 8 to 18, inspiring them to unlock their potential, think creatively, and develop a passion for the boundless world of science.

We look forward to seeing T-Buddy bring their enthusiasm and vision to the European stage at GEN-E 2025, continuing Serbia’s tradition of fostering youth entrepreneurship and innovation.

GreenChain, from SEK-Ciudalcampo School (Madrid), and Link3rs, from the University of Barcelona, will represent Spain at GEN-E 2025.

About GreenChain

Level: Upper Secondary level

The GreenChain team, from SEK-Ciudalcampo School (Madrid), has developed an innovative solution to transform the supply chain in the agricultural sector.
Using Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain technology, their platform aligns agricultural supply with historical and projected demand by geographic area, thus optimizing the production and distribution process.
This technological model promotes the consumption of local products, which not only strengthens rural development but also reduces the ecological footprint and contributes to a more sustainable agri-food system.
With its innovative approach and environmental commitment, GreenChain demonstrates how young talent can lead the way toward a more efficient and resilient future for the primary sector.

About Link3rs

Level: University Level

Link3rs, from the University of Barcelona, is a simultaneous translation platform powered by artificial intelligence, designed to make events more accessible, faster, and more affordable.
With just one click, users can obtain automatic real-time translations, eliminating language barriers and democratizing access to international content.
Link3rs represents an inclusive technological solution that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to enable multilingual communication in an increasingly connected world.

KIWOKO has created a unique activity book for children that playfully combines cooking, reading, and learning. Their mission is to reduce screentime for kids and foster meaningful exchange between generations.

Follow their journey and support their innovative project that encourages creativity and family bonding.

Connect with KIWOKO on social media:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Learn more about their project on their website.

Congratulations to KIWOKO for their outstanding achievement and we look forward to seeing them in Athens, at the Gen-E 2025 festival!