GEN-E 2024 European Entrepreneurship Festival Wraps Up in Catania, Italy
The vibrant city of Catania played host to Europe’s largest festival of youth entrepreneurship, GEN-E 2024, culminating in an inspiring Awards Ceremony on 4 July. This annual event brought together the most innovative and driven young entrepreneurs from across Europe, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape.
Junior Achievement Albania proudly participated in this prestigious event, represented by Echo Empathy as a standout student company and Bubi Media as a dynamic startup. These teams exemplify the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Albania's youth, showcasing their innovative solutions on an international platform.
Highlights of GEN-E 2024
Organized by JA Europe and hosted this year by JA Italy, GEN-E 2024 featured an impressive showcase of entrepreneurial talent from over 40 European countries. Nearly 400,000 students who participated in JA programs during the 2023-24 school year competed in regional, national, and online competitions to qualify for this grand event.
Keynote Insights
The event was attended by notable figures such as Mr. Andrea Abodi, Italian Minister of Sport and Youth, who emphasized the importance of investing in education and youth entrepreneurship to foster national growth and development. He highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to provide young people with the opportunities and tools necessary to thrive in a complex and evolving world.
Laurence Morvan, Chair of JA Europe, underscored the role of GEN-E in sparking curiosity and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth. She highlighted the ongoing efforts of the JA network across Europe to equip young people with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce and entrepreneurial ventures.
Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe, emphasized the pivotal nature of GEN-E as a platform that bridges past achievements with future opportunities, calling on policymakers, business leaders, and educators to support young talents in realizing their full potential.
Celebrating Innovation and Excellence
While the festival celebrated numerous award winners from various European countries, the participation of Echo Empathy and Bubi Media marked a significant achievement for Junior Achievement Albania, underscoring the creativity and entrepreneurial drive of Albanian youth.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of GEN-E 2024, we look forward to continuing our mission of empowering young entrepreneurs and fostering innovation. GEN-E 2025 is set to take place in Athens, Greece, promising another exciting chapter in the journey of Europe’s brightest young minds.
About GEN-E
GEN-E is Europe’s largest entrepreneurship event, celebrating the innovative spirit and achievements of young entrepreneurs. The festival combines two major European competitions for the winners of JA Company and JA Start-Up Programmes, drawing participation from students aged 15 and above across 40 countries.