Skip to content

Latvia's Gen-E Festival to Crown Europe's Top Student Entrepreneurs in Riga

From hydroponic gardens to smartwatches for the visually impaired, Latvia's young innovators are redefining entrepreneurship. Who will take home the top prize?

The image shows a group of people standing on top of a stage, each holding a bouquet of flowers and...
The image shows a group of people standing on top of a stage, each holding a bouquet of flowers and certificates in their hands. In the background, there is a board with the words "Youth Solar Awards 2019" written on it, indicating that the group is celebrating their success.

Latvia's Gen-E Festival to Crown Europe's Top Student Entrepreneurs in Riga

Latvia is set to host the Gen-E festival in Riga this March, bringing together top student companies from over 40 countries. The event will showcase young entrepreneurs competing for titles like European Student Company of the Year and Student Startup of the Year. Organisers promise an unforgettable experience for all participants. The festival builds on Latvia’s strong track record in student entrepreneurship. In 2023, the country hosted the International Student Company Festival, where local teams made their mark. Fortfull Group from Ogre Technical School impressed judges with an innovative wristwatch designed for visually impaired users.

Latvian student companies continue to innovate. Blum, a team from Madona State Gymnasium, developed a hydroponic garden for home use. Meanwhile, Riga Teika Secondary School was recognised last year for excellence in entrepreneurship education. Junior Achievement Latvia is leading the event, with support from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA). LIAA Director General Ieva Jāgere highlighted the importance of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among young people. Jānis Krievāns, Chair of Junior Achievement Latvia’s board, expressed excitement about hosting the festival and showcasing the country’s talent. The competition will feature the best student teams from across Europe. They will present their projects, network with peers, and vie for top honours in front of an international panel.

The Gen-E festival will take place in Riga, marking another milestone for Latvia’s student entrepreneurship programme. Winners will be announced in March, with the event expected to inspire future business leaders. LIAA and Junior Achievement Latvia will continue supporting young innovators beyond the competition.

Read also:

Latest