Cyprus has recorded one of the most significant achievements in the history of its youth entrepreneurship at GEN-E 2026, Europe's largest youth entrepreneurship festival, where two Cypriot teams reached the podium and the delegation returned home with three awards in total.
The winning teams
University team LIVIA won first place in the "JA Europe Innovation of the Year 2026 – University Level" category, along with the prestigious FedEx Access Award. Meanwhile, HerShield, the student company from St. Mary's School in Limassol, secured third place in the "JA Europe Company of the Year 2026" category.
The only double podium among 40 nations
The achievement carries added weight as Cyprus was the only country, among more than 40 participating nations, to place two teams on the podium of Europe's leading youth entrepreneurship awards. The delegation's historic performance showcased the talent, creativity and potential of the next generation of young people in Cyprus.
A collective achievement
The distinction is the result of the collective efforts of a growing ecosystem of innovation, education and entrepreneurship. It belongs to the young people themselves, their teachers, academics, mentors and families, as well as to the institutions, organisations and businesses that invest in youth entrepreneurship and create the conditions for young people in Cyprus to innovate and excel internationally.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to partners and supporters, noting that the success of LIVIA and HerShield reflects the contribution of all those who provide young people with the opportunities, tools and guidance needed to transform their ideas into achievements of European significance.
