JA Europe Celebrates FERD’s List Honorees at Gen-E 2026
July 21, 2026
At GEN-E 2026 in Riga, Latvia, JA Europe announced the newest members of FERD's List, an initiative created in partnership with Ferd to recognize outstanding JA alumni whose careers demonstrate the lasting impact of entrepreneurship education. Each honoree participated in a JA entrepreneurial experience during their school years and has since built organizations that combine innovation, leadership, and purpose.
The 2026 FERD's List honors seven entrepreneurs whose work spans technology, renewable energy, fashion, logistics, sustainability, and biotechnology.
Sweden's Fredrik Hamilton, founder of Instabee and founder and CEO of Hemla, transformed last-mile delivery by combining customer-focused innovation with advanced logistics technology and sustainable delivery solutions. Read more about Fredrik.
Estonia's Kaarel Kotkas, founder and CEO of Veriff, has become a leading voice in digital identity verification, helping businesses worldwide combat online fraud and build a safer internet. Read more about Kaarel.
Originally from Ukraine and now based in Mexico, Kateryna Oleksiuk, founder of Kateryna Olek Atelier, has built a career that blends fashion, entrepreneurship, and education. Through her businesses and initiatives, she empowers women and creative professionals to transform their talents into successful careers. Read more about Kateryna.
Italy's Franco Ferrario, founder and CEO of Blu H Energy, is advancing renewable energy infrastructure while continuing to champion responsible leadership and entrepreneurship as a former JA student entrepreneur and European competition winner. Read more about Franco.
Spanish entrepreneur Pablo Vidarte, founder and CEO of Bioo, is pioneering biotechnology solutions that help cities improve energy efficiency, reduce light pollution, and create more sustainable urban environments. Read more about Pablo.
From Türkiye, Hale Acun Aydın has become a leading advocate for sustainable and minimalist living through education, community-building, and environmental initiatives, including the nationwide #kahvemtermosta movement to reduce single-use waste. She also serves on the board of JA Türkiye, continuing to support future generations of young entrepreneurs. Read more about Hale.
Host-country honoree Kristiāns Lancmanis of Latvia began his entrepreneurial journey through JA Latvia while still in secondary school. More than a decade later, he leads Adsmom, a rapidly growing technology startup backed by global investors, while his original JA student company continues to operate today. Read more about Kristiāns.
Although their paths differ, the seven honorees share a common starting point: an early opportunity to learn by doing. Their stories demonstrate how entrepreneurship education develops more than business skills. It builds confidence, resilience, creativity, and a willingness to solve real-world challenges.
FERD's List also reinforces the power of the global JA network. Each year, JA member organizations nominate alumni whose achievements reflect not only professional success but also a commitment to creating lasting economic and social impact. Together, these leaders serve as role models for today's JA students, showing what is possible when young people are given the opportunity to turn ideas into action.