Company
of the Year
The Americas' top student-led businesses meet on one stage to compete, showcase and celebrate youth entrepreneurship — a regional milestone hosted in a different city each year.
Company of the Year brings together the Americas' most outstanding student-led businesses to celebrate entrepreneurial talent, foster peer learning, and connect young founders with business and education leaders.
It is the flagship moment of the JA Company Program, where every year thousands of young people build real ventures — and the region's best come together to compete and showcase what they've created.
A look inside Company of the Year
The 18th edition heads to Quito, in the historic heart of the Andes, under the theme Roots of Connection.
Three days, one stage for youth entrepreneurship
From the first pitch to the final award, guests share the room with authorities, business leaders, media and the most promising young founders in the region.
Pitch session
Each student enterprise has three minutes to present its venture to a panel of judges and event guests — bringing to life the highs and lows of their year and selling their company to potential investors.
Trade fair, open to the public
The region's best young companies exhibit and sell their products — welcoming special guests, entrepreneurs, authorities and media to tour the fair of the future.
Award ceremony
The region's most outstanding ventures are recognized before business and education leaders — the spotlight moment of Company of the Year.
How the three days unfold
Arrival & welcome
- Welcome
- Integration activity
- Welcome dinner
Compete & showcase
- Pitch session
- Entrepreneurship fair, open to the public
- Traditional dinner
Decide & celebrate
- Interviews with the jury
- Recreational activities
- Award ceremony
Recognizing the region's best ventures
Company of the Year celebrates a regional podium — first, second and third place — alongside a set of signature awards created with our partners.
Second Place
Runner-up among the Americas' finest student ventures.
Company of the Year
The venture that best embodies innovation, execution and impact — crowned the region's Company of the Year.
Third Place
Completing the regional podium of standout companies.
Signature awards
Global Possibilities Award
Recognizes the youth company with the greatest potential for global expansion.
Presented by FedEx
Project Success Award
Recognizes the company that stood out for the success in the execution of its project.
Presented by PMIEF
Social Impact Award
Recognizes the company chosen for its greatest capacity to create social impact.
Presented by Delta · LATAMA celebration that travels across the Americas
A glimpse of what happens when the region comes together: the pitches, the trade fair, new connections and a whole lot of celebration.
Host cities · 2009 → 2026
Mercure Quito Alameda
This is where it all comes together: pitch sessions, the trade fair and the award ceremony unfold under one roof, in the historic heart of Quito — surrounded by the city's landmarks and old town.
- Home of the full experience — pitch, fair & ceremony
- Central Quito, by Parque La Alameda
- Steps from the historic center
- Easy access for guests from across the region
What to do in Quito
The first city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a capital of colonial streets, Andean peaks and the middle of the world.
Historic Center
Latin America's best-preserved colonial old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old TownTelefériQo
Ride the cable car up Pichincha volcano for sweeping views over the city.
ViewsMitad del Mundo
Stand on the Equator line at the monument to the middle of the world.
EquatorBasílica del Voto Nacional
Climb the towers of Quito's striking neo-Gothic basilica.
LandmarkLa Ronda
A historic cobblestone street of cafés, crafts, music and traditional treats.
CultureEl Panecillo
A hilltop viewpoint crowned by the winged Virgin of Quito statue.
ViewpointBe part of Company of the Year
Join the region's biggest celebration of youth entrepreneurship. Get in contact with us.