Application
Learn about the selection process, eligibility criteria, and pre-registration for student companies.
ClosedGet Ready
Educational content for participants and key information for chaperones to prepare for the COY experience.
Coming soonOn-Site
Meet the finalists, discover the event experience, and get to know the judges and COY Influencers in real time.
Coming soonCOY Recap
Watch recap videos, see the winners, and explore highlights from the event.
Coming soonAbout the Company Program
Where everything begins
Every year, thousands of young people become entrepreneurs by launching a real business and learning by doing. They take full responsibility for every business decision, experiencing firsthand the value of teamwork, problem solving, and calculated risk-taking while applying essential project management and business tools. They pitch their ideas to potential investors to raise the capital needed to launch their ventures, and they showcase and sell their products at trade fairs and shopping centers.
About COY 2026
The best of Junior Achievement, united in Ecuador
Company of the Year brings together the top Junior Achievement Company Program teams from across the Americas for an unforgettable multi-day event of pitching, judging, and networking. In Ecuador, the region's most outstanding student businesses compete and celebrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact.
The Event Experience
Fair, pitch and interviews
Every finalist company goes through three moments that bring its business to life in front of the judges and event guests.
Monday · Nov 23
Trade fair
In a public venue, each team showcases and markets their product or service during the competition to the judges and event guests.
Monday · Nov 23
Pitch session
Each student enterprise presents its business venture for three minutes to the panel of judges and event guests. They bring to life the highs and lows of their year, and market and sell their company to potential investors in the audience in a business and creative style.
Tuesday · Nov 24
Interview
A conversation about the company's performance, plus any questions the judges have after they read the reports and visit the stands.
This Year's Meeting Point
Mercure Quito Alameda
In the heart of Quito, by Parque La Alameda
This is the main venue for Company of the year, bringing participants together in the historic heart of Quito, surrounded by the city’s landmarks and old town.
- Home of the full experience
- Central Quito, by Parque La Alameda
- Steps from the historic center
- Easy access for guests from across the region
General Agenda · November 22–24
How the three days unfold
The main moments of Company of the Year 2026 in Quito, from the welcome to the award ceremony.
Welcome
📍 Full day at Hotel Mercure Alameda- From 12:00Arrival of delegations & check-in
- 13:00 – 15:30Lunch
- 15:30 – 18:30Opening, ice-breaker activity & inspiring talks
- 18:30 – 19:30Free time & preparation
- 19:30 – 22:00Welcome dinner
Showcase
- 06:00 – 07:30Participants' breakfast buffetHotel Mercure Alameda
- 07:45 – 08:45Transfer from hotel to UDLA
- 09:00 – 10:00Stand setupUDLA
- 10:00 – 13:00Entrepreneurship fair (open to the public)UDLA
- 13:00 – 14:00Participants' lunch
- 14:00 – 17:00Pitch presentations (open session)UDLA
- 18:30 – 19:00Free timeHotel Mercure Alameda
- 19:45 – 22:30Traditional dinner & cultural showLa Capilla Restaurant
Final day
- 07:00 – 09:00Participants' breakfast buffetHotel Mercure Alameda
- 09:00 – 11:00Personal experience interviewsHotel Mercure Alameda
- 11:30 – 12:30Free time & mentoring
- 13:00 – 17:00City tour & lunchHistoric Center
- 18:00 – 19:00Free time & preparationHotel Mercure Alameda
- 19:00 – 21:00Awards dinner & ceremonyHotel Mercure Alameda
All times are Quito local time (GMT-5). The schedule may have minor adjustments.
Digital Coach
Meet Kito, your digital coach
Kito is the official digital coach for Company of the Year 2026. Ask about the agenda, hotel and transportation, or practice your pitch and prepare for the judges' questions before you arrive in Quito.
Available in English, Español and Português. Kito is an AI assistant: never share personal information.
Finalists · Coverage & Fees
What's covered for your team
Each finalist company travels with full support for its core team, with flexible options to bring additional participants. Financial assistance is available through the application platform.
Three students and one advisor per finalist company receive full expense coverage.
Per person, for up to two extra students and one additional advisor.
Financial assistance is available and can be requested directly on the application platform.
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