For the second consecutive time, Junior Enterprises Europe (JE Europe) has recognised Junior Enterprises at Técnico (JUNITEC)  as the ‘Junior Enterprise of the Year’ in Europe.

The distinction, received as part of the European Excellence Awards, was announced at the JE Europe Winter Conference, held in Brussels from 6 to 9 March, and refers to the work carried out by JUNITEC in 2024.

According to Carlos Rebelo, president of JUNITEC, the award is ‘proof’ of the company’s ability to ‘develop innovative technological projects’ and ‘positively impact society’. This award gives the team ‘added motivation’ to continue its ‘growth trajectory’, he concluded.

In 2024, the Junior Enterprises at Técnico achieved a turnover exceeding 200,000 euros – marking its highest figure to date – and presented an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report, becoming the first European junior enterprise to accomplish this, as stated in an announcement.

In 2023, JUNITEC became the first Portuguese junior enterprise to receive the JE Europe award. Last year, it also won the ‘Most Impactful Project of the Year’ award for its ‘Oficina dos Sons’ project. This initiative aims to help children develop linguistic awareness in a fun and engaging way. JE Europe represents more than 34,000 students from 326 junior enterprises in 16 European countries.

JUNITEC was founded in 1990 by a group of students from Instituto Superior Técnico. It serves as a bridge between the business and student worlds, providing members with an experience closely aligned with the realities of the job market.