Donegal to Riga: Irish Students Bring Gaeltacht Innovation to Europe’s Biggest Youth Entrepreneurship Stage
Ireland’s young entrepreneurs are to showcase their innovation, creativity and ambition on the European stage at JA Gen‑E 2026 in Riga, Latvia, Europe’s largest youth entrepreneurship festival.
Representing Ireland, Team Cuan from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal, will compete alongside the most promising student enterprises from across Europe, following their success as All‑Ireland Gaeltacht Entrepreneurial Champions.
Bringing together over 1,000 participants from 39 countries, Gen‑E is a landmark event in the European entrepreneurship calendar, providing a platform for young people to present their business ideas, connect with peers and industry leaders, and develop the skills needed for the future world of work.
From Gaoth Dobhair to Europe’s Innovation Stage
Team Cuan, with 4th year students Brianna Na Fhíoruisce, Bronagh Carrothers and Lucas Mac Daibhéid, will represent Ireland while presenting their innovative business focused on creating toys designed to support neurodivergent children.
Their journey from a Gaeltacht classroom to a European stage reflects the transformative impact of Clár na gComhlachtaí, delivered by Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta. The programme empowers students through real-world entrepreneurial experience, while promoting the Irish language as a living language for business and innovation.
Throughout the three-day festival in Riga, the Irish team will take part in live pitching in front of an international audience, exhibition showcases and interactive workshops, gaining invaluable exposure to international perspectives on innovation.
Building Skills for the Future
Participation in Gen‑E provides students with far more than competition experience. It equips them with critical skills including teamwork, communication, adaptability and problem-solving – key competencies for success in education, employment and life.
“We are delighted to work with JAI again this year on Clár na gComhlachtaí. For the second year in a row now, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair have reached the European stage at JA Gen‑E, a huge achievement. This gives the Gaeltacht, and the wonderful students living there, well earned global recognition. All of us in Údarás na Gaeltachta are exceptionally proud of these young Gaeltacht entreprenures and innovators.” said Aisling Nic Aoidh, Education and Training Officer in Údarás na Gaeltachta.
CEO of Junior Achievement Ireland Helen Raftery said, “The three young entrepreneurs from Gaoth Dobhair have done an incredible job representing their families, their school and their community so far. Their work in the lead into Gen E is testament to the high standard of entrepreneurship being fostered in our Gaeltacht schools and serves as proof of the ability and innovation that guarantees such a bright future for Gaeltacht and Irish entrepreneurship.”
Showcasing Ireland’s Bilingual Entrepreneurial Talent
Ireland’s presence at Gen‑E 2026 once again highlights the strength of its youth entrepreneurship ecosystem and its commitment to nurturing inclusive, innovative talent.
Building on Ireland’s participation in Gen‑E 2025 in Athens where Irish students demonstrated the power of community-rooted, bilingual innovation, this year’s competition reinforces the country’s growing reputation for developing globally minded, future-ready young entrepreneurs.
Team Cuan’s success is a powerful testament to the idea that world-class innovation can emerge from any community, and that when young people are given the opportunity to explore their potential, they can compete – and excel – on a global stage.