CYE 2026Your chance to power‑up your startup and hit the European stage
JCI Ukraine is launching Creative Young Entrepreneur 2026 - is a pitch competition dedicated to fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit among today's brightest minds.
We are more committed than ever to providing a platform where aspiring entrepreneurs can showcase their groundbreaking businesses, pitch them, and compete for a chance to turn their dreams into reality.
Why you should enter
Reach the global final
The winner gets a ticket to the CYE final at the JCI European Conference in Spain, Malaga.
European trip
All finalists are invited to join the Ukrainian delegation at the JCI European Conference.
Global network
Direct access to JCI investors and mentors in 100+ countries.
PR boost
Your story will hit global media and socials.
Key eligibility rules
Must be 18-40 years old
Business must be at least 3 months old with real traction
All materials and the pitch must be in English
A team that ready to travel to Malaga for European contest and to Philippines for world contest
How it works
Apply
1 - Fill in the online form, 2 - upload your pitch deckAll materials must be in English.
Screening
Our jury reviews all applications and selects the top 10 finalists. You'll receive a confirmation email with the result and next steps within two weeks of the deadline.
National final
Each finalist delivers a 5-minutes live pitch in English to a jury, followed by Q&A. The jury selects the top 3 and the national winner is announced.
European stage
The national winner gets a ticket to compete at the JCI European Conference in Málaga, Spain. A 3-minute pitch in front of an international jury with a $5,000 prize and a spot at the JCI World Congress on the line.
Key 2026 dates
15 March — applications open
Online form + Pitch deck. One application per business per person.
10 April — application deadline
You will get complete information about each program we offer. There are several available options according to your needs.
14 April — National final online
Each finalist: 5-minute pitch + Q&A. Jury selects top 3. Winner gets trip to Málaga.
29 April - 1 May Training and European Conference final at Málaga
A training and mentoring session for all EC CYE participants held a few days before the conference. All EC contestants get access, regardless of ranking. Each national winner competes head-to-head. Winner gets $5,000 and advances to World Congress.
11-15 November JCI World Congress at Clark, Philippines
Top finalists from all area conferences. Grand prize: $10,000 USD. The EC winner represents Europe.
FAQ
Prototype only — is that OK?
Yes.
What is CYE?
Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE) is an official JCI international pitch competition designed to motivate and inspire young entrepreneurs. You present your real, running business to a panel of investors and business experts — and compete for a cash prize and a spot at the European stage in Málaga, Spain.
Do I need to be a JCI member to apply?
No. CYE is open to both JCI members and non-members.
Is there an industry or sector limitation?
None. Any type of business — tech, service, product, social enterprise, creative industry — is eligible.
Can I apply with a side project or a hobby business?
Only if it operates as a real business with paying customers or verified demand. A hobby without revenue or proof of demand does not qualify.
Can two co-founders apply for the same business?
Only one person per business may apply. That person will represent the company throughout the entire competition.
Can I submit more than one business?
No. One application per person, one business per application.
What do I need to submit?
A completed online application form and a pitch deck, max 12 slides.
What should the pitch deck include?
It should cover: the problem you solve, your solution, target market, business model and revenue streams, traction to date, your team, and your growth plan.
Can I submit in Ukrainian?
No. All materials and the pitch itself must be in English at every stage. This is a hard requirement of the global CYE rules — your winner will need to pitch in English at the European Conference in Málaga.
What exactly do judges score me on?
Your business is evaluated across 8 criteria:
1 - Creativity & innovation: How original is your idea? Are you using new technologies, models, or approaches that stand out in your industry?
2 - Business model & path to profitability - Do you have a clear revenue model, realistic financial data, and a credible plan to become profitable and sustainable?
3 - Market potential & scalability: Is there a real, addressable market? Can the business grow beyond its current size — nationally and internationally?
4 - Sustainability: Does your business model include sustainable practices? This is weighted especially heavily at the European Conference level.
5 - Community & social impact: How does your business benefit your employees, customers, and wider community? Judges look for responsible, ethical leadership.
6 - Problem-solving depth: Do you truly understand the problem you're solving? Can you show evidence of research, testing, and iteration?
7 - Risk-taking & entrepreneurial leadership: Have you taken real entrepreneurial risk? Do you demonstrate ownership and conviction in the direction of your venture?
8 - Presentation quality: Is your pitch clear, structured, and delivered confidently? Can you discuss your business numerically and respond to tough questions in English?Which criteria matters most?
All 8 are scored, but experienced CYE judges note that the Q&A session — not the pitch itself — is often where competitions are won or lost. Your ability to handle hard questions on financials, churn, market size, and competitive dynamics under pressure is what separates finalists.
Will I receive feedback from the judges?
Yes. All participants receive professional feedback from the jury — regardless of their final ranking. This is a core part of the CYE program, not just a bonus.
What does the national final look like?
Each finalist presents a 5-minutes pitch followed by a Q&A session with the jury. The jury selects the top 3, and 1 national winner advances to the European Conference in Málaga.
What does the European Conference final look like?
Each national winner gets 3 minutes to pitch in English, followed by approximately 6 minutes of Q&A with an international jury of VCs, angel investors, and serial entrepreneurs.
If I win at national level, am I obligated to go to Málaga?
Yes. Commitment to attend the European Conference is a condition of participation. You must be willing and able to travel to Málaga, Spain in late April 2026.
What if I win at the European Conference but can't attend the World Congress?
JCI expects the EC winner to represent Europe at the World Congress. If you win, plan to be in Clark, Philippines in November 2026.