NINA, FROM PERU, IS THE 2020 JA AMERICAS´ COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Despite of the challenges of the global pandemic JA Americas decided to run the 12th edition of the COY Competition, for the first time in a virtual format. The event, sponsored by FedEx, was hosted in a new “Virtual Venue” platform that provided a unique experience through avatars. “NINA”, a JA company from Peru, was recognized the 2020 JA Americas Company of the Year: NINA´s product is based on a portable steel filter bottle, which through the use of activated carbon and an ultrafiltration membrane, manages to reduce waste, bacteria and impurities in water.

The company MANKÚ, which also represented Junior Achievement Peru, was recognized with the FedEx Global Possibilities Award. The company presented infusions aimed at combating respiratory illnesses such as the flu and cough, as well as remedies in a 100% biodegradable gelatin capsule with kraft paper packaging, which would reduce the impact on the environment.

NINA, from Peru, is the 2020 JA Americas´ Company of the Year.

NINA, from Peru, is the 2020 JA Americas´ Company of the Year.

“At FedEx, we believe a connected world is a better world. We empower everyone from small business owners to Fortune 500 companies to reach customers all over the world,” said Rakesh Shalia, vice president of marketing and communications for FedEx Express Latin America and Caribbean, and JAA board member. “The FedEx Global Possibilities platform celebrates the power of global connectivity and the next generation of innovators on the verge of the next big idea. The Global Possibilities Award recognizes a student-run business that best exhibits the principles of global connectivity: Driven by Innovation, Connecting to New Markets, Fueling Community Development and Sustainable and Social Responsibility.”

“We are proud to host the best JA companies from across the region for the first time in a virtual format, despite the challenges of the global pandemic. Our JA Americas team has organized this event with resilience and thanks to the support of people truly committed to youth empowerment,” said Leo Martellotto, President of JA Americas.  “Also, this is the 12th consecutive year with FedEx as title sponsor of the event, helping us to honor the students who represent the more than 1.4 million young people we benefit each year in the region with our initiatives.”

Meet the winners of the 2020 edition:

 

  • Company of the year: NINA (Peru)

 

  • 2nd Place: CLAP! (Argentina)

 

  • 3rd Place: STACKD (Canada)

 

  • FedEx Global Possibilities Award: MANKÚ (Peru)

 

  • Business Idea Award: ENERGEIA (Perú)

 

  • People´s Choice Award: CLAP! (Argentina)

 

During the three-day event, the teen-run companies competed for several awards, engaged in several virtual seminars led by regional experts in innovation, entrepreneurship, and business, and virtually pitched their companies to a panel of judges comprised of FedEx leaders, as well as regional leaders, entrepreneurs and JA Alumni.

 

12 countries from the region were represented at the COY Competition finals in Punta Cana.

12 countries from the region were represented at the COY Competition finals in Punta Cana.

The JA Americas Company of the Year Competition awards the best JA Company of students throughout Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, who present the results of their company and learning experience, and appear before a panel of independent judges who determine company performance against the competition criteria. The goal of the JA Company of the Year Competition is to create a signature showcase for Junior Achievement and the high school students who benefit from the impact of the JA Company Program.



JA Americas