The JE Concept

Learn more about our concept, vision and mission

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The Junior Enterprise Movement is distinguished not merely by its scale, but also by its vision. The vision that brings together ambitious students, forward-thinking universities, and an international community of partners in pursuit of a shared purpose. At the centre of this Movement stands the concept of the Junior Enterprise: a student-run association that bridges academic learning with the realities of the professional world, empowering young university students to gain hands-on experience and lead impactful projects before they graduate.

Each Junior Enterprise is a legally recognised civil society organisation, founded and managed entirely by students within institutions of higher education. These student entrepreneurs are trained to hone entrepreneurial and critical thinking, supported by local partner networks, entrusted with genuine responsibility thus equipped for delivering professional services to emerging start-ups, SMEs and International corporations or civil society bodies. This model fosters a unique culture of learning by doing, in which theoretical knowledge is constantly tested, refined, and transformed through practice.

Yet, what truly elevates this phenomenon is its structure as a Global Movement. Junior Enterprises are not isolated phenomenons, but rather interconnected nodes in a sophisticated international Network. National Confederations (acting as national umbrellas) provide a framework for quality assurance and support, aligning local initiatives with global standards and facilitating collaboration across borders. Through this structure, students benefit from a rich exchange of ideas, projects, and expertise that transcends geography, discipline, and social background.

This collective endeavour is what makes the Junior Enterprise Movement a living Network: one in which the pursuit of excellence, entrepreneurship, and societal relevance unites 80.000 students worldwide. Its strength lies in its cohesion: a shared set of principles, a commitment to meritocratic governance, and a readiness to respond to the evolving challenges of education and industry.

As the international coordinating body, Junior Enterprises Global exists to ensure that this network remains robust, inclusive, and forward-looking. Through our efforts, the Movement has grown into one of the most influential youth-driven ecosystems in higher education, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and meaningful impact.

To be part of the Junior Enterprise Movement is to join a tradition of leadership and innovation, to become a catalyst for change in one’s own community, and to contribute to a story larger than any individual.

From students for students - everywhere.

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Learn more about the JE Concept
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A brief history of the Junior Enterprise Movement

Years 1–5
Select a year Historic milestone
A movement built year by year

This timeline highlights key milestones in the growth of the Junior Enterprise Movement. The emphasis is on when things happened, because the movement’s scale today was built through decades of steady expansion, coordination, and renewal.

Our Vision for the JE Movement

  • Every university is enriched by a Junior Enterprise

    We believe all students in higher education courses should have the opportunity to develop their skills through practical hands on experiences such as in Junior Enterprises.

  • Junior Enterprises are a reliant force in incubation economies

    Every Junior Enterprise is a playing field for the next generation of start up founders. This force is recognised in every incubation programme worldwide.

  • Junior Entrepreneurs are the power of driving intrapreneurial work in corporate environments

    Not everyone wants to be a founder. Junior Entrepreneurs are equipped to run several operations in corporate environments flawlessly with their entrepreneurial mindset and hands on work ethic.

  • Every country is driven by a National Confederation of Junior Enterprises

    For regional efforts, the confederation in every country is a top priority in developing sound entrepreneurial education ecosystems so that local efforts can be bundled for more impact.

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