Knowledge is the most important capital: Young people from Serbia among Europe's best with support from UniCredit Foundation

A student company from Serbia, Moneta Works, representing the "Mileva Marić Ajnštajn" Technical School in Novi Sad, has achieved remarkable success by winning seven international awards at the largest European youth entrepreneurship festival, Gen-E 2026, held in Riga, Latvia. This accomplishment underscores the capabilities of Serbian youth in knowledge, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, placing them on par with top young talents across Europe.

For the UniCredit Foundation and UniCredit Bank, this success validates their strategic investment in education, talent development, and entrepreneurial skills among young people. The bank and foundation have collectively invested over one million euros in various educational projects in Serbia. In a rapidly changing world, investing in knowledge is identified as a key factor for competitiveness, enabling societies to build sustainable development models.

UniCredit Bank emphasizes its broader role beyond financial services, stressing the importance of inclusive educational opportunities. The foundation and bank have supported programs that foster young people's ideas, entrepreneurial skills, and confidence through practical experience and business community connections. The "Student Company" program, organized by "Dostignuća mladih" (Youth Achievements) in Serbia, is one such initiative that cultivates young entrepreneurs capable of transforming ideas into sustainable and socially responsible ventures.

Moneta Works, comprising students Anđela Božić, Mijat Radovanović, Maša Koprenović, and Natalija Kundačina, competed against top student companies from 38 European nations. Among their seven accolades was the "Re-Power Your Future" award from the UniCredit Foundation, recognizing projects with significant social impact and potential for positive community change. Their educational board game, "Budget Boss," designed to enhance financial literacy through parent-child interaction, demonstrated the students' innovative and responsible approach to societal needs.

In addition to the team awards, which included best stage presentation and best short pitch, Natalija Kundačina received the prestigious individual Alumni Leadership Award, being one of only six students globally to receive this honor. The success of Moneta Works serves as a powerful testament to the value of such entrepreneurial education programs.