Last weekend, Florianópolis hosted the 31st National Meeting of Junior Enterprises (ENEJ), which brought together more than 4,000 young people from all over Brazil to discuss the future of university entrepreneurship. The event, organized by Brasil Júnior, addressed topics such as innovation, social impact, and the development of new leaders.
Throughout the four days, the program included prominent lectures, such as that of the LED Movement, which explored the importance of authenticity and creativity in professional success, with the participation of influential figures such as economist Gil do Vigor, journalist Pedro Lins, and actress Fernanda Concon. In addition, the presence of the G20, through Youth (Y20), brought a global perspective on how the innovative ideas of young people can catalyze social change on an international scale.
“ENEJ 24 represented another milestone in the history of the Junior Enterprise Movement. We brought together young people committed to building a more entrepreneurial and innovative Brazil. This edition showed us that we are on the right track to transform our tomorrow,” highlighted Elias Gabriel, Executive President of Brasil Júnior.
This year, the event featured an unprecedented partnership with the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC), which reinforced the importance of educational institutions in the development of university entrepreneurship.
Future of the Junior Enterprise Movement and recognition of companies
During the meeting, the Network's Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 was presented, establishing goals to strengthen the Junior Enterprise Movement (MEJ) and expand its impact throughout the country. The plan covers topics such as promoting mental health, diversity and inclusion, as well as strengthening support networks to address social and economic challenges.
The 24th National Meeting of Junior Enterprises (ENEJ 24) also highlighted the Junior Enterprises (JEs) that excelled in their activities throughout the year. Junior FEA – Federation of Junior Enterprises of the State of São Paulo (FEJESP); EJEM – Mackenzie Engineering Junior Enterprise (FEJESP); Poli Júnior (FEJESP); Floresta Jr. Environmental Consulting – Federation of Junior Enterprises of the State of Rondônia (FEJERO); Periódyca – Federation of Junior Enterprises of the State of Paraná (FEJEPAR); Reaction Júnior Chemical Consulting – Federation of Junior Enterprises of the State of Minas Gerais (FEJEMG); Agrológica (FEJESP); ICBjr (FEJESP) and Promat – Federation of Junior Enterprises of the State of Santa Catarina (FEJESC) were some of those recognized for their contributions to local development and the training of young leaders.
Victória Zaboti, Coordinator of ENEJ 24, highlighted that “ENEJ reaffirms the commitment of young people to the future of Brazil. Here, we saw how entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool to transform realities and promote fairer and more inclusive development.
With the conclusion of this edition, Brasil Júnior announced that Paraíba will host the next ENEJ, scheduled for 2025, with the goal of strengthening youth entrepreneurship in the country and boosting the regional economy. Therefore, the event is held in a different state each year.
