JA StartUp Programme
A space to bring your innovative ideas to life.
The StartUp Programme is your opportunity to turn your ideas into reality in a supportive, creative, and flexible environment. We’ve designed this programme with students in mind, knowing you’re juggling studies, part-time work, and your social life. That’s why it’s structured to be manageable, rewarding, and well worth your time. You'll gain the skills to develop your idea, pitch it with confidence, and even compete, all while growing personally and professionally.
SELECT A TRACK THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Programme timeline
JA Track Students Bootcamp
- 21st February 2026 – Launch Session – 08:45 – 12:30
- 27th February 2026 – Day 1 Sessions – 17:45 – 21:00
- 28th February 2026 – Day 2 Sessions – 08:45 – 16:00
- 20th March 2026 – Day 3 Sessions – 17:45 – 21:00
- 21st March 2026 – Day 4 Sessions – 08:45 – 16:00
Keynote Events*
- 10th April 2026 – Event 1 – 17:00 – 19:00
- 17th April 2026 – Event 2 – 17:00 – 19:00
Competition Dates*
- 9th May 2026 – JA Malta StartUp Demo Day & Semi Finals – Time TBD
- 23rd May 2026 – Finals and Awards Night – 17:00 – 21:00
*these dates are applicable to all students participating in the JA Malta StartUp Programme.
** These events are NOT open to the general public, and are intended for StartUp participants ONLY **
JA MALTA
Startup of the Year Award
EY MALTA
Idea Validation Award
Camilleri Preziosi ADVOCATES
Customer Focus Award
HSBC MALTA FOUNDATION
ESG Sustainability Award
Tech.mt
Digital Innovation Award
BOLT
DISRUPTIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD
YOUR JUDGES
Winner Package
StartUp Programme FAQs
For the StartUp programme there is a basic registration donation of Eur 65, unless stated otherwise by your educational institute.
As part of the enrolment process you/your guardian will receive an online payment link.
If you are currently attending a sixth form, or are between the ages of 15 to 17, then Company Programme is for you.
If you are currently, 18 to 30 years old, attending a tertiary level educational institute, then StartUp Programme is for you!
The JA StartUp Programme is a hands-on learning experience that gives tertiary-level students the chance to explore entrepreneurship and build the foundation for a potential start-up. Whether you bring your own idea or create something new with your team, you’ll learn how to validate your concept, design a business model, and pitch it with confidence.
The programme is offered in three tracks, all including keynote sessions, and networking opportunities leading up to the Finals Competition. If on the JA Track, you’ll take part in practical workshops that mirror real start-up processes, covering:
- Idea generation
- Concept validation
- Business planning
- Pitching to investors
- Mentorship
At JA, our core principle is Learning by Doing. That’s why this programme is designed to be flexible, practical, and rewarding, equipping you with the skills, mindset, and network to stand out in today’s competitive world.
The journey leads to the National StartUp of the Year Competition, where you’ll pitch your idea to a panel of judges acting as investors. Winners will not only receive a prize in the form of mentorship, exposure, and support opportunities to help bring their idea to life but also represent Malta at Gen-E, Europe’s largest entrepreneurship festival organised by JA Europe.
The JA StartUp Programme runs from February to May 2026.
JA Track StartUp Programme:
- First workshop weekend: 28 February – 1 March 2026
- Second workshop weekend: 21–22 March 2026
All Tracks (all participating students):
- First Keynote Event: 10 April 2026
- Second Keynote: 17 April 2026
Competition Phase (all participating students):
- Demo Day & Semi-Finals: 9 May 2026
- Finals & Awards Night: 23 May 2026
This programme leads to a national competition to choose the top 5 teams. However, all the teams are also eligible for signature awards announced during the year, that recognise excellence in specific areas.
The Minimum number of team members for StartUp Programme is 2 students. We highly recommend up to 5 team members per StartUp team.
The StartUp Programme is delivered in English.
The workshops will provide insight, motivation and added input on programme-specific topics related to the outputs required, and tools for the students to achieve pre-set goals. JA workshops are designed in a manner to engage and provide spaces for collaborative work, public speaking opportunities, innovating and building a network of professionals. Due to the nature of the Programme being a self-led experience, the students are to co-ordinate, facilitate, and take responsibility for the stages of their start-up.