We won 1st place!
We’re excited to share that TatoHugs has been awarded 1st place in the Upper Secondary category at the Gen-E Junior Achievement competition in Romania! Among many inspiring youth-led startups, our project was recognized by the jury — and now, we’re proud to represent Romania at the European level!
Winning this competition is more than just an award — it’s a validation of our mission: to transform agricultural waste into sustainable packaging alternatives and challenge the status quo of plastic consumption.
A 100% biodegradable concept
At the Gen-E National Final, we had the incredible opportunity to pitch our startup to expert judges, connect with fellow young changemakers, and present our innovation to a wider audience. Our booth combined informative visuals with hands-on experiences: alongside flyers and decorative elements, we featured our top-performing wrap, a tactile sheet of our potato peel-based packaging material for visitors to touch, and a small flower pot containing fertilizer and a partially biodegraded prototype — demonstrating how our material naturally breaks down after being watered.
We walked away not only with the 1st place prize, but also with renewed inspiration, invaluable feedback, and a community of young entrepreneurs who are just as passionate about building a better future.
What's next?
With this win, TatoHugs will represent Romania in the JA Europe Gen-E Nationals, in Athens, Greece, where we’ll compete with the brightest teams from across the continent.
We’re currently fine-tuning our business model, working on product improvements, and preparing for our next big pitch on the European stage.
A Huge Thank You To:
- JA Romania, our coordinating teacher, and our supportive family and friends — for your guidance and encouragement.
- The other teams — for sharing your ideas, your energy, and your drive.
- Our growing community of followers — for believing in us and cheering us on.