Mar 14, 2025 – Iuventa Student Company (SC), a team of students from SMAN 4 Denpasar and participants of the Zurich Entrepreneurship Program, has once again made Indonesia proud by securing third place at the 2025 JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year Competition (APCOYC) held in Tokyo, Japan, from March 10–14. Competing against the most innovative and promising student-led businesses from across the region, Iuventa SC showcased exceptional entrepreneurial skills, innovative product development, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
The JA APCOYC is an annual competition organized by Junior Achievement (JA) Asia Pacific, bringing together 21 top student companies from 12 countries that have demonstrated excellence in business strategy, financial performance, and social impact. This year, Iuventa SC captivated the panel of esteemed judges—comprising industry leaders and business professionals—with their product, B-IU Shoe Cleaner, a shoe-cleaning kit made from recycled banana peel waste. Their sustainable and innovative business model, which delivers tangible social and environmental impact, positioned them among the best young entrepreneurs in the region.
Iuventa SC’s journey to the regional stage began with their victory at the 2024 Prestasi Junior Indonesia Company of the Year Competition, which secured their place as Indonesia’s representative at this prestigious event. With the support of Zurich Indonesia and the Z Zurich Foundation, the team worked tirelessly to refine their business model, strengthen their financial planning, and enhance their product’s impact, ensuring they stood out in the competition.
B-IU Shoe Cleaner is a testament to Iuventa SC’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. By utilizing banana peel waste, they have created a product that not only addresses environmental concerns but also meets consumer demand for effective and eco-friendly solutions. Through extensive market research and customer engagement, Iuventa SC successfully positioned their product as a solution-driven initiative with significant growth potential. Their ability to present a clear business strategy, backed by financial sustainability and social impact, was instrumental in their remarkable performance at the competition.
The team’s success underscores the importance of fostering entrepreneurship among youth, equipping them with essential skills such as leadership, problem-solving, financial literacy, and collaboration. By participating in the JA Company Program, Iuventa SC members gained firsthand experience in running a business, navigating challenges, and making strategic decisions—preparing them for future careers as entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Beyond the competition, Iuventa SC’s entrepreneurial journey continues. With the experience and recognition gained from JA APCOYC, the team aims to expand their business reach, refine their operations, and contribute to Indonesia’s growing entrepreneurial landscape. The achievement of Iuventa SC reinforces the impact of entrepreneurial education in shaping the future of young business leaders. Their story serves as motivation for other students across Indonesia to explore their entrepreneurial potential, embrace challenges, and pursue their business aspirations with confidence.
Prestasi Junior Indonesia congratulates Iuventa SC on their outstanding success and looks forward to witnessing their continued growth and contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
