Some entrepreneurs start with an idea. Others start with a problem. But some start with a question:

What if there was a better way?

Innovation is often associated with technology, artificial intelligence, or breakthrough products. But at its core, innovation begins with something much simpler: curiosity.

It starts when someone questions the way things have always been done. When they look at a challenge and imagine a different solution. When they see an opportunity to create something that doesn’t yet exist.

For many JA alumni, entrepreneurship became the space where curiosity met action. Through experimentation, problem-solving, and a willingness to take risks, they transformed ideas into ventures designed to improve lives, create opportunities, and shape the future.

Today, we’re spotlighting four entrepreneurs from Hong Kong, Sweden, Palestine, and Brazil who are using innovation to challenge assumptions, create solutions, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Arthur Wang (Hong Kong // JA China Alumni) 🇭🇰🇨🇳

For Arthur, innovation is about helping people navigate a rapidly changing world.

As the CEO of Starway Tech, Arthur is building technology-driven solutions designed to help individuals and organizations embrace new opportunities, adapt to emerging challenges, and thrive in an increasingly digital future. His work sits at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation: three fields that continue to reshape how people live, work, and connect.

Arthur’s entrepreneurial journey began with a curiosity about what technology could make possible. Rather than accepting existing limitations, he became interested in exploring how digital tools could create more efficient systems, better experiences, and new opportunities for growth.

Through JA, he was introduced to entrepreneurship as more than a career path: it became a framework for solving problems and creating impact.

“My possibilities are endless.”

That mindset became a defining part of his journey.

Today, Arthur continues to build solutions through Starway Tech while encouraging others to embrace innovation with curiosity and confidence. His story demonstrates that innovation begins when people are willing to imagine possibilities beyond what already exists.

Alexander Zahari (Sweden) 🇸🇪

For Alexander, innovation begins with a simple question:

What if every young person had access to the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to become an entrepreneur?

As the founder of Edventures, Alexander is working to make entrepreneurship more accessible by helping young people develop the skills, confidence, and networks needed to transform ideas into action. Through his work, he is creating pathways for aspiring founders who might otherwise lack access to entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The inspiration behind Edventures came from recognizing that talent exists everywhere, but opportunities do not always. Many young people have innovative ideas, yet never receive the support needed to bring them to life.

Rather than accepting that reality, Alexander decided to help change it.

“I am on the mission I’m currently pursuing: making entrepreneurship accessible to all.”

His experiences through JA reinforced the belief that entrepreneurial education can be transformative. Exposure to mentors, peers, and real-world business experiences showed him how powerful it can be when young people are given the opportunity to experiment, lead, and innovate.

Today, through Edventures, Alexander is helping build a future where entrepreneurship is not limited by geography, background, or circumstance. His story highlights how innovation can be used not only to create businesses, but to expand access and opportunity for others.

Manal Khalili (Palestine) 🇵🇸

For Manal, innovation is rooted in community.

As the founder of Al Ahd, she is working to preserve and celebrate Palestinian heritage while creating opportunities for local artisans and communities. Through her initiative, Manal combines entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and social impact, demonstrating how innovation can be used not only to build businesses but also to strengthen identity and community connection.

The idea for Al Ahd emerged from a desire to protect traditions, stories, and craftsmanship that risk being overlooked or lost over time. Rather than viewing heritage as something that belongs solely to the past, Manal saw an opportunity to reimagine it for future generations.

Through JA, she gained exposure to entrepreneurship as a tool for turning ideas into action. She learned how to identify opportunities, build solutions, and think creatively about challenges.

“Because of JA, I learned that solutions often begin with seeing possibilities where others see limitations.”

Today, Al Ahd serves as more than a venture. It is a platform that connects entrepreneurship with culture, helping ensure that traditions are preserved while creating meaningful opportunities for people and communities.

Manal’s journey demonstrates that innovation is not always about creating something entirely new. Sometimes, it is about finding new ways to protect, celebrate, and share what already matters.

Gabriel de Lanna Fiuza (Brazil) 🇧🇷

For Gabriel, innovation is not about having the perfect idea.

It’s about creating environments where great ideas can grow.

As a Founding Partner at Primora Inc., Gabriel works with entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations to help transform ideas into sustainable ventures. His work focuses on strategy, growth, and innovation, helping founders navigate uncertainty while building solutions that create long-term value.

Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Gabriel became increasingly aware of a common misconception: many people believe entrepreneurship is an innate talent rather than a skill that can be developed.

That belief inspired his approach to leadership and innovation.

“Entrepreneurship isn’t a personality trait you either have or don’t—it’s a muscle you build.”

Through JA, Gabriel gained hands-on experience with teamwork, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking. Those experiences helped him understand that innovation rarely happens through a single breakthrough moment. Instead, it emerges through experimentation, continuous learning, and the willingness to adapt.

Today, through Primora, Gabriel helps others strengthen that entrepreneurial “muscle” by providing the guidance, systems, and support needed to turn ideas into reality. His work demonstrates that innovation is not reserved for a select few, it is something that can be cultivated, practiced, and shared.

His story reminds us that some of the most impactful innovations come not from changing products, but from changing how people think about their own potential.

Sonal Gupta (India) 🇮🇳

For Sonal, innovation began with a simple observation: young people are spending more time online than ever before, yet many lack the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital world safely.

As cybercrime, misinformation, online threats, and digital well-being challenges continue to grow, Sonal recognized a critical gap in cybersecurity awareness among young people. Rather than waiting for someone else to address the problem, she decided to take action.

That decision led to the creation of Cyber Port Foundation, a youth-led organization dedicated to promoting cybersecurity awareness, digital literacy, and responsible online behavior. Through workshops, educational campaigns, partnerships with schools and universities, and youth engagement initiatives, the organization empowers young people with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and others in an increasingly connected world.

For Sonal, the venture represents more than cybersecurity education—it is about equipping the next generation to thrive safely and confidently in the digital age.

“JA showed me that young people can build solutions to real-world problems and that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for change.”

Her entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to create meaningful impact. As she became more aware of the growing risks facing young people online, she realized that access to reliable information and awareness could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Building and sustaining a youth-led organization while balancing academic responsibilities was not easy. Gaining credibility at a young age, securing opportunities, and motivating volunteers across different locations required persistence, adaptability, and resilience. Yet these challenges reinforced her belief that age should never be a barrier to creating change.

That belief has already taken her far beyond what she once imagined. Among her proudest achievements are delivering a speech at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, being interviewed by United Nations News and Radio City for her work in youth leadership and social impact, and participating in the Harvard University Program for Asian and International Relations. She has also been invited as one of the youngest speakers at events organized by her state government, where she encourages other young people to become changemakers in their own communities.

Today, Sonal envisions Cyber Port Foundation growing into one of the world’s leading youth-led organizations focused on cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy, helping thousands of young people gain the skills needed to navigate technology safely and responsibly.

Her story demonstrates that innovation is not always about creating new technology. Sometimes, it is about ensuring people have the knowledge and confidence to use technology wisely—and leveraging entrepreneurship to make that possible.

Innovating for the Future

Arthur, Alexander, Manal, and Gabriel come from different countries, industries, and backgrounds. Yet each of them shares a common belief: innovation starts with a willingness to think differently.

For Arthur, that meant expanding what he believed was possible. For Alexander, it meant making entrepreneurship more accessible. For Manal, it meant transforming limitations into opportunities. For Gabriel, it meant helping others understand that innovation is a skill that can be developed. And for Sonal, it meant turning awareness into action by empowering young people to become safer, more informed digital citizens.

Their stories remind us that innovation is not defined by technology alone. It is defined by curiosity, creativity, resilience, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Because of JA, they learned to innovate.

And through their work, they are helping others imagine—and build—a better future.