SME Europe Forum & Awards Ceremony 2026
On Wednesday, 28 January, SME Europe of the EPP organised the SME Europe Forum and Award Ceremony at the European Parliament. Hosted by Members of the European Parliament including Jörgen WARBORN, Iuliu WINKLER, Angelika WINZIG, Sunčana GLAVAK, Riho TERRAS, Marion WALSMANN, Niels Flemming HANSEN, and Eva MAYDELL, the event provided an opportunity to honour outstanding SME success stories and the entrepreneurs driving them forward.
Following the welcome address by Horst HEITZ, Executive Director of SME Europe, and opening remarks by Jörgen WARBORN MEP, President of SME Europe, the Forum continued with the Award Ceremony, recognising exceptional entrepreneurs for their remarkable journeys, innovation, and long-term commitment to their respective fields. The awardees were acknowledged for their passion and resilience, which are seen as key contributions to Europe’s dynamic SME ecosystem and its economic growth.
The winners of the SME Europe Awards are:
Arthur Teglbjær, Marcus Nerløe, Lucas Damsgaard, Karl-Emil Plum from Spaak Technologies, Denmark
Founded by a group of young entrepreneurs in their early twenties, Spaak Technologies has grown into an international company with a rapidly expanding team and customers across multiple markets. Operating mainly from Denmark and Belgium, the company focuses on building future-ready products and aims to compete globally, including with major US players such as FiscalNote. Their story reflects ambition, rapid scaling, and a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
Thomas Berndorfer from Connecting Software, Portugal
Founded in 2004, Connecting Software is an international software company focused on secure data integration and system connectivity. The company develops practical solutions that allow organizations to exchange data reliably across different systems, even in complex and highly regulated IT environments. With customers across multiple sectors and markets, Connecting Software supports digital transformation while maintaining high standards of security and compliance.
Amanda Mattsson from Period Pack International, Sweden
Period Pack International addresses menstrual equity by making period products freely available in public spaces through innovative dispenser solutions. The company combines product innovation with a strong social mission, aiming to normalize access to menstrual products and reduce stigma. Its work contributes to equality, inclusion, and everyday dignity for women across Europe and has received international recognition, including a Forbes 30 Under 30 nomination and participation in the Prins Daniel Fellowship.
Sebastian Lützen Løkkegaard from Tenderly, Denmark
Tenderly was created after identifying a strong monopoly in public procurement, where tenders were often dominated by large players. The company developed an AI-powered platform that helps SMEs find, understand, and respond to public tenders more easily. By lowering complexity and increasing transparency, Tenderly works toward fairer competition and broader SME participation across Europe.
Dino Dragun from Hidrocibalae, Croatia
Founded in Croatia as a self-funded company, Hidrocibalae has grown into a globally active leader in marine geophysical data processing and offshore survey consultancy. With a young, highly skilled workforce, the company supports offshore renewable projects worldwide and contributes to Europe’s green and blue transition. It is strongly engaged in responsible innovation, EU AI policy discussions, data accessibility, and education outreach, and has received multiple national recognitions for business excellence.
Joana Koleva from Jamba, Bulgaria
Jamba is a social enterprise that combines business activity with strong social impact. The company produces items such as soaps and candles made by people with disabilities, supports their mental well-being through psychological services, and helps them transition into the open labor market. Jamba also collaborates with other social enterprises and runs successful training programs, including barista training initiatives for Starbucks, demonstrating how inclusive employment and entrepreneurship can work sustainably together.
Alojz Žiher & Marko Žiher from Žiher, Slovenia
Žiher is a family-owned construction and design company that began in a garage and has grown across generations. Now led by the next generation, the business reflects strong intergenerational cooperation. In addition to construction, the company operates a restaurant business supported by EU funding and represents a reliable, innovative European family enterprise with deep market knowledge.
Gerhart Hinterwirth from Backhaus Hinterwirth, Austria
Backhaus Hinterwirth is a seventh-generation Austrian family bakery rooted in traditional craftsmanship and regional food culture. The company actively networks with bakeries across Europe to exchange best practices while embracing innovation through AI-based planning tools and an in-house app for production management. Supplying restaurants, shops, and end customers, it places a strong emphasis on quality, health, and continuity across generations.
Porcsalmi Balázs from Rubikom, Romania
Rubikom is a design studio with a strong focus on social engagement and community impact. Alongside commercial projects, the studio supports charity initiatives such as Yuppi Camp, which provides therapeutic camps for children with serious illnesses. Rubikom emphasizes empathy and authenticity in storytelling and has received international recognition, including Red Dot Design Awards, German Design Awards, and Transform Awards Europe.
Jaanus Tamm & Getter Oper from DefSecIntel Solutions, Estonia
DefSecIntel Solutions develops AI-powered defence and security technologies, including mobile surveillance systems and counter-drone solutions. Since 2022, the company has actively supported Ukraine, using real battlefield feedback to continuously improve its products. It works closely with startups, rapidly updates its systems, and participates in several European Defence Fund research consortia, strengthening Europe’s security resilience.
Rico Wachs from Tridelta Weichferrite, Germany
Tridelta Weichferrite is one of the very few remaining producers of soft magnetic cores in Europe and the largest within the EU. Operating in a highly specialized niche, the company supplies critical components for industrial, energy, and defence-related applications. By maintaining this strategic manufacturing capability in Europe, Tridelta contributes to supply-chain security, industrial resilience, and strategic autonomy.
Daniel Tomko from Tomark, Slovakia
Tomark is a family-owned Slovak aircraft manufacturer founded in 1995, building on the Czechoslovak tradition of aircraft production. The company designs and manufactures light aircraft used globally for flight training, recreational flying, and monitoring. Investing in advanced manufacturing technologies and automation, Tomark also develops future-oriented green aviation solutions, including the EU-supported Tomark Proton hydrogen project, while exploring new applications such as urban air mobility, cargo, and rescue operations.
The SME Europe Forum and Award Ceremony demonstrated the diversity, creativity, and resilience of Europe’s SME community. The awarded entrepreneurs stand as powerful examples of how innovation, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit can shape a stronger, more competitive, and more inclusive Europe.
