JA Cyprus Celebrates European Distinction: Two Young Girls Bring Home First Place at the WGSF 2025

Cyprus celebrates a major European success! The student team LegiT, made up of Aanvi Tandon and Sophia Cagnetti, has been awarded 1st Place at the Women and Girls in STEM Forum (WGSF) 2025, a prestigious competition organized by the EIT and JA Europe. Representing Cyprus through Junior Achievement Cyprus, the team stood out among 24 national finalists from across Europe with their innovative digital solution for safer internet browsing.

At JA Cyprus, we may be getting used to European wins, but we will never stop being moved by the journey. Witnessing our students solving real challenges, work hard, grow through our programmes, and then go on to win at the highest level in Europe is a reminder of what education, mentorship, and opportunity can achieve.

LegiT developed a browser extension that simplifies complex terms and conditions, enabling users of all ages to better understand what they agree to online. Their idea addresses a pressing digital literacy issue, especially for younger users and vulnerable communities. The journey began with a win in the national Girls Go Circular competition in Cyprus, and culminated in this outstanding European recognition.

The live final, held on October 16, 2025 brought together the top three national champions from Cyprus, Moldova, and the UK. LegiT impressed a panel of international cybersecurity and STEM experts with their clarity of thought, presentation skills, and their mission to make the internet a safer place. Their first-place win includes a unique study visit to Cambridge, featuring networking with pioneering women in science, university visits, and exposure to Europe’s innovation landscape.

💬 Voices from the Winning Team

Aanvi Tandon, co-founder of LegiT, said:
“Participating in the Girls Go Circular program run by JA Cyprus has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. It not only strengthened my passion for STEM but also helped me develop vital skills in problem-solving, and innovation. The program empowered me to think creatively and present confidently.

Although winning 1st prize at the Women and Girls in STEM Forum 2025 was such an exciting highlight, it is my journey which has empowered me the most, because after every challenge and failure, I learnt that I can overcome anything I set my mind to and that I should never stop believing in myself!”

Sophia Cagnetti, co-founder of LegiT, added:
“After a hard but rewarding journey, filled with challenges and excitement, this achievement has inspired me to reach for the stars and encourage other girls like me to do the same. I’m forever grateful, not just for the award, but for the experience that has opened my eyes to the magic of STEM and for the remarkable network of empowering women I met along the way. As the proverb says, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’.”

Maria Stylianou, Mentor of Team LegiT, said:

“The journey with the LegiT team showed me the true spark of innovation that shines when girls are given space to explore and create. Their relentless drive to improve their idea, their response to feedback, and their confidence presenting on stage in Brussels were powerful reminders of what young minds can achieve with the right guidance and belief.”

Richa Tandon, Pitch Coach of Team LegiT, shared:
“As Pitch Coach of team “LegiT” , I’m incredibly proud of Aanvi & Sophia. Their resilience, consistency, and openness to feedback are some of the many qualities that fuelled their growth and success. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Junior Achievement Cyprus for empowering the youth through their many programs. It was so motivating to see the entire team of JA Cyprus for inspiring them and supporting them wholeheartedly throughout their journey.”

Antigoni Komodiki, CEO of JA Cyprus, stated:
“I am incredibly proud of Team Legit, Aanvi Tandon and Sophia Cagnetti from The English School, Nicosia, who won 1st place in Europe in the Girls Go Circular competition in Brussels, during the Women and Girls in STEM Forum! Their success proves the power of young women and the importance of education in eliminating gender and racial inequalities. With their creativity and passion, they made all of Cyprus proud!”

JA Cyprus extends warm thanks to the mentors, educators, partners, and the European institutions who supported this journey and continue to invest in the future of young changemakers.

This remarkable achievement not only celebrates the talent and determination of young innovators in Cyprus, but also highlights the growing importance of empowering girls in STEM. Through hands-on learning, mentoring, and international exposure, the Women and Girls in STEM Forum is helping bridge the gender gap in science and technology.

JA Cyprus is a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, the largest global non-profit organization dedicated to preparing young people for success through entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and career readiness.

For more information, visit www.jacyprus.org or contact info@jacyprus.org