Forbes magazine has today unveiled its eleventh annual 30 Under 30 Europe List, spotlighting the “most dynamic young innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers shaping the future of Europe and beyond”.
The 2026 list recognizes standout talent across a broad range of 10 sectors, namely: Art & Culture, Finance, Entertainment, Manufacturing & Industry, Media & Marketing, Retail & Ecommerce, Science & Healthcare, Social Impact, Sports & Games, and AI.
Candidates were evaluated by Forbes staff and a panel of independent, expert judges including actress Lashana Lynch, Instadeep CEO Karim Beguir, media entrepreneur Steven Bartlett and Synthesia cofounder Victor Ripabelli.
They looked at a variety of factors, including (but not limited to) funding, revenue, social impact, scale, inventiveness and potential to come up with a list of 300 young movers and shakers.
Here are 10 of the highest profile.
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1. Owen Cooper
16-year-old Owen Cooper has gone from being an unknown to a feted actor in the last year thank to his role in much talked about television show 'Adolescence'. It saw him become the youngest-ever Emmy winner for Best Supporting Actor, as well as winning Golden Globe, SAG and Independent Spirit awards. He's recently been on the big screen as Young Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights'. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
2. Louis Partridge
Starting his on-screen career as a child actor, Louis Partridge had a minor role in 'Paddington 2'. He first found global fame starring in Netflix film 'Enola Holmes' and last year was part of the cast of the critically-aclaimed historical drama 'House of Guinness'. | Getty Images for Netflix
3. Ellie Kildunne
Probably Britain's most recognisable women's rugby player, Ellie Kildunne already has a long list of achievements at the age of just 26. She's been awarded an MBE, was runner-up in the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award and was named World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards. She plays for Harlequins Women and England, with whom she won the 2025 World Cup. | Getty Images
4. Mau P
Known to his mum as Maurits Jan Westveen, Mau P is a Dutch DJ and producer who has been wowing audiences 2022 - mainly in the house and techno genre. His debut single 'Drugs From Amsterdam' went straight to number one in the Beatport charts and last year saw him named the 77th best DJ in the world in DJ Mag. | Getty Images for Kismi