Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programmes | 2024

The John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, in the context of supporting actions aimed at fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and technological innovation, has once again supported the initiatives of StartSmart SEE, and in particular, the organisation of the 1st “StartSmart SEE Summit”, under the theme: Igniting Innovation, Fortifying Futures: Where Today’s Research Meets Tomorrow’s Technology”, as well as the implementation of the acceleration programme “StartSmart SEE Accelerator”.

The Summit, held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence in June 2024 at the Eugenides Foundation, brought together distinguished speakers from Greece, Europe, and the United States, who discussed critical topics with a focus on defence innovation, technology transfer, commercialisation of research, and investment strategies in the field of technology start-ups. At the same time, aiming to enhance the Greek technological ecosystem, the flagship acceleration programme “StartSmart SEE Accelerator” was implemented. Through the Programme participants had access to workshops based on MIT-developed content and received hands-on coaching by renowned mentors aiming to help them transfer their innovative research ideas from the research sphere to the business market. The 3-month spring edition of the Programme concluded in June 2024, with the «Startup Pitch Competition» and the Awards Ceremony, where 3 start-ups that stood out for their socially innovative ideas received prizes. The winning teams PhosPrint P.C., KIRKE scents, and Reneurocell, received monetary prizes and awards in the form of specialised mentoring services, which will significantly enhance their competitive advantage, as well as opportunities for visibility within an international network of investors and potential partners.

• More than 300 people attended the 1st “StartSmart SEE Summit”, with the participation of 25 speakers, while 10 finalist start-ups presented their ideas on the day prior to the Summit.
• The Summit included panel discussions across 4 thematic sections: Fortifying Futures, From Lab to Market, Venture Visions, and Deep Dive into Deep Tech.
• 50 people from 12 start-ups in Southeastern Europe and 28 mentors took part in the 15 training workshops of the spring edition of the “StartSmart SEE Accelerator” programme.

“This summit is not just an event – it is a convergence of minds, ideas, and ambitions. It is a platform where dreams flourish, challenges are met with solutions, and the future is shaped by the collective efforts of passionate individuals.”

Gerassimos Spyridakis

Chairman, StartSmart SEE