Startup Greece: A Year in Review – 2024

Startup Greece: A Year in Review – 2024

2024 was a year of growth, connection, and unforgettable moments for Startup Greece. At the heart of everything we achieved were the passionate individuals who make up our community—our team members, partners, and the countless people we met along the way. From celebrating local traditions to creating new bonds across the world, this year was all about people coming together to drive change and inspire each other. Let’s take a month-by-month journey through the highlights of the moments that defined 2024 for us:

February: Amplifying Greece on the Global Stage

Startup Greece made a dynamic start on the new year by organizing its second Greek Delegation to Davos during the World Economic Forum. This delegation included 15 Greek leaders who connected with global stakeholders to discuss innovation and collaboration. Highlights included networking dinners, B2B meetings, and inspirational sessions such as Sam Altman’s talk. Delegates engaged with companies like C3 AI and The Coca-Cola Company and initiated potential partnerships with Indian officials, highlighting the global potential of the Greek startup ecosystem.

March: Empowering Youth Through Collaboration

March brought a wave of youth-centric initiatives. Highlights included the EU Teens4Green project in Tripoli, focusing on sustainable business ideas, and the Shazaam project tackling misinformation among Gen Z. The month concluded with two team members attending a youth exchange in Bansko, Bulgaria, emphasizing social entrepreneurship.

April: Celebrating Milestones and Innovation

Startup Greece celebrated Demo Day for its Spring 2024 program, showcasing promising startups supported by the Technical Chamber of Greece. The month also marked the conclusion of the Bifrost program, funded by the EEA, which strengthened bilateral relations and bolstered Greece’s private business sector.

May: Expanding Networks and Global Impact

During May our team participated in two TEDx events—TEDxKlonatzidika in Tripoli and TEDxNTUA in Athens—providing guidance to young aspiring entrepreneurs and offering career advice to attendees. We also showcased our “Bifrost” project to representatives from Innovation Norway, receiving valuable feedback to enhance its impact.

Internationally, we attended the Changemakers Summit 2024 in Berlin, celebrating Europe Day and discussing how startups can drive social innovation. To close the month, our team engaged with students at the University of Peloponnese’s Career Day, creating connections and identifying promising talent.

June: Building Partnerships and Skills

June was marked by international collaborations through the EUYouth4EUGoals program. Members attended workshops in Rome and Valencia, focusing on sustainability and quality learning. These events developed partnerships and strategies to support Greek startups’ growth, while university collaborations expanded the organization’s international internship program.

July: Focused on Digital Futures

The Digital Future program in Cyprus was a highlight of July, offering insights into cybersecurity and ethical hacking. Meanwhile, partnerships with universities across Europe flourished, and the HR team worked diligently to onboard new interns. EUYouth4EUGoals workshops in Valencia emphasized the importance of quality education.

August: Welcoming New Talent

Startup Greece welcomed new interns from France, India, and Malta, further diversifying its team. A summer barbecue celebrated the organization’s multicultural spirit and prepared members for the months ahead.

September: Strengthening Ecosystems Across Borders

September opened with the Horasis India Meeting in Athens, where our Managing Director highlighted opportunities for connecting Greece and India’s entrepreneurial ecosystems. Later in Helsinki, the UfM Youth Forum provided a platform to discuss sustainable and inclusive ecosystems, fostering connections with influential figures like Peter Vesterbacka. Back in Greece, a team grape harvest brought local traditions to life, celebrating teamwork and community

October: A Game-Changer for Greek Entrepreneurship

October’s standout event was Startup Greece Week 2024, a nationwide celebration featuring 17 events across major cities and over 1,200 participants. The week showcased an inspiring lineup of keynotes, panels, and workshops, highlighting the diversity and innovation within Greece’s entrepreneurial landscape. Events in Athens, Piraeus, Patras, Chania, Larissa, Heraklion and Xanthi provided opportunities for networking and collaboration, connecting founders, investors, and industry experts. Participants praised the well-organized sessions, actionable insights, and the sense of community during the week. The event also underlined the potential of Greece’s startup ecosystem on a global scale.

November: Global Engagement and New Beginnings

November started with representation at Web Summit 2024 in Lisbon, where Managing Director Thanos Paraschos engaged with Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition to strengthen ties between ecosystems. Participation in the SME Assembly in Budapest highlighted Europe’s leadership in sustainability. Back home, the team celebrated new interns’ arrival and prepared for December’s Youth Academy event.

December: Kickoff of Startup Greece Youth Academy 2024

December marked the inspiring launch of the two-year initiative, Startup Greece Youth Academy 2024, where we welcomed 26 participants to our kickoff event in Tripoli, Arcadia. The event was a powerful blend of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation. Esteemed speakers shared their expertise, inspiring the youth of Arcadia and equipping them with invaluable tools for their futures. The contributions of our partners and supporters added tremendous value, while our dedicated team members ensured the event’s success.

As we reflect on this year, we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to our journey—from our passionate team members, our international interns, to our inspiring partners and supporters. Together, we have laid the foundation for an even more impactful 2025, and we look forward to embracing new challenges,.building stronger connections, and empowering even more individuals and communities through the power of entrepreneurship.

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