Startup Greece Mission to India: Fostering Innovation and Collaboration.

Following the historic visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Greece, Thanos Paraschos, Managing Director of Startup Greece, embarked on a whirlwind tour of five Indian cities: Pune, Mumbai, Gujarat, Nagpur, and Delhi from October 20th to November 7th, 2023. This mission, driven by a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, collaboration, and innovation, aimed to connect with key stakeholders in the Indian startup ecosystem and explore potential opportunities for collaboration. 

Building Bridges in Pune

The mission commenced in Pune, where the delegation interacted with representatives of prestigious universities. Their visit to the Indira Institute of Management and Symbiosis International (Deemed University) provided insights into the innovative educational initiatives and the vibrant student tech community. The delegation also explored the Venture Center, a top-tier incubator promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

Mumbai: A Hub of Opportunity

In Mumbai, Mr. Paraschos engaged in crucial meetings with key players in the startup ecosystem. He explored exciting research projects at SOMAIYA Vidyavihar University and discussed innovation in research and design at riiDL. Additionally, he met with the Greek Consul and tech entrepreneurs, solidifying the mission’s dedication to forging stronger ties between the two nations and laying the foundation for a collaborative journey dubbed #GRIN.

Gujarat: Exploring New Frontiers

The journey continued to Gujarat, where Mr. Paraschos delivered a guest lecture on trade relations at Rashtriya Raksha University and explored internship opportunities for Indian students in Greek startups at Gujarat Technological University. The visit concluded with a networking dinner and cultural night, further strengthening bonds between the two communities.

Nagpur: Unveiling Potential Partnerships

In Nagpur, Mr. Paraschos participated in the ‘Advantage Vidarbha’ Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav event, highlighting the region’s potential for entrepreneurship. He also engaged in discussions with potential partners like Meditrina, Solar Group, and Haldirams, exploring opportunities for collaboration in medical tourism, defense manufacturing, and education.

Delhi: A Platform for Collaboration

The final stop was Delhi, where Mr. Paraschos was welcomed by the Greek diplomatic personnel and  participated in the reception of the Greek Minister for Rural Development and Food. He also provided invaluable advice on angel investment at Bennett University and explored collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders like Pedal Start, IIITD Innovation & Incubation Center, and JSSSTEP.

The outcome:

The Startup Greece mission to India was a resounding success, forging valuable partnerships and paving the way for a future of collaboration between the two nations. With a shared vision for innovation and entrepreneurship, Greece and India are poised to embark on a journey of mutual growth and prosperity.

Three Initiatives to Build the Future of Greek-Indian Partnership

• Pilot Internship Program: A collaborative effort between Startup Greece and Indian universities, this program aims to connect ten talented Indian students with five promising Greek startups. This initiative will foster skill development through hands-on experience, facilitate exchange programs for cultural immersion, and promote cross-cultural collaboration between the two countries.
• Startup Greece Delegation to India: Designed to immerse Greek startups in the vibrant Indian market, this program will offer them the opportunity to explore potential partnerships, network with key stakeholders, and meet with investors. By providing exposure to the Indian business landscape, this initiative will equip Greek startups with the knowledge and connections necessary to navigate and succeed in this dynamic market. 
• Summer Startup School in Greece: This unique program will offer Indian students an unforgettable opportunity to learn from leading entrepreneurs and experts in Greece. Participants will gain valuable insights into the Greek startup ecosystem, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and build connections with potential co-founders and collaborators. This immersive experience will foster a pipeline of talented individuals poised to contribute to the future of Greek-Indian innovation. (Focused on AI, cybersecurity, green)

These three initiatives represent a significant step forward in building a robust and mutually beneficial partnership between Greece and India. By fostering collaboration, exchange, and talent development, these programs will lay the groundwork for a future of shared prosperity and success. Already, twenty Greek startups have declared their interest to be part of.

Thanos Paraschos stated: ‘Greece and India, bound by a rich history, embark on an exciting new chapter. We’ll blend the best of tradition with the energy of the modern world to fuel innovation, encourage investments, and empower startups. We are ready to commence with a concrete plan on how we can contribute to our nations and jointly shape the tech future. Together, let’s leverage our combined strengths to propel our nations toward a future of shared success.’

Acknowledgments

The Greek mission was supported by the Greek Ambassador Dimitris Ioannou, Dr. Monojit Das, Dr Joyanto Mukherjee, Mikaila Chetty, and Professor Kriplani for the India mission. These individuals, through their dedication and expertise, played a crucial role in shaping the positive outcomes of this journey.