16/01/2025
ExcellEnt project Soft-landing Mission in Greece
Събитието ще се проведе на 14-15 февруари 2025 г. в Лариса, Гърция, и има за цел да свърже предприемачи с иновативната екосистема в региона. Участниците ще имат възможност да се включат в дискусии, мрежови събития и посещения на местни иновационни хъбове. Освен това се предоставя ваучер от 1000 евро за покриване на разходи за пътуване и настаняване.
Крайният срок за кандидатстване е утре – 17 януари 2025 г.
ExcellEnt project Soft-landing Mission in Greece
Purpose
The ExcellEnt project Soft Landing Mission in Greece aims to foster ecosystem discovery and stimulate the mobility of entrepreneurs within the vibrant and growing ecosystems of Greece. This initiative seeks to empower entrepreneurs and ecosystem representatives by offering tailored support services to explore development opportunities and connect with the resources needed for their growth.
As part of the Horizon Europe ExcellEnt project, the mission contributes to strengthening entrepreneurial practices by enhancing connectedness between ecosystems, building bridges to create equal opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, and leveraging innovative approaches to capture and share entrepreneurial experiences and narratives across Europe.
Location: Larissa, Greece
Larissa, a vibrant city in central Greece, is strategically positioned as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, Larissa seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering a unique environment for business growth and development.
The city boasts a growing innovation ecosystem, supported by a network of thriving startups, established businesses, and research institutions. Its central location within Greece makes it a vital link connecting major urban centers and fostering regional collaboration. Larissa's business-friendly environment is further enhanced by local initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
Larissa’s combination of accessibility, cultural richness, and forward-looking entrepreneurial landscape makes it an ideal location for the mission, offering participants the opportunity to engage deeply with a dynamic and evolving ecosystem.
Activities
Events and Discussions
As part of the Greek Soft Landing Mission, participants will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking events and discussions aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the Greek entrepreneurial ecosystem. These sessions are part of the Innovent Forum , taking place from February 14–15, and will feature a diverse range of topics and formats, including roundtable discussions and networking opportunities.
For more details on the sessions and topics, please refer to the forum’s agenda .
Networking and Matchmaking Events
Participants of the Greek Soft Landing Mission will have the unique opportunity to join the Innovent Forum 2025 Matchmaking Event, a premier platform designed to ignite collaboration across business, technology, and research. Held from February 14–15, 2025, at JOIST Innovation Park in Larissa, Greece, and online, this hybrid event fosters connections between innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and key stakeholders from Greece, Southeast Europe, and beyond.
To register for the matchmaking event, please visit: https://innovent-2025.b2match.io/home.
Site Visits
Participants of the Greek Soft Landing Mission will have the chance to visit key innovation hubs and institutions that showcase the dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greece. These visits are designed to provide insights into successful models of collaboration, innovation, and development, inspiring participants to forge meaningful partnerships and explore new opportunities.
JOIST Innovation Park
A cornerstone of Thessaly's innovative ecosystem, JOIST Innovation Park connects diverse stakeholders, including academic institutions, SMEs, startups, and innovation enthusiasts. Operating through four clusters—eHealth, EduTech, AgriTech, and eTourism—JOIST fosters knowledge dissemination, entrepreneurial energy, and inclusive working environments. It serves as a vital hub for collaboration and creativity, enabling its community to generate impactful ideas that contribute to regional and global innovation landscape.
Find out more about JOIST Innovation Park at https://joistpark.eu/en/.
University of Thessaly
A leading academic institution in Greece, the University of Thessaly is renowned for its significant contributions to education, research, and regional development. With over 36,000 undergraduate and 4,500 postgraduate students, it is a powerhouse of knowledge and innovation. Participants will gain insights into its cutting-edge research, collaborative opportunities, and its role in supporting the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Find out more about the University of Thessaly at https://www.uth.gr/en.
Local Companies in Larissa
Participants will visit selected companies in Larissa (to be decided), providing firsthand exposure to innovative practices and entrepreneurial success stories within the region.
Logistical Information
Dates: The Greek Soft Landing Mission will take place from February 14–15, 2025.
Duration: The mission spans 2 days, offering an immersive experience packed with events, site visits, and networking opportunities.
Cost: There are no participation fees required for any of the activities. Additionally, each participant will receive a voucher of 1,000 EUR to cover accommodation and travel expenses.
Accommodations and Travel: Participants are encouraged to arrange their own travel and accommodation, using the provided voucher to offset costs.
Language: The mission and all proposed events will be conducted in English.
Eligible Participants
The Greek Soft Landing Mission is open to:
Startups and Entrepreneurs: Seeking to explore new markets, foster collaborations, and expand their reach.
Academics and Researchers: Interested in collaborating with Greek universities, such as the University of Thessaly, or engaging with research institutes.
Participants must be based in France, Ireland, Bulgaria, Turkiye, or Ukraine.
How to Apply
Application Process: Fill in the application form to express your interest and provide details about your background and objectives for joining the mission.
Deadline: Submit your application by January 17, 2025
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Greece’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and expand your network!
