Start-up Empowerment Programe 2023

“ClimAccelerator Greece” is an entrepreneurial empowerment programme that aims to create a strong network of professionals active in the field of green and circular economy promoting the development of sustainable, regenerative and innovative solutions to tackle the climate crises and protect the environment. The Programme, which was implemented for the third year in collaboration with EIT – Climate KIC and with the support, among others, of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, started in April 2023 with the organisation of a two-day Hackathon, under the scientific supervision of the National Technical University of Athens, aiming to create the right environment for the acceleration of socially and technologically innovative ideas. Through the Hackathon, 10 start-ups were selected to participate in the first cycle of the Programme and were supported through training workshops on innovative business tools, personalised mentoring and networking opportunities with experts and executives from environmental organisations and businesses. In September 2023, the “Demo Day” competitive stage of the Programme took place, during which 7 out of 10 teams presented their ideas during a short pitching session, evaluated based on business sustainability criteria with emphasis on environmental and social impact. Greek start-ups Apollo Green Solutions, Rhoe, and Promilist stood out for their innovative eco business solutions, received cash prizes of €9,000, and qualified for the second stage of the Programme, where they were trained on investment readiness by participating in masterclasses, consulting and networking sessions with investors.

• 10 start-ups were supported under the “ClimAccelerator Greece” programme by participating in 18 workshops and 90 individual sessions.
• 12 new full-time jobs were created in the participating start-ups under the Programme, while they managed to secure €120,000 in external funding.

“We started with a rough idea of how to democratise renewable energy solutions. Through ‘ClimAccelerator Greece’ 2023 we managed to address the right market, shape our business model and increase our Technology Readiness Level (TRL). ‘ClimAccelerator Greece’ 2023 helped us to become popular in the market and to create a wide network of potential investors, talents and partners. It also gave us confidence, trust and the right environment to implement our idea, and helped us accelerate and grow though valuable feedback from mentors and experts, as well as continuous training. It was really the reason why I decided to become a full-time entrepreneur.”

Raphael Kassapis

Founder & CEO, Apollo Green Solutions