Cultivating an entrepreneurship culture and supporting technological innovation are key components of the funding strategy of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation. In this context, the Foundation supported the organisation of the “MITEF Greece Startup Competition 2022”, a competition aiming to strengthen the country’s technological ecosystem and promote the acceleration of Greek startups at international level, especially those innovating in fields of cutting-edge technology. The Competition is the flagship acceleration programme of MITEF Greece, combining high-level hands-on knowledge with global networking and visibility to newly established startups. As part of the Programme, participants had the opportunity to attend workshops in key aspects of entrepreneurship, such as Strategic Planning, Investment Readiness, and Digital Marketing, develop useful skills and receive hands-on coaching from internationally renowned professionals. The winners received cash prizes and awards consisting in the provision of services that will significantly contribute to their business enjoying a stronger competitive advantage, as well as opportunities for exposure and networking with the MITEF international network of investors, academics, and partners.

• 85 entrepreneurs from 26 startups in Greece, Cyprus, Europe and the US participated in the Competition, which was attended by 250 people at its Final event.
• Participants attended 21 workshops, while 284 mentoring seminars and 80 pitching seminars were conducted with the help of 47 mentors.
• The Competition was structured into 4 tracks: General, Energy, Transportation, and Biosciences.

“Since 2015, the year we ran our first cohort, we have accelerated more than 200 startups! 30% of those businesses continue to grow globally, having raised more than $200 million in capital, creating more than 900 new jobs, with total annual revenues of over $50 million. It is worth noting that 8 out of the 26 participating teams, i.e. a percentage of 30% of participants, have been founded by women entrepreneurs!”

Antigoni Molodanof
Executive Director, MITEF Greece 

“The programme has been an inspiration for a significant change. It is not merely about brainstorming new ideas, as we have received invaluable guidance and constructive feedback on how to transfrom these ideas into actions.”

Terje Eichelmann
CCO, LightCode Photonics
1st Prize (Track: General & Transport),
MITEF Greece Startup Competition 

“Through this programme we have had the opportunity to refine all aspects of our business. We feel that following this Competition, our team is ready and confident to get a step closer to the market.”

Apollon Konstantopoulos
CTO, Ensight
1st Prize (Track: Energy), MITEF Greece Startup Competition