Top 20 Startup Competitions in Greece You Should Enter

Top 20 Startup Competitions in Greece You Should Enter 

Greece, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is also emerging as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The startup ecosystem in Greece is bustling with opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, gain funding, and connect with industry leaders. If you're a budding entrepreneur in Greece or planning to enter the Greek market, participating in startup competitions can be a game-changer. Here’s a guide to the top 20 startup competitions in Greece you should consider entering in 2024.

1. Hellenic Startup Awards

The Hellenic Startup Awards recognize and celebrate the best startups in Greece. This competition highlights innovative solutions and provides a platform for startups to gain exposure and funding.

Why Enter?

• Gain visibility among investors and industry leaders.
• Access to networking opportunities and mentorship.
• Win cash prizes and business development support.

2. Elevator Lab Greece

Elevator Lab is an accelerator program by Erste Group, targeting fintech startups. The Greece edition focuses on innovative financial solutions and offers extensive support for early-stage companies.

Why Enter?

• Opportunity to collaborate with Erste Group.
• Access to funding and mentorship from fintech experts.
• Participate in a global network of fintech startups.

3. Startup Greece Awards

Startup Greece Awards is an annual competition that showcases the most promising startups across various sectors. It aims to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Greece.

Why Enter?

• Receive recognition for your startup’s achievements.
• Access to mentorship and business resources.
• Win awards and attract potential investors.

4. Greece Fintech Challenge

The Greece Fintech Challenge focuses on innovative financial technologies and solutions. This competition is ideal for fintech startups looking to scale their operations.

Why Enter?

• Opportunity to pitch to leading fintech investors.
• Gain feedback from industry experts.
• Access to funding and business development opportunities.

5. Greek Innovation Forum

The Greek Innovation Forum is a platform for showcasing innovative ideas and startups. It provides a space for networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals.

Why Enter?

• Showcase your innovation to a diverse audience.
• Network with potential partners and investors.
• Win recognition and support for your startup.

6. NBG Business Seeds

NBG Business Seeds is an initiative by the National Bank of Greece that supports startups through a comprehensive accelerator program. The competition focuses on helping startups grow and scale.

Why Enter?

• Access to funding and business development support.
• Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• Participate in a structured accelerator program.

7. Startup Factory Athens

Startup Factory Athens is an accelerator program that focuses on nurturing early-stage startups. It provides resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

Why Enter?

• Receive support from a dedicated accelerator program.
• Gain access to a network of mentors and investors.
• Opportunity to refine your business model and scale.

8. Athens Tech Week Startup Competition

Athens Tech Week is a major tech event that includes a startup competition. This competition highlights the most innovative tech startups in Greece.

Why Enter?

• Showcase your tech startup to a large audience.
• Network with tech industry leaders and investors.
• Gain exposure and support for your startup.

9. GreenTech Challenge Greece

The GreenTech Challenge Greece focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly technologies. It is perfect for startups developing solutions to environmental challenges.

Why Enter?

• Gain recognition for your green innovation.
• Access to funding and mentorship in the sustainability sector.
• Opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors.

10. EU Startups Summit Greece

The EU Startups Summit is a prestigious event that includes a startup competition. The Greek edition of this summit provides a platform for local startups to gain international visibility.

Why Enter?

• Represent Greece at a major European startup event.
• Network with European investors and industry experts.
• Win prizes and business support.

11. Hellas Startup Weekend

Hellas Startup Weekend is a 54-hour event where entrepreneurs pitch ideas, form teams, and launch startups. It is a great opportunity to test your startup concept and gain feedback.

Why Enter?

• Collaborate with other entrepreneurs and mentors.
• Develop and pitch your startup idea in a high-energy environment.
• Win prizes and gain valuable experience.

12. Greece Digital Transformation Challenge

This competition focuses on digital transformation and innovation. It is ideal for startups that are leveraging technology to drive business change.

Why Enter?

• Showcase your digital transformation solutions.
• Gain feedback from digital innovation experts.
• Access to funding and business support.

13. Smart Cities Greece Challenge

The Smart Cities Greece Challenge targets startups that are developing smart city solutions. This competition is perfect for innovators focused on urban development and technology.

Why Enter?

• Gain recognition for your smart city innovations.
• Network with urban development professionals and investors.
• Win cash prizes and business support.

14. Greece Social Impact Awards

The Greece Social Impact Awards recognize startups that are making a positive social impact. This competition focuses on projects that address social issues and promote community development.

Why Enter?

• Highlight your social impact project to a wider audience.
• Access to mentorship and support for social enterprises.
• Win awards and gain recognition for your work.

15. Innovate Greece Challenge

The Innovate Greece Challenge encourages startups to present groundbreaking ideas and solutions. It is a platform for showcasing innovative projects across various sectors.

Why Enter?

• Present your innovation to a diverse panel of judges.
• Gain exposure and support for your startup.
• Network with potential investors and partners.

16. Greece Entrepreneurship Summit

The Greece Entrepreneurship Summit includes a startup competition that highlights emerging businesses. It offers a platform for networking and business development.

Why Enter?

• Showcase your startup at a prominent entrepreneurship event.
• Connect with investors and industry leaders.
• Access to business development resources.

17. Athens Startup Pitch

Athens Startup Pitch is a competition that focuses on early-stage startups. It provides a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and gain feedback from experts.

Why Enter?

• Receive constructive feedback on your pitch.
• Gain visibility among potential investors.
• Win prizes and support for your startup.

18. Hellenic Innovation Prize

The Hellenic Innovation Prize is designed to support startups with innovative ideas and technologies. It aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Greece.

Why Enter?

• Win recognition and cash prizes for your innovation.
• Access to mentorship and business development support.
• Gain exposure and network with industry experts.

19. Startup Accelerator Greece

The Startup Accelerator Greece offers a comprehensive program for startups to grow and scale. The competition includes mentorship, funding, and business development support.

Why Enter?

• Participate in a structured accelerator program.
• Receive funding and resources for your startup.
• Connect with mentors and industry professionals.

20. Greek Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards

The Greek Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards recognize outstanding startups in various categories. It is an opportunity to gain recognition for your achievements.

Why Enter?

• Gain recognition for your startup’s success.
• Network with other successful entrepreneurs and investors.
• Win awards and support for further growth.

Participating in these competitions can provide your startup with the exposure, funding, and mentorship needed to succeed. Whether you’re focused on technology, social impact, fintech, or any other sector, Greece’s startup competitions offer valuable opportunities for growth and development. So, prepare your pitch, polish your business plan, and get ready to shine in the Greek startup scene in 2024!