The Green Alternatives for European Autonomy is an Open Innovation Programme, aimed at people with innovative ideas that want to turn into a start-up business. The programme offers a supportive environment for the development of ideas aimed at strengthening European Energy Autonomy.
The objectives of the programme include the improvement of entrepreneurial skills, the connection of local markets with the pan-European market, the promotion of innovation in the energy sector, practical experience in designing green solutions, and the creation of a support network for young entrepreneurs.
In total, more than 165 business ideas were submitted in Phase 1, of which 50 qualified for the Phase 2 Semi-final of the programme, which will take place in January 2025. It is worth mentioning that the programme also supported women’s entrepreneurship, as 35% of the entries came from women, with this percentage reaching 41% in Greece.
Bootcamp Trainings
During Phase 1, a series of 7 Bootcamp Trainings were organised, with a total duration of 14 hours. The aim of the seminars was to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants in developing, managing, and presenting their business ideas.
The first seminars focused on introducing teams to entrepreneurship, the basic principles for creating an effective team (Team Formation), and the methodology for generating innovative ideas (Idea Generation). The programme then moved on to more specific topics such as how to craft a business idea (Pitch Deck) and the basic skills required to present it effectively.
Finally, the participants had the opportunity to learn about the most important business models and the key financial terms that directly affect every startup. The training program was concluded with the participants’ immersion in market and competition research methods, thus providing all the knowledge required for the successful implementation of their ideas.
Mentoring Sessions
Following the training seminars, the teams had the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained during the seminars, in cooperation with experienced and qualified mentors who took over their guidance.
In particular, more than 30 mentors were invited to share their thoughts on the steps the teams had already taken, and their suggestions on how they should move forward with further developing their business plan.
These results highlight GAEA’s significant contribution in shaping the European business scene. In each of the participating countries, participants had the opportunity to present their ideas, receive valuable feedback and evolve as entrepreneurs.
33 applications from 100 individuals
22 presentations from 80 participants
59% men and 41% women
29 applications from 60 individuals
14 presentations from 42 participants
72% men and 28% women
32 applications from 62 individuals
13 presentations from 34 participants
61% men and 39% women
27 applications from 52 individuals
8 presentations from 24 participants
63% men and 37% women
26 applications from 65 individuals
13 presentations from 36 participants
68% men and 32% women
29 applications from 84 individuals
17 presentations from 57 participants
81% men and 19% women
33 applications from 82 individuals
21 presentations from 63 participants
56% men and 44% women
31 applications from 76 individuals
21 presentations from 66 participants
61% men and 39% women
64 applications from 122 participants
36 presentations from 83 participants
66% men and 34% women
In the second week of September, Phase 2 of the programme, the Incubation Phase, was officially launched. The 50 winning teams that were distinguished in Phase 1 for their excellence will receive specialized support, tools, methodologies and guidance from a team of experts, with the aim of:
All Phase 2 teams will initially compete in the semi-final evaluation process, in mid-January 2025, through which 15 of them will be selected to participate in the final competition, which will be held in person in Athens in mid-March 2025.
GAEA is implemented by Mantis Beyond Innovation, EIT RawMaterials, the National Technical University of Athens through the UNESCO Chair for Green Innovation & Circular Economy, PASEPPE, and the Sustainability InnoCenter.
Mantis Beyond Innovation’s main pillar is the development of the innovation and start-up ecosystem as a direct contributor to improving the quality of people’s lives. Mantis Beyond Innovation supports, through open innovation programmes, startups, innovators and researchers to scale up their innovative solutions and ideas towards solving major challenges for large private and public organisations.
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