✨ Startup Europe Week returned to Kozani for the second consecutive year at the University of Western Macedonia, on the afternoon of Monday, May 12, 2025, with the aim of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship at the local, national and European level.

✨ The event was part of the “Digital Innovation Hub of Western Macedonia – SYNERGiNN EDIH” project and was implemented with co-organizers the University of Western Macedonia, the Region of Western Macedonia, ANKO SA/Enterprise Europe Network and the Kozani E.V.E.

👉 The Rector of the University of Western Macedonia, Professor Theodoros Theodoulidis, noted that “the University has a clear strategic role in the development of the local ecosystem and in the interconnection of academic knowledge with the needs of society and the economy, through the production of research, innovation and the strengthening of start-ups through its programs”. He pointed out the decision to include Phase A of the “Innovative Activities Host Pocket” project of the Western Macedonia Innovation Zone, with the University as the beneficiary, as a project of strategic importance for the strengthening of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. At the same time, he referred to the development of the spin-off companies of the Western Macedonia Region, which are dynamically active in the fields of innovation and local development. As he pointed out, “14 University startups are already registered in the Startup Registry, which confirms the commitment to creating a comprehensive framework to support new ideas and synergies.”

👉 The Governor of Western Macedonia, Giorgos Amanatidis, referred to the strategic cooperation of the Region with the University and the importance of startups as development arms for the transition to a new productive model. He also emphasized that the Region actively supports the creation of an ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation, which will contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

👉 The Deputy Minister of Development, Stavros Kalafatis, underlined the formation of a model innovation hub in Western Macedonia, where new knowledge and innovation strengthen the connection of the University with entrepreneurship.

✨ The keynote speaker of the event was Sotiris Karagiannis, Chief Innovation Officer of SPACE HELLAS S.A., who presented how a technological idea can evolve into a global business, highlighting the importance of strategic cooperation and policies to support startups.

💠 In more detail, the first discussion entitled “Tech startups: The future is born locally” hosted the startups Metamind Innovations, Keyvoto, Componous and Innovation Bee, who shared experiences and good practices. The coordination was carried out by Assoc. Professor of the Faculty of Economics and Co-ordinator of the Western Macedonia Digital Innovation Hub SYNERGiNN EDIH, Nikolaos Ploskas.

💠 The second discussion, “Local innovation ecosystem and development of start-ups”, was attended by the Deputy Minister of Development, Stavros Kalafatis, the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia, Giorgos Amanatidis, and the Rector of the University of Thessaloniki, Theodoros Theodoulidis. The discussion was coordinated by the publisher of the newspaper “Ptolemais”, Antonis Pougaridis.

💠 In the context of the third discussion on the topic “Women’s Entrepreneurship: From the idea to the creation of sustainable businesses”, the stage was given to four dynamic female entrepreneurs from Western Macedonia: Lena Apostolidou (LAVTÓKEN / Almonds & Friends), Anastasia Papaterpou (The hippo and the donkey), Katerina Tsiftsi (Aroma & Tastes of the Land of Voiou) and Lila Tsiantakis (Tsiantakis Home), under the coordination of Liana Papaterpou (Enterprise Europe Network / ANKO AE), who shared the challenges, obstacles and strategies that led them to success.

**The Startup Europe Week Kozani event “Development of a Local Ecosystem of Startups in a Just Transition Region” was organized within the framework of the implementation of the Action “Digital Innovation Hub of Western Macedonia – SYNERGiNN EDIH” with OPS Code 6001586 of the “Competitiveness 2021-2027” program, with co-organizers the University of Western Macedonia, the Region of Western Macedonia, ANKO SA/Enterprise Europe Network and the E.V.E. of Kozani, in the central amphitheater of the Administration building, on the University Campus, Kozani SPA on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM.