European Startup Universe Closing Conference

Huge success! Is a short description of the 4-Day Closing Conference of the European Startup Universe.

The core of the closing conference was the exhibition of the results of the ESU programme and the opportunity for networking from the founders. The EU Commissioner of Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, addressed the attendees alongside the MEP Eva Kaili, Vice President of the European Parliament, who the ESU was under their auspices.

A conference which was attended by more than 2000 participants and hosted a series of events such as:

- Ιnspirational Talks

- Networking Events

- Presentation of the overall results of the ESU

• Pitch of the Founders that took part in the ESU

As satellite events, members of the academic community of Crete, had the chance to know more about innovation and entrepreneurship in contrast to the results of the ESU.These events took place in the cities of Chania and Rethymno. Finally, on the last day, the participants of the event had the chance to have a study visit in the City of Chania, which was focused on the prospects of Digital Nomads in Crete.

The Closing Conference of the ESU, had participants from various organisations and relevant stakeholders from 11 countries of the programs. Besides the representatives of the participating organisations of the ESU Program, which were from Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Luxembourg and Hungary, representatives, who operate in the capacity of EU funded programmes took part. Those representatives were from Turkey, Italy and Portugal.

The series of events were supported as following:

-Conference sponsors: iprovidenow, Darlas and Sons Investment Group and Vakxos LTD

-Accomodation sponsors: Kydon Hotel (Chania) and Avli Hotel (Rethymno)

-In kind sponsorship: Coco-Mat and Coca-Cola 3Ε Hellas

• Co-organization: Region of Rethymno, Municipality of Rethymno, Europe Direct-Region of Crete, Region of Chania.

Statements from the Organisers

Thanos Paraschos, Managing Director at the Startup Greece said:

The great impact of this project has been achieved with the faith, hard work and support of our people, co-organizers, contributors and supporters. Looking forward to building up from the foundations we laid, a sustainable endeavour, that seeks to make Europe a global powerhouse for Startups and the world a better place.

Dimitris Dimosiaris, Μanaging Director at the Founderhood said:

For me, the European Startup Universe program is something more than just some online 6-weeks programs. It’s a whole innovation ecosystem in which everyone from every country that takes part could join.

Feedback from the Participant, Kostas Karzis, Representative of Darlas & Sons Investment groups

“It was a true pleasure to take part in the ESU Closing Conference, the conference not only didn’t fail to meet my expectations, but exceeded them in various areas. In terms of organisation, the conference was well structured and supported its content, in various areas, such as investment opportunities and networking grounds. The investment opportunities from the founders were quite a lot to a point of creating dilemmas in where to give support. The previous mentioned, alongside the vibes of Cretan Hospitality marked the whole event with flying colours”.