The Science and Technology Park of Crete (STEP-C) of FORTH and the Innovation Business Observatory (IBO) of Crete Region invite students of all ages to participate in a significant initiative that promotes youth innovation and entrepreneurship.

For the third consecutive year, Crete participates in the European initiative “EUSAIR POPRI youth”, in collaboration with Primorski Tehnološki Park (Slovenia).

This action is addressed to secondary school students (14–18 years old) from the Region of Crete and to university students (18–29 years old) from Academic and Research Institutions of Crete, offering them the opportunity to develop and present a business idea, participate in an international final competition, network with teams from 10 countries of the Adriatic–Ionian region, and gain valuable experience and new opportunities.

Participants are invited to develop innovative ideas responding to social or technological challenges – products, services or actions with an entrepreneurial orientation. After submitting their business ideas and proposals and being evaluated, the two top teams (one from each category) will represent Crete in the international final competition to be held in Georgioupolis, Chania, on 6-7 May 2025, with entries from: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia. The winners of the final will have the opportunity to represent their ideas at European forums and pitching events, with travel and participation expenses fully covered.

The submission period runs from 27 March 2025 to 14 April 2025. Applications must be submitted in English and include: application form, business plan, presentation (PowerPoint), and parental consent form (for secondary school students). Templates and guidance will be provided to all participants.

Travel and accommodation costs will be covered for the selected participants (two pupils/students and two university students).

Secondary school students must be accompanied by a guardian (note: the expenses of the accompanying persons are not covered).

The competition “EUSAIR POPRI youth” is part of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) and promotes education and training of young people in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Applications should be submitted via email to: basta@stepc.gr.

For more information, please contact Ms. Evi Basta (STEP-C) at +30 2810 391908, or visit the official website: https://popri.si/en