The Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award has revealed on Wednesday the 10 finalists in line to receive up to €700,000 in funding for a new business venture, as well as business support services and a personal mentor from the Libra Group that is funding and administering the programme on behalf of The Hellenic Initiative (THI). Later this month, between one and five entrepreneurs in Greece will be chosen as award recipients based on their business plans.
The award programme aims to create opportunities for both experienced and budding entrepreneurs by providing winners with the resources they need to get a new business started.
The Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award is funded and administered by the Libra Group on behalf of The Hellenic Initiative, a non-profit organisation that is undertaking a number of economic development programmes designed to encourage entrepreneurship and investment in Greece.
About The Hellenic Initiative:
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) is a global, nonprofit, secular institution whose vision is to mobilize the Greek diaspora and philhellene community to invest in the future of Greece through programs focused on crisis relief, entrepreneurship and economic development:

The ten finalists and their business ideas are:

• hp-necovery – An energy upgrade technology for existing domestic solar energy installations. This innovative product increases power generation efficiency and conserves energy for hot water production. hp-necovery also prolongs the life of solar panel systems. The product has a patent pending and targets both Greek and European markets.
Applicants: Anastasia Raptopoulou, Vasilis Soulios.

• RTsafe – The result of extensive scientific research, RTsafe is designed to optimise the safety and effectiveness of radiotherapy for cancer patients. With RTsafe personalised radiotherapy cycles can be carried out with optimal clinical outcome and reduced treatment side effects.
Applicants: Evangelos Pappas, Thomas Maris, Nikolaos Stergiopulos.

• ’ΆNNASSA ORGANICS – A new range of premium, herbal teas and infusions. Anassa Organics selects the finest quality organically farmed Greek products with exceptional taste and fragrance. The products come with highly creative contemporary branding and unique, engaging presentation packs that turn preparation of aromatic herbal drinks into a ritual. The Anassa Organics range is targeted at international markets.
Applicants: Afroditi Florou, Yanna Matthaiou.

• ZEUS+DIONE CONCEPT STORE – Zeus+Dione is a luxury brand that features exclusive handmade products inspired by Hellenic Heritage. The company’s all-new Concept Store is a platform for other skilful artists, designers, manufactures and craftsmen to merchandise their products. This initiative aims to take the Zeus+Dione brand into new territory as a focal point for diverse traditional Greek products and craftsmanship.
Applicants: Mareva Grabowski, Dimitra Kolotoura.

• Open Circle – A web-based community where visionary entrepreneurs present their business concepts and engage with investors who may wish to participate. Unlike traditional crowdfunding this ‘equity crowdfunding’ provides a clear pathway for equity participation in target companies.
Applicant: Socratis Ploussas.

• e-satisfaction – The first, independent platform that records e-shoppers’ entire online shopping experience from browsing through ordering to delivery. e-satisfaction seeks to become a widespread, trustworthy reference and information source for consumers – and a valuable interactive feedback mechanism for online retailers globally.
Applicants: Stelios Eliakis, Xenia Kourtoglou, Katerina Pramatari.

• Bunkering at Sea – An integrated web-based platform which provides optimal, transparent and cost-effective solutions for bunkering (providing ships with fuel) by connecting ship operators (owners and charterers) with fuel suppliers or brokers worldwide. The system operates real time electronic auctions.
Applicants: Nikolaos Gavalas, Dimitrios Spyropoulos.

• Super – Super is a smartphone app that seeks to revolutionise the retail industry. This mobile reward platform enables shoppers to receive cash back on their purchases without having to redeem coupons or collect points. The system works for online or in-store shopping enabling customers to interact with the brands they love and gain hard cash in return. The concept seeks to develop real brand loyalty rather than contrived brand retention.
Applicant: This applicant wishes to remain anonymous at this stage.

• Folding Project – Following extensive research and development ‘Velo Lab’ has designed and manufactured a new type of full size folding bicycle, under the brand name Folding Project (FP). FP offers a radical design with features that will appeal to the growing community of urban cyclists. Its electric version with a hidden battery and single-sided hub motor weighs less than 18 Kg and sets new standards in this cycle category.
Applicants: Stathis Stasinopoulos, Stathis Makris, Fanis Rigas, Xenia Spirou, Nikos Pechlivanidis, Christianna Poulou.

• VK – Greek model and entrepreneur, Vicky Kaya, is set to capitalise on her 20 years’ experience, working with the world’s leading designers with her own designer label, ‘VK’. The concept is to internationalise Greek fashion, by creating a high-end brand powered by young, up-and-coming Greek fashion designers. VK will be the commercial vehicle through which hitherto unseen talent can get the recognition it deserves.
Applicant: Vicky Kaya.