This year, 25 students from the DTE degree program took part in the International Start-up Tour in Athens. A visit to the Impact Hub Athens offered the participants a first insight into the Athens start-up ecosystem, where they were able to learn more about the work of the Impact Hub as well as current projects and start-ups. They also visited Emphasis Digiworld, where they learned more about innovative projects. The students also visited the Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the AUEB University (Athens University of Economics and Business).
Highlight of the excursion: the hackathon at EIT Manufacturing
The highlight of the excursion was the hackathon, where interdisciplinary teams worked on solutions for two challenges: "Print the future - transforming Athens with 3D printing solutions" and "Nature Guard - early warning systems for environmental protection". Four intercultural teams tackled the tasks presented by EIT Manufacturing. The students had two weeks to develop and present their ideas before a winner was chosen.
Insights into the Greek education system
The Goethe-Institut and the DAAD Greece offered insights into their exchange programs and digital initiatives. AUEB University also provided insights into current projects at its Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, including the presentation of a start-up and its activities. Another interesting point of the visit was the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen, and Merchants (GSEVEE), where the students were able to learn about the history of the organization and gain further insights into the start-up ecosystem.
