London has attracted some great minds this week, and all with the same vision in mind: to help rebuild the economy of crisis ridden Greek.
The five-day start-up accelerator program run by non-profit organisation Reload Greece, is looking to develop ideas that can have a quick social and economic impact, by creating jobs and boosting businesses.
Taking part in the program are six companies, short listed from 30 applications from the UK and abroad, with ideas ranging from a chemical formula protecting significant sites from graffiti, to an online store stocking handmade items by local Greek businesses.
Each company has been given the chance to discuss and refine their ideas with mentors, before presenting their final business plans to investors.
Co-founder of Reload Greece, Effie Kyrtata has experienced the effects of the crisis first-hand, having moved from Athens to London seven years ago.
She says maintaining a connection between Greece and its diaspora could be key in revitalising the economy.
“We’ve seen a lot of people leave Greece and come to other countries – the brain drain, the lost generation – and lose contact with Greece. We want to create a bridge between Greece and the UK.
“This is our effort to do something fast, because of the great need that exists. We are aiming to activate the community that resides abroad to make an immediate impact now,” Ms Kyrtata said.
At the end of the week, each company will take part in a Dragons Den-style event, with the winner receiving free business coaching lessons.
While the economic benefits are key to the project, Ms Kyrtata says the concept of the program extends beyond that.
“We want to change the perception that the world has about Greece by showcasing young and successful entrepreneurs who can make a difference,” she said.
Source: The Telegraph