New application cycle opens for the Stelios Haji-Ioannou Youth Entrepreneurship Awards 2026

Youth entrepreneurship plays a important relation successful the maturation of the Greek economy, arsenic an expanding fig of startups present innovative ideas to the marketplace and make caller jobs. At the aforesaid time, the Greek startup ecosystem continues to turn steadily, with much teams investing successful extroversion and sustainable concern development.

Within this context, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and its founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and proprietor of the casual household of brands (www.easygroup.com.gr), announced the motorboat of the Youth Entrepreneurship Awards 2026. The inaugural returns for its 17th year, rewarding young entrepreneurs who physique innovative and dynamic businesses with a meaningful interaction connected the nationalist economy. The institution, which for implicit 17 years has been a benchmark for the Greek startup community, continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamism of the caller procreation of entrepreneurs.

The Awards person served arsenic a launchpad for dozens of palmy companies that person distinguished themselves successful Greece and abroad, specified arsenic Ferryhopper, Cinobo, Ancient Greek Sandals, Enaleia, Vendora, Sun of a Beach, and others. From 2008 until today, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation has contributed implicit €2,000,000, actively supporting the maturation of the Greek system and occupation creation.

One prize, 3 winners

For 2026, the Youth Entrepreneurship Awards volition assistance a full currency prize of €300,000 to 3 young entrepreneurs. The archetypal victor volition person €150,000, the 2nd €100,000, and the 3rd €50,000, aimed astatine further processing their businesses, creating caller jobs, and strengthening their planetary outreach.

Applicants indispensable beryllium up to 34 years aged (born successful 1992 oregon later), person founded a institution successful Greece wrong the past 5 years (registered successful 2021 oregon later), with a minimum yearly turnover of €100,000, and employment astatine slightest 3 people. Eligible companies indispensable beryllium firm entities (IKE, EPE, oregon SA), excluding partnerships and sole proprietorships, and applicants indispensable ain much than 50% of their company. Previous applicants whitethorn reapply if they conscionable the criteria, portion erstwhile winners are excluded. Applicants of immoderate nationality are eligible, provided their institution is registered and taxed successful Greece.

The exertion play began connected April 30, 2026, and volition adjacent connected July 6, 2026, portion the grant ceremonial volition instrumentality spot connected September 3, 2026, astatine the Stelios Foundation Conference Hall successful Plaka, successful the beingness of representatives from the concern and organization community.

Institutional enactment adding value

This year, the Youth Entrepreneurship Awards are institutionally supported by Elevate Greece, the nationalist registry and enactment mechanics for Greek startups. This enactment builds connected past year’s designation of companies wrong the Elevate Greece ecosystem and contributes to broader outreach and information wrong the startup community, arsenic good arsenic supporting the valuation process. The engagement of Elevate Greece further strengthens the organization quality of the awards, highlighting the value of supporting entrepreneurship astatine a nationalist level.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou stated:
“The Youth Entrepreneurship Awards proceed to item outstanding young entrepreneurs who make existent worth and jobs successful Greece. It is peculiarly encouraging to spot the level of applications rising each year, reflecting the advancement of the Greek startup scene.”

The exertion process opened connected April 30 and volition adjacent connected July 6, 2026. Applications are submitted online via the Foundation’s website: https://steliosfoundation.gr/