The Hellenic Development Bank (HDB) announces the launch of an innovation competition and awards startup entrepreneurship at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)

The Hellenic Development Bank (HDB), in collaboration with Elevate Greece of the Ministry of Development and Investments, within the framework of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), announced the launch of an innovation competition, with a strong emphasis on ESG criteria and Innovation.

The competition is addressed to startups registered with Elevate Greece and focuses on the development of applications and platforms for the integration and assessment of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) criteria, as well as the level of innovation of companies, particularly SMEs, with the aim of expanding the pool of companies considered creditworthy (bankable).

The Chairwoman and CEO, Ms. Athina Hatzipetrou, stated:
“As a development pillar, the Hellenic Development Bank is evolving into a modern fintech organization. A core element of our strategy is to encourage innovation in entrepreneurship through multiple tools. Assessing companies’ potential based on their overall impact and activities is of critical importance. At HDB, ‘we buy your potential’, meaning that we aim to invest in a company’s capabilities rather than its past.”

The outcome of the competition will be the opportunity for financing and collaboration for the productive implementation of the proposed solutions. Applications are submitted via the Elevate Greece platform, with the deadline set for September 30, 2021.