The competition is implemented in 3 stages:
1st Stage (electronic submission only)
To participate in the competition, candidates are invited to write a short, clear and documented description of their business idea, based on the template (submission form) included on the competition website.
The basic elements of all the proposals of the 1st stage will be made public, on the website of Aegean Startups.
For the qualification in the 2nd stage, the originality, the feasibility and the completeness of each proposal will be taken into account, as well as the popularity of the proposal on the platform.
The evaluation of the proposals will be done by a body of evaluators of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit of the University of the Aegean, with the participation of academics and market executives.
All the teams that were formed and participated in the Summer Schools of Innovative Entrepreneurship organized by the University of the Aegean in the years 2012-2014 can submit their ideas in the competition. The teams that excelled in the Summer Schools (took 1st place), if they submit their ideas, can go directly to the 2nd stage of the competition.
2nd Stage (electronic submission only)
The proposals that will qualify in the 2nd stage will compile and submit a comprehensive business plan, based on a template that will be given to them, which can lead to the establishment of a business and will be sufficient to be evaluated by potential financiers. Tools and instructions for writing a complete business plan can be found on the website of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit of the University of the Aegean.
In addition, the selected teams will be able to communicate with a mentor from the academic and business world that will be assigned to them, in collaboration with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit of the University of the Aegean and depending on the content of their business idea. Communication and related sessions between mentors and team members will be done electronically.
3rd Stage (presentation and award)
In the final stage, the best Business Plans (per thematic area) that stood out in stage 2 are presented and awarded, which are presented in the final event of the competition.
The four best business ideas (1 per thematic area) by groups of students / graduates of the University of the Aegean will be awarded a special distinction and award by the University of the Aegean while the four best business ideas (1 per thematic area) by groups outside the University of the Aegean will will be awarded with special prizes, which will be offered by sponsors of the competition. All teams that will be distinguished:
- will be published through the website of the competition and related publications
- will have access to mentors to optimize their idea and seek further funding or other assistance
- will have access to support infrastructure (cradles) inside and outside the University of the Aegean, in Athens and the Aegean islands
In the event that no proposal is awarded in a subject area, the competition organizers reserve the right to award additional proposals in other subject areas.
At the same time, the most popular proposal, based on the acceptance of the public on the website of the competition, which meets the minimum criteria, will be nominated for a special prize.
All participants / participants who will take part in the competition will be given a certificate of participation by Employment and Career Structure of the University of the Aegean depending on the stage they have reached.
Timetable
| 28th of June 2021: | Deadline for submitting ideas (1st stage) |
| June 2021: | Selection of ideas and information of teams that will proceed to the 2nd stage |
| 4th of October 2021: | Closing date for the submission of business plans (2nd stage) |
| October 2021: | Selection of business plans that will proceed to the 3rd stage and information of teams |
| November – December 2021: | Presentation of teams, announcement of results and awarding of distinguished people in a special event |