Today, Professor Phoebe Koundouri, had the honor of delivering the keynote speech at the Women Economic Forum (WEF), themed “Women Leading Economic Growth and Sustainable Development.”
Professor Koundouri expressed her enthusiasm for connecting with many remarkable women leaders and changemakers. During the panel discussion on “Innovation for Green and Digital Transition,” she and fellow panelists explored the vital role that innovation and sustainable practices play in shaping both economic and environmental futures.
In her keynote, Professor Koundouri highlighted three technology accelerators led by her team at AE4RIA (Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aephoria):
- BRIGAID Connect: This program supports European innovators in developing climate resilience solutions. The Climate Innovation Window (CIW), part of this initiative, serves as a portal for climate adaptation solutions, linking innovators with end-users. Currently, the CIW features 120 innovative solutions addressing challenges such as floods, droughts, and extreme weather. Learn more.
- Black Sea Accelerator (BSA): A collaborative effort from AE4RIA’s BRIDGE Black Sea and DOORS Black Sea Horizon projects, the BSA promotes blue economy innovations for sustainable growth in the Black Sea region. It provides training, workshops, and expert-led discussions, helping innovators scale their ideas and access funding. Learn more.
- MENA Maritime Accelerator: This accelerator supports startups focused on sustainability within the maritime industry. Each year, up to five startups receive funding, training, and mentorship. Since 2021, the program has selected 26 startups from 21 countries. Learn more.
Professor Koundouri thanked the panel moderator, Alexia Tasouli, Diplomatic Correspondent, as well as distinguished panelists Maria Loizidou (NTUA Professor Emeritus), Margarita Karavasili (Urban Planner and Architect), Betty Charalampopoulou (CEO, GeosystemsHellas SA), and Kleio Sgouropoulou (Professor, Department of Computer Engineering), for their contributions to these essential discussions.
