In order to contribute to the development of the Greek innovation ecosystem and to enhance the prospects for Greek startups and their competitive advantages in the field of sustainable development, Microsoft is taking initiatives with the Microsoft Sustainability Accelerator program.

In this context, it organizes in cooperation with the Startup Pathways , the first Social Sustainable Entrepreneurship Accelerator in Greece. A 3-month accelerator program that aims to prepare Greek startups to integrate at least 4 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs ) into their operations.

Part of the Accelerator is the Social Sustainable Entrepreneurship Forum. A forum open to the public that will host business leaders from Greece and abroad, as well as startups that have stood out in the field of Sustainability. They will share best practices, methodologies and actions that support the value of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. As well as how to integrate them into the strategy of a business. During the Accelerator, the 12 startups that will be selected:

• attend workshops,
• will be trained in sustainable development practices
• At the same time, they will have networking opportunities with executives specializing in the field of sustainability

In addition, they will be included in the "Microsoft for Startups – Founders' Hub" program. Through this, the company enhances the growth prospects of start-ups that have successfully designed and implemented high-end technologies and have as their direct goal the international expansion.

Upon completion of the Social Sustainable Entrepreneurship Accelerator, participating startups will be able to draw up the Sustainability Action Plan. They will then present it to an Evaluation Committee.This consists of Microsoft executives, entrepreneurs and investors (VCs). At the same time, they will prepare their first Sustainability Report.

The programme Microsoft Sustainability Accelerator

The program is funded by Microsoft, organized by Startup Pathways and is addressed to startups that:

• They are in the MVP stage, with a clear intention to achieve Social Entrepreneurship Goals, even if it is not their primary goal.
• They are active in sectors such as smart cities, green energy, education, med tech, diversity & inclusion, food waste, agro, diversity & inclusion, etc.
• Develop or make available digital technology products or services.

To see the terms, conditions and criteria for participation and to submit your application online, go to here .