On October 7, 2025, the 1st Green and Blue Innovation Awards Ceremony, part of the Innovate East initiative, was held in the Great Hall of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

The University of Thessaly participated as a co-organizer in this pioneering collaboration that united Universities, the Holy Metropolis of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki, local authorities, and the business community. Their shared goal was to promote sustainable development, foster innovation, and strengthen the connection between knowledge and society.

Representing the University of Thessaly, Professor Chrysi Laspidou, Vice-Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations, and Digital Governance, and Head of One Planet Thessaly, addressed the ceremony, emphasizing that Innovate East serves as a prime example of institutional collaboration that unites youth, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

“Innovate East exemplifies how collaboration among universities, the Church, and local communities can transform vision into action, shaping a greener and more resilient future,” noted Professor Laspidou.

She also highlighted the significance of the blue economy and the need to cultivate a culture of innovation that provides opportunities for young people to create and succeed in Greece.

The University of Thessaly reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that bridge academic research with society and the economy, empowering the next generation to innovate with vision and values.

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