The first TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, focusing on “Circular Economy in Agrifood: Utilization of By-products and Resource Reuse,” was successfully completed with great participation on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Center for the Dissemination of Research Results (KE.D.E.A.) in Thessaloniki.
TrophyΤροφή is an initiative of the organization New Agriculture New Generation, implemented since 2019 through the founding donation of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering effort that invests in the development and strengthening of the Greek agrifood innovation ecosystem, highlighting and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups operating in the fields of agrotechnology, food technology, and agrologistics. These ventures offer products and services that utilize innovative technologies, even in early development stages (pre-seed).
The first TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up opened with speeches from Mr. Charalambos Feidas, Rector of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.); Mr. Kyriakos Yiakinthos, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at A.U.Th.; Mr. Nikolaos Tzolas, Deputy Governor for Digital Governance of the Region of Central Macedonia; Ms. Maria Tsakiri, Business Advisory Support Officer of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Ms. Efi Theodoraki, Deputy Mayor for Education and Lifelong Learning of the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
This was followed by presentations and panel discussions with distinguished speakers. Mr. Periklis Chatzinakos presented the activities of the Environmental Management Office of the University of Macedonia, while the entrepreneurial team Loop Lab from the Experimental High School of the University of Macedonia showcased their pioneering virtual enterprise. Professor Emerita Ourania Menkisoglou-Spiroudi, President of KEAGRO-A.U.Th., highlighted the center’s initiatives, and Professor Thomas Kotsopoulos, President of the Department of Agriculture at A.U.Th., discussed the role of the circular economy in agrifood. Additionally, Professor Nikos Theodorakis, Scientific Director of Walk AUTh Innovation Accelerator, presented its work.
The first panel discussion focused on “Utilization of By-products and Circular Economy in the Primary Sector,” featuring:
- Prof. Aikaterini Karamanoli (A.U.Th.),
- Asst. Prof. Ioannis Giantsis (A.U.Th.),
- Dr. Anthoula Karanasiou (Scientific Associate, IDEP – CERTH), and
- Mr. Stefanos Kamperis (CEO, Staramaki).
The panel was moderated by Mr. Akis Karamavros, Entrepreneurship Development Associate at New Agriculture New Generation.
The second panel, titled “Sustainable Resource Management in Food Processing – Trends and Challenges,” included:
- Prof. Athanasia Goula (A.U.Th.),
- Mr. Thanasis Bletsas (Sustainability Manager, MAKVEL – EURIMAC),
- Ms. Ioanna Melikidou (R&D Manager, KONVA), and
- Assoc. Prof. Fani Matzouridou (A.U.Th.).
This panel was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ioannis Mourtzinos (A.U.Th.).
The event continued with a presentation by Mr. Grigoris Chatzikostas, General Partner at Loggerhead Ventures, on “Sustainability in Agrifood and Entrepreneurship.”
In the final part of the program, Meet-Up participants took part in an idea-generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present innovative proposals related to the circular economy in agrifood.
The first TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was co-organized with:
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,
- The Interdisciplinary Center for Agrifood of A.U.Th. (KEAGRO), and
- Walk AUTh Innovation Accelerator.
It was also supported by the Environmental Management Office of the University of Macedonia and held under the auspices of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), the Region of Central Macedonia, and the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
TrophyΤροφή 2025 highlights the importance of sustainable development in the agrifood sector, providing a unique experience for knowledge exchange, networking and promoting innovative ideas.
For more information and the schedule of upcoming Meet-Ups, click here.
Grand Donor of the program is Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
