The 4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up, titled “Innovative Solutions for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy – Eliminating Plastic Waste in Agriculture and Food Packaging,” successfully took place on Tuesday, May 6, at Perrotis College in Thessaloniki.
TrophyΤροφή is an initiative of the New Agriculture New Generation and has been implemented since 2019, through a founding donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It is a pioneering venture that invests in the development and strengthening of the Greek innovation ecosystem in the agri-food sector, showcasing and rewarding innovative business ideas and startups operating in the fields of agritech, food technology and agrologistics. These ventures often use cutting-edge technologies, even at the early (pre-seed) development stage.
The 4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up opened with welcome remarks from Mr. Nikos Tzollas, Deputy Regional Governor for Digital Governance of the Region of Central Macedonia, Dr. Kiki Zinoviadou, Dean of Perrotis College, and Mr. Panagiotis Menexopoulos, Secretary General of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), and CEO of Afoi Menexopouloi S.A.
The first panel discussion followed, focusing on “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging: Where Innovation Meets Entrepreneurship.” Participants included Dr. Kiki Zinoviadou (Dean, Perrotis College), Mr. Nikos Tzollas (Deputy Regional Governor, Central Macedonia), and Mr. Orestis Matanakis (Commercial Director, DS Smith Hellas). The discussion was moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Senior Manager, New Agriculture New Generation.
This was followed by a presentation on “Smart and Sustainable Food Packaging” by Mr. Orestis Matanakis, Commercial Director at DS Smith Hellas.
The day’s first fireside chat focused on “Carbon Farming & Resilient Food Systems,” with the participation of Ms. Stella Psarropoulou (Alexandria Innovation Zone), Mr. Grigoris Chatzikostas (General Partner, Loggerhead Ventures), and Mr. Akis Karamavros (Entrepreneurship & Innovation Associate, New Agriculture New Generation).
The second panel discussion addressed “Sustainable Food Supply Chains: The Role of Knowledge in Shaping Modern Business Models.” Participants included Dr. Sophia Lalous (Head of Environmental Science Department, Perrotis College), Mr. Dimos Moutsaras (Head of Supply Chain, Lidl Hellas), and Mr. Panagiotis Menexopoulos (Secretary General of TCCI – CEO of Afoi Menexopouloi S.A.). The panel was again moderated by Mr. Stavros Papadopoulos.
Next came a presentation titled “From Business Idea to Practice” by Mr. Nikolas Chourvouliadis, Director of The Entrepreneurship Hub, ACT – American College of Thessaloniki.
In the final part of the program, participants engaged in an idea generation workshop, where they had the opportunity to develop and present their innovative proposals.
The main sponsor of the 4th TrophyΤροφή Meet-Up was DS Smith. The event was co-organized with the American Farm School and Perrotis College, and supported by ACT – American College of Thessaloniki. It was held under the auspices of the Region of Central Macedonia and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
TrophyΤροφή 2025 highlights the importance of sustainable development in the agrifood sector and offers a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and the promotion of innovative ideas.
You can find more information and the schedule of upcoming Meet-Ups here.
