Lidl Hellas, one of the leading food retail companies, faithful to the principles of green growth, has repeatedly proven that it recognizes its responsibility for the environment. The company through its extremely important actions fights for a better tomorrow. In this context, during the three-day period 15 – 17 April 2022, the second marathon of innovation for the development of solutions and applications for sustainability (Sustainability Hackathon) took place with great success and unprecedented participation, where teams and Startups from all over Greece had the opportunity to present their innovative proposals for the protection of the planet. The second open innovation action was organized in collaboration with the Athanasios K. Laskaridis Public Benefit Foundation, aiming to encourage the development of innovation and help ensure sustainability. This initiative is implemented with the technological and organizational support of Crowdpolicy, within the framework of the national campaign “Greece Without Single-Use Plastics”, under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
The main objective of the action is to inform both society and businesses about the important role that “green” technology can play in tackling the climate crisis. There is no doubt that the creation of original applications and technological solutions contribute to the achievement of a more sustainable everyday life.
The company particularly recognizes the important role that young people can play in tackling climate change. For this reason, in the context of the corporate strategy for sustainable development and environmental protection, the company develops actions and participates in actions aimed at highlighting the talent and creativity of young people.Considering the excellent samples of writing, the growth potential, and the talent that the Greek technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem has shown to date, one can understand why Lidl Hellas supports it in practice all this time.
The three days had it all. The teams and Startups managed to create the most original and innovative solutions for sustainability and entrepreneurship. The participants in just 48 hours developed the innovative applications and proposals and on Sunday, April 17, presented them to the evaluation committee. The organizers actively stood by the participants throughout the marathon. They helped them create their teams, collaborate effectively, and develop their idea in the best possible way. At the same time, more than 110 mentoring sessions were held in which academics and market executives participated. Thanks to their guidance and support, the teams were able to shape and further proceed their proposals.
Interest in the innovation marathon exceeded all expectations. In total, more than 375 contestants, 35 teams and 35 mentors participated. Of these, 30 teams presented their ideas and 5 of them ensured their entry into the 5-month business acceleration program. The final of the marathon will take place in November, with even bigger awards awaiting the big winner of the event.
The 5 teams that excelled are the following:
Dataphoria: Developed Analytics-as-a-Service services that companies and organizations can leverage to measure, accelerate and highlight their transition to sustainability.
Rethinkers: Created an application with a reward system, which contributes to ecological education and the use of eco-friendly products by citizens.
Hagirls: It made SmartBin, a smart bin, which makes recycling a game.
JBM: Developed the Water Manager SaaS, which solves the problem of reckless water use in urban centers.
Let’s Park: Created Crowdsourcing, a platform that connects citizens’ groups and municipalities with the Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) program of companies.
More information about the Sustainability Hackathon can be found here.