28-07-16 Distinctions for Greek student startups at European Junior Achievement competition
The “Smileybin” smart recycling bin team, comprised of students from the Pieria region Alonia High School, achieved two significant distinctions at the Junior Achievement Europe “Company of the Year” competition among young entrepreneurs who have created startups, in Lucerne, Switzerland.
The 15-year-old students, the youngest in the competition, won the “Life Changer Signature Award”. The Junior Achievement website notes that, “The MetLife Life Changer Award’ recognises student companies which best embraces concepts, social impact, financial performance and innovation in their business strategy, while remaining a realistic plan in today’s marketplace. Winner: SmileyBin, Greece”.
The related announcement noted that the Greek start-up impressed the jury due to its innovation, ecological and social goals, as well as due to its business plan.
“We are delighted that we were awarded this very significant prize in representing Greece,” said student Iordanis Paschalidis. “The Life Changer Signature Award goes to the most innovative enterprise with the capacity to change people’s lives. For the Smileybin team, it has a dual meaning. We change the lives of people by offering them a clean environment with our smart recycling bin, but at the same time this award changes our lives, promoting on a European level our innovative entrepreneurial effort.”
Student Maria Kokala won a Leadership Award. “The Alumni Leadership Award supported by AXAis given to 10 standout individuals competing at the Company of the Year Competition,” notes the JA website (http://www.jaeurope.org/medias/news/234-changing-dyslexics-life-thanks-to-subreader-ja-europe-company-of-the-year-2016.html).
“I was congratulated for being very mature for my age. I am excited with our innovative product and our distinctions here at this important European competition,” said Kokala.
The top prize in the competition was awarded to the Danish team for its innovative SubReaderprogramme that helps people with dyslexia to read TV and cinema subtitles. “SubReader has excelled in the European competition, after impressing the judges with their strong business concept. Their app helps dyslexic people to read subtitles on international TV and movies aloud. It operates independently of TV or other media and does even not require any setup,” the JA website noted.
The “Simulated Enterprise” programme has operated in Greece for a decade and is run by the NGO “Association of Youth Enterpreneurship/Junior Achievement, under the auspices of the Education Ministry and supported by foundations organisations and businesses.
See link in Greek below.
«Σωματείο Επιχειρηματικότητας Νέων/Junior Achievement Greece»
