The South East European Innovators Challenge 2025 (SEEIC 2025) will bring together key representatives of the innovation ecosystem from across Southeast Europe for a two-day conference focused on networking, problem-solving and showcasing next-generation opportunities.
JOIST Innovation Park in Greece, in collaboration with leading Science and Technology Parks across South East Europe — members of the SEE Science and Technology Parks Alliance, including Măgurele Science Park Association, is organizing an “Innovation Sprint” hackathon as part of the South East European Innovators Challenge 2025 (SEEIC).
🔧 The Hackathon
The hackathon is one of the central components of the SEEIC 2025 challenge, designed to transform knowledge-sharing into real, actionable impact. Through collaboration, mentoring, and pitching, participants will develop and present innovative ideas, solutions and applications that address current challenges in the following key focus areas:
- Cybersecurity & ICT
- Agri-Food Sector
- Logistics
This dynamic competition, supported by the SEE Science and Technology Parks Alliance, invites visionaries, innovators, entrepreneurs and students to propose high-impact solutions that will help shape the future of innovation in Southeast Europe.
📄 Proposal structure
Each working group’s proposal must include the following sections:
- Identification of a need / need-based framework for action (3 slides)
- Existing solutions (1 slide)
- Proposal to address the challenge (2–3 slides)
- Budget (1 slide)
- Team members (1 slide)
- Expected results – Risk analysis (1–2 slides)
✅ Eligibility & team composition
- Teams may consist of 2 to 5 members.
- Participation is open to individuals aged 18 and above.
- Open to researchers, students (undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD), startups, or any interested individuals.
- Each individual may only participate in one team.
- The hackathon will host a maximum of 8 teams. If more applications are received, a selection committee will evaluate the proposals based on specific criteria.
- Selected teams must ensure the physical presence of at least one team member at the JOIST Innovation Park in Larissa, Greece.
🧠 Evaluation criteria
Team composition & capacity
The experience, skills, and complementarity of team members.
Maturity of the proposal
The development level of the idea – from an early concept to a validated prototype or market-ready solution.
Relevance to the challenge
The degree of alignment between the proposed idea and the specific sectoral needs or challenge addressed.
Realism & feasibility
The overall coherence and viability of the proposal, including:
- Clearly defined objectives
- Realistic resource and budget planning
- Expected outcomes and potential impact
📅 Key deadlines
- Proposal submission deadline: October 21, 2025, at 15:00 (Greece time | GMT+3)
- Announcement of selected teams: October 24, 2025
Late submissions will not be accepted.
🎯 Format & mentoring
- Each team will participate in a dedicated one-hour roundtable session to refine and structure their idea with the help of an experienced mentor specialized in the relevant field.
- After the mentoring session, teams will pitch their proposals to an Evaluation Committee comprised of academics, institutional representatives, and industry professionals.
- Pitch format: Clear, impactful, and limited to 5 minutes per team.
At the end of the SEEIC 2025 Hackathon, four prizes will be awarded to the top-performing teams based on their overall scores.
More information about the competition and the public sessions in the program will be available on our official website and event page.
🇷🇴 Participant selection process in Romania
The selection process for participating companies from Romania is coordinated by Măgurele Science Park and targets startups enrolled in the 2025 Southeast European Innovators Program.
Each Alliance partner will select 2 companies, who will have the opportunity to attend training sessions, take part in events, and receive expert mentoring and guidance to grow their business.
All startups from the Măgurele Science Park community participating in the “SEE Innovators Challenge 2025” program are invited to contact us at:
📩 [email protected] | [email protected]
📅 and submit their applications by October 15, 2025.
📍 When & where?
The SEE Innovators Challenge 2025 will take place on:
📆 October 31 – November 1, 2025
📍 JOIST Innovation Park, Valtetsiou & Tripoleos, 41336, Larissa, Greece
🏨 Accommodation & participation costs
Each startup selected by each partner will receive a €200 participation fee, covering two nights of hotel accommodation (in a double room) for up to two team representatives (October 30 & 31).
Note: All participation costs for the teams (max. 2 people per team), accommodation, and meals throughout the event will be covered by the organizer. For both startup and park representatives, lunch and coffee breaks during the entire event are fully covered by JOIST.
💡 Who can apply?
All startups from the Măgurele Science Park community participating in the “SEE Innovators Challenge 2025” program are encouraged to register here.
Applicants must develop practical and scalable innovation proposals in one of the following fields:
- Cybersecurity & ICT
- Agri-Food
- Logistics
The proposals should address specific sectoral needs and transform ideas into market-oriented tech solutions with real impact potential.
Applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- Team & skills
Evaluation of experience, skills, and complementarity of team members. - Idea maturity
From concept to validated prototype or market-ready solution. - Relevance
Alignment with the chosen challenge and sector-specific needs. - Realism & feasibility
Overall coherence of the proposal, including:- Clearly defined objectives
- Realistic resource and budget planning
- Expected outcomes and potential impact
🏆 Winning teams will receive special recognition and exclusive benefits — including expert mentoring sessions and potential funding opportunities.
