The proposal submission period is opening for the “WestBeyond” Innovation Competition, a joint initiative of the Regional Development Fund (RDF) of Western Macedonia and the University of Western Macedonia through its Technology Transfer and Innovation Unit. This flagship action is the culmination of the Two-Day Innovation & Entrepreneurship Event to be held on 10 and 11 December 2026 in the Main Auditorium of the University of Western Macedonia in Kozani.
The Competition is aimed at students, researchers, young entrepreneurs, teams and businesses in the region and covers seven thematic areas: Green Energy, Agri-food, Digital Technologies, Environment – Circular Economy, Alternative Tourism, Smart Materials & Construction, and Fur. It aims to showcase innovative ideas, connect research with the market and strengthen Western Macedonia’s local business ecosystem.
Proposals are submitted online until 1 November 2026. The ten leading teams take part in a mentoring programme and present their ideas live to a judging panel during the two-day event, competing for cash prizes of €4,000, €3,000 and €2,000, as well as additional commendations and special awards. Information and participation conditions: westbeyond.uowm.gr.
The competition concludes with the Two-Day Innovation & Entrepreneurship Event. On the first day (10 December), experts deliver lectures and talks on innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer. On the second day (11 December), the ten finalists pitch their ideas live to the judging panel, followed by the award ceremony and announcement of the winners.
“Western Macedonia is turning a new page. The WestBeyond Innovation Competition shows that our region’s future is built on its people’s ideas — and the Region stands alongside every such effort,”
said the Governor of Western Macedonia, Mr Georgios Amanatidis.
“The University of Western Macedonia actively supports innovation by connecting research and knowledge with society and the market. The competition gives our young people the opportunity to put their ideas into practice here, in their own region,”
said the Rector of the University of Western Macedonia.
The event is delivered with operational support from the Western Macedonia Business Incubator, the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), and Metamind Innovations. It forms part of the activities of the RDF’s RIS Structure and of the SPIERA+ project “Technology Transfer Offices Network – SPIERA+”, MIS code 6018819.
Information – Contact
Website: westbeyond.uowm.gr · Email: westbeyond2026@gmail.com
Tel.: 2461 350995 · 2461 056496 · 2461 056434-5
The full Press Release (Greek original)
