EWA Greece 2025 Demo Day Highlights Women-Led Solutions to Climate Challenges in Agrifood
Women entrepreneurs in Greece showcased innovative agrifood solutions addressing climate change during the EWA Greece 2025 Demo Day, highlighting the role of entrepreneurship, innovation and education in building more resilient food systems.
The EWA Greece 2025 Demo Day took place on 20 November in Athens as part of a wider conference focused on Climate Change and Agrifood: Adaptation, Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship. The event brought together women founders, experts, institutional representatives and ecosystem actors to explore how innovation can respond to the challenges posed by the climate crisis.
The event was organised by AWomanCanBe.org which implements the EIT Food Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme in Greece. It was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food and the University of Thessaly, which acted as the programme’s Training Associate in 2025. The conference also formed part of the EU Climate Pact actions, with Nikolopoulou Foods as Grand Sponsor.
Institutional voices and expert dialogue on the future of agrifood
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from the Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, followed by addresses from Charalampos Billinis, Rector of the University of Thessaly, and Chrysi Laspidou, Vice-Rector of the University. Vice-Rector Laspidou also delivered the keynote speech “From the Climate Crisis to Sustainable Prosperity: The Role of Innovation and Education in Agrifood Transformation.”
Two panel discussions followed, focusing on the challenges and solutions emerging in the agrifood sector as a result of climate change. Experts from research, certification, energy, finance and sustainable production shared perspectives on adaptation, innovation and resilience, highlighting the need for cross-sector collaboration to accelerate sustainable transformation.
Recognising innovation with climate impact
At the heart of the event was the pitching session, where the ten EWA Greece participants presented their business ideas to a jury and the audience. Three entrepreneurs were recognised for the innovation and potential impact of their projects:
First Prize (€10,000) – Anastasia Fountouli, Cricketos
A circular agrifood solution using insects to produce sustainable protein and ecological fertiliser, contributing to soil enhancement and waste reduction.
Second Prize (€5,000) – Chrysi Papagiannaki, PestAgroFoodNIR
A portable device using NIR spectroscopy and AI to detect pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables in real time, supporting food safety and transparency across the value chain.
Third Prize – Julija Volobujeva, PeaceByPeas
A fermented, plant-based paste packed with probiotics and protein, inspired by traditional food techniques and designed for health-conscious consumers, awarded alongside the opportunity to participate in the Women in Agrifood Summit in Warsaw.
From ideas to implementation
Throughout the programme, participants benefited from online training, personalised mentoring and access to a network of investors, experts and fellow entrepreneurs. The Demo Day showcased the progress achieved during this journey, as well as the growing confidence and readiness of the founders to take their solutions to market.
By supporting women entrepreneurs with climate-focused agrifood innovations, the EWA programme continues to contribute to more resilient, sustainable and inclusive food systems in Greece and across Europe.
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