The General Secretariat for Strategic and Private Investment of the Ministry of Economy and Development together with the National Documentation Centre launches an initiative with the aim to boost and reward cooperation between Greeks around the world. Researchers, professionals and entrepreneurs of Greek origin that reside in Greece or abroad are encouraged to send their proposals by September 16th and 6 of them will win cash prizes that range from 25.000 euro (1rst price) to 5.000 euro (3rd price) in two categories: “Bridges for Scientific Networks” and “Bridges for Business Partnerships”.

The goal of the Bridges Awards is to halt Greece’s brain drain by rewarding partnership and cooperation among Greeks all over the world as well as by creating new collaborations in the sectors of technology, science, research and entrepreneurship

Both the “Bridges for Scientific Networks” and the “Bridges for Business Partnerships” awards aim at acknowledging and encouraging successful scientific research or business ventures by the Greek Diaspora as well as developing a culture of cooperation and exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences for all the participants. The Bridges Awards also focus on boosting the bonds among members the Greek Diaspora and Greece by sharing knowledge, best practices and expertise as well as drawing attention to Greek entrepreneurship and science.

In order for the candidates to be eligible to participate they need to bring together Greeks all over the world. The Evaluation Committee will examine the following criteria: idea, accomplishments, originality & innovation, team & organisation, impact & synergies and the sustainability of each proposal.

There is no participation fee

Read also via Greek News Agenda: How “brain drain” can turn into “brain circulation”, Government | Policy: Lois Labrianidis on Greece’s comparative advantages and the “Knowledge and Partnership Bridges” initiative, The importance of the Greek community abroad for Greece, SEESOX Diaspora: New research project and website on Greek Diaspora