Vasiliki Chronaki is a Head of Entrepreneurship Education at the Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEin) at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB).

AUEB with its incubation and acceleration center ACEin, is supporting newly established companies in innovative fields, providing business direction, coaching, mentoring, and identifying scaling best practices.

AUEB is one of the 12 consortium partners behind the D2XCEL scaling programme and is responsible for the third market opportunity - AI-powered digital services for Smart Cities, as part of Open Call 1.

What change are you aiming to achieve for the European innovation ecosystem as part of D2XCEL?

As part of D2XCEL, our goal is to transform the European innovation landscape by empowering digital and deep tech startups to scale up and secure funding efficiently. We aim to provide tailored support and resources which  will enable startups to confidently navigate the scaling process, driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in Europe. Together, we can unlock the full potential of startups and propel Europe to the forefront of global innovation.

Why is this market opportunity (MO) important to you?

AI-Powered Digital Services for Sustainable and Smart Cities represent a crucial intersection of technology and sustainability. With urbanization accelerating globally, cities face increasingly complex challenges, and AI-powered solutions offer innovative ways to address them. By harnessing existing technologies, we can optimize resource management, enhance infrastructure, and improve citizen services, leading to smarter and more sustainable urban environments. This market opportunity aligns with our mission to drive impactful innovation that addresses pressing societal needs while fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship.

What potential do you see for deep tech and digital innovation in this MO?

The Market Opportunity of AI-Powered Digital Services for Sustainable and Smart Cities holds significant potential for deep tech and digital innovation. Through advanced data analytics, predictive modeling, IoT integration, autonomous systems, blockchain technology, AR/VR, RPA, cybersecurity solutions, and others, urban sustainability can be revolutionized, efficiency can be enhanced, and quality of life in cities can be improved.

From your perspective, why should ventures that fit in this MO apply for the ongoing open call?

This Market Opportunity offers a unique chance to access resources, support, and funding tailored specifically to their needs. By participating, ventures can accelerate their growth, gain exposure to potential partners and investors, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable and smart cities. It's an opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions, receive expert guidance, and make a meaningful impact on urban sustainability while positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving market..

D2XCEL invites deep tech and digital ventures across Europe, operating in the field of AI-powered digital services for Smart Cities to check the eligibility requirements and join our scaling programme!

Apply here and join one of our live webinars for interested companies, where you can get all the information you need!

Learn more about all five market opportunities of the First Open Call here.

This project has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement Nº101121100. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.