We encouraged FinTech open innovation
We encouraged and rewarded FinTech open innovation through the Beyond Hackathon regional competition. The competition welcomed professionals from diverse fields: software developers, marketers, designers, and business developers, along with startups from Greece or abroad.
In the span of 48 hours, the participants worked together to develop products and services that enhance the banking experience for customers. They shaped the financial services sector collectively.
During the competition, all teams:
- Attended lectures by seasoned professionals on technology and the latest developments in financial services.
- Networked and received mentoring from business executives and entrepreneurs.
- Put the Eurobank API (application programming interface) to good use in their efforts to develop their innovative products and services.
The winning teams received cash prizes. We also offered them the opportunity to work at Eurobank to develop their products. We actively encouraged them to submit their business plans in the context of the egg – enter•grow•go programme and put their ideas into practice.
The candidates were assessed by a panel of judges, consisting of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and Eurobank executives.
What we accomplished
Beyond Hackathon was launched in 2016 and completed in 2018. It was the first regional Hackathon competition in Greece with a specific focus on FinTech. These 2 successful competitions resulted in:
- 7 awarded innovative ideas, services and products. We gave away 6 cash prizes, plus 1 special participation prize.
- 52 teams taking part in the competition.
- More than 320 individuals from Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and the UK entering the competition.
Through Beyond Hackathon we turned innovation into a competitive advantage and promoted cooperation among domestic and international tech innovation ecosystems.
To carry out this initiative, we worked closely with Found.ation and The Cube, two organisations supporting tech startups through their first steps.
We built on our values
For us, Beyond Hackathon was an invaluable tool for supporting cooperation and promoting open innovation. We believe that:
- "Beyond Hackathon fostered new concepts, a climate of cooperation and innovative approaches. Our efforts contributed to the birth of a FinTech ecosystem in Greece too."
- "By rewarding new teams for their efforts, we invested in open innovation and optimal use of technology, contributing to the creation of added value for the Greek economy."
- "Such competitions reveal the country's hidden talents, providing opportunities for them to stay in Greece."
The last Beyond Hackathon competition came to an end on 24 June 2018.