Crazy Business Ideas 2026: Record of Participation and Innovative Ideas That Stand Out

With great success and participation surpassing every previous edition, the Crazy Business Ideas Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition by IST College was successfully completed, with the final evaluation and awards ceremony taking place at the IST College premises.

The Crazy Business Ideas initiative, which began in 2010 as the first entrepreneurship competition in Greece, continues to evolve dynamically. This year, it recorded a participation record, confirming its steadily growing appeal among the younger generation.

With the support of important institutional bodies and under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), and the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), this year’s competition once again highlighted the potential of the new generation.

Over the past months, more than 130 participants developed and refined their business ideas through a comprehensive process that included specialized Business Plan and Pitching workshops, as well as guidance and evaluation from experienced market professionals and members of the academic community.

The event culminated in presentations from the 9 finalist teams, who showcased their business proposals live. The top 3 ideas were distinguished and awarded in an evening that highlighted the creativity, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit of the participants.

It was a particular honor for IST College to have Mr. Ioannis Bratakos, President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, serve as Chairman of the Evaluation Committee, alongside other distinguished members:

• Giorgos Vousinas: CEO of Growth Value, President of the Hellenic Institute of Political Economy
• Fani Matsopoulos: Member of the Administrative Committee of ACCI, Head of Business Advisory Support
• Thanos Mytilinaios: HR Manager, Piraeus Port Authority
• Dr. Faye Plakantonaki: Academic Head of the Department of Economics and Business Studies, IST College
• Olga Stavropoulou: General Director, HELMEPA
• Eleni Foti: Director of International Trade Relations at ACCI and Director of the Athens Startup Incubator

Awards granted to the winners:

1st Prize – “Carvisor” (Dimitris Thomaiidis)

• Cash prize of €3,000
• Full scholarship for a Diploma program

Carvisor is a smartphone application that analyzes sound recorded via the device’s microphone to detect potential mechanical issues in vehicles. The user records a sound and instantly receives an assessment of the possible cause and severity of the problem. Its goal is early problem detection and reduced maintenance costs, evolving toward predictive maintenance through the use of artificial intelligence.

2nd Prize – “FitMe AI” (Maria Kalogera)

• Full scholarship for an undergraduate program

FitMe AI is an artificial intelligence application that allows users to virtually try on clothes using a simple photo, while also receiving accurate size recommendations. It saves time from endless browsing and fitting, significantly reducing returns in online shopping. It also offers personalized styling suggestions from e-shops or the user’s own wardrobe.

3rd Prize – “Luggease” (Eleni Zafeiri)

• Full scholarship for a postgraduate program

Luggease is a booking application that allows tourists to easily reserve a smart locker to store their luggage. It solves the issue of waiting times before check-in or after check-out, offering 24/7 automated service at island ports. It provides freedom of movement and enhances the travel experience, while also boosting local consumption. With low competition and high demand, it aims to become a key hospitality infrastructure in Greece.

The three winning teams gain access to the Athens Startup Incubator programme (Th.E.A.) of ACCI, paving the way for the further development and implementation of their ideas into real business ventures.

The Crazy Business Ideas competition once again confirms the role of IST College as a key pillar in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, creating a vibrant ecosystem where new ideas can grow and transform into real business opportunities.

Because only crazy ideas can save Greece!