In February 2025, a group of 23 innovators – startup founders, SMEs, and ecosystem builders from across Europe – touched down in Larissa for the Greek edition of the ExcellEnt Soft-Landing Mission. As part of the Horizon Europe ExcellEnt project, the mission was designed not just as a study visit, but as a dynamic, hands-on experience to immerse participants in one of Greece’s most promising regional ecosystems.

Larissa, a city known for its cultural depth and strategic location in central Greece, revealed itself as a thriving hub of innovation where academia, entrepreneurship, and public sector efforts converge. At the center of this innovation landscape stood JOIST Innovation Park, the mission’s main venue and a flagship in Thessaly’s ecosystem, offering a unique model of inclusive growth. Its four active clusters – eHealth, EduTech, Agr
iTech, and eTourism – showcased the region’s ability to channel local strengths into scalable solutions.

Participants had the opportunity to explore the facilities at JOIST, meet with resident startups, and learn how the space facilitates cross-sector collaboration. The University of Thessaly – a powerhouse of more than 40,000 students – offered a glimpse into the research side of the equation. During a guided campus visit, university representatives outlined their work in innovation and regional development, and how partnerships with SMEs and local institutions drive entrepreneurial progress on the ground.

Beyond site visits, the mission also provided a platform for thoughtful conversation. A series of roundtable discussions invited participants to explore themes like sustainable energy transition, agri-tech in the era of AI and robotics, and empowering women in food and energy entrepreneurship. These sessions – held in JOIST’s coworking spaces and learning labs – blended local perspectives with international insights, encouraging open dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities.

The experience was further elevated by participation in the Innovent Forum 2025, a premier hybrid event hosted at JOIST. Mission participants joined its Matchmaking Event, where they met stakeholders from Greece, Southeast Europe, and beyond – building tangible connections across business, research, and technology sectors. This one-on-one networking allowed participants to test ideas, pitch collaborations, and map out future partnerships.

Many also applied to the Innovent Innovation Hackathon, a high-energy competition tackling real-world challenges in agriculture, nutrition, energy, and the environment. The hackathon offered mentoring, business development sessions, and a chance to pitch for cash prizes and growth opportunities. It became not only a creative outlet, but a powerful springboard for participants to demonstrate their problem-solving capabilities in mission-critical sectors.

Throughout the mission, the value of informal connections shone just as brightly as the formal program. As one participant reflected, “The networking opportunities and the chance to explore Greek startups were truly valuable.”Others highlighted the attentiveness of the JOIST team and the atmosphere of collaboration that permeated the event: “It was a multifaceted and very interesting experience – great meetings and insightful exchanges.” For many, sharing meals and conversations with fellow attendees became a highlight in itself: “The best part was networking and dining with fellow attendees – it really encouraged cross-border connections.”

By the end of the mission, Larissa had made its case – not only as a city of heritage, but as a vibrant, future-facing ecosystem. The Greek Soft-Landing Mission showcased what’s possible when strong local ecosystems open their doors to international exchange: partnerships are born, ideas flow, and Europe grows more connected – one mission at a time.