Greek tech talent turns local start-up into a European AI player

In the heart of Kozani, in northern Greece, a group of young engineers from the University of Western Macedonia dared to think big. In 2022, they launched Innovation Bee, a deep-tech start-up focused on AI, machine learning and advanced computing systems. 

With the vision to bridge technological innovation with real-world needs, the start-up aims to make AI accessible, relevant and impactful for both public and private sector users, especially in under-represented regions. It wants to prove that high-impact technology can emerge from anywhere, not just from urban innovation hubs.

But developing cutting-edge services from a regional base came with its own obstacles. According to the co-founder and CEO of Innovation Bee, Christos Roumeliotis, the start-up faced two key challenges: limited access to funding and partnerships as well as lack of visibility beyond its local area.

From regional event to strategic growth

To tackle these hurdles, the Enterprise Europe Network stepped in through its regional partner ANKO.

This turning point came during the event Startup Europe Week Kozani 2024, where Innovation Bee first connected with the Network partner. The team from ANKO saw potential in the start-up’s technical excellence, clear vision in AI applications and entrepreneurial mindset.

“What convinced us to collaborate was their genuine commitment to supporting regional start-ups, and their ability to open real doors, not just offer advice,” recalled Roumeliotis. “They provided immediate value through their network, and we felt supported from the very first interaction.”

The Network partner took a strategic approach, first connecting Innovation Bee with regional authorities. This led to a significant result: the company’s first public sector contract with the Region of Western Macedonia. The start-up deployed its AI chatbot, Askity, in the Regional Investment Support Center, offering 24/7 assistance and lead generation capabilities. 

"This win provided them with regional credibility, while also showcasing the tangible value of AI in public services," said Liana Papaterpou, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Manager at ANKO. "Additionally, it laid the groundwork for international growth, including investment in IT companies abroad and attracting pre-seed angel funding."

From there, the support broadened. The Network partner helped the start-up access innovation programmes and competitions, such as the Ecotours Innovation Contest from COSME, where Innovation Bee had the chance to explore gamified AI solutions for circular tourism. 

ANKO facilitated the company’s participation in events such as the BEYOND 2024 technology expo in Thessaloniki and introduced the team to international partners through business matchmaking sessions. It also provided visibility and networking opportunities within the Enterprise Europe Network through meetings, start-up events and promotion across media and investor networks.

Results beyond borders

That first public contract was just the first of many developmental milestones that Enterprise Europe Network enabled. Innovation Bee raised pre-seed funding from angel investors, grew its team by 30 % and expanded internationally by investing in IT companies in Bulgaria and Estonia.

Looking ahead, the start-up plans to evolve the chatbot Askity into a multilingual AI assistant for broader public and private sector use, enter new EU markets, build research partnerships in AI ethics and transparency, and secure additional funding through Horizon Europe and European Innovation Council calls.

"Enterprise Europe Network is not just a network, it is a growth partner," stated Roumeliotis. In the future, he sees the Network helping the company navigate funding landscapes and facilitating cross-border collaborations.

"Innovation Bee’s journey illustrates how the Network services can bridge the gap between innovation and market access, especially for start-ups in non-metropolitan areas," noted Papaterpou. "Through tailored advisory support, strategic networking and EU programme facilitation, we helped them unlock growth opportunities that would have been difficult to access independently."