The New Heraklion International Airport of Crete, currently under construction, announces the SkyImpact Challenge, a specially designed programme aimed at fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial initiatives.

Through the SkyImpact Challenge, the aim is to identify talent from every corner of Greece, strengthen innovative ventures and develop solutions with direct applications in the fields of infrastructure and air transport.

Mr Nikos Anastasiou, CEO of Heraklion International Airport of Crete, said: “The SkyImpact Challenge is one of the important initiatives designed by the New Heraklion International Airport of Crete, with the aim of establishing Crete as a driver of Crete’s development, combining innovation, knowledge and youth entrepreneurship. Through meaningful synergies with the academic and business communities, we want to create the right environment for innovative ideas to evolve into practical solutions for the air transport sector. Our goal is to encourage creative thinking and support proposals that make a meaningful contribution to improving the experience of passengers and airport users, while also enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of modern airports.”

Who Can Participate

The programme is open to:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Start-ups (up to 3 years in operation)
• Researchers and members of the academic community
• Students and university teams

What Applicants Need to Know

The programme and the application process will be presented in detail at two information events: online on 21 January 2026 and in person on 29 January 2026 in Heraklion, Crete.

As part of the comprehensive preparation of SkyImpact Challenge applicants, five (5) online, open workshops will also be held from Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to Thursday, 12 March 2026.

Applications

Applications for the SkyImpact Challenge will be accepted from 14 January to 23 March and will be evaluated by a special Committee.

In the first phase, ten (10) teams will be selected. They will receive specialised support from distinguished and internationally recognised professionals, with the aim of accelerating and developing their innovative ideas through:

• a personalised mentoring & coaching programme
• specialised business consulting
• networking with the business and investment community

Following the completion of the support stage, the 10 teams will present their proposals before the Committee, which will select the three (3) winning ideas.

The winning teams will receive cash prizes as follows:

• 1st prize: €5,000
• 2nd prize: €3,000
• 3rd prize: €2,000

For more information and applications to participate in the programme, click here.

Programme Website: https://www.iahc.gr/sky-impact-challenge/