GREEN TECH LAB project brings support to green start-ups in Slovakia

In November 2020, project partners from Germany, Greece, Spain and Slovakia launched a 27-month project supported by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). It aims to support start-ups and projects that create solutions for climate protection and sustainability.

The overall aim of the project is to improve the implementation of EU climate and energy policies, use eco-innovation to stabilize the economy, reduce unemployment and strengthen social inclusion. Slovakia belong to countries that have high unemployment rates in rural areas, but have a lot of know-how in the field of green technologies and great potential to support the economy thanks to new solutions in the field of green technologies. However, few entrepreneurs see opportunities in innovative and sustainable products and services. The GTL project therefore aims to create a platform that enables potential entrepreneurs and idea holders to successfully implement their ideas and projects.

The project contributes to the development of user-oriented, innovative service structures in the three target countries that support the use of new green, climaterelated technologies. The development of market-based service structures creates new labour markets, especially in economically weak regions undergoing structural change, leading to a better economic performance of the regions and a reduction of (youth) unemployment (IMPACT). 

During the implementation period of the project, 7 innovative hubs will be created, the so-called GreenTech laboratories (4 local, 2 mobile and 1 virtual), taking advantage of a strong European network supporting ecological start-ups in target regions and sharing inspiration and ideas for green startups at a transnational level. 

Thanks to the project, at least 10 potential entrepreneurs and holders of project intentions in Slovakia will receive support in the creation and implementation of ecological business or project ideas.