Astylab

Introduction & Utilization of Donation

In July 2026, we proudly supported Astylab through its flagship incubation program, Astylab Founders - 2026 Cohort, the second annual cycle of this 8-week program, running in Athens from September to November 2026. The program selects up to 10 Founders - talented individuals at the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey - and equips them with resources, mentorship, and peer support to build ventures addressing critical social and environmental challenges, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2026 program is delivered in partnership with Idea Machines, a venture builder that powers the program's mentorship and venture-building support.

Each participant receives:

• A €1,000 micro-grant to cover living or project-related expenses
• Intensive mentorship from experts in urban innovation, impact investing, and venture building
• Access to a collaborative workspace and shared tools
• The opportunity to pitch for follow-on funding of up to €100,000 from the Helidoni Foundation if they develop a viable steward-ownership venture

The Helidoni Foundation's grant enables Astylab to strengthen the Founders program by deepening mentorship opportunities, expanding operational capacity, and enhancing community engagement. The initiative also includes communication and outreach efforts to highlight the stories of participating entrepreneurs and the broader impact of steward-ownership ventures. By investing in visibility and knowledge-sharing, the grant amplifies Astylab's ability to inspire wider audiences and attract further support.

In addition, the funding supports Astylab's integration into European and international networks, fostering collaboration with like-minded initiatives and expanding opportunities for policy engagement and cross-border partnerships. These connections not only enrich the learning experience for founders but also contribute to building a stronger ecosystem for purpose-driven entrepreneurship in Greece and beyond.

Beyond the grant period, Astylab aims to establish the Founders program as a recurring annual cycle, cultivating a lasting pipeline of mission-driven ventures. Its long-term vision is to become a reference point for social and environmental entrepreneurship in Southeast Europe, demonstrating that businesses rooted in stewardship can drive both systemic change and economic resilience. The Helidoni Foundation's support serves as a vital catalyst for this mission, helping Astylab inspire and equip the next generation of purpose-driven founders.