The 2030 Agenda is a plan of objectives, with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming at a sustainable future. These SDGs address challenges, in terms of health, inequality, economy, education, and environment. These goals foresee the definition of the clarification context for the needed solutions, which correspond to sustainability achievement.

The Concept of Sustainability

The idea of sustainability is about achieving economic, environmental, and societal balance. Hence, we refer to a society, whose function can be environmentally conscious, through the combination of economic development, and by considerations of social justice among its citizens. Apparently, it is a term that acknowledges the significance of future continuity, and the need for the preservation of environmental resources, by preserving the standards of the quality of living.

Start-up Examples: Towards a Sustainable Future

A crude definition of a start-up is a newly founded company, with restricted financial resources, whose operation relies on providing innovative products and services. Furthermore, there are start-ups applying innovative solutions in their line of production, through approaches that are environmentally friendly. The three start-ups that follow are examples, whose practices embody innovation, profit, and eco-friendly approaches:

• Kaspien: It is a selling point for toddlers’ and children’s products that fulfil environmental goals of responsibility. In addition, this marketplace has a strict policy process regarding the product’s quality, particularly regarding the damaging chemical elaboration.
• Ekocycle: It is a start-up company that uses the recycling process’ potential to the maximum extent. Their procedure involves collecting beverage bottles; proceeding to recycling; and, the creation of various kinds of commodities. An example of their products would be the creation of suits. The creation of a suit corresponds to the use of 20 bottles.
• Tentree: is a marketplace that eases the selling activity of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) factories. In order to avoid the environmental damage of shipping, Tentree focuses its product sourcing at a local level. Furthermore, the company’s manifesto foresees planting more than ten trees for every item sold in climatic vulnerable landscapes, around the world.

Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED), as a U-SOLVE partner from Greece, acknowledges the importance of a sustainable future; and, is backing up initiatives that promote sustainability through our participation in European projects of pertinent content.

About U-SOLVE

U-SOLVE is an initiative funded by ENI CBC Med with a total budget of 3.5 million euros (of which 3.2 million euros, or 90%, comes from European funds) revolutionizing urban sustainability by aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Focused on Mediterranean cities, this dynamic initiative empowers young entrepreneurs to craft innovative, eco-friendly solutions, transforming urban areas into resilient, vibrant hubs of sustainable living. By developing experimental, place-based strategies and fostering a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, U-SOLVE is not just a project, but a bold step towards a future where cities are thriving centres of sustainability, resilience, and collective environmental responsibility.

Our Partners

• Consorzio ARCA from Italy

• University of Cyprus from Cyprus

• The Higher Council for Science and Technology/ International Cooperation Department from Jordan

• The Cyprus Institute from Cyprus

• Palestine Ahliya University from Palestine

• Jordan University of Science and Technology from Jordan

• Institute of Entrepreneurship Development – iED from Greece

• E-trikala from Greece

• Bethlehem Municipality from Palestine

• Academy of Scientific Research and Technology from Egypt

Through the project, iED will be able to support and help young and women entrepreneurs in Greece to materialize their innovative ideas, through the creation of start-ups and, by taking into account approaches that foster the environment and sustainable development.

This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Institute of Entrepreneurship Development and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Programme management structures.