Pioneering Innovation Ecosystems
Industry Disruptors Game Changers (IDGC) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 2012 to promote entrepreneurship across Greece, Southeast Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean. As an early pioneer in the region’s innovation space, IDGC has played a key role in energizing the entrepreneurial ecosystem through strategic partnerships, global exposure, and founder-first support. Guided by a regional strategy rooted in competitive advantage, we connect emerging entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to grow. Through targeted programs and ecosystem design, we foster environments where talent, knowledge, and capital converge driving scalable ventures with global reach.
IDGC were founded in 2012 by Michalis Stangos and Carla Tanas as a response to the economic crisis and soaring youth unemployment, which had reached 60% at the time. Since their inception, IDGC quickly emerged as one of Greece’s leading organizations, awarding over €4 million in prizes, while offering opportunities to boost employability and skills, along with scholarships and services to talented young innovators.
Designed and implemented Disrupt Startup Scaleup, the first and largest innovation event in Greece.
Raised over $4.0 million in prize funding, skill-building services, and opportunities for exposure and networking awarded to entrepreneurial ideas and startups.
Designed and developed an extensive portfolio of initiatives, delivering more than 500 events that promote and showcase innovation and entrepreneurship.
Built partnerships with more than 600 entrepreneurs and startups, connecting talent with knowledge, mentorship, education, networks, and funding.
Created and scaled the Future Agro Challenge, a global platform focused on advancing the agri-food sector, active in 64 countries, across 5 continents.
to align digital infrastructure with visionary thinking empowering growth through systems that adapt and scale.
to integrate AI and amplify impact, anticipate change, and ultimately serve founders better.
to build verticals with purpose, advancing sectors where regional talent meets global need from agrifood to cleantech and health.
to stay ahead of the curve through research, insight, and strategic thinking anticipating challenges and shaping future-ready solutions.
We go beyond startups - we build the world they need to thrive
We champion entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks to lead with confidence and scale with purpose.
We build bridges between sectors, regions, and disciplines believing that lasting innovation is driven by shared vision and collective action.
We support ventures and ecosystems designed to adapt, grow, and lead through change from agri-food to tech to health.
We stay ahead of the curve through research, insight, and strategic thinking anticipating challenges and shaping future-ready solutions.
Community that believes in doing things differently and together.
Founders who’ve come through our door
Hours on the road, across Greece and the world
Cups of coffee (and a few machas).
Slack threads, WhatsApp voice notes, and midnight SMS exchanges.