Meet Our Experts
Participants in the PLASTIC FANTASTIC Hackathon will gain access to a network of scientists, environmental organisations, business and funding experts, and inspiring entrepreneurs.
SPEAKERS
They will deliver inspiring talks about marine pollution challenges, inspiring solutions and successful initiatives.
Ruth Andrade
Environmental Partner & Spokesperson for LUSH, an ethical cosmetics company known for pioneering handmade beauty products, packaging-free innovation, and sustainable practices based on fresh ingredients and strong environmental values.
Lorena Silvestri
Co-founder of .jes, a changemaker studio and learning platform designing experiential programmes that connect young people, organisations, and communities to co-create solutions for social and environmental challenges.
Andrew Bownds
Co-Founder & CEO at Eco Brixs, a social enterprise building zero-waste communities in Uganda through a closed-loop recycling system that transforms plastic waste into durable, low-cost construction materials.
Argyrios Moustakas
Co-founder and COO of Scidrones PC, the first spin-off company of the University of the Aegean specialising in drone and AI technologies for marine environmental monitoring. An Electrical and Electronic Engineer (MEng) from the University of Manchester.
MENTORS
Expert mentors with technical and business expertise will assess and provide feedback to your idea or project and will help you preparing your pitch for the jury.
Uroš Novak
Chemical engineer and innovation leader at the National Institute of Chemistry Slovenia with 15+ years’ experience in biomaterials and biotechnology, coordinating major EU research projects and transforming scientific advances into scalable circular economy and bio-based solutions.
Jose Manuel Antón García
Blue economy specialist at Centro Tecnológico Naval y del Mar focusing on sustainable and circular business models, market strategy, and funding opportunities that support ocean-based innovation and the development of resilient maritime industries.
Eleni Petra
Project Manager at Athena Research Center, a leading Greek research and innovation institute developing advanced technologies and scientific knowledge in artificial intelligence, data science, information systems, and digital transformation.
Adelina de la Jara
Project Manager at the Maritime Cluster of the Canary Islands (CMC), a maritime industry cluster that connects companies, research institutions, and public bodies to strengthen innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development in the blue economy of the Canary Islands.
Angelos Manglis
Founder-VP of Atlantis Consulting, Venture Partner at Metavallon Fund, Hellenic Mobile Cluster Facilitator, Adrion BAN Manager, and scuba instructor. Works across venture capital, startup ecosystems, and innovation networks supporting early-stage technology ventures.
Dannie O'Brien
Research and innovation management, communications, and engagement specialist working with ICORSA and the Northern Territory Government in Australia. Focuses on marine resource management, aquaculture, food systems, and maritime livelihoods through community-centered solutions
Alex Ziemba
Marine data and spatial planning specialist focusing on ecosystem services, integrated data streams, and modelling approaches using machine learning and process-based tools.
JURY MEMBERS
You will pitch in front of a group of scientific experts and investment experts to classify for a chance to win.
Pablo Reche
Project Manager of the PHAROS project and Senior Researcher at PLOCAN, a multipurpose marine research infrastructure and innovation hub supporting ocean science, technology development, and sustainable blue economy solutions through advanced offshore and onshore facilities.
Gordon Dalton
Project Coordinator of the PHAROS project and Senior Researcher at PLOCAN, a multipurpose marine research infrastructure and innovation hub supporting ocean science, technology development, and sustainable blue economy solutions through advanced offshore and onshore facilities.
Sophie Lamprou
Co-founder / Owner at Impact Hub Athens, a social innovation hub that builds communities for impact by supporting entrepreneurs and organisations through incubation programmes, capacity building, and collaborative spaces for sustainable solutions.
Dimitris Kokkinakis
Co-founder / Director at Impact Hub Athens, a social innovation hub that builds communities for impact by supporting entrepreneurs and organisations through incubation programmes, capacity building, and collaborative spaces for sustainable solutions.
Elena Lamprou
Social entrepreneurship expert with 10+ years’ experience designing programmes, delivering training, and supporting 300+ entrepreneurs to develop purpose-driven ventures and communities.
Erna Karalija
Full Professor at the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Science specialising in plant physiology, biochemistry, and in vitro culture and project supervisor at ICORSA advocating for stronger support and opportunities for early-career scientists.
Julie Maguire PhD
Director of Bantry Marine Research Station since 2005, leading research and innovation in seaweed-based climate solutions, aquaculture, and circular bio-based materials through multiple European projects.
Lida Tsene
Communications strategist and purpose-driven storyteller with a PhD in Social Media and Social Responsibility, combining academia, research, and cultural leadership to design impactful media, storytelling, and community initiatives.
Organisers
