By leveraging the city’s renowned Carnival as a testing ground, EcoZani seeks to foster economic diversification, turning the event into Greece and Europe’s first Zero-waste, Zero-emission, Zero-exclusion (3Z) Carnival. The project is built around three key ecosystems: Talent, supporting youth entrepreneurship; Technology, developing circular economy solutions; and Tolerance, promoting community engagement and upskilling programs.
A well-balanced partnership of key stakeholders from the Quadruple Helix, public authorities, academia, industry, and civil society has been assembled to implement the project. The Municipality of Kozani (MoK) leads the project management, while AN.DH.KO. S.A. supports operational efficiency by managing administrative and personnel-related tasks. CluBE drives bioeconomy innovation, DIADYMA expands reuse and repair infrastructure, and UoWM fosters entrepreneurship. Join4CS connects local businesses to global innovation networks, Impact Hub promotes social innovation, and CIVINET advances sustainable urban mobility. Symbolo assesses socio-economic impacts, while Cocoon Architects and Chliapas focus on sustainable construction and design.
This innovative collaboration, bringing together multidisciplinary and creative partners, is expected to generate out-of-the-box solutions that revitalize local ecosystems, retain talent, and establish Kozani as a model for sustainable, inclusive urban development.