Bridging Technology, Innovation + Culture

Independent Strategic Consultant, Creative Producer, and Writer across Arts, Science, Technology and Ecology

Ariane Koek is an independent international expert on art, science, technology and ecology. She works as a strategic consultant and creative adviser with organisations such as the European Commission, the Exploratorium, San Francisco USA, and Pro Helvetia (the Swiss Arts Council) to make new transdisciplinary initiatives happen.

She is  well known for initiating, designing and directing the celebrated Arts at CERN programme (2009-15), colliding the imagination of artists with scientists and engineers, at the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.

Today she works globally with  organisations such as the European Commission, the Exploratorium, San Francisco, and foundations such as Pro Helvetia (the Swiss Arts Council) to make new transdisciplianry initiatives happen to the highest level of impact and originality.. She also strategically advises on the development and re-positioning of existing projects too.

A champion of creativity and new ways of knowing, Ariane is also a creative producer, curator and writer.

Futurist

Caroline is Professor of Strategic Management at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin), Program Director of the IBCON Strategy Master’s program, and Co-Head of the Institute for Sustainability (INa). She has more than 15 years of experience in the field of foresight, working across diverse roles in industry (Volkswagen), public policy (European Commission), consulting, and academia. Her research and practice critically examine how futures anticipation can be actively embedded at the intersections of business, society, politics, and science.

Scale Up Ecosystems

Daniel Isenberg is 123 years old and has a Ph.D. (Harvard) and is or has been:

• An entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist in Israel.
• An investor in over 60 companies with over 110 investments.
• A Limited Partner in nine Venture Capital/Private Equity funds in five countries.
• Author of three dozen articles on entrepreneurship in HBR.
• Author of three books.
• A professor at Harvard, Columbia, Insead and Babson.
• Founder of Scalerator®.
• Creator of ScaleApp® Podcasts
• A father of five and grandfather of four.

One of the above is not true.

Deputy Director of the Musée de la musique at the Philharmonie de Paris

Jade has been the Deputy Director of the Musée de la Musique at the Philharmonie de Paris since 2018. Prior to this role, he held several positions in the cultural sector, including Financial Operations Manager at the Fondation Cartier, General Manager of the Jeu de Paume, and consultant for various cultural organizations. He also teaches at HEC Business School and Sorbonne University.

Valentin Schmite is an entrepreneur, author, and educator renowned for his expertise at the intersection of artificial intelligence and culture. As the author of multiple books on AI and a consultant for the European Commission, he teaches at Sciences Po and the CNAAM. A highly sought-after speaker in France (including UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, Bpifrance, etc.) and internationally (in cities such as Berlin, Brussels, Stockholm, Abu Dhabi, and Montreal), he examines the transformations that artificial intelligence engenders in creation, mediation, and imagination.

Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Univeristy of Ioannina

Athanasios Stavrakoudis has served in higher education since 2000, teaching information technology and computing in faculties of economics and business administration. His research interests include computational simulation, time series analysis, historical databases, parallel processing, and intelligent systems. He has contributed to research projects and publications, linking technology with economic applications and supporting innovation. He serves as Director of the Applied Informatics  and Computational Economics Lab.

17Professor of Economics/Member of the Εxecutive Board at DIW Berlin

Research Director and Executive Board Member of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), Professor of Economics at Potsdam University and Research Fellow at IZA Bonn and GLO Essen. He is member of the Economic Policy and Social Science Committees of the German Economic Association and Editor of Small Business Economics. He was a member of the Pissarides Committee. His research has been published in the leading Entrepreneurship Journals, his OpEds among others in Ta Nea and Kathimerini.

COO & GM | Scaling & Growing Tech and Private Equity-Backed Businesses

Aspa Lekka is a COO and General Manager with experience scaling and integrating tech and PE-backed businesses across multiple countries. She works closely with founders, boards, and investors during periods of growth, transition, and operational complexity. Her focus is on translating strategy into execution, strengthening operating models, and enabling organizations to scale with clarity, discipline, and resilience.

Co-founder and CEO of MyStage.ai

Vasilis Pazopoulos graduated from the University of Piraeus. From 2018 until 2024, he was in charge of the Blockchain & Crypto column at euro2day.gr and YouTube channel.
He is the author of “Investors without Borders” and “The Bitcoin Investment Handbook” (3rd edition). Education Director of Blockchain, Crypto & Web3, which is in its fourth year of operation. An Angel investor. Co-founder and CEO of MyStage.ai, an all-in-one creative platform for AI-generated images, sound, and video.

Founder of Open Palm, Publisher & Co-founder of NGO Innovation & Digital Economy Hub

Ο Γιάννης Παπαδημητρίου είναι ιδρυτής της εταιρείας Ανοιχτής Παλάμης, με αντικείμενο τη στρατηγική επικοινωνία, εκδότης και δημοσιογράφος στον όμιλο της Καθημερινής από το 2010. Παράλληλα, είναι συνιδρυτής της ΑΜΚΕ Κόμβος Καινοτομίας και Ψηφιακής Οικονομίας, συνδέοντας την αφήγηση με την τεχνολογία και τη σύγχρονη επιχειρηματικότητα.  

Chief Technology Officer at Natech Banking Solutions

George Nikolaropoulos is an accomplished technology executive and AI innovator passionate about building intelligent, scalable systems that drive digital transformation across industries and enhance everyday customer experiences. With experience spanning banking, insurance, maritime, and marketing research, he combines product vision with deep expertise in cloud-native platforms and AI. As CTO of Natech Banking Solutions, George leads Natech’s technology vision, advancing its modular banking platform and embedding AI-powered capabilities to help shape the future of financial services.

Co-Founder, Sinqlo
UI/UX Designer & Typography Explorer

Georgios Chalkidis is the co-founder of iframe Design Studio, a UI/UX designer and typography explorer. He focuses on translating brand identity into digital experiences through minimal aesthetics, clarity and storytelling. He holds an MA in Visual Communication (Digital Communication and Media / Multimedia) from the University of Sunderland (UK) and a Google UX Design Certificate. His work bridges branding, typography and user-centered design.

Head Of Supply Chain, MIKEL COFFEE COMPANY

Gikas is a senior executive in Operations and Supply Chain, specializing in scaling distribution infrastructures with accountability and structural resilience. He leads nationwide logistics operations, making decisive, high-impact choices that balance speed, disciplined cost control, and institutional reliability. His approach centers on governance, measurable performance, and execution under pressure. By aligning technology with operational oversight, he builds systems that sustain rapid growth without sacrificing stability, stakeholder confidence, or long-term strategic control.

Quality Systems Agronomist, VELVITA

Dimitrios Vakamis is an Agronomist and Co-founder of Agro Q, one of the first consulting firms in the agricultural sector, with expertise in Arboriculture. For more than 27 years, he has collaborated with major producer organizations and businesses managing fruit and vegetables. Through his collaboration with ASEPOP VELVENTOU, they highlight the Distinctive and Traditional character of the fruits produced by the Cooperative’s 400 members, in accordance with Integrated Crop Management principles and through the use of digital communication tools.

CEO at Epignosis, Founder & President at Starttech Ventures

Dimitris Tsingos is a Greek entrepreneur and venture builder, Co-Founder and President of Starttech Ventures, a firm focused on building high velocity B2B SaaS startups with a North American commercial focus. He holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Crete and an MBA International from Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). He is the Co-Founder, President and CEO of Epignosis, a global eLearning technology company, and Co-Founder and President of Yodeck, a leading provider of cloud-based digital signage solutions. Dimitris is known for his commitment to capital efficiency, lean startup principles, and cultivating founder-driven, product-led companies

COO // Director, General Agricultural Cooperative of Ioannina “Association of Farmers”

Dimitrios Tasioulas is the Director of the Agricultural Cooperative of Ioannina “Farmers’ Union” and a Business Consultant. With studies in Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and a specialization in entrepreneurship and Marketing, he possesses significant experience in designing investment strategies. Through his long-standing background in the preparation and management of investment projects, he actively contributes to the enhancement of entrepreneurship, the agricultural economy, and sustainable development.

Director, Tech Consulting, PwC Greece

Dimitris is a Director in PwC Greece’s Technology Consulting practice, with over 12 years of experience in Digital and Technology Transformation projects. He also leads the firm’s technology operations in Northern Greece, overseeing a team of more than 40 technology professionals based in Thessaloniki. He delivers complex advisory engagements across strategy, enterprise application design, and IT & Data Governance. His industry experience spans Energy, Utilities & Natural Resources, FMCG, Industrial and Financial Services.

Strategist – Cultural Advisor, Hellenic Republic, Presidency of the Government
BOD member, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Elena Mavromichali specializes in strategy and has extensive experience in connecting culture, philanthropy, social innovation, and governance. She is interested in human-centered technology and innovation with social impact, and she seeks to place culture at the core of policymaking, particularly in addressing contemporary challenges. She serves as Cultural and Strategy Advisor to the Hellenic Government and is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. She is a fellow of the University of Warwick (Inspiring Women in Leadership), the Latsis Foundation, and the Salzburg Global Seminar, and has studied Art History, Cultural Management, Strategy and Innovation, and Strategic Leadership.

Chief Marketing Officer at Ioannina Agricultural Poultry Cooperative PINDOS

Eleftheria Masoura is the Marketing & Communications Director of the Ioannina Agricultural Poultry Cooperative PINDOS. Combining her scientific background in Geography and Spatial Planning with modern Marketing strategy, she brings over 20 years of experience in shaping the corporate identity of major organizations. By leveraging innovative tools and data-driven insights, she leads the Cooperative’s primary growth strategy, promoting local heritage on an international scale and transforming tradition into a powerful, competitive brand with a global perspective.

Head, UNESCO Chair on Futures Research, FORTH | President, MOMus

Epaminondas Christophilopoulos leads the UNESCO Chair on Futures Research at FORTH and serves as President of MOMus. An Onassis Fellow, holds a PhD in Strategic Foresight, with studies in Physics, Environment, and International Relations. His early career focused on technology transfer and research cooperation in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Since 2010, he specializes in futures research, designing projects on innovation and the future of work. He served as the Prime Minister’s Chief Scientific Officer for Foresight, while he is currently advising the European Commission as member of the ESIR high level expert group.

Associate Professor, Department of Tourism Management University of West Attica

Efthymia Sarantakou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Tourism Management at the University of West Attica, specializing in spatial policies for tourism destinations. She teaches in postgraduate programs at several Greek universities. She holds a PhD in Tourism Spatial Planning (NTUA) and an MSc in Urban Planning. Her research interests focus on spatial tourism planning and destination management. She has served in positions of responsibility in public tourism bodies and has an extensive research record.

IBM Technology Technical Country Leader

Εlias Stavropoulos is an IBM Technology Technical Leader with over 16 years of experience in IBM’s technology solutions. He specializes in designing and implementing innovative IT solutions focused on Hybrid Cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Automation, supporting strategic clients in critical digital transformation projects. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and technological evolution, he is constantly training and mentoring others on cutting-edge technologies, actively contributing to the dissemination of expertise and innovation.

President & CEO of Natech Banking Solutions

Thanasis Navrozoglou, President and CEO of Natech Banking Solutions and Vice Chairman of Snappi’s Board of Directors, is a pioneering force in the digital transformation of banking. Under his leadership, Natech expanded tenfold, launched five subsidiaries, and spearheaded key fintech initiatives across Greece and Europe, delivering cutting-edge digital banking solutions. Most recently, in a landmark joint venture with Piraeus Bank, Thanasis co-founded Snappi, Greece’s first neobank, ushering in a new era of next-generation digital finance.

Member of the Board of Directors Open Technologies Alliance (GFOSS)

Theodoros Karounos was born in 1953 in Barsiniko, near Mystras. He studied sociology and computer science in New York, completing his postgraduate studies in 1983. He has held senior roles in the design and implementation of information systems and has served as a scientific advisor on ICT and telecommunications policy in the public sector. From 2009 to 2012, he was an advisor to the Prime-minister, G.A.Papandreou & President of PASOK and coordinator of the e-Government Working Group.

CEO, Epirus Bank SA

CEO of Epirus Bank, driving a strategic transformation that is redefining the Bank’s role in the Greek financial landscape and positioning it as a new catalyst for growth in the market. Through clear leadership vision and strategic approach, Epirus Bank is undergoing a historic transition: From a regional cooperative institution into a strongly capitalized Société Anonyme with nationwide ambition, strengthened governance, and a renewed strategic mandate. This transformation marks the emergence of a modern, human-centric financial institution, combining deep roots in the real economy with contemporary banking capabilities to better serve SMEs — the backbone of the Greek economy — across Greece. By advancing institutional transformation, digital modernization, and balance sheet strengthening, Epirus Bank is entering a new phase of growth, resilience, and national relevance, bringing fresh momentum and new thinking to the Greek banking sector.

COO | Deputy General Manager, Ioannina Agricultural Poultry Cooperative PINDOS

Ioannis Patounas serves as Deputy General Manager and Director of Research, Development & Operations at APSI PINDOS. An economist with extensive experience in strategic planning and the management of complex investment projects, he leads the Cooperative’s development planning and operational strengthening. Specialized in the implementation of large-scale co-funded programs, he combines strong technocratic expertise with managerial effectiveness, contributing decisively to PINDOS’ sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness.

My Life’s Journey

Litsa Panayotopoulos is a forward-thinking business strategy advisor and pioneer of digital governance transformation in Greece. A committed advocate of innovation, Litsa creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and managerial strategy in her varied roles: Founder & CEO of E.VI.A Intelligent Performance, Senior Advisor to Purdue University, President of Intale S.A. Retail Solutions, V.P. of Papapostolou S.A. Medical Technologies. Member BOD of American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (Former Secretary General and first female in this role in the organization’s 90 year history). She is also the Founder and Chair of the Chamber’s Innovation, Education and Entrepreneurship Committee. Litsa is Vice President of the Citizens Movement (Kinisi Politon), Treasurer of SΑΕΕ (Association of A.E & Entrepreneurship). She is also a member of the Business Advisory Council of Athens Economic University International MBA and others. Her extensive career has been built in major systems and projects all over the world, (amongst others, Control Data). On her return to Greece, she led ORACLE Greece SE Europe & Cyprus, founding and managing subsidiaries in 16 countries. In addition, she also

Deputy Director of Communications and Public Relations at the Hellenic Development Bank

Maria Sarantopoulou, as Deputy Director of Communication & Public Affairs at the Hellenic Development Bank, designs and implements HDB’s communication strategy, strengthening its corporate identity and promoting programmes that support sustainable development and innovation. She has extensive experience in strategic communication and international cooperation, having held senior positions at the European Commission (Brussels), with a focus on political communication and the coordination of European policies for entrepreneurship. She holds an MSc from the LSE, speaks three foreign languages, and has strong expertise in strategically expanding market relations and in linking financial instruments with European and development priorities.

Strategist and C-Level executive / Business & Digital Transformation Global Leader

Michalis Moraitis is a founding Board Member of the Euro. Digital association and the European CIO Association, as well as Vice President of the Hellenic CIO FORUM. With over thirty-five years in the IT sector, he specializes in business transformation and optimization. Currently, he is the Managing Partner of Actus Valida and Humanus Capitis. Academic Professor and frequent speaker, he has experience with major firms like Accenture, Ernst & Young, NISSAN and has received numerous awards for his contributions. He is married with twin daughters.

Partner, L-Stone Capital & Curator, Beyond Expo

Michalis is an investor, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder. He co-founded L-Stone Capital, Smart Agro Hub, Industry Disruptors Game Changers, SciCo, and the “Atelier” G. Lazongas Foundation. Founder of MSCOMM with international presence, he advises the European Commission and has served as a special advisor to the Greek government. Visiting professor at Alexander Fleming Research Center and Athens Medical School. He studied Political Science, Communication, and European Studies at Wolverhampton and LSE.

Chief Technology Officer at Snappi

Nikolaos Gaitanis, Snappi’s Chief Technology Officer, brings more than two decades of global engineering leadership to Greece’s first ECBlicensed neobank. With a track record of scaling complex, highgrowth platforms at Glia, Bolt, and Booking.com, he combines deep technical expertise with the discipline required in regulated environments. At Snappi, Nikos leads engineering, data, and infrastructure as the company accelerates its AI- and data-driven innovation journey, strengthening its vision for nextgeneration financial services.

General Manager, Marketing Greece SA

Nikos Diamantopoulos is a core executive of Marketing Greece since its establishment, with in-depth knowledge of the organization and the Greek tourism sector. A graduate of the School of Informatics and Telecommunications of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, he was the driving force behind the creation and successful launch of the Discovergreece.com travel platform. He has led strategic initiatives and projects, and since May 2023 serves as General Director, steering the company with focus on innovation and growth.

Associate Professor in Music Communication and Technology Department of Music Studies, University of Ioannina

Pavlos Antoniadis is Associate Professor at the University of Ioannina and research associate at IRCAM and the Greek National Opera. He conducted post-doc research at

Université Paris 8 and at TU-Berlin on a Humboldt Stiftung fellowship. He holds a prize-winning PhD from the University of Strasbourg and IRCAM, an MA from the University of

California, San Diego on a Fulbright, and an Integrated Master’s from University of Athens. His research focuses on the nexus between contemporary music performance and emergent technologies, such as interactive systems, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality.

Professor National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – Scientific Coordinator Glossapi – GFOSS

Petros Stefaneas is a Professor at the Department of Mathematics, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, and head of the λ-Form group the Laboratory of Algorithmic Applications and Logic Laboratory of the NTUA. Also, he coordinates the Glossapi project for AI ready texts in Greek language, as part of the Greek Open Source Organization GFOSS.

Head of Venture Banking, Eurobank

Roula Bachtalia is Head of Venture Banking Unit, at Eurobank & a Steering Committee member at the egg accelerator. Roula has served as a member of the National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation, the supreme government advisory body responsible for shaping and implementing a national strategy for Research and Innovation in Greece.  She is honored to serve as an advisory board member to various venture capital funds, and she is actively involved in the broader startup ecosystem in Europe.

Founder of Epirus DAO & Blockchain Community Builder

Spiros Bounas is the Founder of Epirus DAO, a community focused on advancing blockchain understanding and practical adoption among businesses and citizens. He operates at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and digital communities, aiming to bridge innovation with society. Through events, public speaking, and educational initiatives, he works toward a more transparent, participatory, and sustainable digital future.

Deputy Minister of Development
Responsible for Research and Innovation

Stavros Kalafatis, born in Thessaloniki in 1965, is Deputy Minister of Development for Research and Innovation and MP for A΄ Thessaloniki with New Democracy. A member of the Greek Parliament since 2003, he has been repeatedly reelected. He has served as Deputy Minister of Development, Minister for Macedonia–Thrace, Alternate Minister of Environment, and Deputy Minister of Interior. He studied Law at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds master’s degrees in International Studies and Sports Management. He is married and has two children.

Cofounder of Polytropo Systems and Professor at the University of Ioannina

Stergios Anastasiadis is Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Ioannina and Cofounder of Polytropo Systems. With over a decade of experience across the US, Canada, the UK, and Switzerland, he brings a global perspective to the Greek tech ecosystem. His work focuses on advancing the efficiency, performance, and security of cloud infrastructures with published research in leading scientific journals and conferences. At Polytropo Systems, he bridges the gap between academic excellence and market-ready software innovation.

Chief Technical Officer, Dropsolid AI
Cofounder, Innovation and Digital Economy Hub

Tassos is an internationally recognised expert in digital transformation, technology and communications with a PhD in artificial intelligence. He has many years of experience developing digital strategies, architecting complex digital solutions and agile delivery for European, American and Asian markets. Works at Dropsolid AI as its CTO.

Founder & CEO, SCILEND

Charalampos Tzanidis is the Founder and CEO of SCILEND, a platform that acts as an integrated coordinator for access to laboratory infrastructure, connecting research laboratories with startups, researchers, and companies seeking scientific services and specialized equipment. He is a Materials Science and Engineering student at the University of Ioannina and focuses on bridging academic research with the market in the fields of materials and innovation. At the same time, he actively participates in volunteer and student initiatives that strengthen the international academic community and support the smooth integration of international students in Greece.  

Founder & CEO of Shipper

Christos Georgiadis is the Founder & CEO of Shipper, an innovative SaaS platform revolutionizing e-commerce logistics. Shipper offers businesses complete automation in shipping & returns management, smart courier cost comparison, and seamless integration with carriers and ERP systems. Driven by a vision for the digital transformation of logistics, he helps online retailers reduce operational costs and elevate the customer experience through streamlined, technology-driven workflows.