Nikolas
Takas
CEO at THERMI VENTURE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT SA | Managing Partner at NGIF
Mr. Nikolas Takas is the CEO of THERMI VENTURE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT SA which manages the NORTHERN GREECE INVESTMENT FUND, the only growth VC Fund based in Thessaloniki, with 30mil EURO under management. He has a 20 year experience in Venture Capital Investments having managed Funds of more than 100mil EURO since 2004. He is the Vice President of THERMI GROUP, a group investing in the Renewable Energy, ICT, Real Estate & Tourism, and Shipping sectors with more than 100mil EURO in investments. He is also the Managing Director of BALKAN REAL ESTATE (Construction Company) and the President of DOMOS GROUP (Construction Materials). Mr. Nikolas Takas is a Member of the BoD of the Federation of Industries of Greece (SBE), Member of the BoD of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia in Northern Greece. Mr. Takas holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Winchester, a Master of Science (MSc) in Shipping Trade and Finance from Cass Business School (City University London), and a Bachelor of Science in Economics (BA) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He is also a Phd candidate in Economics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Nikos
Christodoulou
Partner, Technology & Transformation Leader, Deloitte
Nikos is an Equity Partner and the Technology & Transformation Leader at Deloitte. He joined Deloitte in 2018 and has contributed fundamentally to scaling the Consulting Department. He has significant experience in designing and delivering large transformational projects, managing business cases in new and emerging technologies, designing new organizational models and post-merger integration. From 2011 to 2018 he worked as Group COO and CIO in one of the biggest banking institutions in Greece, responsible for managing the Group’s Operations and IT, including digitization, IT, back-office and treasury operations, real estate and technical services. From 1997 to 2011, he worked as Strategy Partner, Head of Management Consulting for another international consulting company. Nikos holds a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, an MBA from Warwick Business School and a PhD in Decision Management Systems from National Technical University of Greece. He has also worked as a research fellow at INSEAD, France.
Nikos
Kyriakoulis
Co-Founder and Managing Partner at CORE Group
Nikos is a Production and Management Engineer and has a PhD in Robotic Vision Systems. Since 2014 he has been working on the adoption of Industry4.0 and how these technologies can be applied in the factories seamlessly and effectively, participating in more than 70 EU funded projects. He has collaborated with more than 150 top organisations and manufacturers succeeding more than €80Million of funding for innovative Industry4.0 solutions. His vision is to make innovation easy for individuals and organisations by providing access to infrastructure, funding, data, network, experts, and live demonstrations so that they meet their true potentials. In 2016 Nikos co-founded CORE Innovation aiming at providing this opportunity to people and in 2020 co-founded CORE Innovation Center having succeeded more than €30M of funding. Now, he is working to build the Greek Smart Factory, a trusted platform to test and demo new technologies by joining forces with Academia, Tech providers, and industry. Nikos is a certified SIRI Assessor, able to assess manufacturing facilities and help companies in their Industry 4.0 journeys.
Nikos
Maniatis
Equity Partner at KPMG
Nikos Maniatis is the Partner of Technology and Innovation at KPMG in Greece. He is an experienced executive with a remarkable track record in the technology sector and an active member of the innovation community.
With over 22 years of experience in the IT industry, Nikos has a diverse background, having led teams in Enterprise Software, High-End Platforms and System Integration. He has broad expertise in both the Greek and international Services market, particularly in the areas of Data & AI, Cyber Security, IT Operations and Cloud transformation.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with large organizations supporting their Digital Transformation initiatives in the sectors of Financial Services, Energy & Utilities, Public Sector and Retail.
Orestis Trasanidis
Managing Director- EIT Hub Silicon Valley
Orestis Trasanidis leads AI and Silicon Valley activities at EIT Digital, driving strategic synergies and expanding international markets. He oversees EIT’s AI initiatives, coordinates impactful start-up and education programs, and represents the AI Community on a global scale. Additionally, as the head of EIT Hub Silicon Valley, he fosters transatlantic partnerships, bridging the US and EU ecosystems to accelerate innovation. With MSc degrees in ICT and Mechanical Engineering, complemented by executive training.
Panagiotis
Demestichas
Prof. Panagiotis Demestichas, University of Piraeus, WINGS ICT Solutions
Prof. Panagiotis Demestichas is a Professor at the University of Piraeus, School of ICT, Department of Digital Systems, Greece. Currently, he focuses on the development of systems for WINGS ICT Solutions (www.wings-ict-solutions.eu) and its spin-out, ditto (https://ditto-gr.eu/) and Incelligent (www.incelligent.net). WINGS focuses on advanced solutions, leveraging on IoT / 5G / AI / AR, for the environment (air quality), for utilities and infrastructures (water, energy, gas, transportation, construction), for production and manufacturing (aquaculture, agriculture and food safety, logistics and industrial IoT), service sectors (health, security). Incelligent focuses on products for telecommunication infrastructures, banking, and for the public sector. Panagiotis conducts research interests include 6G, cloud to edge continuum, IoT solutions, big data and artificial intelligence, orchestration / diagnostics / intent-oriented mechanisms. He holds a Diploma and a Ph.D. degree on Electrical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). He holds patents, has published numerous articles and research papers, and is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and a Senior Member of IEEE.P
Panayiotis
Tsantilas
CEO Palowise
A digital and enthusiastic entrepreneur based in Athens, founded palowise in 2008, with the vision to provide web & social innovative services. Panagiotis has an extensive business and tech network of associates & clients in Southeastern Europe and more than 30 years of regional experience. He has worked in top management positions for over 30 years in various national and international technology/services companies such as Premium S.A., PrintecGroup, and KPMG. He is a mentor at Archimedes, the Athens Uni Accelerator & Tech transfer, a Board Member at the Hellenic Association of Innovative companies (SEKEE) and a member of the Hellenic Artificial Intelligence society. He holds an MBA & MSc. in IT (Glasgow University) and a BSc. in Physics.
Panos
Papadopoulos
Business Development Manager / Endovascular Clinical Leader
Being fully engaged in the health sector for 24 years, gave me great deal of experience. In combination with my communication skills, my ability to think, analyse & solve problems immediately, teamwork, adaptability, attention to detail, sales and marketing strategy, health marketing as well as digital Marketing Planning experience, gave me the opportunity to become more motivated, more passionate and finally become part of his multi-year development and success of my Team. Gaining all these experiences taught me a lot and through this, I am more than ready to set new goals with bigger and more exciting challenges.
Pavlos
Chatzidimitriou
Head of Public Sector Greece,Cyprus, Malta, AWS
Pavlos Chatzidimitriou leads sinse 2024 the Public Sector business of Amazon Web Services in Greece, Cyprus and Malta. Pavlos brings a wealth of experience in Sales Leadership in PS, Healthcare, Education and Research having worked with top multinational companies in IT, Industry and Telecommuncations.
Sahbaz
Ussal
Innovation Advisor on Goverent Affaires
Ussal Şahbaz has a career at the intersection of business, government, and research. He is a managing partner of a boutique consultancy on government affairs for tech scaleups in Turkey. His career includes leadership positions at GE (General Electric), various think tanks, and earlier in the government of Turkey (Pesident’s Office & Turkish Competition Authority). Ussal holds a master’s degree in international development from Harvard University. He writes weekly columns for Ekonomi, Turkey’s business daily newspaper.
Stergios
Konstantinou
Lawyer specialized in IP & Data Protection Law
Stergios Konstantinou is a lawyer specializing in data protection, intellectual property, and telecommunications law. He is the head of the law firm “Stergios Konstantinou & Associates – SGK Legal,” which provides comprehensive legal services across various sectors. He studied Law at the European University of Cyprus and Political Science at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He then obtained a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property & ICT Law from KU Leuven University. His professional career includes collaborations with major European Institutions such as the European Commission and organisations such as the NGO “noyb – European Centre for Digital Rights” in Vienna, where he participated in cases that led to significant decisions on data protection. In 2024, he was recognized as one of the top 20 lawyers under 40 in Greece by the Business Law Awards, confirming his excellence and expertise in the legal field.
Stefanos
Kollias
PRESIDENT, GRNET S.A
Stefanos Kollias is the President of the National Infrastructures for Research and Technology (GRNET S.A.), under the Ministry of Digital Governance, and Coordinator of the Greek AI Factory PHAROS. He is an IEEE Fellow and an Emeritus Professor at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens. His research focuses on machine/deep learning and artificial intelligence, multimedia data analysis, computer vision, and human-machine interaction. He has published 450 papers in international journals and conferences, with significant recognition (15,300 citations, h-index 58). He has supervised 50 PhD theses, with 20 of his PhD graduates now faculty members in Greece, Europe, and the U.S. His laboratory has participated in over 100 European research projects, securing over €20 million in funding.
Tassos
Koutlas
Digital Solutions Director, JAKALA
Tassos is an internationally recognised expert in digital transformation, technology and communication. He is working as Deputy VP of Digital Solutions Europe for a Digital Multinational Enterprise, which offers strategy, design and technical implementation services for digital projects. Tassos adopts a proactive, problem solving approach and brings an entrepreneurial mindset based on pragmatism, creativity, openness and innovation. He has many years of experience creating digital strategies, architecting complex digital solutions and agile delivery in Europe, Americas and Asia. Over the years he has worked with a great number of enterprises, governments and non-profit organiσations such as: Pfizer, Alcon, Panasonic, Nestle, Keller, Finastra, Hiscox, Museum of Modern Art in New York, Southbank Centre, Barbican, World Health Organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières, University of Cambridge and many others. He has also launched several businesses. He holds a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence (machine learning and machine vision) from the University of Ioannina and a B.Sc. in Computing Science from the University of Manchester.
Thanasis Navrozoglou
CEO & President, Natech Banking Solutions | Co-founder & Vice Chairman, Snappi
Thanasis Navrozoglou is a technology-driven entrepreneur revolutionizing banking through innovation. As CEO & President of Natech Banking Solutions, he has led the company’s transformation into a leading banking technology provider in Southern Europe, expanding its reach across international markets. His expertise in financial technology and human-machine interaction has fueled Natech’s mission to democratize access to advanced banking solutions. A pivotal force in forging strategic partnerships, Thanasis co-founded Snappi, Greece’s first fully digital neobank with a pan-European banking license, in collaboration with Piraeus Financial Holdings. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Board, shaping its strategy in the Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) sector. Recognized in Fortune’s “40 Under 40” and among the 100 most influential people for 2025, Thanasis remains at the forefront of banking innovation, driving seamless, customer-centric solutions that simplify financial operations and foster regional development.
Theodora
Giatagana
Delivery Manager, Research and Innovation Department | Found.ation
Theodora Giatagana is Delivery Manager at Found.ation, where she coordinates and manages European and national research and innovation projects. She is also the Coordinator of the Horizon Europe project CO-INVESTIN. With a background in both project management and fundraising, Theodora has worked with organizations such as The Smile of the Child, focusing on proposal writing, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with research and industry partners. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Refugee/Migration Flows from NKUA and is currently pursuing a second Master’s in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at HOU.
Theodoros
Evgeniou
Professor, INSEAD - Co-Founder Tremau
Theodoros Evgeniou is professor of Technology and Business at INSEAD and director of multiple INSEAD Executive Education programs on AI for audiences ranging from boards and CEOs of global public firms to senior managers. He has been working on AI for about 30 years, has been a member of the OECD Network of Experts on AI, an advisor for the BCG Henderson Institute, a World Economic Forum Academic Partner for Artificial Intelligence, a co-founder of Tremau, a B2B SaaS company in the space of Governance, Risk and Compliance, and a co-founder of a new AI Strategy Consulting company launching in Q2 2025. He gives talks and consults for a number of organizations in his areas of expertise. He has four degrees from MIT, two BS degrees simultaneously, one in Computer Science and one in Mathematics, as well as a Masters and a PhD degree in Computer Science.
Thomas
Bartzanas
Vice Rector for Research, Finance, and Development, a Professor, and the Director of the Lab of Farm Structures at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA)
Thomas Bartzanas is the Vice Rector for Research, Finance, and Development, a Professor, and the Director of the Lab of Farm Structures at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA). He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors at SmartAgroHub S.E., a spin-off of AUA. An agricultural engineer by training, he holds a PhD in Agricultural Engineering Systems and Processes from the University of Thessaly, completed in collaboration with INRA’s Bioclimatology Station in France, along with a postdoctoral fellowship at Aarhus University in Denmark (Department of Engineering). His research focuses on developing, evaluating, and applying innovative techniques and technologies in controlled environment production systems, including greenhouses, vertical farming, hydroponics, and livestock buildings. He also specializes in the sustainable and intelligent use of natural resources in the agrifood sector and the environmental impact assessment of agricultural production using life cycle analysis. He is an Associate Editor of Biosystems Engineering Journal, a member of EurAgEng, Vice-Chair of the Structures & Environment Committee of CIGR, and a member of the Scientific Council of the European Union’s Directorate for Research and Innovation, focusing on open access to research in agricultural sciences.
Thorsten
Billing
Senior Investment Manager, KfW Capital
Thorsten is a Senior Investment Manager at KfW Capital, with a background in law and finance. He previously worked at ODDO BHF as ECM deal lead focused on tech and biotech sectors. His experience spans roles in KfW, KfW IPEX-Bank, Commerzbank, and LBBW, with a strong track record in venture and private market investment.
Tyler
Svitak
Executive Director of the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance
As the Executive Director of the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance, Tyler Svitak has played a pivotal role in advancing smart city initiatives throughout Colorado. His leadership in innovative projects related to connected, automated, and electric mobility positions him as an essential asset for fostering collaboration between Athens and Colorado. Tyler’s expertise includes developing models for project identification and replication, crucial for establishing a sustainable collaboration model. His strong network across public, private, academic, and research sectors will enhance our ability to effectively engage stakeholders. Tyler has conducted numerous networking events globally and is highly experienced in smart city initiatives. His focus on building trust and creating new governance models will facilitate meaningful exchanges of ideas and best practices. This collaborative approach ensures that both regions benefit from the partnership.
Uioulli
Papapostolou
Director of Technological Information - Innovation Agency
Vanessa
Stachtou
Investment Manager - Elikonos Capita
Vanessa Stachtou is an investment professional with extensive experience across private equity, investment banking, and advisory. At Elikonos Capital, she collaborates with entrepreneurs and management teams to drive growth, create lasting value, and achieve successful exits. Prior to this, she spent several years at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, where she implemented SME financing initiatives and launched strategic programs such as Star Venture in Greece. Her earlier roles span BNP Paribas investment banking, economic policy research at the German Marshall Fund, and consulting focused on innovation and sustainability. Vanessa holds an MA from Johns Hopkins SAIS and a BSc from the Athens University of Economics and Business
Vangelis
Karkaletsis
Director at the Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications at NCSR Demokritos, Member of High-Level Advisory Committee on Artificial Intelligence to the Greek Prime Minister
Dr. Karkaletsis is the Director of the Institute of Informatics & Telecommunications at NCSR Demokritos, and a member of the High Level Advisory Committee on AI to the Greek Prime Minister. Also member of the National Commission for Bioethics & Technoethics and the Expert Group on AI Incidents at OECD.AI. Previously Member of the National Council for Research and Innovation (ESETEK) and Head of the Software & Knowledge Engineering Lab (SKEL The AI Lab) at IIT. Coordinator, scientific and technical manager of many European and national projects and organiser of numerous scientific international conferences, workshops and summer schools. For more than 10 years he was responsible for the Institute’s educational activities, and initiated joint PhD scholarships programmes with several Universities abroad. He launched the Masters programmes for NCSR Demokritos in collaboration with Greek Universities (MSc in Data Science and MSc in Artificial Intelligence), and set up the initial educational programme for primary and secondary schools visiting the research centre. His research interests are in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, content analysis, big data management, knowledge representation, human-machine interaction.
Vassilis
Koutsoumpas
Digital Policy and AI Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic
Vassilis Koutsoumpas is a Digital Policy and AI Adviser at the Office of the Prime Minister of Greece, leading efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into policymaking and governance. He previously served as a Special Adviser at the General Secretariat of the Prime Minister. With a background in law & public policy he has worked in government advisory roles and consulting, servicing clients in the TMT industry & financial institutions through Brunswick Group and in healthcare though Healthsperien LLC.
Vassilis
Nikolopoulos
Co-founder & CTO of the deeptech AI & technology startup AVOKADO.
Dr. Vassilis Nikolopoulos, is an active Deeptech Intrapreneur and Angel investor. He is the co-founder & CTO of the deeptech AI & technology startup AVOKADO. In the last 25 years, Vassilis has been working in applied research, technology transfer and innovation management procedures, focusing on the Big Data and AI algorithmic problems applied to Utilities and the digitalization of the Energy Sector. He co-founded the Deep tech startup Intelen, one of the most successful startups in the digital energy and utility analytics markets, having some big utilities as clients in Greece, Europe and USA. He has also worked for years in applied energy behavioral science, data analytics, AI algorithms and the application of social networks to change human behaviors towards a more sustainable way of living. He has global recognitions in top innovation and entrepreneurship contests (US Red herring, SVASE Silicon Valley, Siemens global smartgrid, OECD eco-innovation, CeBIT top cleantech, etc). He is a valedictorian Electrical Engineer from Dundee University, Scotland with postgraduate studies at Imperial College, London School of Economics, Ecole Polytechnique (X) and a PhD from National Technical University of Athens. Also took various courses from HarvardX (Harvard University).
