The Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEin) is a self-funded unit within the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting research commercialization, and bridging academia with the market. As a dynamic hub of innovation, we provide aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, and students with the resources, mentorship, and networks needed to turn ideas into impactful ventures.
At ACEin, we don’t just talk about innovation—we make it happen. Our mission is simple: to empower visionaries, transform research into impactful businesses, and build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. As an independent unit, we have the flexibility to design cutting-edge programs that address real market challenges, supporting early-stage startups and fostering a mindset of creativity and problem-solving.
For over a decade, we’ve built a community of startups, corporate partners, investors, and mentors—solidifying our role as a key player in Greece’s entrepreneurship landscape. From specialized acceleration programs to open innovation challenges, we guide entrepreneurs at every stage, helping them at every stage—from idea validation to scaling their businesses.
As part of AUEB, we place a strong emphasis on research commercialization, helping university-driven innovations reach the market. Through tailored support, we assist researchers in protecting their intellectual property, forming industry partnerships, and creating spin-offs, ensuring that academic research has real impact.
At ACEin, we provide a structured approach to entrepreneurship and innovation, equipping researchers, students, and startups with the right tools, knowledge, and support to succeed. Our expertise spans across multiple areas, ensuring a holistic, hands-on, and results-driven experience.
We guide entrepreneurs through every stage of innovation — from ideation and business model development to prototyping and market validation.
We connect businesses with high-potential researchers, professionals, and startups to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation.
We help researchers commercialize their work by facilitating partnerships with industry leaders and supporting research-driven entrepreneurship.
Through tailored programs, workshops, and mentorship, we support early-stage startups in refining their business strategies and scaling their ventures.
We provide Proof of Concept (PoC) opportunities, allowing startups to test and validate their solutions in real market conditions.
Our team mentors, many of whom are PhD-educated professionals, provide strategic guidance and support throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
Behind ACE is a passionate team of experts, mentors,
and entrepreneurs, all dedicated to helping you succeed.
Get to know the people driving innovation forward!
“Embrace curiosity and resilience—they’re the best tools for navigating the unknown.”
Katerina is an Professor at AUEB and Partner at Uni.Fund, with a strong academic and entrepreneurial background in information systems and innovation. She has supported numerous startups and played a key role in fostering youth entrepreneurship in Greece.
At ACE, Katerina serves as a strategic advisor, offering guidance on program design, team development, and innovation strategy.
“Behind every problem lies a possibility—look closely
enough, and you’ll find a doorway to creativity.”
Angeliki is a part-time Lecturer at AUEB and holds a PhD in Supply Chain Innovation and a Master’s from Warwick Business School. Her work spans academic research, entrepreneurship, and innovation management, with a strong presence in European projects and a deep interest in ICT and business process design.
At ACE, Angeliki is the Managing Director, overseeing the center’s operations, strategy, and growth, and driving its mission to support student entrepreneurship and research commercialization.
“Enjoy your panic attacks! You earned them!”
Stratos is a researcher with a Ph.D. in Innovation Ecosystems and Entrepreneurship from AUEB, and an academic background in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics, and Business Administration. He has worked across consulting, market research, R&D, and innovation strategy in both corporate and research environments.
At ACE, Stratos specializes in supporting spin-offs and research-driven startups, helping academic teams navigate the journey from lab to market through tailored mentoring and commercialization strategies.
“It’s not our abilities that make us who we are. It’s our choices.”
Vasiliki holds a PhD and an MSc in Management Science and Technology from AUEB, and a degree in Financial Management and Engineering from the University of the Aegean. Her academic and professional background blends technology, finance, and innovation management.
At ACE, Vasiliki is the Head of the Incubator and leads educational entrepreneurship initiatives, including accelerator programs and training activities that empower students and researchers to build successful ventures.
“While it’s important to dream big, it’s equally important to keep your feet firmly grounded in financial reality.”
Angelos studied Accounting and Finance at AUEB and holds a Master’s degree in Energy Studies from the University of Piraeus. He expanded his family’s accounting firm into a professional business advisory company offering consulting, financial project management, and payroll services. Since 2021, he is also an accredited mediator by the Greek Ministry of Justice.
At ACE, Angelos serves as Financial Officer, overseeing the center’s budgeting, reporting, and financial operations, while supporting entrepreneurial teams in building financially sustainable ventures.
“Embrace the chaos. Then set the rules to govern it.”
Vasiliki holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Master’s in International, European and Comparative Law from the University of Turku in Finland. She completed her PhD in 2021, funded by the Academy of Finland, focusing on Internet Governance, Digital Constitutionalism, and online Human Rights. Her research spans digital rights, privacy, data protection, AI ethics, and the normative dimensions of emerging technologies. She is also a certified Data Protection Officer and a strong advocate for privacy and ethics in tech and research.
At ACE, Vasiliki contributes her legal expertise to research and innovation projects, offering legal consulting, workshops, and guidance on data protection, privacy, and the legal dimensions of technology and entrepreneurship.
“Embrace each step, even the small ones—they’re all building blocks to something extraordinary.”
Lila holds an MSc in Applied Linguistics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is currently a PhD candidate at AUEB, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and business ethics. She has participated in research projects with UoA, AUEB, and the Stevens Institute of Technology, and since 2020 she has been a researcher at ELTRUN. Since 2018, she has also been part of Uni.Fund, supporting early-stage startups and spin-offs.
At ACE, Lila supports research commercialization and networking initiatives, helping bridge the gap between academia and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it matter.”
Rania studied Communication, Information and Hypermedia at Université de Savoie Mont Blanc and holds a Master’s degree in Advertising. Her background combines strategic thinking with creative execution, and she is passionate about building narratives that connect people with purpose. With experience across branding, digital content, and media strategy, she brings clarity and character to every message.
At ACE, Rania is responsible for communication and outreach strategy, crafting the center’s voice across channels and ensuring that its actions, values, and impact are seen, heard, and remembered.
“Purpose fuels passion.”
Despoina holds a degree in Marketing & Communication from the Athens University of Economics and Business and has also studied at the Prague University of Economics and Business through the Erasmus program. She is the Co-Founder of Hearthy, a startup that transforms human hair waste into an innovative composted fertilizer.
At ACE, Despoina works as a Project Manager, supporting the design and implementation of open innovation initiatives and the acceleration cycle, combining her entrepreneurial mindset with strong planning and coordination skills.
“Stay true to your kindness and professionalism, regardless of how others act.”
Sofia holds an Integrated Master’s Degree in Spatial Planning and Development Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master’s Degree in Environment and Development from the National Technical University of Athens. She has experience as an Environmental Scientist, participating in several EU-funded projects, and has worked in the FMCG sector specializing in e-commerce.
At ACE, Sofia serves as a Project Manager for the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), managing innovation projects and supporting the commercialization of research outcomes.
“Dreams don’t work unless you do.”
Andreas graduated as an Electrical and Computer Engineer from the National Technical University of Athens. His diverse experience spans construction, fashion, and education, alongside volunteering in fundraising and event organization. In 2015, he co-founded a startup in the Agritech industry, followed by a second in fashion five years later. Since 2017, Andreas has worked as a technology and strategy consultant for innovation organizations and as an adult educator. He was honored in the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
At ACE, Andreas serves as Startup Teams Growth Specialist, supporting early-stage ventures in scaling and strategic development.
“Everything is possible, learn new skills and you’ll get it!”
Mara is a creative and business consultant specializing in branding, strategic business development, and marketing. She holds a BA(Hons) in Product Design from Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London) and an MSc in Marketing from Alba Graduate Business School (The American College of Greece). Her experience spans retail and consumer goods, focusing on the global food and cosmetics markets. For the past six years, she has owned a consulting and design studio serving a diverse client base, including startups and spin-offs.
At ACE, Mara provides business and branding consultancy to support the growth and development of emerging ventures.
“It’s all a matter of perspective!”
Christina graduated as a Social Anthropologist from Panteion University and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Policy. Her research interests focus on gender equality, anti-discrimination, and equal opportunities. She has participated in several seminars on these topics as well as on project management. Christina has gained experience through internships and roles at the National Center of Social Research, Challedu NGO, Symplexis NGO, and the European Institute of Policy Research and Human Rights. Since June 2022, she works at the Hellenic Open University as a researcher and junior project manager.
At ACE, Christina manages educational entrepreneurial programs, supporting the development of future entrepreneurs through training and hands-on activities.
“Every challenge is a step closer to our vision.”
Asterios is currently studying Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business. He is an Event Manager at ACE, driven to develop a wide range of skills and deepen his understanding of business and entrepreneurship. His entrepreneurial journey began with participation in the 3rd Inter-Departmental Entrepreneurial Assignment (IDEA), where his team placed third. Asterios is also a graduate of the Ant1 Media Lab in Public Relations and Communication and holds a professional chef diploma from IEK Delta. He combines diverse professional experience in both fields with a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Innovation, like parenting, is a leap of faith—you grow as you go and discover new possibilities every day!”
Marianna is the Project Manager at ACE, the Incubation Center of the Athens University of Economics and Business. She holds a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a post-diploma in Services Management from AUEB. She previously worked for two years at the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit of AUEB as a Communications and Event Management Officer. Marianna also completed a scholarship-funded one-year program on Social Entrepreneurship organized by AUEB.
At ACE, she manages incubation projects and supports startups throughout their growth journey.
