The Athenian Nexus Winter Summit 2025 was successfully concluded on Thursday, December 18, at ACE, AUEB following a day marked by strong momentum, meaningful dialogue and targeted meetings.
This was the second edition of the Athenian Nexus Summit, featuring a deliberate strategic shift in both structure and focus. Rather than a large-scale conference, the Summit adopted a more focused and curated format. Its core objective is to function annually as an active mechanism for triggering investments and collaborations: bringing carefully selected early-stage startup teams—primarily at the pre-seed stage—from across the ecosystem into direct contact with a broadened investment community. This approach expands the dialogue beyond traditional venture capital funds to include business angels and industry stakeholders.
As part of the “Investor Day,” 12 startups presented their business propositions to investors and senior market executives. The participating teams were selected through a structured and competitive evaluation process and represented a diverse range of incubators and universities from across the innovation ecosystem, all operating at the pre-seed stage.
Particular interest was generated by the “OFF the Record” side event, which featured targeted 1:1 meetings between startup teams and representatives of leading corporations. Discussions focused on real operational needs, laying the groundwork for pilot collaborations and potential commercial exploration.
The Athenian Nexus Summit 2025 also had a celebratory dimension, as ACE marked 10 years of active presence in the startup and innovation ecosystem. This anniversary was not merely a milestone, but an opportunity to reflect on the Center’s journey, its collaborations, and, above all, the people who have shaped its impact over the years. A highlight of the celebration was the honorary recognition of individuals who have played a decisive role in the creation, development and evolution of ACE.
Specifically, members of the University’s leadership were honored for their contribution and support, including former Rectors Dimitrios Bourantas and Konstantinos Gatsios, as well as the current Rector, Vasileios Vasdekis. In addition, Professors who have consistently supported the initiative and contributed to its development were recognized: Katerina Pramatari, Spyridon Lioukas, Theodoros Apostolopoulos, Georgios Doukidis.
This recognition highlighted the pivotal role of the academic community and the administration of the Athens University of Economics and Business in shaping a strong and sustainable innovation ecosystem. The success of this year’s Summit reaffirms the importance of initiatives that act as bridges between knowledge, entrepreneurial practice, and the market, while laying the foundations for the continued growth of ACE in the years ahead. With the same momentum, ACE continues to invest in people, ideas, and collaborations that transform innovation into real-world impact!
