The Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEin) has been ranked among the Top 5 startup hubs in Southeastern Europe, according to the Europe’s Leading Startup Hubs 2024 report, published by the Financial Times in collaboration with Statista.
ACE is the only university-based entrepreneurship center from Greece included in this prestigious ranking — a distinction that reaffirms the strategic role that universities can play in fostering innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and the connection between academia and the startup ecosystem both nationally and internationally.
The evaluation was based on a combination of:
- Detailed reviews from program alumni (2018–2023)
- Expert recommendations from investors, entrepreneurs, and academics
- Performance data and success stories from startups supported by each hub
With over 10 years of operation and more than 500 teams supported through acceleration and incubation programs, as well as hands-on educational workshops, ACEin continues to empower research and entrepreneurial teams. It offers access to specialized mentoring, scientific expertise, and international collaboration networks, fostering the creation of innovative products and services with global potential.
Statements on the Recognition
📣 Professor Vassilis Vasdekis, Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), stated:
“This remarkable distinction by the Financial Times crowns a decade of success for the ACEin Center at AUEB. Our University’s commitment to fostering startup entrepreneurship, innovation, and connectivity has led to ACEin becoming the only Greek university entrepreneurship center featured in this ranking.
We remain committed to supporting the pioneering ideas of Greece’s youth and reinforcing the academic community’s strategic vision for extroversion and innovation.”
📣 Dr. Angeliki Karagiannaki, Head of ACEin, added:
“This recognition goes far beyond just a spot on a list—it is a powerful validation of the consistent effort, resilience, and dedication of everyone involved.
A heartfelt thank you to the University leadership, our team, the startups that place their trust in us, and all our partners and supporters.
We move forward with even greater energy and enthusiasm.”
🔗 Full list of Europe’s top startup hubs by the Financial Times:
https://rankings.ft.com/incubator-accelerator-programmes-europe
🔍 Learn more about ACE and its initiatives:
https://acein.aueb.gr