Athens Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACE)
Are you a start-up or an entrepreneurial team? Discover your path to market entry, validate your business model, win your first customers and secure your first investment through Compass Acceleration Cycle.
Our mission: Empowering innovators, creating change
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.
10+ years of impact: A thriving innovation ecosystem
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.
Bridging research with entrepreneurship
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.
Why Participate?
Education & Mentoring
Gain access to specialized workshops and guidance from experienced mentors and industry professionals.
Develop Your Idea
Receive support in shaping and refining your business model.
Networking & Collaborations
Connect with other innovative teams and gain exposure to investors and business partners.
Cash Prizes & Support
Compete for cash prizes, access incubators, and receive further assistance to implement your idea.
Meet the team
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!
Junior Project Manager
Alexandra has a PhD in Media, Communication and Culture from Panteion University and a Master’s in Social and Cultural Anthropology from the University of Amsterdam. Her experience spans research and EU-funded projects with a particular interest in the intersection of gender equality, societal and digital transformations, and social impact.\n\nWith an interdisciplinary and transcultural background spanning Austria, the Netherlands, and Greece, she brings a research-driven and people-centred perspective to collaborative projects. She is passionate about connecting research, innovation, and practice to develop initiatives that address contemporary societal challenges and create meaningful impact.
Startup Teams Growth Specialist
“Everything flows, nothing stands still – the best strategies are the ones built to move with uncertainty, not against it.”
Yannis is an Ecosystem Builder, Strategist, and Educational Leader specialising in business modelling and communication strategy. Working at the intersection of startups and higher education, he helps universities, founders, and creative and tech organisations connect the dots between intellectual property, business models, and communities so that more competitive ventures can emerge. His approach combines a deep focus on business modelling with values‑driven brand storytelling, aiming to turn strategy into practical tools that teams can actually use. In his academic career, Yannis specialises in IP‑driven higher-education programmes, helping students make better decisions about how they design, protect, and monetise their ideas. Guided by Heraclitus’s insight that everything flows and nothing stands still, he focuses on building market understanding and self-awareness, so teams can navigate uncertainty with more confidence. Yannis frequently uses action research to explore and improve the pedagogy of entrepreneurship. At ACE, Yannis serves as Startup Teams Growth Specialist, guiding founding teams through IP management, communication strategy, business model development, and the practical work of turning early-stage ideas into ventures ready to scale.
Project Manager
“Innovation grows where knowledge, collaboration and purpose meet.”
Magdalini has an academic background in Sociology and Political Science, and is currently a PhD Candidate at Panteion University, focusing on Sociology of Education and Sustainable Development. Her professional experience spans research, project management, European and privately funded projects on sustainability, education, and public policy. At ACE, Magdalini contributes to the design and implementation of innovation and research-driven initiatives, bringing together analytical thinking, organizational skills and a deep interest in projects that create meaningful social and entrepreneurial impact.
Solutions Architect
“Aim for consistency, not perfection.”
Orestes is a multidisciplinary professional who bridges the worlds of science, technology and bioinformatics. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography and Marine Biosciences from the University of the Aegean and a Master’s in Informatics from the University of Piraeus, with international experience at Lisbon Technical University. For the past five years, Orestes has contributed to critical research projects at several institutes. He simultaneously works as a freelance full-stack developer specializing in infrastructure and software development, while pursuing a second Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Neuroinformatics to expand his interdisciplinary toolkit. At ACE, Orestes serves as Solutions Architect, leveraging his scientific research background and technical expertise to design robust technological infrastructures for emerging ventures. He helps research-driven startups translate their innovations into scalable digital solutions while maintaining ACE’s own infrastructure and services
Managing Director
“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.
Communications Manager
“Creativity is turning bold ideas into real impact.”
At ACE, Artemis is the Communications Manager, leading the organization’s communications and community-building efforts across entrepreneurial education programs, acceleration initiatives and the broader ecosystem. She combines her background in marketing with a passion for startups and innovation, crafting meaningful stories, fostering partnerships, and helping grow a vibrant entrepreneurial community.
Community Responsible
“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.
Startup Teams Growth Specialist
“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.
Startup Teams Growth Specialist
“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.
Project Manager
“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.
Innovation Commercialization & Business Development
“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.
Chief Financial Officer
“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.
Head of Incubator
“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.
Head of Technology Transfer Office
“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.
Law and Technology Expert
“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.
Scientific Coordinator
“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.