Special Event
A one-day strategy meeting.
Organized by:
Hosted by:
Accelerating Biotechnology Entrepreneurship in Greece
March 6th, 2025
10:00 - 17:00
Latsis Foundation
4 Xenias Str, 14562 Kifisia
Greece
Overview
This one-day strategy meeting organized by BioInnovation Greece and hosted at the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, brings together key stakeholders to explore new opportunities for advancing biotechnology innovation in Greece and to design agile funding mechanisms that support the early stages of entrepreneurship. The main objective is to develop models for funding and supporting proof-of-concept projects and early-stage startups at the pre-seed level, ensuring groundbreaking ideas have the resources to move from research to commercialization. By establishing effective funding frameworks, engaging strategic partners, and promoting collaboration among academia, industry, and investors, this meeting seeks to develop a sustainable, high-impact bioinnovation ecosystem in Greece. Discussions will center on best practices for early-stage biotech funding, including public and private investment strategies, philanthropic contributions, and accelerator/incubator models. Additionally, the meeting will draw inspiration from successful international initiatives, which have demonstrated how structured programs can promote innovation in academic settings, nurture entrepreneurial mindsets, and accelerate the translation of research into societal solutions and industrial products. Exploring such models will help shape Greece’s approach to fostering biotech entrepreneurship. Our overarching goal is to ignite a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the biosciences sector, leveraging Greece’s academic, industrial, and investment strengths to establish a resilient, dynamic biotech ecosystem capable of driving long-term economic growth. Thank you for joining us in building a sustainable, high-impact biotech ecosystem in Greece together.
Agenda
09:30 - 10:00
Arrivals & Coffee
Arrival and Registration
Arrive early to meet and interact with the other invited participants.
10:00 - 10:15
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Presentation
Speakers: Michalis Hadjithomas and Nikos Kyrpides, BioInnovation Greece
Introduction to BioInnovation Greece, meeting objectives, and the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Greece.
10:15 - 11:00
The Greek BioInnovation Ecosystem - Challenges and Opportunities
Panel Discussion 1
Moderator: Giorgos Pavlopoulos, BioInnovation Greece
Panelists:
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Dimitris Koutsioulis, CEO, EnzyQuest
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Nikolaos Milonas, Academic Advisor, Archimedes Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Lina Nikolopoulou, MINDVIEW Managing Director, Strategy & Research
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Greg Roumeliotis, Partner, Nanoneurosciences, Inc.
Topics:
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Strengths and gaps in Greece’s entrepreneurial landscape.
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Opportunities for collaboration between stakeholders to drive innovation.
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Ways to support Biotech Innovation
11:00 - 11:45
The Role of Competitions in Driving Biotech Startups
Panel Discussion 2
Moderator: Ioanna Michalopoulou, BioInnovation Greece
Panelists:
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Stergios Anastasiadis, Genesis Ventures Partner
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Stefanos Gandolfo, Director, Columbia Global Center - Athens
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Isidora Liepouri, MPharm Undergrad student, University of Patras
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Pericles A. Mitkas, President of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education
Topics:
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Impact of competitions, Lessons learned, and Recommendations for Greece
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Insights on how competitions like iGEM have catalyzed biotech innovation and startup success.
11:45 - 12:15
Coffee Break
Networking
Short break
12:15 - 12:45
BioSTART Vision, Structure, and Funding Model
Presentation
Moderator: Victoria Kimonides, BioInnovation Greece
Speaker: Nikos Kyrpides, BioInnovation Greece
Description of BioSTART, a new action BioInnovation Greece.
12:45 - 13:30
Shaping BioSTART’s Fellowship Framework
Panel Discussion 3
Moderator: Fay Makantasi, Research Director, diaNEOsis
Speakers:
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Spyros Arsenis, Head of NBG Innovation Unit
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Roula Bachatalia, Head of Venture Banking, Eurobank
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Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Finance
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Alexandra Tolia, Managing Partner Rhea Bioventures
Topics:
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Funding and Partnerships: Securing investments and sponsorships from VCs, philanthropic organizations, and industry.
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Long-Term Sustainability: Building a roadmap to scale BioSTART over time.
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Engagement and Outreach: Attracting participation from students, universities, and young entrepreneurs.
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch Break
Networking & Discussion
Breakout group discussion.
Theme: Aligning biotech innovation with the needs of scientists, the market, and investors.
Lunch is provided.
14:45 - 15:30
Funding the Next Big Thing in Greek Biotech
Panel Discussion 4
Moderator: Victoria Kimonides, BioInnovation Greece
Panelists:
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Harietta Eleftherochorinou, Vice President, Global AI Strategy and Operations, IQVIA
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Panagiotis Papageorgiou, Executive Board Member, Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation
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Zoe Rapti, Deputy Minister of Development
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Simos Simeonidis, Co-founder, Kos Biotechnology Partners
Topics:
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Promising areas within biotech, such as pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, personalized medicine, and agri-biotech.
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Emerging trends in global biotech that Greece could leverage to attract investment.
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Opportunities in early-stage startups versus more mature biotech ventures.
15:30 - 16:30
Aligning Stakeholders for Success
Open Discussion
Moderators: Nikos Kyrpides and Victoria Kimonides, BioInnovation Greece
Topics:
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Summary from the lunch breakout groups
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A call to action for attendees to commit to supporting BioSTART and shaping Greece’s entrepreneurial future.
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Collaborative dialogue on how all participants can contribute (financially, operationally, or strategically) to BioSTART or similar efforts and initiatives.
16:30 - 16:45
Closing Remarks
Next Steps
Moderator: Nikos Kyrpides, BioInnovation Greece
Panel: BioInnovation Greece
Topics:
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Finalized action steps for launching the BioSTART Fellowship, including timelines and responsibilities.
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Setting a Path Forward