Meet the Experts

Athena Vakali is a Professor in the School of Informatics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Director of the Read more Data Science and Web Laboratory (Datalab), and the co-founder and scientific coordinator of the tech startup exanta.io. She holds a PhD degree in Informatics (School of Informatics of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece) an MSc degree in Computer Science (Computer Science Dept., Purdue University, USA) and BSc degree in Mathematics (Dept. of Mathematics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece).

Her research focuses on the intersection of human-centered Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, with numerous publications, awards, participation and coordination of EU projects and service in the scientific community. Athena is also strongly committed to turning research into real-world impact to benefit multiple, diverse stakeholders. Therefore, in her spin-off company exanta, she successfully leads business development and coordinates the delivery of solutions that encompass human-centric elements (e.g., bias) to AI and LLM pipelines. Overall, she brings strong expertise in tech innovation, AI-powered solutions, and startup support. Show less

Dr. Diego López-de-Ipiña is Full Professor and Principal Researcher of the DEUSTEK/MORElab – ICT for Good group at the Faculty of Read more Engineering, University of Deusto (Bilbao, Spain). He obtained his PhD from the University of Cambridge in 2002 with a dissertation on visual sensing and middleware for Sentient Computing. His main research interests include pervasive computing, Internet of Things, semantic web, big data management, and IoT-mediated human–environment interaction, with a current focus on citizens as active data contributors through citizen science and smart communities modelled as knowledge graphs to address societal and environmental challenges. He has supervised 22 PhD theses and over 100 final-year and master’s theses, and has participated in numerous European and Spanish research projects (e.g. HARMONIE, LOTUS, GREENGAGE, SOCIO-BEE, INTERLINK, AURORAL, GREENSOUL, Internet of People, SentientThings), often as principal investigator for Deusto. He has authored 200+ publications, including more than 100 JCR-indexed articles, and has served as evaluator for ANEP, H2020 and COST actions. He has chaired several international conferences (UCAmI 2012, IoP 2019, IoT 2019, Splitech 2020–2021), is a corresponding member of JAKIUNDE – Basque Science and Arts Academy, and received the ATLAS Elsevier research prize for the social impact of his work. Show less

Dimitrios Kourtesis is a technology strategist and innovation advisor with two decades of experience in software engineering, Read more intelligent systems, and new product development. Holding a PhD in Computer Science and an MSc in Software Engineering & Telecommunications from the University of Sheffield, he has worked across the full spectrum of tech innovation — from R&D engineering and applied research to consulting, venture creation, and early-stage investment.

Dimitrios has contributed to numerous research and industry projects involving cloud architectures, semantic technologies, data analytics, AI systems, and IoT solutions. As a mentor and programme lead, he has designed and implemented multiple acceleration initiatives and has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs on business model discovery, value proposition design, and technology-product alignment.

He advises early-stage startups on validating technical feasibility, strengthening product–market fit, and preparing for investment or large-scale deployment. Since 2019, alongside co-founding Ideas Forward, Dimitrios has served as an external expert for the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, contributing to real-world CO₂ emissions monitoring and the Onboard Monitoring Task Force (DG CLIMA).

He brings a unique blend of deep technical expertise, systems thinking, and entrepreneurial insight to founders building data-driven and scalable technology ventures. Show less

Dimitris Kaboukos is a startup mentor and innovation advisor specialising in helping early-stage founders turn ideas into viable, Read more fundable, and scalable ventures. He supports teams in clarifying their business model, shaping a strong value proposition, and building a realistic path to market. With extensive experience designing and running acceleration programmes at Ideas Forward, he guides founders through customer discovery, problem–solution validation, and financing strategies.

Dimitris also helps startups navigate the European funding landscape, whether they aim for grants, pilot opportunities, or early investment. He has supported numerous teams in preparing competitive proposals for Horizon Europe, EIT, Interreg, Creative Europe, cascade calls & national programmes, ensuring their technology, business model, and impact story align with funders’ expectations. Since 2023 he is Head of Innovation Programs at Ideas Forward.

Combining hands-on coaching with strategic insight, Dimitris provides founders with clarity, structure, and momentum—helping them focus on what matters most at each stage of their journey. Show less

Elene Susperregi Telletxea is an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Technician in the University of Deusto. She holds a Bachelor’s Read more degree in Modern Languages and Management from the University of Deusto, where she later completed the Dual Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship in Action. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Social Media: Management and Strategy. In her current role, she coordinates training programs for students and delivers workshops on creativity, business models, Design Thinking and Agile Methodologies. She is also responsible for managing communication and marketing activities. In addition, she provides guidance and support to entrepreneurs in the development of their projects. Show less

Biotech engineer & PhD in biochemistry, Geoffrey moved from fundamental research to supporting tech entrepreneurs. Geoffrey is Read more passionate about Science. He cares about science communication and how technological innovations can be brought to market.

He has >9 years of expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and structural biology, and he is currently supporting young entrepreneurs in the development of their projects with specific education programs and animation of a FabLabs network. Biotech engineer & PhD in biochemistry, he moved from fundamental research to supporting tech entrepreneurs. Show less

Hippokratis Apostolidis holds a degree in Mathematics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.), two Master’s Read more degrees: an M.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Essex, and an M.Sc. in Information and Communication Technology in Education from the Department of Informatics at A.U.Th and a PhD degree in “Human Computer Interaction Devices & Information and Communication Technologies in Education” from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.). He is currently PostDoctoral researcher in the Department of Informatics at A.U.Th. His research interests include affective computing, machine learning, virtual learning environments, computer supported collaborative learning, AI in Education and human computer interaction. Show less

Janire Gordon Isasi is an Engineer in Telecommunications specializing in Telematics, an Industrial Organization Engineer and a Read more PhD in Marketing and Communication from the University of Deusto. She has a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) and a Master's degree in Management of Global Marketing and New Markets. Her teaching activity focuses on topics related to strategy, management, entrepreneurship, innovation and marketing. She is currently a professor at the University of Deusto at the Faculty of Engineering. She is also director of the Dual Master’s degree in Innovation and Technology. She has participated in several European, H2020 and Erasmus + research projects. She has published several scientific articles in high impact scientific journals and has also participated in several international conferences related to marketing, higher education or entrepreneurship. Her research interests are the following: marketing, communication, management, entrepreneurship and innovation. Show less

With a background in communication, audiovisual production, and innovation management, Léna has gradually specialized in the art Read more of storytelling and delivering clear messages. After working as an incubation coordinator at Stellantis, she now supports student entrepreneurs at Etena, the incubator of the University of Strasbourg.

Her journey, fueled by a long-standing passion for the arts, has led her to explore various ways to structure public speaking and create cohesive presentations. With the project leaders she helps, her primary goal is to make oral communication more accessible and provide simple tools to effectively convey ideas.

For her, storytelling is a practical and powerful tool: it not only helps persuade but also allows for sharing a vision authentically. Show less

Marine developed a digital platform offering personalized advice and organizational support for travelers.

She also worked within Read more a research consortium of CNRS nanoscience laboratories in the Île-de-France region as a communications officer. She later joined the communications department of Université Paris Diderot (now Université Paris Cité) as a scientific communications officer.

In 2021, she joined the entrepreneurship center at the University of Strasbourg as a project manager for Education. In this role, she implements educational programs focused on entrepreneurship and participates in activities supporting student-entrepreneurs. Show less

Nikolaos Tsoniotis is a product strategist, technology entrepreneur, and innovation coach with deep expertise in digital Read more transformation and emerging technologies. He holds an MEng in Electronic Engineering & Electronic Communication Engineering from the University of Hull and began his career as a Telecommunications R&D Engineer, working for more than a decade on advanced communication systems.

Nikolaos has worked as a researcher in academia and industry, exploring how new technologies can be applied in sectors such as Education, Transport, and Energy. A serial entrepreneur in the ICT and Energy domains, he has co-founded technology ventures and has supported founders as a coach and mentor across multiple startup support programmes. He also served as a resident coach at the OK!Thess pre-incubator, mentoring early-stage teams on refining their ideas, validating products, and navigating early market entry.

Nikolaos specialises in product strategy, innovation management, and product development. His technical research focuses on blockchain applications, with ongoing work as an external expert for the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre on blockchain in sustainable transport. He is also a founding member of the Hellenic Business Angels Network (HeBAN). Show less

Dr. Oihane Gómez Carmona is an Associate Researcher at DeustoTech - Deusto Institute of Technology from the University of Deusto. Read more She received her PhD from the same university in 2021 on the topics of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence. Grounded in the general principles of IoT, her research delves into the intersection between IoT and Machine Learning, specifically oriented towards resource-constrained devices, and the interplay between humans and the broader spectrum of IoT technologies. Oihane has participated in various projects, regional, national, and European, related to the creation of intelligent environments, with numerous publications associated with her research line. Show less

Stefanos Tsiakmakis is a technology innovator and entrepreneurship mentor with a multidisciplinary background spanning Read more engineering, economics, and business development. He holds a PhD and MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and École Centrale Paris, as well as a BSc in Applied Economics from Université Paris Dauphine. His career includes diverse roles across academia, industry, and the European Commission, where he contributed to research, modelling, and technology-driven innovation.

During his collaboration with the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, Stefanos worked extensively on CO2MPAS, the CO₂ emissions simulation tool used for assessing light-duty vehicle emissions under real-world conditions. His role combined deep technical analysis with the design and validation of models supporting EU climate and transport policy.

Stefanos is passionate about bridging technology with business model innovation. He is the co-founder of BIO2CHP, an Aristotle University spin-off developing circular economy solutions for renewable energy production, where he leads business development and strategic partnerships. He also co-founded Ideas Forward, supporting startups and researchers in transforming technical ideas into viable ventures.

He brings strong expertise in engineering-driven innovation, sustainability technologies, and early-stage business development. Show less

Oier Aurrekoetxea is an innovation and entrepreneurship technician at Deusto Emprende, the innovation and entrepreneurship unit Read more of the University of Deusto. He is responsible for the Deusto Crecer+ investment network. He holds a degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and has extensive experience in developing new business models in the private sector. He currently supports entrepreneurial projects in defining and developing business models and accessing funding. With a strong understanding of the Basque regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as the main national innovation programs in Spain. Show less

Nikolaos Kousias is a Postdoc researcher at the Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics in the School of Engineering at Aristotle Read more University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and co-founder of Maurus Oy. He holds a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering and specifically in sensor development and a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, both from the department of Mechanical Engineering of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His research focuses on the development of optoacoustic sensors for air pollution, with an emphasis on Black Carbon (BC) detection. He has done significant work on the implementation of innovative sensors in the maritime sector for on-board emission monitoring. The spin-off Maurus seeks to commercialize his research, enhance the quality of pollution-monitoring sensors, and strengthen the capacity to inform effective abatement policies. Show less