Africa–Europe Scaling Corridor & HFAISTOS as a Living Lab

​Africa–Europe Scaling Corridor & HFAISTOS as a Living Lab: Strengthening Cross-Continental Innovation Ties

​We are pleased to invite you to the Africa–Europe Scaling Corridor & HFAISTOS as a Living Lab, an official side event of the Panathenea Festival 2026. This initiative is focused on deepening the innovation synergy between the African and European continents.

​Designed as a collaborative platform, this event brings together global ecosystem leaders, investors, and influential speakers. Our goal is to map out international scaling pathways for startups, facilitating access to essential capital, new markets, and strategic partnerships.

​Hosted at HFAISTOS, a pillar of cultural and creative heritage since 1935, it provides an inspiring backdrop for fostering the relationships and ideas that drive cross-continental growth and entrepreneurial success.

​Please join us on May 28 from 17:30 to 21:00 at the historic HFAISTOS building for an evening of dialogue, collaboration, and connection. The program includes keynote presentations, a panel discussion, and an interactive unconference session, followed by networking, refreshments, and Afro-Euro beats, where innovation, culture, and connection converge.

​Organized by: Changemakers Lab, HFAISTOS and Academy of Entrepreneurship

​In collaboration with: Uni.Fund, Athens Tech Circle, DEEP Ecosystems, Youthmakers Hub and The Factory Music Group.

​Event Schedule

• ​16:45  Bus leaves from Zappeion (Amalias Street) to HFAISTOS

• ​17:15 – 17:30: Registration

• ​17:30 – 17:35: Welcome Address

  • ​Andreas Stefanidis, President of HFAISTOS & Academy of Entrepreneurship

• ​17:35 – 17:45: Introduction & Context Setting

  • ​Vasili Sofiadellis, Founder of Changemakers Lab

  • ​Katerina Pramatari, Partner at Uni.Fund, Professor at AUEB and Scientific Coordinator at ACEin

• ​17:45 – 18:00: Keynote Presentation: Opportunities within the Ecosystem (An overview of Africa’s business environment).

  • ​Konstantin Tsanis, PhD, Head of Growth Middle East and Africa, at NaTech, Co-Founder of the first Digital Bank in Africa

• ​18:00 – 18:45: Panel Discussion: Insights on Doing Business in Africa (A spotlight on cross-continental scaling experiences).

  • ​Arnaud Henin, Managing Director at Gommyr Power Networks

  • ​Thandi Luzuka, Independent Consultant (ex-McKinsey) & Co-Founder Paidiko Taxi

  • ​Marc-André Schmachtel, Head of Cultural Department Goethe-Institut Athens and Region Europe I and Head of Cooperations and Third-Party Assignments Region Europe I

  • ​Leyla Karaha, Founding Partner at Equisscore - Moderator

• ​18:45 – 18:55: Short Break

• ​18:55 – 19:05: Afro-Euro Beats

  • ​Special Guest Artist (MC Yinka), presented by Chris Hocking, Founder of The Factory Music Group

• ​19:05 – 19:50: “Unconference” Session: Developing the Scaling Corridor through Venture Studios, Partnerships & Programs.

  • ​Eirini Chouvarda, Founding Partner at Idea Machines

  • ​Marilena Maragkou, Co-Founder Youthmakers Hub

  • ​Andreas Klapsis, Head of Growth at Startup Greece / Startup Universe

  • ​Camila Cela, Director & Lead Programme Architect at The Programme Architects Co.

• ​19:50 – 20:00: Concluding Remarks & Future Objectives

• ​20:00 – 20:05: Group photo with all participants - HFAISTOS historical building

• ​20:05 – 21:00: Refreshments, Networking, and Afro-Euro Beats

​Return to Athens center by nearest metro station Agios Eleftherios (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EhfhYWTCTakmhVdH6)