Panathēnea

Panathēnea is a modern reimagination of the ancient Greek festival, integrating Connection, Competition, and Celebration into a week-long celebration of innovation.

Bringing together the ecosystems of technology, art, and startups, the festival features discussions, exhibitions, inspirational talks, competitions, curated networking, and social gatherings, culminating in an epic street party below the Acropolis.

It attracts a hyper-relevant crowd of founders, VCs, LPs, GPs, corporate professionals, and enablers, fostering a space where diverse minds collide and innovation thrives.

Panathēnea is not just another tech event. It is a dynamic blends of tradition with a bold, urban, and dynamic energy, offering a unique two-part daily structure: mornings dedicated to keynotes, workshops, and a high-stakes startup pitching competition, while afternoons and evenings unfold through curated networking and immersive city-wide experiences.

As a not-for-profit organization run entirely by students and recent graduates, Panathēnea is built to empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers, supported by an experienced advisory board of global investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.

Our Mission

Just as the ancient Panathēnea united all of Athens, our mission is to unite the creators of the world through technology, art, and startups. Panathēnea was always more than just a celebration; it featured competitions with real, valuable prizes—not just symbolic ones.Inspired by this legacy, we’ve built our mission around three pillars:

- Celebrate the world’s innovators and inspire the next generation.
- Connect through memorable experiences.
- Compete to gain tangible support and help innovators turn their boldest ideas into reality.

Our Vision

Our vision is for Panathēnea to serve as the place where the world’s most creative minds meet, and where bold ideas that can change the world are born and grow.On a national level, we aim to:

- Accelerate the growth of Greece's startup ecosystem
- Position Athens as a global innovation hub
- Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset across the nation

Our Values

1. Be bold

Take risks for what you believe in. Embracing boldness means stepping outside of your comfort zone and pursuing ideas or actions that align with your core beliefs, even when faced with uncertainty or challenges. Boldness drives innovation and helps shape a future where individuals take ownership of their vision, transforming risks into opportunities for growth and success.

2. Sky’s the limit

Push boundaries and continuously strive for excellence. It’s about always seeking new heights and refusing to be complacent. Never settling pushes individuals to exceed expectations, challenge the status quo, and achieve extraordinary results.

3. Be multifaceted

A holistic approach acknowledges that growth and success are not limited to a single dimension. It involves nurturing personal, professional, and emotional development simultaneously. Being multifaceted means integrating different perspectives and skills, building a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us, which leads to well-rounded success.

4. Stay foolish

Never lose your spark for life. Maintain curiosity, creativity, and an open mind throughout life. Embracing moments of uncertainty or failure allows for learning and personal development. By staying foolish, we keep our sense of wonder and willingness to explore new ideas, keeping us engaged and innovative.

5. Lead with empathy

Leadership driven by empathy focuses on understanding others, valuing diverse perspectives, and nurturing an inclusive environment. Empathetic leadership ensures that decisions and actions are guided by compassion and care, building strong connections and creating positive impact within teams and communities.

6. Strive for impact

Create ideas and initiatives that have a meaningful and lasting influence on society. Striving for impact means pursuing solutions that address real-world challenges, drive positive change, and leave a legacy beyond short-term gains. It motivates individuals to aim for transformation that resonates on a global scale.

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