How can Europe maintain its competitiveness vis-à-vis the United States and China at a time when technology and artificial intelligence are becoming key drivers of economic growth and geopolitical power?
This was the central question at the heart of the Panathenaea (Panathēnea 2026), the international innovation and entrepreneurship event held in Athens, which brought together tech founders, investors and executives from across the globe.
According to the organisers, this year’s event attracted more than 11,500 registrations from 60 countries, with 30%-35% of participants coming from abroad. More than 3,000 members of the start-up ecosystem were in Athens, while 440 volunteers and more than 90 side events across the city supported the programme.
From the stage of the Zappeion, entrepreneurs who have built companies with a presence in dozens of countries shared what it now takes for Europe to create its next global technology champions.
Europe needs a stronger risk-taking culture
