StartSmart is a one-day MIT Enterprise Forum conference that inspires, connects, coaches, and informs technology entrepreneurs to succeed faster and smarter. Through curated, relevant, and experience-based programming, entrepreneurs gain the knowledge that will help them take their venture to the next step. StartSmart offers versatile learning opportunities, crafted on the premise that successful entrepreneurship is a learned art, when supported with a practical and proven methodology.

The third annual StartSmart Greece is organized and produced by MIT Enterprise Forum Greece at DEREE – The American College of Greece, with an objective to grow, refine, and nurture the Greek entrepreneurial ecosystem. This conference invites stakeholders to engage on a local and regional level, while integrating world-class tools and techniques to foster research-to-market idea and startup growth, pushing them to the next step. Stakeholders include entrepreneurs, thought leaders, subject matter experts, investors, industry, academia and members of the MIT community, who are helping to tackle the world’s biggest challenges.

Successful technology entrepreneurs have two things in common: they create great products or services, and they don’t let failure deter them. In fact, oftentimes, failure is the catalyst for future success. How do they do it, where does one begin, and what is the “secret sauce,” that defines a successful start-up?

The 2015 StartSmart program in Greece was a highly successful event; attracting hundreds of attendees. This event gave us a better understanding of the challenges our fledging technology entrepreneurial community faces, and is committed to the purpose of transforming these obstacles into opportunities.

StartSmart answers these tough questions through a variety of expert perspectives and participatory opportunities, including:

• Case studies and lessons from the field
• Interactive learning sessions (workshops)
• Pitch platform presenting the 3 winners of MITEF Greece Startup Competition 2016
• Startup Expo that showcases 10 teams of MITEF Greece Startup Competition 2016
• Exclusive networking

Morning Sessions:

09:15-09:45 Registration

10:00-10:30 In Relentless Pursuit
Sonny Vu, President & CTO of Connected Devices, Fossil Group, Inc.

10:30-11:00 Your Tech Doesn’t Matter As Much As You Think: The Importance of Business Model Innovation
Yori Nelken, General Partner, OurCrowd First

11:00-11:30 The Israeli Investment Ecosystem: Trends & Perspectives from a VC
11:30-12:00 Coffee Break

12:00-12:30 The Road from Inspiration to Commercialization
Dr. Leslie Dewan, Co-founder & CEO, Transatomic Power

12:30-13:30 Panel discussion with morning speakers
Moderated by Marina Hatsopoulos, Entrepreneur & Angel Investor

Afternoon Sessions:
13:30-14:45 Lunch Break & Startup Expo
*Restaurant, Student Lounge, Deree

15:00-16:15 Simultaneous Interactive Learning Sessions

Session 1: Toward a Sustainable Energy Future
Dr. Leslie Dewan, Co-founder & CEO, Transatomic Power
*Room: Center for the Arts Auditorium, Deree

Session 2: Harnessing Exponential Technologies: Business Model Innovation & Design Workshop
Yori Nelken, General Partner, OurCrowd First
*Room: John S. Bailey Library – Upper Level, Deree

Session 3: 10 Lessons Learned From Product to Startup
Sonny Vu, President & CTO of Connected Devices, Fossil Group, Inc.
*Room: 7th Level Auditorium, Deree

16:15:16:30 Coffee Break & Startup Expo
*Restaurant, Student Lounge, Deree

16:30-17:15 Pitch Platform & Competition Announcement for 2017
*Room: John S. Bailey Library – Upper Level, Deree

– Announcing the MITEF Greece Startup Competition 2017
Vassilis Papakonstantinou, Chairman, MIT Enterprise Forum Greece

–  MITEF Greece Startup Competition 2016 winners:
Yodiwo, InSyBio Ltd., Sentio Solutions (Feel)

17:15-18:30 Interactive Discussion: Learn from the Greek & Israeli VCs: The Ecosystem & the Pitch
Aristos Doxiadis, Partner, Openfund and Eran Wagner, General Partner, Gemini Israel Ventures

18:30-19:30 Closing / Networking & Startup Expo
*Restaurant, Student Lounge, Deree