Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Engineering in the US

Join the Hellenic Institute of Advanced Studies and Columbia University and the Athens Global Center for an afternoon exploring how cutting-edge research, engineering, and entrepreneurship intersect to drive innovation in the United States.
This convening brings together leading academics, industry experts, and emerging founders to share insights on translating scientific discovery into real-world impact. From breakthroughs in biomedical engineering and computing to perspectives from industry leaders, the program highlights the pathways that transform ideas into scalable ventures.
The event will culminate in a dynamic panel discussion featuring Lab to Market alumni, offering firsthand perspectives on navigating today’s startup landscape—followed by a networking reception connecting attendees across academia, industry, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Why Attend
Gain insights from leading researchers and industry experts
Learn how innovation moves from lab to market
Hear directly from early-stage founders building science-driven ventures
Connect with a cross-disciplinary community of innovators
Agenda
1:00–1:20 PM: Opening Remarks - Costis Maglaras, Dean, Columbia Business School; David and Lyn Silfen Professor of Business, Columbia University
1:20–1:40 PM: Keynote - Petros Koumoutsakos, President, Hellenic Institute of Advanced Studies; Herbert S. Winokur, Jr. Professor of Computing in Science and Engineering, Harvard University
1:40–2:00 PM: “Translating technologies from the lab to the clinic” Elisa Konofagou, Robert and Margaret Hariri Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Radiology (Physics) and Neurosurgery (Neurosciences), Columbia University
2:00–2:20 PM: "Quantitative Investing in the Era of AI", Antonis Lazanas, Head of Portfolio and Index Research, Bloomberg
2:20–2:40 PM: “Sustainable materials in medicine and beyond” Helen H. Lu, Percy K. and Vida L.W. Hudson Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Senior Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs and Advancement, Columbia university
2:40–3:00 PM: "Research and Entrepreneurship in the Era of AI Agents", Kostis Kaffes, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, Columbia University
3:00–3:30 PM: Panel discussion with Q&A — “Navigating the New Era: Opportunities & Challenges for Young Entrepreneurs”
Moderator: Dora Varvarigou, Professor Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, National Technical University of Athens.
Participants: Fotis Tsitsos, Parth Gami and Chrisha Nario, Columbia L2M alumni
3:30–4:00 PM: Panel discussion with Q&A — “Feedback on Lab to Market Initiative from NTUA Entrepreneurs”
Moderator: Efthimios Kaxiras, John Hasbrouck Van Vleck Professor of Pure and Applied Physics, Harvard university
Participants: Elpida Oikonomou, Stavros Mouratidis, Anna Maria Papakonstantinou, NTUA L2M Participants
4:00-5:00 PM: Networking Reception- Poster presentations by the NTUA L2M participants
Welcome by Ifigenia Kanara, Consul General of Greece in New York City
Sponsors & Partners
Hosted by the Hellenic Institute of Advanced Studies in collaboration with Columbia Global Center Athens and Columbia University.