The bustling streets of Athens saw the coming together of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration as the Start For Future Summit 2024 (SFF): The Athenian Nexus unfolded. Taking place on May 16 and 17, 2024, this two-day spectacle, organised by the Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACE) of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), signified a crucial juncture in Europe's entrepreneurial scene.
Gathering a diverse and dynamic audience of academics, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and startups, the Summit highlighted the potency of cross-sectoral synergies and fresh ideas in reshaping innovation and nurturing sustainable entrepreneurship with a positive societal influence across Europe. Through enlightening panel discussions and interactive workshops, participants were able to participate in meaningful conversations, exchange knowledge, and establish valuable relationships.
Dr. Ekrem Nurovic, Vice Rector for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, alongside Assistant Professor Dr. Malcolm Duerod, Incubator Manager at IBU, graced the Athenian Nexus Conference in Athens, Greece, as part of the Start for Future (SFF) project. Their presence underscored International Burch University's (IBU) commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation both locally and on a broader European stage.
Reflecting on IBU's integral role within the Start for Future project, Dr. Duerod emphasised the university's active engagement as a full partner, contributing student startup teams and coaching expertise to the programme. He stated, "International Burch University participates in the Start for Future project as a full partner contributing student startup teams to the three-phase Start for Future programme. In addition, our professors coach teams from universities across Europe." Dr. Duerod highlighted IBU's substantial involvement, with two student teams currently participating in SFF startup programmes and the IBU Student Incubator having nurtured four international teams since the programme's inception in June 2023.
Dr. Nurovic further emphasised IBU's appeal as a destination for international student teams seeking acceleration and market expansion opportunities. He remarked, "The fact that international student teams are choosing the IBU Student Incubator to accelerate their development and reach a new market in the Western Balkans is a testament to our approach and care as well as to the team of professor mentors." Dr. Nurovic expressed pride in IBU's diverse talent pool, highlighting the university's capacity to offer skilled student interns across various disciplines such as Engineering, Software Architecture, Graphic Design, Marketing, and Video Production.
The Athenian Nexus Conference served as a platform for IBU to showcase its collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators. Dr. Nurovic and Dr. Duerod's presence exemplified IBU's commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, both within its campus walls and beyond, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Europe's entrepreneurial landscape.
