Industrial Connection

OFF the Record: Where Corporate meets Startups, strategically
OFF the Record is a curated 1:1 matchmaking initiative, organized and facilitated by the Athens Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (ACE), aiming to connect startups with corporate decision-makers who are actively exploring innovation, efficiency, and new business models. [Applications for startups have closed]
Apply as a Corporate Partner

As part of this event, selected startups will have the opportunity to meet directly with companies across key industries – not just for networking, but for meaningful discussions around potential collaborations, pilot projects, and real-world applications.

These short, high-impact meetings are designed to unlock innovation at both ends: giving startups access to the market, and corporates access to agile, forward-thinking teams solving real challenges.

Why Corporate-Startup collaboration matters

Agility meets scale
Startups bring speed and adaptability – corporates bring reach and resources.

Problem-solving at its core
Tackle internal pain points or future-proof your operations through new tech and fresh ideas.

ESG & innovation goals
Partnering with startups can directly support your sustainability, digital transformation or social impact objectives.

Why Corporate-Startup collaboration matters

Curated 1:1 Meetings
directly with decision-makers from leading companies across sectors

Real Collaboration Potential
opening the door to pilots, commercial agreements, or deeper collaboration

Intimate Format, Real Conversations
ensuring each meeting is relevant and strategically aligned

Timeline of Selection Process

8 SEP

Applications Open

24 OCT

End of Submissions

OCT

Team Auditions

31 OCT

Announcement of qualified teams

BEGINNING of DEC

Rehearsals

18 DEC

Pitches of Teams & 1:1 Sessions

The selection committee is consisted of international partners (academics, experts of the industry, etc.), who, based on the decisive criteria, chose the final teams that will present on the Investor Day.

Interested in participating?

If you’re a startup interested in meeting potential corporate partners, or a company looking to discover innovative solutions, we’d love to hear from you.

[Applications for startups are closed] 

[Apply as a Corporate Partner]

Off the record Terms of Participation

Off the record Privacy Policy

Athenian Nexus Website Terms of Use

Athenian Nexus Website Privacy Policy