For the second consecutive year, Capsule^T participated as an Ecosystem Partner at Panathēnea Festival 2026, one of Europe’s most dynamic startup and innovation gatherings, which returned to Athens from May 27 to 29.

With more than 10,000 founders, investors and creators, over 70 side events across the city, networking opportunities and 1:1 meetings, Panathēnea once again placed the future of entrepreneurship, technology and innovation at the center of the conversation.

Our experience began at the festival’s opening party, where we had the opportunity to reconnect with partners, members of the startup community and emerging ecosystem players, setting the tone for an exciting and eventful three days.

A highlight of the evening was the opening address by the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, who referred to Capsule^T as the only tourism-focused startup accelerator in Greece and acknowledged its contribution to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.

As she noted, the accelerator “has successfully created a vibrant innovation ecosystem that connects stakeholders from across the tourism industry spectrum: students and young entrepreneurs, established tourism businesses, technology and consulting companies, as well as institutional organizations,” highlighting its role as a bridge between the market and the new ideas shaping the future of Greek tourism.

On May 28, Capsule^T participated as an Ecosystem Supporter at Metavallon VC’s side event, co-organized with Ferryhopper, Travelstaytion and Smartify, titled “The Future of Travel & Hospitality Tech: Exploring the 2031 Horizon,” hosted at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation.

Through three thematic discussions focused on accommodation, travel infrastructure and cultural experiences, representatives from organizations and companies including Expedia Group, Guesty, Empiria Group, Aegean Airlines, hoper, Welcome Pickups, Smartify, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Victoria and Albert Museum, MOMus and Paradox Museum London shared insights into the trends and technologies expected to influence tourism and hospitality over the next decade.

You can watch the Youtube live here. 

On the same day, we also participated as a co-curator of the special edition of the #SYNU meetup at P55 Café, alongside other ecosystem organizations. Founders, investors, creatives, operators and startup enthusiasts came together for an evening filled with networking, idea exchange, new connections and open mic startup pitches.  During the event, Capsule^T Director Katerina Saridaki welcomed attendees and highlighted the opening of applications for the 9th Acceleration Cycle.

Beyond the scheduled activities, Panathēnea Festival provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful meetings with startups, organizations, investors and partners from Greece and abroad.

We had the chance to reconnect with members of our community, meet new professionals and prospective startups interested in learning more about the accelerator’s initiatives and programs, and exchange views on the future of the Greek and European innovation ecosystem.

After all, this has been Capsule^T’s mission over the past seven years: bringing startups, businesses, institutions and industry professionals closer together, serving as a bridge between the market and the new ideas shaping the future of Greek tourism.