As part of our ongoing #EdTech business development missions in India and Europe, our CEO, Chris Clavel, had the honor of attending the Innovent Forum from February 14th to 15th in Larissa, Greece. Chris came along with Rishita Das, our talented coordinator at Joist India, and Devdas Nayak, our new experienced Sales representative. This third edition of the Innovent Forum was masterfully organized by our dear friend Dr. Tasos Vassialiadis, CEO of Joist Greece, and his talented team.
A Hub of Tech Innovations and Global Exchanges
The event drew over 1,200 participants over two days, featuring dynamic sessions, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and a vibrant showcase of startups presenting their latest products and innovations. But this wasn’t just another tech conference, it was a global melting pot of ideas, attracting thought leaders from around the world to share insights on a wide range of topics:
- Women in Tech and gender diversity in innovation
- AI’s transformative impact on agriculture
- Bridging tech ecosystems across Europe, Silicon Valley, and India
- Sustainable energy transitions amid the climate crisis
- The launch of the Tech Park Alliance for Southeast Europe, showcasing strategic knowledge-sharing initiatives
- And more, the exhaustive agenda can be found here : Innovent Forum Agenda
From expert panels to informal networking, there was something for everyone!
A Breath of Fresh Air in the World of Tech Events
Beyond its exceptional content, what truly set this forum apart was its refreshingly human approach. Unlike massive, impersonal tech summits, Innovent Forum created an intimate atmosphere between speakers, panellists, moderators, and attendees.
The positive energy was contagious, thanks to the warmth and professionalism of Dr. Tasos Vassialiadis’s team, who infused the event with Joist and IED’s signature spirit of hospitality and enthusiasm. A special shout-out to Angeliki, Maria, Théo, Costas, Veronica, Elissavet, Antonios, Sofia, and Katerina, the exceptional coordinators of the Innovent Forum. Their dedication made everyone feel truly welcome. The discussions were had not just during the event, but also in the evenings in Larissa over delicious Greek dinners. The list in not exhaustive and we wish to warmly thank everyone involved, you all were special.
Networking Done Right – Anytime, Anywhere
At Innovent, networking wasn’t limited to formal sessions. From morning coffee chats to lunchtime conversations and even evening social gatherings, every moment was an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share ideas. The attention to detail was impeccable. The catering team contributed to the positive atmosphere by offering a taste of local Greek specialities with a smile!
Inspiring People, Unforgettable Encounters
The magic of Innovent Forum was also in the human connections made throughout the event. We had the privilege to meet and engage with remarkable personalities:
- The incredible Derya Calgar, leading Ostim Teknopark in Ankara, Turkey for over a decade
- Professor Chryssi Vitsilaki, the dynamic Rector of the University of the Aegean
- Professor Olivier Galibert from the University of Bourgogne with whom shared great ideas and a glass of fine Greek wine!
- Ivan and Milos from the Tech Park Alliance in Nis, Serbia, sparking exciting conversations about future collaborations
- Yann Gozlan from Creative Valley, France, supporting five of his startups at the forum
- A thought-provoking Q&A session following the talk by the honorable Sujit Jagridar, CEO of T-Hub Hyderabad, the world’s largest innovation center, which we had the pleasure of visiting in July 2024
- A frank quickfire question and answer session regarding the optimisation of the food supply chain thanks to A.I with Professor Claus Grøn Sørensen, President of CIGR in Denmark and Dr. Sotiris Bantas, Founder and CEO of Centaur Analytics.
- Promising discussions with representatives of the Association of Industries of Thessaly and Central Greece: Loukas Papacharalampous and Vassilis Kleitsogiannis, exploring potential partnerships with the Monaco Economic Board
- An unexpected yet enriching conversation on Europe and India with Dimitris Tsiordas, Member of the European Parliament
Two Days of Inspiration – Not Nearly Enough!
With its vibrant energy, human-centered approach, and countless opportunities for international business and collaboration, the Innovent Forum was truly an inspiring experience. Two days just weren’t enough. We left Larissa wishing for more time to soak in the rich exchange of ideas, and the unique charm of Greek hospitality.
Can’t Wait for the Next One!
Thankfully, we won’t have to wait too long. The InnoHealth Forum is set to take place at the Joist Center in September 2025. Until then, we’ll be counting down the days, eager to dive back into this incredible blend of tech and humanity.
Here’s to more inspiration, innovation, and human connections at the next Innovent event!
