Alexander Innovation Zone and Think Tank Paremvasi within the framework of the Technology Forum, are organizing an open event titled
“War and Peace: Innovation (and Life) During Tumultuous Times”
on May 13th, 2025 from 18:00 to 20:00, to discuss two timely and important topics:
- What does the new U.S. tariff policy mean for EU businesses and startups?
- What are the implications of increased EU defense spending for businesses and startups?
The event will begin with brief opening remarks by the invited experts (15 minutes), Apostolos ‘Toli’ Lerios and Dimitrios Lakasas, followed by a Q&A session and networking opportunities.
Τhe discussion will be moderated by Nikos Varsakelis, Professor of Industrial Policy at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Invited Experts:
✅ Apostolos “Toli” Lerios | Former Mentor, Serial Entrepreneur and Engineer
Short Bio | Apostolos “Toli” Lerios
Apostolos “Toli” Lerios is a former mentor, serial entrepreneur, and engineer who has played key roles, usually as a co-founder, at SRI International (a research institute which launched many successful startups such as Siri, Apple’s voice assistant), Metanautix (a big data startup acquired by Microsoft), Facebook (where Toli single-handedly created its dynamic image processing infrastructure), Magnolia Creek (a clinic acquired by private equity), CenterRun (a data warehousing startup acquired by Sun Microsystems), and Align Technology (a medical technology startup that became a public company) to name a few. Toli holds a BS and an MS in Computer Science from Stanford University, where he received several awards and worked on two space experiments, including the Space Shuttle mission STS-46/TSS-1. Toli has been granted over 70 patents in the U.S. and Europe, and has given several invited lectures at universities, TEDx events, and other forums. Toli grew up in Athens, Greece, moved to the U.S. in 1989, and lives near Austin, Texas.
✅ Dimitrios Lakasas | CEO Olympia Electronics
Short Bio | Dimitrios Lakasas
Dimitrios holds an MBA and a Bachelor on Economics and Marketing, he is the CEO of Olympia Electronics S.A. founded in 1979 and employs a total of 215 employees. The company places particular emphasis on cutting-edge technology, innovation, quality and high “value for money” in its products. It is the largest purely Greek production unit of electronic security systems in Greece and one of the ten largest in Europe. Its main activity is the development of electronic security systems with a dynamic presence in more than 72 countries abroad. Dimitrios is also the writer of the book “ Anthropos 4.0 – a wise management of industry 4.0” where he attempts to penetrate the sanctuaries of new technologies with a simple glance and collate it with the future of humanity. His position is clearly in favor of man in the new dilemma “man or machine”.
Dimitrios was announced the “Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year 2017” in the EY -ERNST & YOUNG competition and has served the local ecosystem under numerous positions:
Chairman on Greek International Business Association (SEVE) 2010-2014, Chairman on Alexander Innovation Zone (AIZ) 2013-2015, Board Member of Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) 2004-2019, Board Member of the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece (SBBE) since1999, Founder of Think Tank SEVE.
📍 Venue: Alexander Innovation Zone | 12 Filikis Etairias Street | 54621 Thessaloniki
📝 Secure your spot here: https://forms.gle/hFysyEP9DzoWTzGE7
