A unique platform for strategic partnerships in the sector
BEYOND, the International Exhibition of Digital Technology and Innovation made an impressive debut in Athens, where it was held for the first time, attracting over 15,000 visitors. Taking place at the Metropolitan Expo exhibition center from April 4 to 6 under the theme “AI Reality Bites”, BEYOND offered technology professionals a three-day event filled with innovation and technological developments, capturing the interest of thousands of visitors from the fields of digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Already from its first edition in Athens after four previous ones in Thessaloniki the exhibition is establishing itself as an important hub for digital technology and innovation, offering unique opportunities for strategic partnerships and strengthening interconnections in the technology sector.
Exhibitors expressed their full satisfaction with the event, as visitor turnout exceeded all previous editions. The impressive response from the public and the increased participation boosted the sense of success, while the exhibition served as a launchpad for networking and productive connections, which stood out as one of its strongest points.
Moreover, visitors came not only from Greece but also from Austria, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Belgium, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Belgium, France, Ecuador, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Luxembourg, the UK, the Netherlands, Hungary, Romania, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey—highlighting the international character of the exhibition.
The Exhibition
BEYOND brought together over 300 exhibitors from Greece and 10 other countries, specifically: Belgium, France, Ecuador, Cyprus, Luxembourg, the UK, the Netherlands, Hungary, Ukraine, and Romania.
It hosted technology leaders, startups, research centers and universities, as well as pioneers and visionaries in the field. Distinguished leaders presented innovative products and discussed the impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and quantum computing. Startups and scaleups showcased disruptive solutions, outlining the next generations of digital products and services, while research institutions shared the latest developments in scientific research. BEYOND 2025 became the ultimate hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration between professionals, academics, and innovators, shaping the future of the digital age.
The AI Forum
The AI Forum, the most influential Artificial Intelligence Conference in Southeastern Europe, concluded with great success, hosting more than 120 speakers from Greece and abroad, including top professionals and leaders in digital technology and innovation. Throughout the event, crucial topics concerning the future of emerging technologies were discussed, focusing on issues such as the ethics and regulation of Artificial Intelligence, government strategies for a sustainable and inclusive digital transition, as well as the challenges and opportunities arising from modern technological advancements.
The AI Forum covered key areas such as the application of AI in healthcare, the enhancement of education through digital tools, the revolutionary approach to the energy sector via AI, and the use of new technologies to address climate change challenges. Special emphasis was placed on AI’s potential to transform industries and improve productivity, while new opportunities for businesses resulting from the adoption of these innovations were discussed.
Digitalization of the public sector, data privacy protection, and the strengthening of cybersecurity through AI were also at the forefront, with the goal of creating a secure and ethical digital environment. In parallel, Greece’s development as an innovation hub and the strategic growth of the AI sector were examined, with a focus on the policies that will enable the country to strengthen its position on the global technology map.
The conference emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private institutions, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs to create a sustainable and strong digital ecosystem.
B2B Meetings
One of the most important aspects of this year’s BEYOND 2025 was the B2B meetings, which formed the core of business opportunities during the exhibition. More than 500 business meetings were held with the participation of companies from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Spain, North Macedonia, Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Germany establishing BEYOND as the leading meeting point for professionals and entrepreneurs active in the digital technology and innovation sector.
These meetings laid the groundwork for strategic partnerships and networking, while also serving as a platform for knowledge exchange, opening the way for participants to develop new business relationships and explore innovative solutions for the future.
The BEYOND Marketplace
The BEYOND Marketplace – Open Stage was a key highlight of this year’s exhibition, offering companies an excellent opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions and connect with new markets. With real-time presentations of technological products and services, the Marketplace served as a dynamic platform for growth and networking, enabling companies to find new partners and create new future prospects.
The Startup Village
Dozens of scaleups and startups took part in BEYOND 2025’s Startup Village, presenting their innovative solutions and business models, boosting the momentum of the Greek and international innovation ecosystem. Discussions focused on key topics such as the connection between technology and cultural development, the support of innovation, and the strengthening of global innovation ecosystems through strategic partnerships. Companies had the opportunity to explore funding prospects and share the challenges they face in their sectors with a focus on their strategic growth.
Lack of funding and insufficient entrepreneurship education were highlighted as the biggest obstacles for startups. The discussion around bridging the investment gap and the need for guidance in the scaling process was at the forefront, as many startups seek more support and strategic solutions to face market challenges.
Conversations also focused on how investments and proper mentoring can enhance business sustainability and help create stronger, more resilient innovation ecosystems.
As part of the exhibition, the BEYOND Tomorrow Competition was held, with finalists competing for a total prize pool of €15,000. During the award ceremony, which took place at the closing of BEYOND, winners had the opportunity to present their ideas to investors and top companies in the sector, enhancing their growth prospects.
The Investor Lounge at the Startup Village
The Investor Lounge at the Startup Village emerged as one of the most popular areas of BEYOND 2025, offering startups the opportunity to meet with investors and present their innovative proposals. By creating a friendly and supportive environment for networking and idea exchange, the Investor Lounge facilitated interaction between entrepreneurs and investors, promoting funding and growth opportunities for the startups participating in the exhibition.
About BEYOND
BEYOND is an international exhibition and conference for digital technology and innovation, serving as a meeting point for leading technology companies, visionaries and pioneers, startups and scaleups, as well as research centers and academic institutions. It aims to become the premier event of its kind in Southeastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
After four successful editions in Thessaloniki, the fifth BEYOND, titled “AI Reality Bites”, was hosted from April 4 to 6, 2025, at the Metropolitan Expo Exhibition Center in Athens.
BEYOND was organized by TIF-HELEXPO, Be-Best, and the Industry Disruptors Game Changers (IDGC), with co-organizers the Ministry of Digital Governance, the Ministry of Development, the Region of Central Macedonia, the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), and the Municipality of Thessaloniki. It was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Region of Attica. Supporters of BEYOND included SEPE, SETPE, SEKEE, and HETIA.