COSMOS CLUB: Technology and Investments
October 1st, 2008 | Washington DC
On October 1st, 2008 a one day colloquium was held at the Cosmos club in Washington DC. The colloquim, held for the U.S. – Greece
Program for Technology and Investments, was sponsored by the National Science Foundation and The New Economy Development Fund of
Greece.
Ambassador Alexandros Malias of Greece, delivered the key note speech, emphasizing the “Brain Link” capital of Greece, linking Greeks in the United States with Greece itself.
Dr. Nikos Haritakis, Chief Executive Officer of the New Economy Development Fund of Greece (“TANEO”) discussed the success of small and medium sized enterprise development in Greece, as the “fund of funds” that he oversees has 18-funded companies, with 5-companies already providing lucrative returns.Dr. Juan Figueroa of the National Science Foundation explained some of the challenges facing small business development in the United States. There were three critical success factors for small business development through SBIR or similar programs. These included (1) quality of the management team, (2) teaming aspects and adaptability to challenges faced during growth, and (3) funding.
As a lead into several Round Table discussions, Dr. James Seferis presented the structure of Glocal Systems Management (“GSM”), a venture capital fund manager centered in Athens, Greece.Dr. Brian Wardle of Massachusetts Institute of Technology also presented state of the art materials research that is ongoing at his institution, and insight as a former venture management consultant. As part of the ensuing round table discussions, the National Center for Scientific Research (“Dimokritos”) of Greece was also brought up as an example of connecting 25-universities and 13-research centers in Greece for prospective new business development.
The colloquium ended with a reception at the Embassy of Greece, that was a kick-off for the University Startups Conference 2008, organized by the U.S. National Council of Entrepreneurial Technology Transfer.