TechSaloniki 2026:Highlights, Reflections, and Connecting the Dots

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Thessaloniki is rapidly solidifying its status as a premier tech hub, and TechSaloniki 2026 proved exactly why. Set against the striking backdrop of the historic port’s adaptive-reuse industrial precinct, this year’s event brought an undeniable energy.

As a Gold Sponsor, Epignosis representing our learning technologies flagship TalentLMS and the broader Starttech Ventures ecosystem showed up with a clear mission: to help shape the next chapter of the Greek tech landscape.

Here is what went down, what we learned, and where we are heading next.

1. Networking with Purpose (and scouting great team members)

The momentum built early during the pre-event executive drinks. On a balmy spring evening, tech and business leaders gathered to trade insights, challenge assumptions, and reconnect.

When the 2 day main event kicked off, our HR and Engineering teams took center stage.
Our booth was constantly buzzing, turning into a high energy hub for young professionals, ecosystem builders, and future talent. It wasn’t just about handing out swag (though the Epignosis gear was a massive hit); it was an incredible opportunity to dive into deep, high quality conversations with potential candidates eager to build the future of learning tech.

Our team walked away incredibly inspired by these candidate interactions, focusing on three major themes:

  • Deep Technical Curiosity: Aspiring engineers and developers weren’t just looking for an open role; they wanted to unpack our architecture, understand how we scale TalentLMS globally, and talk through realworld engineering challenges.
  • Cultural Alignment: We connected with a wave of professionals who genuinely share our passion for continuous learning and growth. The vibe was less “interview” and more a collaborative exchange of ideas.
  • Mapping the Future: Our team loved sharing the Epignosis growth journey, illustrating how new talent can step in and leave a tangible footprint within the broader Starttech Ventures ecosystem.

2. The “Choosing Greece” Panel: Disrupting the Status Quo

The highlight of the evening sessions was the ‘Choosing Greece’ panel. It was a robust, unfiltered discussion that challenged existing behaviors and pushed the audience to rethink the boundaries of our ecosystem.

Sharing the stage with industry colleagues Tom Avramis, Anna Mazarsky, Konstantinos (Kostas) Fetfatsidis, and Pascal C. Paschalidis, the conversation focused on four critical pillars for the future:

  • “Small is Beautiful Again” – The emerging AI era is rewriting the rules. Lean, agile teams now possess the leverage to compete with global giants and build world-class products.
  • The Unfair Advantage – Greece offers a rare, premium balance for how we live, work, learn, and play. We need to market this ecosystem holistically.
  • Exemplars of Scale – We have proven scaleups operating successfully from Greece. These companies must serve as the blueprint and inspiration for the next generation of mission driven builders.
  • Unlocking Global Ambition – Opportunities are abundant, but local tech needs to shed its provincial mindset. Focused, aggressive global ambition requires a lot more of our attention.

3. Connecting the Dots

An event like TechSaloniki is only as good as the action it inspires. Now, it’s time to connect the dots, leverage the amazing talent we met at our booth, and execute on the massive potential bubbling up in Northern Greece.

We came to Thessaloniki to support the ecosystem, but we’re leaving with a clear message: our story here is just getting started.

Nick Gonios Nick Gonios - VP of Learning Transformation and Company Ambassador

Nick Gonios is VP of Learning Transformation and Company Ambassador at Epignosis (parent company of TalentLMS).With 30 years of experience across startups, global SaaS scaleups, and listed companies like Microsoft and Fujitsu, Nick specialises in connecting emerging technology with measurable business outcomes. He helps L&D leaders navigate the AI era by moving beyond hype toward evidence-based strategies.By humanizing technology and making education more accessible, Nick empowers organizations to turn learning into a proactive driver of performance.His practical roadmap for transformation is forged from three decades of reshaping software ventures into market leaders with some 'battle scars' along the way.