Venture Studio – Build with AI: From Idea to Prototype

Build with AI - AETHON Engineering

Ongoing

Build with AI: From Idea to Prototype

Stepping into the world of AI can feel exciting, but also overwhelming. That’s exactly where we come in.

Build with AI: From Idea to Prototype by AETHON Engineering is a practical online course designed to help you understand how AI can support innovation, business development, and early-stage building.

Over one practical live online session, you’ll learn how to:

  1. Understand how AI is changing innovation and entrepreneurship and where it can create real business impact.
  2. Use AI for business development, including market research, competitor analysis, idea validation and structured thinking.
  3. Explore real AI workflows used in practice at AETHON, with examples of how we use AI tools in everyday work.
  4. Learn the logic of rapid prototyping, even if you are not technical and see how AI can support early product or software exploration.
  5. Evaluate the benefits and limitations of AI tools, so you can use them more effectively, critically and responsibly.

This course is designed for people who want to move beyond AI curiosity and start using AI as a practical tool for building, validating and communicating ideas.

Whether you are an early-stage founder, a startup team member, or a non-technical professional exploring AI for business use, this course gives you a structured and accessible starting point.

Who Is This Program For?

This course is designed for builders, founders and curious professionals who want to use AI in practical ways, not just understand the hype around it. If you have ever thought, “I know AI is important, but how do I actually use it in my work or ideas?”, this program is for you.

Ideal participants include:

  • Early-stage founders or startup teams who want to use AI for business development, idea validation and faster prototyping.
  • Non-technical professionals who want to understand how AI can help them explore, structure and communicate ideas more effectively.
  • Innovation-minded individuals who want practical exposure to AI tools, real use cases and guided experimentation.
  • Business and product-oriented participants looking for a more structured way to use AI for research, validation and early-stage execution.

Whether you are exploring a new idea, refining an early concept, or simply trying to understand how AI can become a useful business tool, this course gives you the practical examples, frameworks and hands-on exposure to get started with more clarity and confidence.

Program Schedule

A focused 3-hour live online course designed to help participants understand how AI can support business development, idea validation and early prototyping in practical ways. The course combines discussion, live examples, demos and guided interaction in one structured evening session, on Wednesday 22nd of July, at 18:00.

The program is structured in two main sections:

  • Section 1: Entrepreneurship, innovation and AI in practice
    A guided introduction to how AI is reshaping entrepreneurship business development and early-stage idea building , supported by practical examples and real use cases.
  • Section 2: Tool-focused, hands-on exploration
    A more applied session built around the AI tool we will work with, including demonstrations, guided exploration and practical discussion on how participants can use them in their own context.

The exact flow of the session may be slightly adjusted depending on the profile, needs and level of the participants, in order to keep the experience relevant and interactive.

Instructors

  • Alex Papacharalampous | CEO-CTO
  • Vicky Katsara | Innovation Associate

Investment in Your Future

Standard Ticket — €99

Full access to the live online course, including practical examples, demos, and guided discussion.

Early Bird — €79 (use coupon “AIEARLYBIRD“)

A limited discounted rate for early registrations, up to 30th of June, 2026.

Partner Ticket — €69

Available for selected partner communities and collaborations. Contact us at v.katsara@aethon.gr for more information.

Venture Studio – Ideas to Ventures Course

Ideas to Ventures – AETHON’s Engineering Entrepreneurship Course

Ongoing

Ideas to Ventures

Taking the first step into the world of entrepreneurship can feel overwhelming—but that’s exactly where we come in. The Ideas to Ventures course by AETHON Engineering is your launchpad to turn ambition into action.

We don’t just teach theory; we give you the tools, guidance, and confidence to start, move forward, and make your idea happen.

Over six dynamic sessions, you’ll learn how to:

  1. Unlock the entrepreneurial mindset and discover where innovation begins.
  2. Build teams that last, because great ideas need great people.
  3. Shape your vision into a solid business model using the Business Model Canvas.
  4. Validate your idea with real-world feedback and lean testing.
  5. Pitch like a pro, mastering storytelling and investor-ready presentations.
  6. Create your MVP, the first tangible version of your product.

This is your first step into entrepreneurship, and we’re here to make sure you take it with confidence.

Whether you’re an early-stage startup, team or an individual with a bold idea, this program is designed to help you start strong and succeed.

Who Is This Program For?

This course is designed for dreamers ready to take action and teams eager to turn ideas into reality. If you’ve ever thought, “I have an idea, but where do I start?”—this is your answer.

Ideal participants include:

  • Early-stage teams or startups with an idea in its infancy, looking for structure and guidance.
  • Individuals with a bold concept who want to find co-founders and build a strong team.
  • Curious innovators who may not have an idea yet but want to learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and venture building.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing concept, this program gives you the tools, frameworks, and expert support to take your first confident step into the entrepreneurial world.

Program Schedule

Your entrepreneurial journey unfolds through six core sessions (plus an optional premium upgrade), blending online flexibility with hands-on workshops at AETHON’s offices.

  • Session 1: Innovation Unlocked – Exploring Entrepreneurial Mindsets & Venture Studios
  • Session 2: Dream Teams – Building Teams That Thrive
  • Session 3: Blueprint for Success – Mastering the Business Model Canvas
  • Session 4: Reality Check – Validating Your Big Idea
  • Session 5: Pitch Perfect – Storytelling That Wins Investors
  • Session 6: From Concept to Creation – Building Your MVP
  • Session 7: MVP Plus – Hands-On Creation for Visionaries (Premium)

Sectors

We focus on ideas that drive innovation in high-impact industries. Our preferred sectors include:

  • Smart Cities – Sustainable, connected urban solutions using IoT and AI.
  • Logistics – Digital frameworks for efficient, interoperable supply chains.
  • Urban Mobility (EIT Urban Mobility) – Transforming how people move in cities.
  • Energy – Smart systems for efficiency and reduced emissions.
  • AI Technologies – Intelligent automation and data-driven decision-making.
  • Transport & Mobility – Advanced transport systems and infrastructure innovation.
  • Process & Data Optimisation – Streamlining operations through analytics and automation.
  • Industry 5.0 – Human-centric, sustainable automation and smart manufacturing.
  • Health – Improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
  • Maritime – Advancing technologies for shipping and marine operations.
  • Agrifood – Driving efficiency and sustainability in agriculture and food systems.

Have an idea outside these sectors?

You’re still welcome to apply! We recommend contacting us first at v.katsara@aethon.gr to ensure we can provide the right support before you enrol.

Investment in Your Future

For more information or if you are interested in a collaboration to created a tailor-made entrepreneurial course, please contact us.

SMART PUMPS

SMART PUMPS

Ongoing

Abstract

Smart-Pumps (Sustainable Multi-Functional and Recyclable Heat Pumps) aims to revolutionize heat pump technology by optimizing both the design and manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and performance. The project focuses on five key objectives: (1) redesigning heat pump components based on the Design for Additive/Hybrid Manufacturing concept, considering both operational characteristics and life-cycle parameters such as recycled material sourcing and recyclability; (2) utilizing mixed materials with varying percentages across different operational sections of heat pump components, employing the Functional Grading methodology to maximize material usage efficiency and exploit their full potential (mechanical, thermal, electrical, etc.); (3) embedding sensors and devices within heat pump components to monitor operations, extract data, and actively adjust component structures for optimal performance; (4) standardizing testing and creating manufacturing and assembly protocols; and (5) developing comprehensive training curricula on digital design, manufacturing, and testing of Smart Heat Pumps.

Incorporating AI-driven algorithms, smart connectivity, and circular economy principles, Smart-Pumps aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of heat pump systems, providing efficient heating and cooling solutions for residential applications while promoting environmental responsibility through recycling and reusing materials.

Role of AETHON

AETHON plays a key role in the Smart-Pumps project, leveraging its expertise in software engineering, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions. Specifically, AETHON is leading the following tasks:

  • Smart capabilities, connectivity, and handling;
  • Circular logistics network for recycled material procurement and handling.

Additionally, AETHON will lead the development of AI-based algorithms to optimize hybrid manufacturing processes for HP components.

Partners

Project Information

Duration: 1/6/2024 to 31/5/2027 (36 months)

Budget: €1,999,952.50

Project link: https://smartpumps-project.eu/

PROSPECTS 5.0

PROSPECTS 5.0

Ongoing

Abstract

PROSPECTS 5.0 is a smart study on the analysis and identification of practices, drives, success factors, and obstacles of transition towards industry 5.0 for SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups. PROSPECTS 5.0 aims to support the transition to Industry 5.0 by providing practical guidance, reports, tools, solutions, and a collaborative platform for industry stakeholders to remove the barriers for industry to opt into the I5.0. To provide real-world examples the project will analyze 14 use cases from different European Union countries and 6 different industries, covering various types of manufacturing, service providing, education, energy, aviation transport, and automotive. The use cases from these sectors will ensure a focused and effective transition to Industry 5.0.

PROSPECTS 5.0 results are expected to encourage collaboration between different entities, including companies, universities, research centers, and government agencies, to co-create solutions and innovations, improve the skills and mindsets of individuals regarding Industry 5.0 and study pilot projects to test, validate, and measure the impact of I5.0.

Additionally, PROSPECTS 5.0 will raise awareness of Industry 5.0 through workshops, seminars/webinars, and collaborative online platforms and web applications. PROSPECTS 5.0 is relevant to the worker Horizon Europe Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry, Space) specifically to destination 6: A human-centers and ethical development of digital and industrial technologies since the project results will lead to a more inclusive and sustainable EU industry, and indirectly, the project findings will facilitate the understanding of the required skills needed to support the twin transition.

Role of AETHON

AETHON will have a significant role in the project by developing the PROSPECTS 5.0 platform and providing Industry 5.0 reports, due to its specialization in software engineering and data analytics. More specifically, AETHON will lead the following tasks:

  • Development of the Industry 5.0 Assessment reports
  • Development of the PROSPECTS 5.0 platform
  • Data Management Plan

AETHON will lead Work Package 3 (WP3): Uncovering Patterns and Trends.

Partners

Public Results

Public Deliverables:

Project Information

Duration: 1/1/2024 to 31/12/2026 (36 months)

Budget: €3,999,335.00

Project link: https://prospects5-0.eu/

NOUS

NOUS

Ongoing

Abstract

NOUS will develop the architecture of a European Cloud Service that allows computational and data storage resources to be used from edge devices as well as supercomputers, through the HPC network, and Quantum Computers. NOUS will be an Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)/Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) cloud provider, harnessing edge computing and decentralisation paradigms to incorporate a wide array of devices and machines in its computational flow to provide leaps in Europe’s capability to process vast amounts of data. The pipeline of the NOUS in the project will include three types of components: i) computational components that are responsible for executing computations, ii) edge components that are responsible for communicating with edge devices (such as IoT sensors/ actuators/ devices), iii) data storage components that are responsible for data storage and storage management. Components are researched individually, expecting to yield breakthroughs, and jointly, to create the architecture and cloud-level services such as syndication with other platforms and virtual labs. The project has defined 4 use-cases that will allow the testing of the developed technologies in real-world scenarios that industry leaders face. The NOUS architecture will be made open source to allow the capitalization by companies and organisations. Furthermore, a set of workshops and collaboration activities is envisioned with Data Spaces Support Centre, Gaia-X, FIWARE and EOSC powered by a strong consortium of 21 partners from 11 European countries.

Role of AETHON

AETHON will have a significant role in the project by leading Work Package 6: ‘Towards the creation of the NOUS architecture’. Furthermore, AETHON will lead the T2.2 task which comprises of the requirements elicitation and prioritisation for the NOUS architecture and NOUS components. AETHON will also create an Auto-Standardiser tool for translation to data standards within T5.4 and will deliver a Virtual Lab for data collaboration within T6.4. Finally, AETHON will also overview all the data related activities as an assigned Data Protection Officer.

Partners

Public Results

Public Deliverables:

  • D1.3 Data Management Plan – View pdf

Project Information

Duration: 1/1/2024 to 31/12/2026 (36 months)

Budget: €8,428,875.00

Project link: https://nous-project.eu/

SIGN-AIR

SIGN-AIR

Ongoing

Abstract

SIGN-AIR will develop and pilot a new platform for an orchestrated sharing of data in multimodal traveling. The platform will provide the means for Transport Service Providers (TSPs) to register, reach Data Sharing Agreements with other TSPs and manage their contractual relationships. While the SIGN-AIR platform will only manage the contractual aspects through the types of data offered by the TSPs, the TSPs will continue managing their data and that of their customers. As an added value, the SIGN-AIR platform will provide a number of advantages and services to the stakeholders of multimodal travel for the B2B2C chain through the analysis and exploitation of the contracts: (i) templates for contracts to simplify the legal management, (ii) electronic management and information provision about each specific contract, (iii) routing information for Travel Companions (TCs) with enriched information about the specific contracts for their traveler customers, and (iv) facilitation of single ticketing through the comprehensive understanding of the contracts and the data managed, among others. The whole concept will be moved from TRL2, reached by the mother project SYN-AIR, to TRL 7. This will be done with an intensive evolution of the software and a continuous evaluation and piloting of the software with different important stakeholders that are present in the consortium. The development of the software will generate a Minimum Valuable Product in the first 12 months of the project and, in parallel, it will be piloted and improved through continuous development of the technologies in the following 21 months, reaching a TRL7 platform in month 33 of the project. The partnership is formed by knowledgeable teams in the areas of IT, legal and mobility; including airports TSPs and Transport Authorities on the piloting side.

Role of AETHON

AETHON will have a significant role in the project by designing and implementing a series of functionalities and added value services of the SIGN-AIR platform, main project’s outcome, due to its specialization in software engineering and data analytics. More specifically, AETHON will lead the following tasks:

  • 2 ‘Data Standardization and Harmonization aspects’
  • 6 ‘Templating mechanism’
  • 9 ‘Monitoring Dashboards of TSPs for the contracts’ management’
  • 11 ‘Analytics Services’
  • 15 ‘Validation and demonstration of SIGN-AIR platform’

Finally, AETHON will lead LOT 3: ‘Post settlement and added value services’.

Partners

Timelex

Public Results

Public Deliverables:

  • D2.2 Standardisation (STAND) – Initial – View pdf

Project Information

Duration: 1/6/2023 to 31/5/2026 (36 months)

Budget: €6,255,977.50

KEYSTONE

KEYSTONE

Ongoing

Abstract

The overreaching goal of KEYSTONE is to support the development of a sustainable, efficient, and safe transport system, allowing enforcement authorities to access data for the purpose of checking compliance with rules applied in the transport of goods and passengers.

The aim is to tailor standardised digital solutions that can be used from several realities to standardize the transport system.

To demonstrate the validity of the solutions proposed, an app will be developed so that two highly diverse pilots can prove the efficiency of the KEYSTONE’s innovation. Using the gained experience to develop a seamless, interoperable, and intermodal digital transport ecosystem that can be replicated at European level, the KEYSTONE digital solutions consist of standardised APIs for data and information sharing between transport enforcement authorities and logistics operators.

The concept is based on a federated approach that allows:

  • to reduce the costs of logistics thanks to more efficient operations and interoperability;
  • to reduce the impact on the environment thanks to data sharing;
  • to consolidate flows and to improve safety thanks to seamless information exchange with enforcement authorities;
  • to foster the acceptance of the CCAM solutions (Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility).

Role of AETHON

AETHON will contribute with its expertise in information technology and management information systems, as well as with its transport, logistics and transport data stadnardisation knowledge and expertise. AETHON will lead the development of an implementation framework for Plug & Play, by creating the API reference model and developing the API standard.

In addition, AETHON will contribute its knowledge and experience in data sharing in the logistics and transport sectors in order to contribute in determining business cases and ultimately affect the development of the API reference model.

Partners

Project Information

Duration: 1/6/2023 – 30/6/2026 (36 months)

Budget: €3,522,881.25

HS4U

HS4U

Ongoing

Abstract

The overall objective of the HS4U project is to offer an evidence-based approach extending standardized design and regulatory paradigms towards industry 5.0. The project is promoting principles of modularization, optimization, and smart systems engineering towards the detection, prevention, mitigation and management of large passenger and cruise ships. Hence, HS4U holistic solutions for stress relief over conditions of health crises prioritize the assessment of typical cruise designs and day-to-day tasks. Following its two use cases (CELESTYAL and COLUMBIA BLUE), and its 4U(nique) pillars approach for research, i.e., societal/human, environmental, technological, legislation factors, it adopts and delivers state-of the art ecosystem of technologies offering groundwork to rethink health and safety designs and frameworks. HS4U bridges cross-sectorial multidisciplinary expertise to cross-fertilize research findings and provide best practices, protocol/ policy recommendation and a complete solution for crew training based on multi-player gaming. Validation of proposed technology and passenger behavioral model will be based on live experiments. Special HS4Us open source/FAIR offerings are:

  • Collaborative digital framework (CDF) for live interaction of crew/passengers and IoT edge devices on the ship based on co-robotics concepts and Artificial Intelligence mechanisms and models.
  • Viral Detection Sensor (VDS) that will be developed, tested, validated, delivered, patented and commercialized to offer online indication of the location of pathogenic airborne spreads in indoor environments.
  • “Robot-cabin” real-life demonstrator displaying evidence-based 4U solutions on the interoperability of smart, and innovative methods for ship systems effective and fast detection, prevention, mitigation and inter-compartment, intercompartment management ensuring healthy ship operations and safe return to port over conditions of health crises.

Role of AETHON

AETHON will have a significant role in the project by leading Work Package 3: ‘Technical and Technological Research’. Furthermore, AETHON will lead the research and development of a passenger behavioral model, due to its specialization in the transport field and data analysis. AETHON will also overview all the data related activities as an assigned Data Protection Officer.

Partners

Tsikis Shipyard

Project Information

Duration: 1/9/2022 to 31/8/2026 (36 months)

Budget: €6,255,977.50

Project link: https://hs4u.eu/

Smart Bus

Smart Bus

Completed

Abstract

The climate change as a global challenge for our planet fosters the international community to look for ways to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases. Urban areas try to make their ecological footprint smaller. Regarding urban transport planning the main priority is to reduce cities’ car- dependency and give priority to public transport. The purpose of this project is to create a web-based geographic information system (GIS), a “smart-bus” application product that could improve feeder bus service around regional train stations and make this service more reliable, quick, cheap and comfortable for its users. The aim of the product is to improve public transport effectiveness and create an attractive car use alternative. The new application will allow the adaptation of feeder buses to regional train operation, even in cases of delays, to eliminate waiting times of passengers when changing mode, from train to bus and vice versa. Another advantage for passengers with the new application is the adaptation of the bus routes to their needs. Between the given alternative routes, the bus through this application will be able to choose those which minimize the total travel time of its passengers taking also into account the walking time between the bus stop and their final destination. This service is expected to encourage the combined use of buses and regional trains with benefits to the economy and the environment. It shall be noted that such a product can have an impact in the world market. This service application will be developed by an academic institution, namely the National Technical University of Athens (School of Rural and Surveying Engineering), two private companies, AMCO and AETHON and one regional public bus operator, Korinthos KTEL. The University will focus on the characteristics of the new bus service and explore – through qualitative and quantitative social research methods- all the relevant attributes to increase the quality of the service. The two private companies will use the research results to develop the software and build marketing strategies in order to support the take-up of the new application. The bus operator will run the pilot project to test the new application. The pilot project will be implemented in the area of Korinthos in Peloponnese Region, in Greece. Two neighboring cities; Korinthos and Loutraki, which form a unified polycentric urban territory will be the testbed of the application. This area is served by a regional train, connecting Korinthos with the metropolitan area of Athens. The area presents several research advantages in terms of its current car-dependency and is ideal for showcasing the benefits of the application. The future creation of a new railway link to connect Korinthos and Loutraki will add new opportunities for the combined operation train – bus in a larger area. The new feeder bus service will offer a new reliable, cheap and fast combined transport solution for the regional train. It will bring new customers and generate higher revenue for Korinthos KTEL. The improved bus service will also foster economic activity in the area and will reduce environmental impact of transportation in Korinthos. The successful implementation of the new GIS software in the pilot area is expected to allow for its expansion in Greece and abroad and thus contribute to the global effort to increase the modal share of public transport.

Role of AETHON

AETHON will have an active role in the project due to its specialisation in developing and implementing innovative ideas and solutions for transport. AETHON will contribute to the analysis and design of the operating system and the development of the software.

Partners

Project Information

Duration: 17/6/2021 έως 16/12/2023 (30 μήνες)

Budget: €878,288.00

Cargo Bikes and Drones

Cargo bikes and Drones

Completed

Abstract

The proposed project refers to a first phase of importing drone and cargo bike into freight transport to meet some distinct needs, either in terms of transport speed or protection of some protected, sensitive environmental parts of the city. It is almost certain that at a later stage, when their technology has evolved, drone and cargo bike will be used to meet more conventional transportation needs because they will be able to carry more weight and thus serve more concentrated missions. Then, the transit centers will be the first intermediate destination in the transport chain until the final recipient. Conversely, in the first phase of light, therefore more personalized transport, small take-off / landing bases could operate, where the transfer between drone and cargo bike would take place. These bases will be on line with the transit center. The project aims to:

(a) investigate issues arising from the use of drones and bicycles in freight transport in urban places with various urban and traffic characteristics,

(b) produce a model that calculates cost, energy consumption and travel times using these means of transport per kilometer under different conditions,

(c) create a software that will include data on the location of take-off / landing points, sender and receiver addresses and landline characteristics.

Role of AETHON

AETHON will have a significant role in the technical tasks of the project due to its specialization in the design and implementation of innovative solutions aimed at modernising and improving transport services. AETHON will explore the circumstances under which freight transport with drones and cargo bikes is feasible and will contribute to the design and development of the platform.

Partners

Project Information

Duration: 17/6/2021 έως 16/12/2023 (30 months)

Budget: €932,818.00

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