A landmark investment in the future of the next generation has been signaled by the strategic partnership between Papastratos and the Department of Management Science and Technology at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). Under the “FutuReady Greece” initiative, the two parties are joining forces to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed for tomorrow’s job market. The official announcement was made in the presence of Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki, along with representatives from the academic and media communities.
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The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Papastratos and AUEB’s Department of Management Science and Technology marks one of the first concrete steps of FutuReady Greece — an initiative launched by Papastratos to mark its 95th anniversary in Greece, with an eye toward its centennial milestone. Through FutuReady Greece, Papastratos continues its steadfast investment in young people, creating opportunities for education, skills development, and professional growth, with the goal of preparing them not only for the challenges but above all for the opportunities that the future of work holds.
The partnership with the Athens University of Economics and Business carries special significance, as it is an institution with a strong tradition in economics, management, technology, and entrepreneurship — and a longstanding contribution to shaping the scientists and executives who drive Greek business forward. Through this collaboration, Papastratos aims to stand meaningfully and practically beside the students of the Department of Management Science and Technology, supporting their journey from knowledge to real-world application.
At the core of the Memorandum of Understanding is, among other things, the award of 50 scholarships over the next five years to students from regional areas of Greece who enroll in the Department of Management Science and Technology, beginning with the upcoming academic year. Each scholarship is renewable for up to four years of study, reaching a total value of €26,000 per recipient. Selection will take into account geographic and socioeconomic criteria, as well as academic performance, which will be assessed at the end of each academic year.
In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding establishes a broader strategic partnership framework between the two parties, which includes connecting current students and recent graduates with Papastratos’ paid internship program (FutuReady Internship Program), as well as linking department alumni with the company’s international graduate talent development program (Graduates Program). The agreement also provides for interaction between the company’s executives and students, both through guest lectures in undergraduate courses and through educational visits to the company’s facilities, with the aim of bridging academic knowledge and professional practice.
The partnership also encompasses the utilization of university-generated knowledge through joint studies and research projects, with focus areas including the evolution of technology, skills development, and the challenges facing the next generation.
Sofia Zacharaki: “A model for connecting the university with society”
Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, commented: “The collaboration between the Athens University of Economics and Business and Papastratos is a particularly important example of connecting the academic community with society and the job market, for the benefit of students and young people striving to achieve their goals.
AUEB has long been one of the most outward-looking and dynamic universities in Greece, with a strong international presence, innovative academic programs, and significant scholarly distinctions. Its continued progress demonstrates the potential of the Greek public university when we invest in knowledge, quality, and openness to the world.
Papastratos’ initiative — offering 50 scholarships, mentoring programs, and professional development opportunities — represents a meaningful investment in our young people, and recognizes the efforts of both the students themselves and their families.
As a government, we continue to actively support the student community and public universities. From 2019 to today, funding for the student housing allowance has increased from €42 million to €90 million annually. We have also strengthened scholarships, internship programs, and student welfare initiatives. At the same time, through the Recovery Fund, the Ministry of Education is investing more than €3 million in two new joint and double postgraduate programs between AUEB and top international universities, further enhancing its global presence and the opportunities it offers its students.
Our goal is a public university that is modern, safe, internationally competitive, and open to partnerships that create real opportunities for students. With vision, consistency, and collaboration.”
Vasilis Vasdekis: “We are strengthening equal opportunities and excellence”
Vasilis Vasdekis, Rector of AUEB, noted: “The collaboration between the Athens University of Economics and Business, through the Department of Management Science and Technology, and Papastratos is a particularly significant initiative with a meaningful academic and social impact.
For AUEB, openness and engagement with society and the job market are fundamental parts of its mission. This partnership actively serves that philosophy, combining student support with the creation of opportunities for professional and academic advancement.
The award of 50 scholarships over the next five years to students from regional Greece strengthens equal opportunities, supports academic excellence, and makes a meaningful contribution to social mobility. At the same time, the initiatives in internships, professional development, guest lectures, and joint research create a productive bridge between academic knowledge and real-world practice.
We thank Papastratos for their trust and contribution to this joint effort. I am confident that this collaboration will deliver significant value to our students, to the academic community, and to society as a whole.”
Tina Davou: “We are turning our commitment to the next generation into action”
Tina Davou, CEO of Papastratos, highlighting the significance of the strategic partnership with AUEB, stated: “The partnership with the Athens University of Economics and Business, which we are establishing today with the signing of this Memorandum, holds special meaning for us. Not only because we are joining forces with one of the most important academic institutions in the country — one with a strong tradition of connecting knowledge with economics and entrepreneurship — but because we are beginning to put into practice the FutuReady Greece initiative that we announced just days ago. We want to stand beside the young people who are studying, dreaming, and preparing for tomorrow. Through FutuReady Greece — an initiative that serves as a legacy for Papastratos’ 100th anniversary and for Greece itself — we are shaping the conditions for the next generation to effectively navigate the challenges of our time, and for us to continue being of service to Greek society by investing in those who are building the future. In its people.”
