A new chapter in the development of Greece's space infrastructure has begun with the successful launch of the Hyperion GR-1 microsatellite, the first Greek optical microsatellite developed under the National Microsatellite Program. The satellite was placed into orbit around Earth on Tuesday, July 7, following its launch aboard a SpaceX rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This milestone gives Greece, for the first time, its own national optical Earth observation capabilities.

The launch marks the beginning of the operational deployment of a Greek constellation of seven optical microsatellites, all of which are being built in Greece by Open Cosmos Aegean. The initiative is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the Greek public sector's capabilities in areas such as civil protection, environmental monitoring, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Open Cosmos Aegean is implementing a critical part of the National Microsatellite Program, manufacturing 7 cutting-edge satellites (out of a total of 13 in the national program) in Greece, in state-of-the-art facilities in Pallini, which include 300 m² clean rooms and capabilities for comprehensive satellite design, assembly, integration, testing and operation. In addition, Open Cosmos Aegean has undertaken the construction and operation in Greece of a satellite ground station to provide telemetry, remote control and data transfer services for the entire constellation.

Hyperion GR-1 is equipped to capture high-resolution multispectral imagery with a ground sampling distance of up to 90 centimeters, enabling the systematic observation and monitoring of changes in both natural and built environments. The satellite also incorporates artificial intelligence (AI)-powered onboard data processing and inter-satellite communication links (ISLs), allowing for faster processing and transmission of critical information to ground stations. The data collected by the microsatellite will be integrated into Greece's Government Earth Observation Hub, which is being developed as the country's central digital platform for managing and exploiting satellite-derived information across the public administration.

With the launch of Hyperion GR-1, Greece now has a total of 18 microsatellites in orbit, as part of its broader strategy to develop national space infrastructure

According to the plans of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the system's applications will range from the early detection of wildfires and floods to post-disaster damage assessment, as well as the protection of forests and water resources, precision agriculture and aquaculture, and maritime surveillance, including vessel tracking and the detection of marine pollution incidents. In addition, the satellite data is expected to support urban planning, the monitoring of major infrastructure projects, and the inspection of critical infrastructure, strengthening the government's ability to make informed decisions based on up-to-date geospatial information.

Hyperion GR-1 is the first of seven optical microsatellites being developed under Greece's National Microsatellite Program, which is funded through the "Greece 2.0" Recovery and Resilience Facility. The program is being implemented by the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts, with the support of the Hellenic Space Center (HSC) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The Hellenic Space Center (HSC) is Greece's national space agency, responsible for coordinating the country's space policy, supporting the development of its space sector, and representing Greece in international space activities. Established in 2018, the HSC works under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence and collaborates closely with the European Space Agency (ESA), of which Greece has been a member since 2005. The HSC plays a central role in planning and implementing Greece's national space strategy. Its responsibilities include promoting satellite technologies, supporting research and innovation, strengthening the domestic aerospace industry, and encouraging participation by Greek companies and universities in European space programs. The agency also helps expand the use of satellite data in public services, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, and urban planning.

Particular emphasis has also been placed on the involvement of the Greek aerospace industry in the development of Hyperion GR-1. According to the announcement, the satellite was built with the participation of Greek companies and engineers, helping to strengthen domestic expertise and laying the groundwork for the development of exportable space technologies and services.

The Greek government has already outlined the next phase of its space strategy through the HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 program, with a total budget of €350 million. The initiative aims to significantly expand the country's capabilities in the space sector over the coming years.

The Greek Space Tech Forum 2026 (GSTF26) is one of Greece's leading events dedicated to the rapidly growing space sector, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, researchers, investors, startups, and European institutions. Held in Athens on 7–8 July 2026, the forum focused on strengthening Greece's role in the European space economy and advancing national capabilities in satellite technologies, Earth observation, artificial intelligence, defence and dual-use applications, climate resilience, and commercial space innovation.

Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou stated that "the launch of Hyperion GR-1 marks a new era for our country. We are acquiring another powerful tool that will enable us to use satellite data for the benefit of our citizens: to protect our forests and maritime areas, support precision agriculture, map both regulated and unregulated development, and make faster decisions during times of crisis.” He added that the launch forms part of a broader national strategy, referring to the recent unveiling of the HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 program, with a €350 million budget, which builds on the National Microsatellite Program. "Our goal is for technology to make the state more effective, the country more resilient, and the everyday lives of citizens better," he concluded.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Read also:

“Greece’s presence in space is now a reality” – Five Greek satellites launched as part of “National Small Satellite Program”

Greece’s National Small Satellite Program: 15 Microsatellites for Climate and Environmental Protection

Greece Takes a Leap into Space: Adrian Golemis Becomes the First Greek to Join ESA Astronaut Training Program

The post Greece Gains National Earth Observation Capabilities for the First Time appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The new VisitGreece.gr, the official online portal for Greek tourism, officially launched on 1 July 2026, marking a new chapter in Greece's digital tourism promotion and communication. Presenting the new platform, Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni said it represents a new approach to showcasing Greece's tourism identity internationally and engaging with visitors through the possibilities of modern technology. The redesign of VisitGreece.gr is part of the "Digital Transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organisation" project, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

In her address, Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni stressed that Greece's natural and cultural heritage is now acquiring a new digital dimension, further highlighting the authenticity, quality and richness of the experiences the country has to offer.  She noted that Greek tourism is in a strong growth phase, with 2025 marking a third consecutive record year. Revenues rose by 10% compared with 2024, outpacing arrivals and reflecting an upgrade in travel quality. She also pointed to continued growth beyond the summer season, with the first four months of 2026 showing a 37% increase in tourism revenues year-on-year. "These figures give us reason for optimism, but not for complacency," she said, noting that the international environment is constantly evolving.

The Minister underlined the goal of turning strong performance into long-term value for local communities, businesses and workers, while boosting the competitiveness of Greek destinations through diversification and special-interest tourism. These efforts are supported by Recovery and Resilience Facility-funded projects, including investments in infrastructure, accessibility and skills. Referring to the Digital Transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, she stressed that it goes beyond a new website, aiming to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem connecting information, culture, technology and the visitor experience.

(Source: https://mintour.gov.gr/  )

The new “VisitGreece.gr”

As the Minister explained, the project is developed along three main pillars:

• The Digital Tourism Map, which through extensive recording, organisation and documentation of Greece’s tourism assets will serve as a tool for planning, promotion and the sustainable development of each destination.

• The Digital Repository and the Digital Interactive Tourism Museum. For the first time, a vast volume of the Greek National Tourism Organisation’s (GNTO) historical archive has been organised and digitised. A valuable part of the history of Greek tourism is now preserved and made accessible to citizens, researchers and future generations.

• The complete redesign of VisitGreece and the creation of a unified digital experience through the new website and the VisitGreece app.

The Minister also referred to the cooperation between the Greek government and ElevenLabs, one of the world’s leading companies in voice AI. Through the new VisitGreece platform, this technology is brought directly to the public, offering multilingual communication and a new personalised information experience. At the same time, it serves as a valuable tool for regions, municipalities, local communities and tourism businesses.

The new VisitGreece leverages Artificial Intelligence, enabling users to interact with digital assistants, receive personalised recommendations, organise their trips and access real-time information through a more natural and human-like communication experience.

Artificial intelligence is at the core of the new digital ecosystem, powering the AI Recommendation Chatbot and the Virtual Tourist Office. Operating through two complementary modes—Chat Mode for personalized trip planning and InfoDesk Mode for verified information on visas, ferry services, accessibility, and other travel essentials—the system provides visitors with reliable, official guidance throughout their journey. The redesigned mAI Greece application has also been fully integrated into the new Visit Greece app, creating a seamless digital experience.

Going beyond traditional text-based interaction, the AI assistant now supports natural voice conversations through speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies, developed in collaboration with ElevenLabs. Visitors can speak in their own language, ask questions naturally, and receive spoken responses, significantly improving accessibility and making trusted travel information more immediate and intuitive.

The new Visit Greece portal and app further enhance the visitor experience by offering a fully personalized digital companion. Users can plan itineraries with the AI Trip Planner, navigate using their device's GPS, and receive live updates on events and activities. Greece's cultural heritage is brought to life through the Visit Greece AR App, which enables visitors to explore 3D models and digital reconstructions of cultural assets and reliefs, both on-site and remotely. The experience is completed with Traveler Stories, an interactive platform that allows visitors to share their own travel memories and experiences through intelligent content creation tools.

The Digital Transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO)

This is the most comprehensive and sophisticated digital infrastructure programme ever undertaken in the history of Greece's public tourism sector, creating a unified, interoperable ecosystem of national scale. The project encompasses the simultaneous development of multiple interconnected digital solutions, including the new VisitGreece.gr portal, its companion mobile application, and AI-powered assistants—the AI Trip Planner and AI Chatbot—designed to deliver personalized visitor services.

The programme also integrates a Digital Geographic Map featuring 15,000 documented points of interest, alongside initiatives to preserve and showcase the historical archive of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) through a 3D Interactive Museum and the Visit Greece AR App. Supporting this innovative digital ecosystem is a robust backend infrastructure powered by advanced Big Data Analytics and digital management systems for local tourism businesses.

The history of Greek tourism is preserved through the platform by means of two interconnected tools: the Digital Repository and the Digital Interactive Tourism Museum. Thousands of historical assets from the archives of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO)—including iconic posters, photographs, publications, and films—have been digitized, catalogued, and preserved. This unique collection is now accessible to the public, while the 3D Digital Interactive Tourism Museum allows users to explore the evolution of the Greek tourism brand from the 1950s to the present day through an immersive virtual experience, accessible directly from their computer.

The history of tourism campaigns in Greece demonstrates the evolution of the country’s destination branding, as tourism itself has been transformed over the years searching for experience and authenticity in a digital globalized world 

With its long coastline, islands and warm climate, Greece is an ideal destination for summer sports. Visitors can enjoy activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, running and beach sports throughout the summer season from May to October across the mainland and the Greek islands.

Read also:

A journey to Greece’s tourism campaigns: from archaeology to sharing authentic experience and values

Memorandum of Understanding Between Greece and AI Company ElevenLabs for Digital Government

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Leading representatives of the political, business, and investment communities from Greece and abroad gathered in Athens on June 22 for the third consecutive year for the Growthfund Investor Summit 2026. Under the theme, "Navigating the New Geoeconomic Order: Greece as a Strategic Hub for Capital and Growth," the summit highlighted the opportunities emerging for Greece from the evolving global geoeconomic landscape. Discussions focused on the forces shaping the next chapter of growth for the Greek economy, spanning investments and strategic infrastructure, artificial intelligence, energy, innovation, and tourism.

Growthfund, the National Fund of Greece, is the asset manager of a major portfolio of state-owned enterprises (https://growthfund.gr/en/)

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis delivered the opening remarks, while Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas also spoke at the event. The summit concluded with an address by National Economy and Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis. Representatives of major international organisations and investment institutions also took part, including the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), along with executives from leading Greek and international corporate groups.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/en/  ,  https://www.naftemporiki.gr/english/ )

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis stated at the GFI Summit 2026, among others, that the Greek Innovation and Infrastructure Fund is now fully operational, with its first investment in digital infrastructure expected to be announced shortly. The Fund aims to mobilize more than €1 billion in investments over the next three years, while projects financed in the longer term are expected to reach €20 billion. He noted that the Fund, established under Law 5131/2024, forms part of a broader reform of Growthfund and its subsidiaries, supporting co-investments in strategic sectors and strengthening Greece’s development prospects. This is an instrument that has existed for years in most European countries but was missing from Greece. “Growthfund is no longer a vehicle serving the repayment of public debt; it is gradually being transformed into a major national development fund,” he said. Hatzidakis also highlighted the progress achieved by Growthfund and its subsidiaries in upgrading public services, improving the management of public assets, and accelerating investments in strategic infrastructure through the Strategic Contracts Unit.

Kostis Hatzidakis highlighted investors’ strong confidence in the Greek economy, noting that Foreign Direct Investment has exceeded €44 billion since 2019 and that Greece has recorded the highest increase in investment in the EU over the same period. He stressed that the country is increasingly attracting long-term capital and establishing itself as a stable and reliable investment destination.

He also announced the signing of the concession agreement for Kalamata International Airport with the consortium of Fraport, Delta Airport Investments, and PILEAS Holdings. The project is of particular importance for Messinia and the Peloponnese as a whole and is expected to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure and services, create jobs, and boost the local economy, while complementing the successful concession model already implemented at Greece’s 14 regional airports and soon to be extended to 22 smaller regional airports.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

Concession agreement for Kalamata International Airport

The panel “Scaling Up Greece’s Investments Pipeline” brought together Giannis Papachristou, CEO of Growthfund, Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of Europe at BC Partners, and Giovanni Callegari, Head of Economic Risk Analysis at the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). The discussion focused on investment opportunities emerging in Greece and Europe, the role of artificial intelligence, competitiveness challenges, and the conditions needed to create the next generation of business champions, against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and evolving global economic challenges.

Giannis Papachristou, CEO of Growthfund, highlighted Greece’s emergence as a pillar of stability and an increasingly important hub for energy, logistics, transportation, and digital infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean. He noted that the country’s EU membership, skilled workforce, and strategic location continue to strengthen its investment appeal, while estimating that an additional €15 billion in annual investment is needed to accelerate economic transformation.

Emphasizing Growthfund’s role in attracting capital, Papachristou said investors look for three key factors: credibility, speed, and a strong project pipeline. He pointed to strengthened corporate governance standards, including merit-based board appointments and performance-based management evaluation. He highlighted the contribution of Growthfund’s Strategic Contracts and Projects Unit, which has launched more than 850 tenders, awarded projects worth €2.5 billion, and built a pipeline approaching €10 billion. Papachristou also pointed to the successful listing of Athens International Airport and the improved performance of Growthfund’s portfolio companies, with eight out of ten now profitable. Looking ahead, he said Growthfund is shifting its focus from successful divestments to strategic investments in sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure. He also highlighted the Invest10 initiative, developed with McKinsey, which identified 30 mature investment opportunities from an initial review of around 100 sectors. The next step is to select ten fully investable projects to be presented to the international investment community.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/ )

A Memorandum of Understanding between Growthfund and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) was signed as part of Growthfund’s conference. Giannis Papachristou said that Greece has all the conditions to significantly strengthen its position in the global meetings and exhibitions industry. He highlighted the country’s strong brand, strategic geographic location, highly skilled workforce, and rich tourism experience, as well as a unique cultural legacy spanning more than 40 centuries.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, described the Pharos AI Factory as a tool capable of creating real value, speaking at Growthfund’s Investor Summit 2026. He noted that the initiative will serve as an open hub for artificial intelligence in Greece. “We are not simply building a supercomputer. We are building the country’s capacity to develop, test, and deploy AI solutions with a Greek footprint and in line with European standards,” he said, outlining the structure of the Pharos AI Factory, which is being developed in Lavrio around Greece’s first national supercomputer, Daedalus. Papastergiou added that “Daedalus is only the beginning,” emphasizing that the ecosystem of training, access, and expertise being built around these infrastructures will be expanded through new facilities currently being developed by GRNET in Kozani. “Artificial intelligence requires talent, and Greece has an abundance of it. It also requires data, which is why we recently made available 22,000 open, high-quality datasets through data.gov.gr, as well as the necessary infrastructure,” said Papastergiou, emphasizing the importance of AI for productivity, competitiveness, and the country’s long-term development prospects.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Christos Dimas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, speaking at the Growthfund Investor Summit 2026, emphasized that strengthening supply chain resilience, facilitating international trade, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and safeguarding the free and secure movement of people and goods are key priorities for Greece. Describing Greece as a “bridge of stability connecting Europe, the Balkans, the Black Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East,” Dimas highlighted recent efforts to advance regional connectivity. He noted that, during a meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania reaffirmed their commitment to completing the Black Sea–Aegean axis as part of the Baltic–Black Sea–Aegean (BBA) Corridor. He also said he held discussions with representatives from the Western Balkans, Moldova, Ukraine, as well as investors and financial institutions, on accelerating the infrastructure projects needed to ensure the smooth and profitable operation of the Western Balkans–Eastern Mediterranean corridor.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance, announced the renaming of Growthfund to the National Development Fund, describing it as both a symbolic and substantive reflection of Greece’s transformation beyond the crisis years. He said the organization’s mission is now to convert public assets into productive capital, mobilize investment, and support long-term economic growth. “The time is now,” Pierrakakis stressed, calling on Greece to invest, accelerate reforms, and seize new development opportunities.

Pierrakakis said Growthfund’s transformation marks a shift from crisis management to a strategic development role, acting as a catalyst for investment and long-term growth. He noted that Growthfund currently manages assets worth approximately €12.3 billion, with a portfolio of 23 subsidiaries and holdings, operations across 11 strategic sectors of the economy, and more than 25,000 employees within its companies. These assets span critical national infrastructure in energy, transport, logistics, real estate, and networks. Growthfund provides the institutional framework needed to align investments, infrastructure, productivity, and public administration reforms into a coherent engine for long-term economic growth.

Pierrakakis said this is precisely Growthfund’s strategic role: to mobilize capital, mature projects, and accelerate investment in key sectors of the economy. He highlighted the Invest10 initiative, developed jointly by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, Growthfund, and McKinsey, which identifies priority sectors on both emerging industries—such as semiconductors, data centers, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and high-tech startups—and established strengths, including infrastructure, energy, logistics, agrifood, medical tourism, and the “silver economy.” He also stressed that competitiveness depends on concrete factors such as energy costs, financing access, licensing speed, logistics efficiency, and productivity, with Growthfund positioned at the center of these dynamics as Europe advances integration in capital markets, energy, and infrastructure.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

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Greece continues to make significant progress in its digital transformation, as reflected in two leading international assessments by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission. The latest reports confirm improvements in public digital services, the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and the country’s steady progress toward achieving the objectives of the Digital Decade 2030.

OECD (2026), Digital Government Outlook. According to the OECD’s Digital Government Outlook 2026 report, Greece ranks among the countries demonstrating strong performance in the digital transformation of public administration, achieving an overall score of 0.71, compared with the OECD average of 0.70. Greece’s performance surpasses that of several advanced economies.

Greece also outperforms the OECD average across four key indicators:

User-Driven: 0.77 vs. 0.71

Government as a Platform: 0.75 vs. 0.71

Proactiveness: 0.70 vs. 0.67

Open by Default: 0.63 vs. 0.59

The report highlights several flagship initiatives, including the Interoperability Center of the Ministry of Digital Governance, gov.gr with more than 2,250 digital services, the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hellenic Cadastre, the digital assistant mAigov, and the new national open data portal data.gov.gr. These initiatives underscore Greece’s commitment to modernizing public administration, improving service delivery, and fostering greater transparency and accessibility through digital technologies.

European Commission’s Digital Decade 2026 Report

According to the European Commission’s Digital Decade 2026 Report, Greece continues to consistently implement its national strategy for the digital transformation of public administration and is steadily converging with the broader European Union digital agenda. The country addressed 83% of the European Commission’s recommendations, maintaining its steady progress toward achieving the Digital Decade targets throughout 2025. Public digital services for citizens reached 79.4% in 2025, while digital services for businesses rose to 86%, exceeding national projections of 76.2% and 84.4%, respectively.

Particularly strong performance is evident in digital infrastructure. 5G network coverage now reaches 99.5% of the population, effectively approaching the national target of 100% by 2030 and significantly surpassing the 2025 projected milestone of 90%. Similarly, coverage in rural and island areas has reached 99%, making a substantial contribution to reducing geographical disparities in digital connectivity. At the same time, Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) and Very High Capacity Networks (VHCN) are expanding at an annual growth rate of 29.7%, more than five times the European average. From virtually zero coverage in 2019, Greece has increased FTTP and VHCN coverage to 59.8%, exceeding the projected 2025 benchmark of 51% and reaffirming its steady trajectory toward universal coverage by 2030.

The European Commission’s report also highlights Greece’s strengthened geostrategic role as a digital hub for Southeastern Europe, driven by investments in submarine cable systems, international telecommunications infrastructure, and data centers. At the same time, the implementation of the country’s national data governance policy and the new National Cybersecurity Strategy are enhancing the resilience, reliability, and security of Greece’s digital infrastructure. The report further underscores Greece’s growing presence in advanced technologies. Key initiatives include the establishment of the “Pharos” AI Factory, one of the first seven AI Factories in the European Union, Greece’s participation in European initiatives for quantum infrastructure, and the creation of the Hellenic Microchip Competence Centre, aimed at strengthening expertise and innovation in semiconductor technologies.

The “Pharos” AI Factory

The Hellenic Microchip Competence Centre

(Source: 2026 digital decade eHealth indicator study. Annex : country factsheets )

Digital health

The country’s progress is also evident in the field of digital health. According to the eHealth Indicator Study 2026 by Capgemini Invent, Greece recorded one of the largest annual improvements in Europe, with its composite digital health index increasing by 20 percentage points in a single year to reach 94%, compared with an EU average of 87%. With this performance, Greece ranks among the leading EU member states in digital health.

The progress reflected in international assessments is accompanied by areas where Greece is expected to accelerate its efforts further. The Digital Decade 2026 Report identifies the strengthening of digital skills as a key challenge for the coming years. Currently, 51% of citizens aged 16–74 possess at least basic digital skills, compared with 60.4% across the European Union. The report also highlights the need to further expand the pool of professionals in information and communication technologies (ICT) and to accelerate the digital transformation of businesses. At the same time, the report acknowledges that Greece is advancing at a faster pace than the European average in several critical areas, including fiber-optic deployment, public digital services, electronic identification (eID), access to electronic health records, and the adoption of advanced digital technologies. These achievements confirm that Greece is steadily converging with the European Union’s digital standards and objectives.

Observed Key Performance Indicators as Percentage of the EU 2030 targets. The graphs represent the observed Key Performance Indicators in Greece as a percentage of the EU 2030 targets.  (Source: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/factpages/greeces-2026-digital-decade-country-report )

(Source:https://www.amna.gr/mobile/article/1002163/Diethnis-anagnorisi-gia-ton-psifiako-metaschimatismo-tis-Elladas-,  https://www.mindigital.gr/ ) 

Read also:

Speech by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the “AI Impact Summit”, at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition Centre, New Delhi, 19.2.2026

Memorandum of Understanding Between Greece and AI Company ElevenLabs for Digital Government

Greece’s “Pharos”: A landmark proposal for Europe’s AI Factory Initiative and for the creation of a Greek Large Language Model

DAEDALUS Supercomputer Enters Final Implementation Phase

The post Greece’s Digital Transformation Receives International Acclaim appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski at the Maximos Mansion and subsequently attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Greek Government and the company, in the presence on behalf of the government, of the Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou and the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni. ElevenLabs is among the global pioneers in the development of artificial intelligence in the field of voice technology. (Cover photo: https://www.ertnews.gr/)

During the meeting, they discussed the main areas of cooperation, with a focus on the use of ElevenLabs technology on the Gov.gr portal, in tourism, and in the preservation of Greece’s local dialects and idioms.

• As for Gov.gr, the goal is to enhance digitized services with voice-activated features, particularly those services that are widely used by citizens, thereby facilitating equal access and service for all users. In a second phase, the possibility of a voice interface will be explored, which will allow users to give voice commands or ask questions verbally.
• As for tourism, ElevenLabs’ technology is expected to be integrated into the VisitGreece portal, to help provide information and guided tours to visitors at museums and archaeological sites, and to help promote lesser-known destinations.
• With regard to preserving our country’s linguistic diversity, a pilot digital library of local accents and dialects will be created in collaboration with the Athena Research Center and the Institute of Language and Speech Processing. In the first phase, the natural speech of speakers of distinct dialects will be recorded to serve as the basis for creating a digital voice.

During the discussion, views were also exchanged on the potential use of voice models in civil protection, an area in which Greece already has the tried-and-tested early warning system “112”, as well as on how to better connect ancient Greek philosophy with the modern public.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized, “We are implementing one of the most ambitious digital transformation strategies of any European country. We provide more than 2,200 digital services to our citizens. But of course, we used to think of Gov.gr as a screen interface where people would type in whatever their requests were, but of course AI is opening up completely new opportunities to interact with the state in a completely conversational, multilingual, voice-enabled and at the end of the day much more intuitive manner.”

Prime Minister added, “I’m also very happy that we’re extending this partnership beyond government services. In tourism, and we’ve discussed this frequently with the Minister, these technologies can vastly help people experience what Greece has to offer in entirely new ways and making our history, our culture, our destinations available in every language.” “And I’m also fascinated by the third aspect of this partnership, which relates to the preservation of our very rich linguistic heritage of various dialects that are still spoken in Greece. Unfortunately, some of them we risk losing, and the ability of AI to capture this linguistic wealth and to keep it alive for future generations is truly fascinating.”

Mati Staniszewski highlighted Greece’s role within the ElevenLabs ecosystem, noting “I’m very excited about the MOU and, as you said, the three pillars of bringing it to the digital services across 2,200 parts of the government and across amplifying tourism and preserving the languages. Greece has been a big part of ElevenLabs from the beginning. We have a Greek leading our research engineering, we have a Greek leading our deployment efforts, and some of the earliest enterprise customers were from Greece. So even more excited for what Greece is doing and having a pleasure to be a part of the voice layer of that ambition.”

According to Minister Papastergiou, the partnership will focus on digital voice services for the public sector, “Pharos” — Greece’s AI Factory for culture, language, health, and environmental sustainability — and the digital mAiGreece platform, developed by the Ministries of Tourism and Digital Governance to support visitors to the country.

(Source: https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/05/28/38599, https://www.ertnews.gr/   )

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ remarks during his conversation with the Chief Executive Officer of ElevenLabs Mati Staniszewski, in the context of the “Panathēnea 2026” festival

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in a conversation with the Chief Executive Officer of ElevenLabs Mati Staniszewski, in the context of the “Panathēnea 2026” festival, held at the Zappeion Megaron. In his opening remarks, referring to the memorandum of understanding signed between the Greek government and Eleven Labs, the Prime Minister noted, among others:

“What we did today was to expand the partnerships that we established with leading AI companies to improve public services. The idea is very simple. We take one of the leading, if not the leading, voice AI chatbot companies in the world, and we try to integrate their technologies in delivering public services through our Gov.gr site. So instead of typing your request, you just talk to the site, and hopefully you will get meaningful responses and engage in constructive conversations”.

When asked about his personal ambition to transform Greece from a laggard into a leader in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated, among others, “We made the digital transformation of the state our number one priority, and I think we have been able to leapfrog many European countries in terms of delivering a very convenient and user-friendly interface with the government through our Gov.gr site”… “We have a strategy. We have a Ministry in charge of Artificial Intelligence. We have a data policy, which is absolutely critical when it comes to leveraging open data. We have an open data policy. You can go on our Gov.gr site and look at the number of open data datasets that we have made available only over the past two weeks. This is an incredible treasure for many of the companies that may be joining us today who are looking for well-curated, high-quality data to develop their own models”.

When asked about Greece’s priorities in the field of artificial intelligence, the Prime Minister noted, among others, “I would highlight three areas. First of all, be a leading country in terms of using AI smartly and responsibly to provide public services, develop a sovereign AI infrastructure that leverages the interest to invest in the country, whether it means our new supercomputer, which is in the process of being built in Lavrio, “Daedalus”, or even encouraging big data gigafactories such as a project which is launched by the Public Power Corporation in Western Macedonia. So, we want to be part of the sovereign European infrastructure space, and I think we have enough investment opportunities and a well-thought-out strategy to generate interest for these types of investments.”

Read the full article here: https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/05/28/38608

Read also: DAEDALUS Supercomputer Enters Final Implementation Phase

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DAEDALUS, the computing core of the AI Factory Pharos, is the new supercomputer expected to transform Greece’s research and innovation landscape. It is now entering the final phase of its implementation: the entire system has already been assembled at HPE’s factory in the Czech Republic and is undergoing full technical inspection before being transferred to its final installation site at the Lavrion Technological and Cultural Park of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) (cover photo: Preparation of the Lavrion facilities).

The first photographs of the new DAEDALUS supercomputer have already been released, generating waves of anticipation among those awaiting the start of its operation at the Lavrion facilities. As shown in the photographic material, the facilities are currently being prepared to host it later this summer. This is a highly complex construction consisting of specialized cabinets with direct liquid cooling and high power specifications, integrating more than 2,000 powerful NVIDIA Grace Hopper (GH200) superchips, specifically designed for large-scale artificial intelligence applications. At HPE’s laboratories, extensive operational testing of the individual units and their interaction as a unified system is currently underway, ensuring that before its transfer and installation in Lavrion, its stability and performance under real workload conditions have been fully validated.

Based on measurements already carried out, DAEDALUS is expected to reach a computing power exceeding 89 quadrillion arithmetic operations per second (89 × 10¹⁵ FLOPS in double precision). Compared to home computers and typical professional systems, this corresponds to performance levels millions of times faster, enabling it to solve computational problems in hours or days that would require weeks or months on conventional machines. The installation of DAEDALUS in Greece marks the first time such a powerful system is hosted in the country and is expected to position the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and Lavrion among Europe’s leading computational infrastructures, serving as a regional hub in Southeastern Europe.

The Greek Artificial Intelligence “Factory” PHAROS is becoming a regional AI hub in Southeastern Europe, as it will be connected with four AI Factory Antennas in Cyprus, Malta, North Macedonia, and Serbia (Source: www.ekt.gr/en )

Pharos, the Greek AI Factory

The Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, speaking to the Athens–Macedonian News Agency, stressed that “DAEDALUS is not just another technical project. It is a strategic investment of national importance that places our country at the core of Europe’s computing and technological power. At a time when Artificial Intelligence and data determine economic and geopolitical influence, Greece cannot remain merely a consumer of technology. DAEDALUS gives us the ability to produce knowledge, innovation, and high value-added applications here, in our own country”.

The Minister of Digital Governance continued: “As the computing core of the AI Factory Pharos, it will provide startups, universities, and public institutions with access to advanced infrastructure that until now was the privilege of only a few countries. From healthcare and sustainable development to the Greek language and culture, we are creating the conditions for Greece to shape developments — not merely follow them. With DAEDALUS, we are building a new pillar of digital sovereignty. We are putting into practice our choice for an economy of knowledge, technology, and extroversion, with a meaningful and active role in the European Artificial Intelligence ecosystem.”

The organization and operation of the system are not limited to the “machine” itself. It constitutes an integrated infrastructure in which the supercomputer will serve as the core of Pharos, an AI Factory that will provide the service layer: access rules, support, tools, data management, and human expertise. Pharos aims to make supercomputing power accessible to research centers, universities, startups, and the public sector by offering services and technical assistance so users can leverage high-performance computing safely, compliantly, and efficiently. Technical matters such as sensitive data management, anonymization, preparation of AI-ready datasets, and the implementation of proper access policies will be handled through the Pharos service ecosystem, reducing barriers for businesses and researchers.

The practical significance of the infrastructure is immediate and multi-layered. For Greek startups and SMEs, DAEDALUS and Pharos mean access to computing power and technical support that until now were available only through costly commercial cloud services or with significant delays when accessing international centers. This can reduce development costs and accelerate AI model training and optimization cycles, enabling a faster transition from proof-of-concept to functional prototypes and pilot applications in sectors such as healthcare, public services, energy, and the environment. Universities and research institutions gain access to infrastructure for complex simulations and large-scale experiments, reducing the need to send workloads to foreign platforms and strengthening opportunities for collaboration with industry.

In the healthcare sector, for example, a Greek startup will be able to rapidly train large models that prioritize images from emergency cases—such as X-rays or CT scans—and integrate anonymization and secure data management tools in order to test and validate clinical applications much faster than has been practically feasible until now. In the public sector, access to computing power at a national scale opens up possibilities for improved data analysis, faster crisis response, optimization of energy grids, and applications for environmental protection and natural resource management.

PHAROS AI Factory, Greece’s national ecosystem for accelerating Artificial Intelligence innovation, participated in Athens Digital Health Week 2026, held on 16-20 February 2026 in Athens

The installation and full operation process follows a specific timeline: DAEDALUS will be installed in Lavrion in the summer of 2026, while full operation and the provision of services to the country’s innovation ecosystem through Pharos are expected in the autumn of 2026. The project is being implemented under the auspices of the National Infrastructures for Research and Technology Network (EDYTE S.A. – GRNET), with scientific and administrative oversight from leading figures in the field, including distinguished professors and representatives in European programs such as EuroHPC, as well as from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). The close collaboration among academic, technical, and administrative bodies, along with the involvement of EU funding instruments and the Greek public administration, aims to ensure that the investment will generate multiplier benefits for the economy and research.

(Source: www.amna.gr : “DAEDALUS – “Building” the Heart of Pharos: From Assembly to Installation in Summer 2026”, Photos: Ministry of Digital Governance)

DAEDALUS supercomputer of GRNET at the Lavrion Technological Cultural Park of the NTUA (animation)

Read also:

Daedalus Supercomputer to elevate Greek research to new heights

Greece’s “Pharos”: A landmark proposal for Europe’s AI Factory Initiative and for the creation of a Greek Large Language Model

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The strategic principles and key priorities of the Greek government’s cultural policy were presented by Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, speaking at the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard University. The fundamental principles of preserving, protecting, and promoting Greece’s heritage, as well as its contemporary artistic creation, along with recognising and highlighting culture as a national developmental asset and a cornerstone of the country’s intellectual, economic, and social revitalisation, progress, and prosperity, were thoroughly outlined by Mendoni in her address to a large audience attending her lecture. (Cover photo: Hellenic Heritage: the official Gateway to museums and cultural sites, offering guides, tickets, stories, curated experiences, and more)

Lina Mendoni noted that “our heritage must be protected, but not frozen in time. Museums, monuments, and archaeological sites are living parts of society, connected to communities, attracting visitors, and generating cultural, educational, and economic activity. When integrated into everyday life, heritage thrives, creating stronger incentives for its protection and greater social impact.” Regarding cultural heritage and contemporary creation, a key parameter, she added, is that they contribute to economic development, generate income and jobs, attract investment, and strengthen tourism, with which they are closely linked.“ Monuments and museums are not spaces of consumption. They are landmarks embedded in collective memory and identity. They unite generations, foster pride and social cohesion, and project the image of a place beyond national borders,” she emphasised.

(Source: Ministry of Culture, Athens-Macedonian News Agency)

The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni in her speech at the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard University (Source: Ministry of Culture). Greece’s cultural policy includes main initiatives such as the Cultural Charter for all regions, major restoration and digital transformation projects, expanded cultural tourism, new digital platforms, and strengthened efforts against illegal antiquities trafficking and for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures.

“Cultural Charter of Development and Prosperity” for the 13 Regions of Greece: Vision for Growth and Prosperity

Since 2019, the Greek government has pursued a major shift in cultural management so that Culture serves both its social and developmental role. “The past six years,” the Minister of Culture noted, “we have worked systematically toward implementing a new, flexible, and dynamic model, redefining both the goals and the methods. This approach is grounded in scientific knowledge, data analysis, coherent planning, and realistic programming. It aims for multiplier effects and economies of scale, strengthening innovation, improving effectiveness, and ensuring the efficient use of funding and resources”.

Hellenic Heritage is the new official platform of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and ODAP (Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development) – a contemporary hub that brings the essence of Greek culture. Available from September 5, 2025, hh.gr serves as the official guide to more than 350 archaeological sites, monuments and museums. Designed from the visitor’s perspective, it offers essential information, integrates all Hellenic Heritage services—Tickets, Experiences and Shop—and supports future digital innovations. With a strong focus on accessibility and inclusivity, hh.gr uses advanced storytelling tools to bring history to life. This launch marks a major milestone in ODAP’s digital strategy, blending tradition with modern technology.

A key initiative is the “Cultural Charter of Development and Prosperity”, designed for all 13 Regions of Greece with a planning horizon to 2030. The Charter serves as an active roadmap tailored to each region and includes major infrastructure projects, cultural funding schemes, and institutional reforms. It places equal emphasis on safeguarding Greece’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage—from ancient monuments and historic sites to modern art and living traditions—and on supporting the cultural expressions that shape Greece’s identity today.

The Charter seeks to transform culture into a strategic asset for recovery, sustainable development and social cohesion—not only in major cities but across every region of the country. It reflects a broader global and European shift toward viewing culture and creativity as engines of innovation, economic vitality and community resilience. By combining infrastructure, regulatory modernization, digital innovation, and active support for contemporary creation, the Charter builds a strong, future-oriented cultural ecosystem that delivers long-term value for Greece and its citizens.

 “The strengthening of cultural tourism is a key objective of the Ministry of Culture and Sports for the Region of Thessaly, as the area is an emerging tourist destination,” emphasized the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, during the presentation of the Thessaly Development Program, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Larissa, in February, 2023 (Photo above: From the Prime Minister’s visit to the Ancient Theater of Larissa). The Ministry of Culture, in close collaboration with the Region of Thessaly, is implementing a coherent plan of projects worth 100 million euros, using EU funds and national resourcesand focusing on the protection and restoration of monuments and archaeological sites, as well as the creation of modern museum and cultural infrastructure. Key cultural initiatives include strategic plans to integrate major archaeological sites, such as ancient Demetrias and Byzantine Anchialos, into urban areas. The Ministry created visitable underwater sites in Alonnisos and Western Pagasetic Gulf, including the renowned Peristera shipwreck, recently listed among National Geographic’s top 50 diving destinations. Projects also include: the Diachronic Museum in Trikala; the Integrated Management Plan for Meteora, balancing tourism and monastic life; the restoration of theaters in Phthiotic Thebes, Larissa, and Demetrias; cultural routes through Pelion and Skiathos; and improved access to Theopetra Cave and the Neolithic settlement at Dimini, strengthening Thessaly’s cultural tourism (Source: Ministry of Culture)

A core element of the Charter is its recognition of culture as a lever for regional development, cultural tourism, and job creation. By embedding culture into local and regional economies, the plan aims to strengthen cultural and creative industries, boost visitor flows, generate employment across related sectors, and address long-standing regional inequalities. It also places strong focus on inclusion and equal access, ensuring that cultural infrastructure, services, and experiences are accessible to people with disabilities and responsive to the needs of both urban and rural communities.

Using EU funds (NSRF, RRF) and national resources, the Ministry is carrying out the largest cultural investment program in Greece’s history: over 850 projects with a total budget exceeding €1.3 billion. Completed and ongoing works include the restoration of monuments, conservation of heritage, museum upgrades - since 2019, 28 new or fully restored museums have already opened to the public, with another 28 planned for completion by 2028 - and construction of new cultural infrastructures. These projects support local economies, strengthen social cohesion, promote balanced regional development, and provide thousands of jobs.

In September, 2025, the Ministry of Culture delivered fully restored Christian monuments in the town of Veria: the historic Churches of Saint Anna (upper photos, Guided tour of Minister, LIna Mendoni) and Christ Pantocrator (lower photo). In Imathia (Region of Central Macedonia), from 2019 to today, the Ministry of Culture has completed and is implementing cultural projects amounting to more than 25 million euros, within the framework of its integrated planning. Among other initiatives, these include the Polycentric Museum of Aigai, the restored Palace of Philip II at Aigai, the Virtual Museum ‘Alexander the Great: From Aigai to the Oikoumene,’ the outdoor permanent exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Veria, the exhibition of the Treasury Hall at the Holy Monastery of Dovra, the conservation and showcasing of the Byzantine Acropolis of Veria, and the conservation and restoration of Christian and Ottoman monuments, also in Veria (Source: Ministry of Culture)

The Virtual Museum “Alexander the Great: From Aigai to the Oikoumene”

Digital innovation in the service of Culture

Digital transformation is another cornerstone of the Charter, modernizing how cultural resources are managed, documented, and presented to the public. Lina Mendoni highlighted the Ministry of Culture’s investment in digital technologies and tools to enhance the management of Greece’s cultural heritage. The Ministry has implemented large-scale projects through the “National Archive of Monuments”, using virtual and augmented reality, collaborations with tech companies like Microsoft and Google, and a strategy to integrate Artificial Intelligence. Key goals include accelerating digitization, improving conservation, preventing illicit trafficking, providing personalized cultural experiences, supporting research with big data, and ensuring ethical standards for transparency and data protection.

The Portal of Digital Collections of Movable Monuments of the Ministry of Culture(National Archive of Monuments) includes objects – movable monuments that primarily originate from the collections of the Museums of the Ministry of Culture and the broader Public Sector. The portal is being gradually updated and provides access to approximately 680,000 registered entries through the Integrated Information System (IIS) of the Ministry of Culture.

The Archaeological Cadastre, also available online, records and documents Greece's immovable monuments, archaeological sites, historical sites, and their protection zones. Today, the Archaeological Cadastre Portal contains descriptive (archaeological, and administrative) and geospatial data for more than 21,500 monuments, approximately 3,400 archaeological sites and historical sites, 844 protection zones and 220 museums.

A huge nationwide digital transformation —more than 27.3 million euros investment — has modernised 107 museums and archaeological sites aiming to more inclusive access, better management, enriched visitor experience, and bridging heritage with digital modernity. This includes unified ticketing & access-control, a “Hellenic Heritage Web App”, digital signage, QR codes, interactive tours in multiple languages (including Greek Sign Language), and AR/VR experiences at flagship sites (e.g. Sounion, Delos, Ancient Agora of Athens, Ancient Olympia, Rotunda of Thessaloniki).

The past comes alive before your eyes!  We tried the innovative #AugmentedReality (AR) application on hh.gr — and the result? Absolutely enchanting! At the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, AR technology transported us back in time, recreating the site in its original grandeur. An immersive experience that blends history, technology and emotion. (Source: ODAP,  Hellenic Heritage, the official Gateway to museums and cultural sites)

A special mention was also made of the Ministry of Culture’s program for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the former royal estate at Tatoi. Beyond the built environment, the extensive landscaping will transform the site into accessible green spaces for recreation and outdoor activities, promoting sustainable tourism and social engagement. The project preserves the estate’s historical significance while creating a modern destination that integrates culture, nature, and leisure.

The Tatoi Collections  of the former Royal Estate, was recently registered online. It is the largest collection of its kind in Greece, dedicated to fine and applied arts and to Greek history, comprised of more than 70.000 objects that were recorded and documented by the Ministry of Culture at the former royal estate of Tatoi.

Cultural routes

In 2025, Greece launched a major national initiative to create a network of thematic cultural-heritage routes across the country, supported by approximately €50 million in EU Recovery and Resilience funding. This ambitious plan aims to highlight the depth and diversity of Greek history by organizing cultural destinations into coherent, story-driven itineraries that connect different regions and historical periods. The overarching goal of the project is to create meaningful connections between archaeological sites, monuments and local communities, turning them into unified cultural experiences. These cultural-heritage routes aim to offer visitors deeper, more immersive journeys through Greece’s layered past, while generating long-term benefits for the regions they traverse.

 “Monumental Works of Cyclopes and Men”

Five thematic routes have already been defined, each representing a distinct era and cultural narrative—from the Mycenaean world to Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. These include themes such as “Monumental Works of Cyclopes and Men”, showcasing Mycenaean engineering and civilization; “In the Footsteps of Apostle Paul”, following sites linked to early Christianity; the “Cultural Egnatia Road”, tracing the ancient artery that shaped trade and connectivity across the Balkans; and the “Castle Network: From Byzantium to Ottoman Rule”, highlighting fortifications that tell the story of shifting empires and cultural influences. (Source: Ministry of Culture)

 “In the Footsteps of Apostle Paul”

The protection of Greek cultural heritage from illegal trafficking

Mendoni, speaking at Harvard University, also stressed the ministry’s strategic objective: the protection of Greek cultural heritage from illegal trafficking, which is not merely a form of criminal activity but a complex phenomenon linked to organised crime, resulting in the loss, fragmentation, and often irreversible destruction of the historical and cultural memory of nations. The ministry’s strategy focuses on prevention, international cooperation, and the systematic repatriation of antiquities from foreign museums and private collections.

Gallery of the Acropolis Museum in Athens © Acropolis Museum

“This commitment applies even more strongly to Greece’s long-standing request for the return and reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, which have been kept at the British Museum for more than 200 years. The Greek request for the Sculptures began even before the modern Greek state was officially founded. Over the last six years, however, the landscape has changed significantly. Globally, governments, museums, and civil society increasingly recognise the need to correct historical injustices in the handling of cultural heritage. Our pressure on the UK government and the British Museum’s administration is steadily increasing,” she stressed.

(Source: Ministry of Culture, Athens-Macedonian News Agency)

I.A.

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Greece is set to join in the elite club of 15 European countries that host their own high-performance computers. By the end of 2025, a cutting-edge supercomputer named Daedalus, is set to be operational and installed at the Lavrio Technological Cultural Park. With this development, Greece will not only significantly boost its technological infrastructure and research capacities, but it will also be positioned as a significant player in Europe’s digital landscape.

Daedalus will be the most powerful supercomputer in Greece and one of the top 30 globally, with its potential entry into the prestigious TOP500 and GREEN500 lists. The project is spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Governance as part of its Digital Transformation Plan 2020-2025, and is managed by the National Technology and Research Infrastructure Network (EDYTE S.A. – GRNET). GRNET, an arm of the Ministry of Digital Governance, has a proven track record with ARIS, Greece's current supercomputer, which has significantly supported national research efforts.

The new system’s performance will exceed 60 Petaflops, enabling it to conduct over sixty million billion floating-point operations per second. This computational prowess marks a quantum leap from ARIS, making Daedalus approximately 120 times more powerful. The implication of such power is profound, equating to the computational might of more than a million computers working simultaneously.

The total investment for Daedalus, including the infrastructural modifications of its host building, is valued at approximately €50 million. The funding comprises resources from Greece’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0,” supported by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU initiative, alongside contributions from the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU).

This initiative underlines the government's strategy to enhance Greece’s public digital infrastructure, which forms part of its broader Digital Transformation Plan for 2020-2025. The project’s completion is expected to strengthen Greece’s technological ecosystem, positioning the country as a significant player in Europe’s digital landscape.

One of Daedalus’s core objectives is to support an array of complex research activities. The supercomputer’s hybrid architecture, combining high-density CPUs and accelerator units, is optimized for diverse applications spanning artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics. Its capabilities will facilitate advancements in natural language requests, personalized medicine, spatial planning, fire protection and disaster response as well as smart mobility and autonomous vehicle technology.

For scientists in computational fields such as chemistry, physics, and biology, the supercomputer offers unprecedented resources to expedite research cycles, simulate complex phenomena, and conduct large-scale experiments previously constrained by limited computational power.

Research and Development Opportunities

The implications of Daedalus extend beyond national borders. With a system of such magnitude, Greece is set to become a hub for international research.  Deadalus’s power of 60 Petaflots, means that it will be able to perform infinite (60 million billion) calculations per second, while a human can perform one to two operations (per second). President of GRNET, Nektarios Kozyris, noted that without such powerful supercomputers, many scientific computations would take millennia or be impossible due to resource limitations. With Daedalus, simulations that used to take weeks or months can be completed in days, dramatically accelerating research timelines and enhancing the reliability of findings.

At present, supercomputers exist in 15 countries in Europe, with the Greek supercomputer, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, estimated to be among the 500 most powerful corresponding infrastructures in the world. Research centers, universities and companies inside and outside Greece will be able to “run” their experiments on the Greek supercomputer.

That is, researchers and scientists in fields such as computational chemistry, physics, biology, biomedicine, meteorology and seismology will have the opportunity to carry out their tests on the "Daedalus", which will allow Greece to strengthen its position on the global map of scientific research.

The installation of Daedalus marks a significant step forward for Greece’s digital strategy. By hosting one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers, the nation is poised to enhance its competitive edge in scientific research and technological development. This strategic initiative sets the stage for Greece to emerge as a leader in high-performance computing, securing its place in the rapidly evolving landscape of global technology.

Environmentally Conscious Design

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Daedalus project. The Lavrio Technological Cultural Park, with its rich industrial heritage, has been chosen as the installation site to foster an environmentally responsible approach. The supercomputer facilities will use renewable energy systems and modern cooling technologies that leverage the local climate’s ambient temperatures and humidity, significantly reducing operational energy consumption by up to 50%.

This "green" approach aligns with broader European goals of reducing carbon footprints and promoting energy-efficient infrastructure. The innovative cooling solutions integrated into the design are expected to set a benchmark for future HPC (high-performance computing) facilities worldwide.

A new technological hub in the area of Lavrio

The installation of Daedalus at the Lavrio Technological Cultural Park is to contribute to the creation of a new technological hub in the area of Lavrio, with additional benefits. Specifically, it is estimated that it will be able to become a pole of attraction for important scientific conferences and other events, tourist inflows of researchers and technology enthusiasts. Also, according to the Ministry of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou, the greatest economic benefit may be the one that will arise in the form of investments, with the valuable resources of Daedalus being exploited for research and development, optimization of production processes, analysis and processing of big data, and other features that provide the "technological solution" for a huge number of businesses, from startups to multinational giants.

Minister Dimitris Papastergiou has often emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, framing it as pivotal for Greece’s digital modernization. He has highlighted that significant investments in computing power and data center are essential to harness the full potential modern AI offers in innovation, entrepreneurship and development of reliable citizen services. According to mr. Papastergiou, Daedalus is a strategically important investment for the digital transition of our county, and a future where Greece will be among the pioneers of technological development.  

I.L. with information from Lavrio Technological Cultural Park, Ministry of Digital Governance, EDYTE-GRNET, CNN.gr and APE-MPA

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