With its focus firmly on the future of Greek entrepreneurship, the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), together with the Athens Startup Business Incubator (THEA), participated in BEYOND EXPO 2026, the leading technology exhibition in Southeast Europe. Through a rich program of events held at its exhibition booth, the Chamber highlighted the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and international collaborations, providing Greek businesses and the startup ecosystem with practical tools to thrive in the new digital era.

Beyond Expo has rapidly evolved into one of the most influential technology and innovation platforms in Southeast Europe. Its positioning extends beyond a traditional exhibition format, functioning as a regional convergence point for technology, investment, digital policy and innovation ecosystems. It brings together: Technology companies, Startups & innovation organizations, Research and academic institutions, Institutional representatives, public organizations and local authorities, Innovation ecosystems from Greece and abroad. Beyond Expo therefore represents a knowledge triangle with a quintuple helix model – a meeting point of technology, innovation, and public policy.  This makes the platform particularly relevant for international business communities seeking strategic visibility and engagement in the region.

The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of Greece's leading business organizations, representing and supporting enterprises across a wide range of sectors. Established in 1841, it promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, internationalization, and sustainable economic development. Through various initiatives, services, and business support programs, ACCI helps strengthen the competitiveness of Greek companies and contributes to the growth of the national economy.

The Athens Startup Business Incubator (THEA) is one of the most important initiatives of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (A.C.C.I.) aimed at supporting entrepreneurship. It focuses on nurturing innovative new business ideas with strong growth potential and an outward-looking orientation. Through THEA, the A.C.C.I. seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship in sectors related both to new technologies and technological innovation, as well as to traditional industries that demonstrate strong growth potential and international orientation.

In his welcoming address, the President of ACCI, Yiannis Bratakos, emphasized, among other things: “The next phase of the country’s development will depend on our ability to transform knowledge into products, technologies into business activity, and innovative ideas into export potential. This year, we chose to place special emphasis on Biotechnology and Health Sciences, a sector that combines scientific excellence with the creation of substantial added value. It embodies all the characteristics required for the country’s new productive model: innovation, outward orientation, high specialization, and the generation of strong added value.”

During the session “The Biotechnology and Life Sciences Ecosystem in Greece and Its Potential,” co-organized with Enterprise Greece and Bioinnovation Greece, participants examined the role of Artificial Intelligence in pharmaceutical development, , as well as issues related to sustainability and the transfer of research from the laboratory to the marketplace. The event concluded with the Biohealth-Biotech Competition, during which the sector’s most innovative ideas were presented and awarded.

Enterprise Greece is the official investment and trade promotion agency of the Greek State, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It serves as the gateway to the opportunities Greece offers. Its mission is two-fold: to provide foreign investors with a one-stop shop for information, consulting, and assistance through every phase of their investment project, and promote Greek products and services in international markets.

BioInnovation Greece (BiG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Greece’s biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem. Through innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic collaboration, it connects academia, industry, government, and international partners to drive scientific progress and economic growth. BiG’s goal is to position Greece as a regional hub for biotech innovation by supporting research, technology transfer, startups, and cross-sector partnerships. BioInnovation Greece Forum 2026, to be held on October 1–4, 2026 at Technopolis City of Athens, will convene leading figures from biotech, healthcare, research, startups, investment, and public policy.

The Greece–Slovakia Business Forum was co-organized by Enterprise Greece and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), with the support of EEN Hellas.

The Open Innovation Challenge, a joint initiative of ACCI and the Ministry of Digital Governance, was launched by Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou and ACCI President Yiannis Bratakos.

The session on the “Positive Agenda Greece–Turkey” carried particular political and economic significance, highlighting the role of ACCI and THEA in strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation between the two countries. The discussion featured Mr. Bratakos, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Haris Theoharis, the Ambassador of Turkey to Greece H.E. Çağatay Erciyes, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital Governance, Konstantinos Karantzalos. Emphasizing the new dimension of economic diplomacy, Mr. Bratakos noted: “Economic diplomacy through innovation is gaining particular importance, as partnerships are no longer built only in official offices, but also in incubators, startups, and technology communities. Initiatives such as the Greece–Turkey Hackathon go beyond a simple activity. They function as platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange with long-term impact. Most importantly, they are not limited to the duration of a competition, but create the conditions for continuity, building relationships of trust among young people who are shaping the future of the economy.” In this context, the upcoming Greece–Turkey Hackathon 2026 was also presented, with this year’s central theme being Artificial Intelligence.

The activities of ACCI concluded with the Ready 4 Invest: Investment Readiness Toolkit (EEN2EIC) workshop and the event “Strategies for the Internationalization of Tech Startups and SMEs,” co-organized with Enterprise Greece.

Throughout the three-day event, visitors also had the opportunity to meet 10 innovative startups supported by the Athens Startup Incubator (THEA) of ACCI: EmAIRging, Brainfood Intelligent Media Cloud, Papertrail, Wocap, Oinovation, Synergy Accounting Intelligence Network, CloudSignals, HORECA360, Run4More, and KORI.

(Source: https://acci.gr/ )

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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.

The Greek shipbuilding industry is a sector that enters a new period of reconstruction and growth. This development is not coincidental. Geopolitical realignments, Europe’s increasing need for defense autonomy, the restructuring of global supply chains, and the search for new industrial drivers of growth are creating an environment in which Greece is seeking to reposition itself on the international shipbuilding map. (Cover photo: ONEX's shipyards in Syros).

At the center of this effort are the country’s three major shipbuilding hubs: ONEX’s shipyards in Elefsina and Syros, Skaramangas Shipyards, and Salamis Shipyards. A common feature of these initiatives is the development of strategic partnerships with major industrial groups from abroad, primarily from South Korea, Germany, and France, with the support of the United States within a broader strategic framework. These partnerships aim to strengthen the domestic industrial base, facilitate the transfer of expertise and know-how, promote the development of advanced technologies, and create a modern industrial ecosystem.

At Posidonia 2026, the ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group presented its comprehensive vision for the future of the shipbuilding industry, energy, maritime infrastructure, and emerging technologies. At the center of the Group’s presence were new shipbuilding projects, energy developments, offshore energy production solutions, the serial production of ONEX RAstar 2800 tugboats, as well as the advanced repair, conversion, and technical support services provided by ONEX’s shipyards in Elefsina and Syros. (Source: https://www.facebook.com/OnexElefsisShipyardsSA/ )

The heads of the three shipyards, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), describe a shared vision: transforming Greece into a regional hub for shipbuilding, defense manufacturing, ship repair and maintenance, and the construction of specialized high-value-added vessels. At the same time, they emphasize the importance of new investments in creating thousands of jobs, upgrading workforce skills, and strengthening the country’s industrial presence. At a time when Europe is seeking new production capabilities in the defense and industrial sectors, Greek shipyards are aiming to capitalize on the country’s comparative advantages: its maritime heritage, strategic geographic location, and extensive experience in one of the most important sectors of the Greek economy.

The common denominator across all three cases is that the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry is no longer viewed as an isolated industrial initiative, but rather as part of a broader national strategy that integrates the economy, technology, defense, and international competitiveness. The international partnerships already underway are creating the conditions for Greek shipyards to regain a significant position on the global stage, transforming a traditional sector of the economy into a major driver of growth for the decades ahead.

ONEX’s shipyards in Elefsina and Syros

ONEX's shipyards in Elefsina (photo amna.gr)

ONEX's shipyards in Syros

The most ambitious investment plan is being presented by ONEX through Project Trident, a €1.35 billion program that aims to establish a fully integrated production line for warships and submarines, with Greek participation exceeding 70% of the total project value. At the heart of the initiative is a strategic partnership with South Korean company Hanwha Ocean to develop capabilities for constructing advanced submarines and frigates. According to the investment plan, the first customer to join the frigate production line would receive its first vessel in 2031, while delivery of the first submarine is projected for 2034.

According to Panos Xenokostas, Chairman of the ONEX Group, the objective is to transform the shipyards of Elefsina and Syros into the “southern pillar” of the European shipbuilding industry. As he told ANA-MPA, the next stage of development is closely tied to the introduction of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence technologies, as well as the transfer of critical expertise that would enable Greece to acquire the capability to build submarines, frigates, and other complex naval vessels. At the same time, the program is expected to create up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to employment and domestic industrial production.

Skaramangas Shipyards

Skaramangas Shipyards (photo amna.gr)

Skaramangas Shipyards are also poised to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of the Greek shipbuilding industry. Within a short period following the resumption of their operations, the shipyards have expanded their activities in both the commercial and defense sectors. Particularly important are the partnerships with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Germany’s TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems). The agreement with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries focuses on the design and construction of surface vessels and is expected to strengthen the participation of Greek industry in future shipbuilding programs through the transfer of expertise and best practices from one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups. At the same time, the cooperation with TKMS is centered on the modernization of the Hellenic Navy’s submarine fleet, leveraging the German company’s extensive expertise in Type 214 submarines.

Within the framework of Posidonia 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Skaramangas Shipyards, represented by Miltiadis Varvitsiotis (right), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, represented by Kim Jae Rak (https://www.amna.gr/) 

The Chief Executive Officer of Skaramangas Shipyards, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, told ANA-MPA that the shipyards’ trajectory serves as an example of how the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry can be linked to the emerging needs of European defense and security. As he noted, Greece possesses the skilled workforce, geostrategic location, and maritime tradition required to play a leading role in the evolving European defense ecosystem. He added, the development of the shipyards is not solely about industrial production; it is also about creating expertise, generating added value, and fostering new employment opportunities that can have a multiplier effect on the Greek economy.

Salamis Shipyards

At the third pillar of the Greek shipbuilding industry, Salamis Shipyards are pursuing a strategy focused on specialization and participation in international defense supply chains. The company has already developed significant activity in supporting high-technology defense programs and is actively involved in the production of sections and components for naval vessels serving international customers. A notable example is its partnership with Naval Group under the FDI Frigate Program. Through this collaboration, Salamis Shipyards manufactures critical steel structures and ship sections for vessels destined for both the French Navy and the Hellenic Navy.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Salamis Shipyards, George Koros, believes that the Greek shipbuilding industry is facing a historic opportunity, driven both by geopolitical developments and by Europe’s efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy. As he emphasizes, the objective is not mass production but the development of high-value-added vessels for specialized markets. Within this framework, Salamis Shipyards are exploring the expansion of their activities into the construction of next-generation commercial vessels, with particular emphasis on LNG carriers and high-specification dry cargo ships. This strategy is directly linked to the energy transition and the growing global demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly vessels—a sector in which Greek industry is seeking to establish a stronger presence.

He further stresses that Greece today possesses all the necessary prerequisites to transform its maritime strength and geostrategic position into industrial value creation, with the shipbuilding industry evolving into one of the key pillars of the country's economic development.

Salamis Shipyards - FDI Frigate Formion Blocks Construction

(Source: “Greek Shipyards Invest in International Partnerships and Seek a Role in the European Defense Ecosystem” by Thanassis Papadis, https://www.amna.gr/ )

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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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Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou, presented the opportunities arising for Greece’s space ecosystem as Adrian Golemis becomes the first Greek to participate in the official European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut training program.

For the first time in its history, Greece is officially represented in an ESA astronaut training program. Adrian Golemis will soon begin his training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. This development marks a major milestone in strengthening Greece’s presence in space research and technology, opening new opportunities for the country’s participation in international space missions. The training, scheduled to start in April 2026, is a fundamental prerequisite for future participation in space missions and includes an intensive program of theoretical instruction and practical exercises.

Minister Papastergiou stated: "The training of the first Greek astronaut is not only a personal achievement for Adrian; it is a powerful symbol of a new era for our country in space. It is living proof that Greece can design, participate, and play a leading role in a field that until recently seemed distant. I cannot think of a better proof than the fact that a Greek citizen will now have the opportunity to travel to space. Our national presence in space is not fragmented; it is part of a cohesive strategy that is already underway: from increasing our participation in ESA research programs to the National Microsatellite Program, whose first launches are already a reality. Six micro- and nanosatellites are currently in orbit, while in the coming days, weather permitting, six more Greek nanosatellites are expected to be launched. In April, we continue with thermal microsatellites, further expanding our operational capabilities in space. In this way, we are creating a comprehensive ecosystem of knowledge, innovation, and production".

Adrian Golemis commented: "It is a great joy for me that, through the systematic work of the Hellenic Space Center and the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, my success in ESA’s most recent astronaut selection has been transformed from a personal achievement into a national opportunity. It is an honor to help Greece be represented for the first time in the field of astronauts. Traveling to space has been a childhood dream. I am thrilled that we are moving forward with the right framework for our country: my integration into ESA’s astronaut training program expands the window for Greek companies, universities, and research institutions to participate in the agency’s collaborative programs, complementing the National Microsatellite Program that is already underway. Having worked in this field for eight years, I have witnessed the significant economic, scientific, geopolitical, and educational benefits that arise. I am particularly pleased that Greece is now moving in this direction and extending its activity in human and robotic space exploration. It is important to recognize that our country has a mature ecosystem capable of contributing to and benefiting from the European framework. Astronaut training also prepares us for the possibility of Greek participation, in collaboration with Europe and the U.S., in missions to the International Space Station (ISS), advancing domestic space research and technology for future applications that improve life on Earth. I would like to sincerely thank my family for their support, as well as every Greek citizen who has worked for our country’s entry into the astronaut program."

Brief Biography of Adrian Golemis

Adrian Golemis was born and raised in Larissa, studied medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and completed an interdisciplinary Master’s in Space Sciences at the International Space University (ISU) in France.

He has lived and worked for one year in complete isolation with a small crew at the Concordia Station in Antarctica, conducting European experiments studying changes in human physiology and psychology under extreme living conditions similar to those in space. His next posting was at the French Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology (MEDES), where he worked on clinical studies simulating the challenges faced by the human body in space, aimed at improving understanding and care on Earth.

Since 2018, he has contributed to the medical support of ESA astronauts, currently serving as Lead Flight Surgeon. He is also a research collaborator at the Hellenic Space Center (ELKED).

In 2022, Golemis ranked first among 25 selected candidates out of 22,500 applicants in ESA’s astronaut selection process, becoming the first Greek citizen to complete all selection stages, enabling Greece to be represented in a research mission in space for the first time. Subsequently, he was elected a member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).

Golemis also promotes science through public presentations and interviews, including many in schools.

Source: Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence

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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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A Greek producer has, for the first time, received the prestigious “World’s Best of the Best” distinction, a rare global honor in the field of agriculture. Sakellaropoulos Organic Olive Groves were nominated by previous award recipients and, following a rigorous international evaluation process, were honored in the Agriculture category with the rare “World’s Best of the Best” title.

The award ceremony took place at the Quirinale Hotel in Rome, where George Sakellaropoulos stated:

“Today, the efforts of Sakellaropoulos Organic Farms over the past 35 years are being rewarded with this rare distinction. This is a major and deeply meaningful moment in our journey — a lifetime award — for which I express my sincere gratitude.

Our work began with a vision to develop and promote exclusively renewable, sustainable, and green practices, based on certified organic cultivation. This approach has led to the creation of natural olive products with scientifically proven health-protective properties, supported by clinical studies and research conducted at leading institutions and universities worldwide.

With this unique and honorary award, you are honoring not only our work, but also my country, Greece, my homeland — the historic city of Sparta — and the entire Greek olive and agricultural sector.”

About the Awards

The World’s Best of the Best distinction is awarded by the organizing committee of the PRO PR GLOBE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, which utilizes its global networks to assemble one of the largest, most experienced, and most diverse international judging panels worldwide. The distinction serves as a strong affirmation of excellence across fields, including science, academia, culture, museums, cultural heritage, music, healthcare, green industry, agriculture, and winemaking.

The awards are evaluated by 76 international judges, who conduct a 90-day in-depth assessment of nominated organizations, companies, groups, and individuals. The evaluation examines actions, values, sustainability practices, and global impact.

Judges represent all continents and come from countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Sweden, Denmark, India, South Africa, and many others.

The goal of the judging process is to identify initiatives that promote sustainability, environmental responsibility, innovation, science, and positive societal impact, while contributing meaningfully to global change.

Ceremony and Background

The PRO PR GLOBE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2026 were presented on January 28, 2026, during a special ceremony in Rome, Italy, held within the framework of the PR Roman Forum, an international conference focused on green sustainability and communication. The awards are organized by Apriori World, with the support of the World Innovation and Change Management Institute (Geneva, Switzerland).

A distinctive feature of the awards is the nomination process: candidates are proposed exclusively by previous award winners and by members and senior executives of the world’s five leading communication organizations — PRCA, IPRA, CIPR, ICCO, and WCFA.

Established in 2012, the PRO PR GLOBE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS recognize organizations and individuals worldwide who serve as positive role models through innovation, excellence, social responsibility, sustainability advocacy, education, and global impact.

Among this year’s distinguished awardees are the British Museum (London), the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Alma Mater Europaea University (Slovenia), and the Museo Nacional del Prado (Spain).

Source: https://www.bioarmonia.gr/, https://www.amna.gr/en

Read more on Greek News Agenda:

Greek olive oil through time: tradition, innovation, and future prospects

Taste the unique “Greek breakfast”

University of Athens Online Courses on Mediterranean Diet

It’s a Fact: Greek Olive Oil is an Art

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Over the past few years, innovation has been on the rise in Thessaloniki and northern Greece in general. The city's strategic location and the presence of a number of universities and thriving businesses reinforce Thessaloniki's comparative advantages in its goal to become a pillar of development and innovation in Southeast Europe. A large innovation and technology center, named Thess INTEC (Thessaloniki Innovation & Technology Center), currently under development, aims to become the focal point for the innovation activities of academic and research institutions, start-up clusters, and corporate research and development departments.

This 4th generation Science and Technology Park will offer the opportunity for private and public sector research and development to come together and collaborate in a specially designed 756,968 m² space in the Thessaloniki airport area, with a budget of over €70 million. The park will host 100 to 150 companies and research centers and will employ around 7,000 people. Thess INTEC is set to become one of Europe's largest innovation and technology centers, with the aim of attracting investment from Greek and foreign companies over the next ten years.

A “bottom-up” approach

It should be noted that a significant number of leading Greek companies and research institutes, as well as international technology parks in Europe and America, have already signed written agreements with each other to cooperate on setting up operations at the Center. This is why the Thess INTEC project has a “bottom-up” approach, whereby the needs arising from cooperation and coexistence between research teams and companies have determined the manner, size, and even the materials with which the Center’s shared infrastructure and building complexes should be developed.

Thess INTEC is dedicated to an entire ecosystem active in fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials, clean energy, nanotechnology, supply chain, and transportation and mobility, with the aim of creating new products and services of international scope.

Large-scale technology parks and innovation zones are the most effective way to link research to production and, at the same time, strengthen emerging technology companies, as they bring start-ups and spin-offs into contact with established companies based in the center. This is why one of Thess INTEC's main activities will be to provide support services and facilities for start-ups from Greece and abroad. It should be noted that 35% of Greek spin-offs operate in Thessaloniki.

As part of the first phase of Thess INTEC's development, there are plans to construct buildings with a total surface area of 10,500 m², of which 5,500 m² will be used for offices and the remaining 5,000 m² for specialized laboratories. These premises will house the park's administration, the start-up incubator, and the research teams working on flagship megaprojects, which will focus on strategic technological and industrial sectors with high potential.

According to the feasibility and viability study carried out in collaboration with the International Association of Science Parks (IASP), 70 existing innovative companies have signed cooperation agreements with 17 university/research laboratories as part of the Center's six megaprojects, with a view to setting up and collaborating on a common goal at the Thess INTEC premises.

The six megaprojects are the following:

• MP1 Advanced materials and industrial production processes

• MP2 Applications of flexible organic materials derived from nanotechnology

• MP3 Artificial intelligence and simulation applications

• MP4 Innovative clean energy solutions

• MP5 Skills development for the integration of innovative solutions in businesses and the supply chain

• MP6 Future mobility technologies and applications

A place for meeting, art, and culture At the same time, the park's development company will lease land on a long-term basis (from 20 to 50 years) to companies and organizations wishing to relocate, with the possibility of building private facilities in accordance with Thess INTEC's architectural rules. In addition to high-tech and innovation facilities, office space will be made available to service companies (ICT, consulting, accounting, advertising, etc.), while a conference and exhibition center, a hotel complex, and a theme park will be created through concession contracts. The coastal area will host leisure and catering facilities, such as restaurants, cafes, shops, and event spaces.

Thess INTEC will serve as a meeting point for the Greek innovation ecosystem, contributing decisively to the transformation of the country's production model. At the same time, it will be a landmark for northern Greece and Thessaloniki. With 340,000 m² of open green spaces, sports and leisure facilities, distinctive landscape architecture and buildings, an inextricable link with the sea, and an intense and ongoing “dialogue” with the local community, it will undoubtedly become a place for meeting, art, and culture.

58% of Thess INTEC AE is owned by private sector organizations and companies, including the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises, the Greek Exporters Association, and Greek companies. The remaining 42% of the capital is held by public sector organizations, including the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the University of Macedonia, the International Hellenic University, the Center for Research and Technology, Hellas (CERTH), the Alexander Innovation Zone, and the Municipality of Thermaikos.

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Big technology investments to improve Greece’s innovation and digital footprint; A cooperation between the University of Piraeus and CERTH

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The APSIM project (Applications of Situated Simulations) aims to promote the Greek culture using innovative technologies, assisting both the general public and the new generations to get familiar and love the archaeological wealth of Greece. Using an Augmented Reality (AR) application, visitors of archaeological sites and museums will have the opportunity to enjoy a completely different tour-experience in the archaeological sites, resembling one of a video gaming!

Through the Augmented Reality application CirculAR, cultural heritage sites are transformed into immersive, interactive experiences that connect the past with the present. By combining scientifically documented content with advanced 3D modeling, spatial mapping, and gamification techniques, CirculAR enables users to explore monuments in their original form directly within their physical environment. Using a smartphone or tablet, visitors can visualize reconstructions, navigate around monuments, and engage with historical narratives in a dynamic and intuitive way. The appliation is available free of charge for Android devices via the Google Play Store and for iOS via the App Store.

The creation of the CirculAR application was the result of multifaceted collaboration among scientists from different fields: archaeologists, historians, computer engineers, interface designers, educators, and specialists in cultural policy development. It was developed within the framework of the European APSIM project, coordinated by the I-SENSE research team of the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTU), with the participation of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, the Department of History and Archaeology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (University Excavation of Dion), the Epigraphic Museum of Athens, and the companies “GEOANALYSIS S.A.” and “Comic IKE.” The project is implemented under the “Research–Create–Innovate” action of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology, co-funded by the European Union.

The island of Delos- sacred in antiquity serving for millennia as a cultural, economic, and religious center - comes to life once again with the help of the innovative Augmented Reality application CirculAR. Using a simple smartphone or tablet, users of the application can experience an augmented reality journey: they can bring the monuments of Delos to life, view them in three dimensions, rotate them, walk around them, and enjoy a completely new, immersive visiting experience. The Temple of Apollo, the Stoa and the House of the Naxians, the Propylaea, the Terrace of the Lions—all those monuments that today are discernible only through their architectural remains—are revived through augmented reality and the use of scientifically documented content.

By using the camera, sensors embedded in mobile phones, and spatial mapping and positioning algorithms, the application “reads” the landscape and digitally places monuments or traces of the past exactly where they once stood. “The user participates, learns, and forms an emotional connection with the monument, transforming historical memory into a personal experience. And this is precisely the goal—so that we can creatively reconnect with the past,” notes researcher Dr. Tina Katika, Head of the XR Department at I-SENSE. (Source: apsim-project.eu,  amna.gr)

APSIM’s Pilot Demonstrations in Delos Island

According to Dr. Angelos Amditis, project coordinator and Director of Research and Development at ICCS/NTUA, speaking to the Athens–Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), “We are effectively bridging today’s imagination with life in the past. Through the application, you don’t simply see stones or foundations—you see stories, you see architecture, you see human activities. As a result, the application becomes a means of interpretation and understanding, as well as an educational tool grounded in scientific accuracy, essentially transforming the ordinary citizen from a passive observer into an active explorer. In this way, every visit becomes a process of discovery, navigation, knowledge gathering, interaction, and connection”. “The greatest value of the application is that it functions as a bridge across time, carrying the past into the present and the present into the future. In this way, it helps us preserve not only the material but also the intangible dimension of History—creating knowledge and experience, and forging a meaningful relationship between people and place.” (Source: amna.gr)

The application is not limited to Delos. Through the same technology, users can also explore other monuments across Greece. The aim is to incorporate additional monuments into the application in the future.

The Episcopal Basilica of Dion in Pieria.  The ancient Dion, in the region of Pieria, was a sacred site of the Macedonian kingdom. The Roman colony of Dion flourished during the imperial period, particularly in late antiquity. Dion became an episcopal see, which reinforced its importance as an urban centre for the wider region. Near the centre of the ancient city and at a short distance from the Forum, the so-called Episcopal Basilica was built in the 5^th century CE, with at least two successive building phases.

The Philo’s Arsenal (Skeuotheke of Philon), located in the port of Zea (Piraeus), is a significant building preserving the technological memory of ancient warships. In 347 BC, the Athenians decided to construct a building in Piraeus to store the equipment of the military fleet—such as sails, ropes, and tents—during the winter months. The rectangular building, 130 meters long and 18 meters wide, called the Skeuotheke, was designed by the architects Philo and Euthydomos. Ancient writers considered the building the most eminent among the structures of ancient Greek architecture. Its virtual reconstruction was based on a surviving marble inscription, now exhibited at the Epigraphic Museum of Athens, which has been preserved in its entirety.

I.A.

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