An initiative to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Greece has been formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) co-signed by the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), the “ATHENA” Research Center, and the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”.

Under the distinctive name SynAI Network, the collaboration aims to strengthen ties between research, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the field of Artificial Intelligence.

The signing ceremony, held at AUEB, was attended by Professor Vassilis Vassdekis, Rector of AUEB; Dr. Evangelos Karkaletsis, Vice President of the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”; and Professor Minos Garofalakis, Vice President of the Board of Directors and Acting Director General of the “ATHENA” Research Center.

Goals and Scope

The two-year Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework of cooperation to promote innovation, technology transfer, and the broader adoption of Artificial Intelligence across Greek society and the economy.

Key objectives of the SynAI collaboration include:

• Exchanging know-how and best practices among participating organizations.

• Creating infrastructures and support networks for young scientists, entrepreneurs, and institutions from both the public and private sectors.

• Developing joint research and business initiatives with an international outlook.

The agreement seeks to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of AI actors in Greece by generating added value for the entire innovation ecosystem.

Four Axes of Cooperation

The SynAI Network will operate through four complementary thematic areas:

1. Fundamental and Applied AI Research
   Establishment of joint laboratories and research groups in machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and responsible AI.

2. AI and Business/Society
   Promotion of knowledge on the social, ethical, and economic dimensions of AI — including studies on responsible adoption, business transformation, impacts on labor and social cohesion, and policy support.

3. From Idea to Entrepreneurship
   Support for researchers and students in founding AI-based start-ups, including mentoring, incubation, access to investment capital, and links with domestic and international AI innovation ecosystems.

4. From Research to Adoption by Business and the Public Sector
   Facilitation of digital innovation and the practical application of AI technologies in real-world economic contexts.

Statements by the Partners

Professor Vassilis Vassdekis, Rector of AUEB, emphasized the importance of research with real-world impact:

“Producing high-quality research and applying it in the economy is a core mission of our University. Through partnerships such as the SynAI Network, we connect academia with the economy and society, fostering trust with institutions that promote innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Dr. Evangelos Karkaletsis, Vice President of NCSR “Demokritos,” highlighted the institute’s long-term commitment to AI development:

“Demokritos has been a key pillar of AI research in Greece for decades. Through European and national initiatives like ‘Smart Attica,’ the European AI Platform, and the Greek AI Factory ‘Faros,’ we have built extensive expertise in technology transfer and training young scientists. This MoU is a natural continuation of that path, taking AI beyond laboratories and into society.”

Professor Minos Garofalakis, Vice President and Director General of the ATHENA Research Center, added:

“At ATHENA, we are investing in the foundations of AI — data, algorithms, and computational infrastructure that support innovation. Our collaboration with AUEB and Demokritos strengthens these efforts by connecting diverse scientific communities into a single, sustainable AI ecosystem.”