The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI), aimed at advancing research, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the defence and security sectors.
The agreement was formalized by Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of NKUA, and Pantelis Tzortzakis, Chief Executive Officer of HCDI and member of the University’s Administration Council, marking the start of a strategic partnership between one of Greece’s most historic academic institutions and the national leader in defence innovation.
Also present at the signing ceremony were: Professor Nikolaos Thomaidis, Alternate Chair of the Administration Council; Professor Dimitris Kenourgios, member of the Administration Council; and Professor Aristeidis Samitas, Vice-Rector for Finance and Development.
This collaboration aims to leverage the University’s outstanding scientific capabilities and integrate them into the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. It seeks to foster technology development, promote research, facilitate the commercialization of results, and showcase Greek innovations with international patents.
The Memorandum outlines several key objectives, including:
–strengthening collaboration between researchers at NKUA and HCDI, with the goal of transforming scientific knowledge into innovative commercial applications;
–promoting the University’s spin-offs and research laboratories;
–organizing joint educational and mentoring programmes;
–fostering synergies with Innovation Clusters, Competence Centres, and global research networks; and
–increasing Greece’s visibility and involvement in European and international defence and technology initiatives.
NKUA’s partnership with HCDI aligns with the University’s broader strategy to drive innovation and internationalization, contributing to Greece’s technological and economic growth.
Accordingly, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of NKUA, said: ‘Our collaboration with the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation marks a significant step in linking the University of Athens with cutting-edge research and technological development. Through these synergies, the University actively contributes to maximizing the value of Greek scientific knowledge and strengthening national innovation’.
