On Friday, 26 September 2025, the Laboratories of Inorganic Chemistry (Professor Patrina Paraskevopoulou) and Food Chemistry (Associate Professor Vasilis Valdramidis and Assistant Professor Marilena Dasenaki), Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, presented AiryBerry—an innovative ready-to-eat product they developed—at the ‘Kostis Palamas’ Cultural Centre.
The event brought together selected key opinion leaders from the fields of gastronomy, the food industry, and nutrition, all of whom had the opportunity to experience firsthand a product poised to make a significant impact on the market.
AiryBerry introduces a new category of food product that combines:
–High nutritional value, with a wealth of dietary fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins;
–Convenience and long shelf life without the use of preservatives; and
–Environmental sustainability as it is made using surplus raw materials and by-products from the food industry.
Powered by advanced aerogel/xerogel technology, AiryBerry is well-positioned to enter the rapidly growing global markets for healthy snacks, functional foods, and vegan products. The development team has already reached the pilot production stage, with the next step being commercial use through partnerships with the food industry and potential licensing agreements.
During the event, Professor Aristeidis Samitas, Vice-Rector for Finance and Development at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Academic Head of the Archimedes Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, stated:
‘AiryBerry shows how university research can turn into real-world innovation with strong market potential’.
The event emphasized increased market interest in items that match new consumer trends, such as healthier eating habits, sustainability, and the principles of the circular economy.
The Archimedes Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is committed to supporting University of Athens researchers every step of the way—from initial ideas and laboratory work to successfully bringing their discoveries to market!
