News

The event entitled “Connecting Research with Defence Industry”, organised by PRAXI Network, a unit of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), was successfully held on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, in the framework of the DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens 2025, at the Metropolitan Expo.

The event attracted substantial interest from the research and business communities, representatives of the defence and security industries, as well as institutional stakeholders from both Greece and abroad. It underscored the strategic importance of strengthening the interface between the Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) ecosystem and the defence sector, with a view to enhancing technological sovereignty, promoting dual-use innovations, and presenting available funding instruments and capabilities in the strategic field of defence and security.

Opening remarks were delivered by:

• Dr. Tasos Gaitanis, Secretary General for Research and Innovation

• Mr. Stratos Simopoulos, Member of the Hellenic Parliament (Thessaloniki A) and Chair of the Special Permanent Committee on Research and Technology

• Mr. Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister for Development

• Dr. Konstantinos Vavekis, Director of the PRAXI Network

Dr. Tasos Gaitanis noted:

“To effectively respond to contemporary challenges, we must invest further in research and technology. Research provides the foundations for innovation, which in turn bolsters competitiveness. Investing in defence technologies is essential for Europe to secure its strategic autonomy, and to safeguard freedom and democracy.”

Mr. Stratos Simopoulos stated:

“Greece’s technological superiority is inextricably linked with the connection between scientific research and the defence industry. From the PRAXI Network and HDAIC to European partnerships and the new air defence system, Greece is investing in its defence future through knowledge. We support technological self-reliance, foster synergies, and unite science with security.”

In a written statement, Mr. Stavros Kalafatis underlined:

“I commend this initiative, which showcases the achievements of the defence industry, with a particular focus on Research and Development programmes and the potential for cooperation. One of our core priorities at the Ministry of Development is to facilitate the integration of research and academic institutions with the production base and the real economy, through targeted policies and incentives that strengthen national defence via innovation.”

The programme comprised four thematic roundtable discussions, with the participation of high-ranking representatives from the European Commission, the NATO Innovation Fund, Greek and European research institutions, as well as companies active in the defence industry. The sessions promoted open dialogue and the active exchange of views between moderators, speakers and attendees. The panel discussions addressed the following topics:

• Research and Innovation in the field of Defence and Security

• EU and NATO funding instruments

• Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence

• Advanced Materials and Applications in Energy and Space

Special mention should be made of the contributions of Ms. Nynke Tigchelaar, Head of Unit for the implementation of the European Defence Fund (EDF), and Mr. David Ordonez, representative of the NATO Innovation Fund, who presented current funding opportunities for the European defence sector.

PRAXI Network warmly thanks all speakers, co-organizers, and participants for their valuable contributions to the success of the event, and looks forward to future actions that will further strengthen innovation and cross-sectoral collaboration.

The event was held with the support of:
Defence Exhibition Athens (DEFEA), the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the Hellenic Association of Space Industry (HASI), the Hellenic Defence and Security Innovation Center (HDAIC S.A.), the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materiel Association (SEKPY), the Enterprise Europe Network, Europe Direct Attica – PRAXI Network, and Europe Direct ELIAMEP.