Thessaloniki positioned as international technology and innovation hub

Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis has highlighted Thessaloniki's transformation into an international technology and innovation hub. During the ‘SYNERGIE 2026’ event, Kalafatis emphasized Greece's shift from a technology consumer to an innovation producer, citing the region's talent and emerging infrastructure.

Key projects driving this development include ThessINTEC, a fourth-generation technology park designed to serve Southeast Europe, and the AI Nucleus research center at EKETA. Other critical assets mentioned include the ‘Pharos’ AI Factory, data centers, 5G networks, and high-performance computing infrastructures like ‘Daidalos’.

In addition to broader tech goals, Kalafatis introduced four specific initiatives to bolster the jewelry sector during the KOSMIMA exhibition. These include the creation of a jewellery tech hub in Thessaloniki through a partnership between EKETA and the Panhellenic Federation of Silversmiths, Goldsmiths, Jewelers, and Watchmakers (POBAKO), as well as new R&D tax incentive guides and the integration of creative tech into the Elevate Greece program.