Proof-of-Concept for Emerging Technologies

Test your technology in real-world conditions

The Science Agora Technology Transfer Hub announces a Proof-of-Concept for Emerging Technologies, in collaboration with the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB), aiming to support innovative research move from the lab to the market.

👉 Submit your application by 4 May 2026

The Proof-of-Concept Program

From research to pilot implementation

The Proof-of-Concept (PoC) for Emerging Technologies is a structured 8 month program, designed to advance the maturity of research outcomes and to test innovative technological solutions in real-world conditions.

Through funding, advisory support, mentoring, and market connections, the program helps bridge the gap between research and the market, creating the conditions for developing sustainable solutions with measurable social and economic impact.

‘Emerging technologies’ refer to technological solutions with a high degree of innovation and strong potential for application in new or rapidly evolving markets, regardless of sector. 

Who is it for

The program is aimed at teams from Greek Universities and Research Centers, specifically:

Why your innovation deserves to be tested in practice

If your team has developed an innovative technology, but:

the PoC provides you with the right framework to take the next step.

What the Proof-of-Concept Offers

Funding (PoC Grant)

Secure the necessary resources to implement your Proof-of-Concept and test your technology in real-world conditions, reducing the risk of the next step.

Coaching & Mentoring

Receive targeted guidance from experienced professionals in the market, the Science Agora Network, and the Hellenic Development Bank, helping you further develop both your technology and its commercialization strategy.

Networking & Pitching

Gain access to a network of partners and investors, present your solution, and receive valuable feedback that will strengthen your innovation’s market readiness.

PoC phases

Duration: 8 months

Phase A: Submission of proposals

Submit your application, presenting your technology, the need it addresses, your team composition, and the technology's readiness for pilot testing.

Phase B: PoC Planning

You receive guidance on designing your Proof-of-Concept, defining objectives, milestones, and timelines, while also taking part in a market connection activity. Following an evaluation process, the teams that will receive funding are selected.

Phase C: PoC Impementation

You implement your Proof-of-Concept in a real-world environment, with funding and ongoing support through coaching and mentoring.

Timeline

4 May 2026

Application deadline

8 May 2026

Proposals evaluation and results announcement

Phase A

Phase B

May 2026

Participation in a "Networking" event

22 June 2026

PoC plan presentation 

July - November 2026

PoC implementation

December 2026

Participation in the Final Demo Event

Phase C

The outcome of your participation

By the end of the program, your team will have:

  • a completed Proof-of-Concept

  • data and feedback from real-world conditions

  • increased technological and commercial readiness

  • a stronger foundation for investment or strategic partnerships.

Apply

Take the next step as a team!

Science Agora and the Hellenic Development Bank invite research teams and spin-offs to apply and seize the opportunity to test their innovation in the market.

Submission Deadline: 4 May 2026.

Before submitting your proposal, please read carefully the Terms and Conditions as well as the Policy on the Collection and Processing of Personal Data within the framework of the Program.

Funding

The program is implemented by Science Agora. It is funded by the Competitiveness 2021–2027 Program, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and the Hellenic Development Bank.

For more information: 📧 [email protected]

Who can apply?

Applications may be submitted exclusively by teams (not individuals), consisting of researchers or members of spin-offs from Greek Universities and Research Centers.

Can we apply as individuals?

No. Participation in the program is only possible at the team level. Each team designates a Contact Person responsible for all communication with the Organizer.

What stage should our technology be at?

The appropriate stage for this Proof-of-Concept program is defined as the stage at which the product/solution is just before demonstrating its intended functionality in a real-world environment (proof-of-concept in a real environment – TRL 5), and where demonstration of its intended functionality in a laboratory setting or experimental validation (TRL 3) has already been completed. The program does not target ideas at a purely theoretical stage, but rather solutions that are ready to be tested in practice.

Are there specific thematic areas or challenges?

No. The program is not limited to specific thematic areas and is open to all emerging technologies, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The Hellenic Development Bank with prioritize proposals that fall under the following sectors: Digital & AI Transformation, Financial Innovation, Green & Sustainable Innovation, Health & Biotech, Smart Cities & Mobility, Agro & Food Innovation, Culture & Creative Industries, Social Innovation & Inclusiveness.

How long does the program last?

The total duration of the program is 8 months, from April to November 2026, and it consists of three distinct phases:
Application Submission, PoC Planning, and PoC Implementation

When and how do we apply?

Applications are submitted electronically, through the official application form, by 4th May 2026. Applications that will be received after this date will not be evaluated.

In what language should the application be submitted?

The Application for Participation may be submitted in either Greek or English.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are evaluated comparatively, based on substantive criteria including, among others:

  • the value and originality of the proposal,

  • the feasibility of pilot implementation,

  • the level of maturity,

  • the composition and complementarity of the team.

Do all teams receive funding?

No. Funding is provided only to the teams that advance to Phase C, following an evaluation of their progress in Phase B.
The amount of funding is determined based on the evaluation criteria and the specific needs of each pilot.

What is required to receive support in Phase C?

The terms for the disbursement of funding and the provision of services in Phase C vary depending on the funding body of the Proof-of-Concept program and are specified in the Terms and Conditions of Participation.

Who retains the intellectual property rights?

Participation in the Proof-of-Concept Programs does not entail any transfer of intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property that predates participation in the program remains with its rightful owners, in accordance with the applicable legal framework. The Organizer does not acquire any rights or stake in the intellectual property.

Will our solutions be publicly presented?

Yes. Teams acknowledge that their solutions will be publicly presented during Phases B and C, and that materials (presentations, photos, videos) may be used for promotional purposes of the Program.