The event «One Year of Science Agora», was held with broad participation and in a pleasant atmosphere, featuring exceptional speakers from the Hub's collaborating organizations, Google, the teams distinguished in the Science Agora Proof of Concept Program, successful innovative businesses, and major industry companies.
The discussion was opened by the heads of the organizations comprising Science Agora: Dr. Georgios Nounesis, President of NCSR Demokritos; Prof. Dimitris Bourantonis, Rector of AUEB; Prof. Andreas G. Boudouvis, Rector of NTUA; Prof. Ioannis Emiris, President of the ATHENA RC; and Prof. Em. Ioannis Vasiliou, former Chairman of the Board – Director of ICCS. In their statements, they highlighted the added value that the institutions and the wider research, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem are already gaining from the collaboration, and they shared their views on the Hub's future.
This was followed by a presentation of the actions implemented by the Hub to date and those planned for the immediate future. These actions focus on both the training of Technology Transfer Office staff and the research personnel of the institutions, as well as the Hub's outreach and the development of collaborations with the market. A key example is the Proof of Concept Program that has been implemented, with future programs planned in the areas of Culture and Creative Industries and Tourism. Emphasis was placed on orienting the Hub's activities toward detecting and addressing market challenges and needs and interconnecting the market with the research community to create innovative, high-value products and services.
The first "Proof-of-Concept" program, focused on Environment and Energy, was implemented with the support of Google. Ms. Maria Founda, Marketing Director for Google in Southeast Europe, stated: "It was a great pleasure for us to participate in the Science Agora technology transfer hub. As Google, we are committed to supporting the green and sustainable transition in Greece. We will continue to embrace innovative initiatives through our products, synergies, and the funding we offer."
Following a brief presentation on the Proof-of-Concept program's implementation process, the floor was given to the teams supported by the program. They reported on the results of their pilot activities and the benefits derived from their participation.
The presenting teams were:
An online cloud-based web platform that integrates all necessary information for the medium-voltage network manager of HEDNO S.A. (Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator), sourced from Unmanned Aerial Systems data.
The first free application in Greece aimed at increasing physical activity (walking, running, cycling) and rewarding its users with points that can be redeemed at collaborating businesses, earning vouchers, offers, or supporting actions with a social impact.
A data processing system for the early warning and prediction of problems during the water treatment process, through the real-time determination of the SDI (Silt Density Index).
Development of new fruit processing technologies aimed at extending the shelf life of fresh produce through the application of sustainable and mild treatments.
A system that provides a reliable estimate of the fish freshness index, utilizing image analysis tools and leveraging color changes in fish tissues.
An analytics-as-a-service platform that utilizes data and facilitates businesses, organizations, and cities to accelerate their transition to sustainability.
Subsequently, presentations were given by the companies Cyrus, SymbioLabs, and TEKMON, which have been previously supported by the organizations comprising Science Agora and have already achieved successful market traction. Company representatives shared their experience and discussed the challenges and prospects of transitioning research from the lab to the market.
The event concluded with short addresses by distinguished market executives, who spoke about the prospects for collaboration between the Hub and businesses and proposed specific actions to accelerate their interconnection.
You may access the Press Release (in Greek) here.
