From Lab to Market: Fueling Greece’s Innovation

On Tuesday, 11 March, distinguished members of the academic and business community, professors, and students followed with great interest the panel discussion entitled «From Lab to Market: Fueling Greece’s Innovation», exploring how higher education institutions can bridge academic research and market demands to create successful innovation ecosystems.

The event took place at the National Technical University of Athens and was organised by the Columbia Global Center in Athens in collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens and Endeavor.

Key highlights from the discussion included exploring the creation of practical learning environments and targeted activities — such as bootcamps, hackathons, and mentoring programmes, as well as dedicated facilities — with the aim of better equipping students and researchers with the tools they need to transform their research into innovative solutions for broader use.

Welcome addresses were delivered by the Rector of NTUA, Professor Ioannis K. Chatzigeorgiou, and Mr Stefano Gandolfo, Director of the Columbia Global Center in Athens.

The panel discussion, moderated by Ms Eliza Konofagou, included distinguished members of the academic and business community:

Dora Varvarigos – Professor at the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering, NTUA, Department of Communications, Electronics and Information Systems.

Manos Varvarigos – Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation and Outreach, Professor at the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering, NTUA.

Ioannis Kymissis – SEAS, Columbia University, Kenneth Brayer Professor of Electrical Engineering.

Kostantza Sbokos – President, Endeavor Greece & Phaea.

Konstantina Nikita – Professor at the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Director of the Mobile Radiocommunications, Biomedical Simulations and Imaging Technology Laboratory, NTUA.

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On Monday 3 November, at the Eugenides Foundation, the official presentation of Greece’s first Master’s programme on «Ship Performance Analysis and Management» was held with great success and wide participation.

The event was hosted at a venue of deep significance for shipping and education — the Eugenides Foundation, which has long supported and promoted maritime education in Greece and internationally.

The event was opened by the Rector of the National Technical University of Athens, Professor Ioannis Chatjigeorgiou, who spoke about the historical journey and enduring contribution of the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering to education, while highlighting the vision and strategic plan of NTUA for continuous development and academic excellence in the years ahead. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the new master’s programme for the future of Greek shipping, with warm thanks expressed to the Eugenides Foundation for its hospitality and steadfast support.

A greeting was delivered by the President of the Eugenides Foundation, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Eugenidis, who referred to the long-standing collaboration between the Foundation and NTUA and to the importance of investing in knowledge and in young Greek seafarers and engineers, who continue to excel internationally. He also underscored the importance of collaboration between the academic community and the shipping industry as a decisive factor in shaping a sustainable and innovative future for the sector. Speaking about the new Master’s Programme and the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at NTUA were:

Professor Konstantinos Belibassakis, Dean of the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at NTUA, who presented the School, its modern facilities and technological equipment, and its dynamic research activity.
Dr. Nikolaos Kakalis, NTUA alumnus and LR Global Bulk Carriers Segment Director, who highlighted the current needs and challenges of the shipping market that the new programme aims to address.
Associate Professor Giorgos Dimopoulos, Director of the Programme and member of the School of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at NTUA, who presented in detail the structure, content, and objectives of the Master’s Programme.

The event brought together a large number of distinguished representatives of the Greek shipping community, founders and senior executives of major shipping companies.
Following the presentations, a productive discussion and exchange of views took place among the participants, confirming the strong interest of the shipping industry in this new academic initiative.

This Programme arrives at a time when Greek Shipping, a global pioneer, is called upon to respond to a new, complex, and demanding environment, full of challenges but also opportunities, such as:

The energy transition and the increasing need for green and sustainable maritime transport.
The digitalisation and automation of ships and maritime processes.
Stricter regulatory and environmental requirements.
The need for strategic thinking and specialised human resources.

The National Technical University of Athens, with its long tradition and expertise, aspires through this new Programme to contribute actively to shaping the next generation of leaders in naval technology and science, strengthening Greece’s role as a global centre of excellence in shipping and maritime technology.