Following the great success of last year’s event, the National Technical University of Athens once again opened its doors and welcomed the new generation in a unique celebration of science, creativity and discovery — at the living heart of innovation, in its landmark laboratories, where ideas and dreams are born and the future of technology is forged.
Numbers that speak for themselves:
• 7,000 visitors
• 165 schools from Athens and the regions
• 400 dedicated volunteers
• 50 landmark laboratories
• 11 distinguished supporters
• 4 days filled with knowledge and inspiration
From 16 to 19 March 2026, more than 7,000 visitors crossed the threshold of 50 landmark NTUA laboratories — places where science does not remain in theory but comes to life, where innovation is cultivated every day and the country’s future is shaped with persistence and passion. The impressive attendance and keen interest of students and teachers confirmed once again the prestige of NTUA and its deep, meaningful bond with society.
The organised visits offered a comprehensive, experiential encounter: students and visitors had the opportunity to speak with undergraduates and researchers, ask questions, engage with technology hands-on, and see at first hand how theory is translated into practice. The dedication of NTUA staff and volunteers, together with the exemplary organisation that ensured the smooth and safe running of the event, was pivotal to its success.
The Rector of NTUA, Professor Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, stated: “The ‘Open Laboratories’ are not merely an event, but a unique experience that left a lasting impression on the 7,000 visitors who passed through the gates of the University. With their enthusiasm, curiosity and optimism about the future, they filled our spaces with vitality and energy. This pulse is the most meaningful confirmation of the event’s success and, at the same time, the greatest encouragement to continue our work. This initiative will become a permanent institution. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all who contributed to its success — staff, sponsors and partners — with dedication and hard work. Through such initiatives it is demonstrated that the University is not a closed academic space, but an open, accessible and welcoming institution, deeply connected to society — a place that belongs to everyone.”
Distinguished supporters and partners made a decisive contribution to this effort, many of them members of the NTUA alumni community, affirming the trust that organisations place in the Institution and the dedication of its graduates.
The media sponsor was the newspaper Kathimerini, while invaluable support was provided by the following organisations and companies: HEDNO, AIGEAS AMKE, EPSEU, PLAISIO COMPUTERS, Copelouzos Group, OFYPEKA, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, MARTECMA and Accenture.
Government representatives who visited the event highlighted its significance as a powerful example of outward-looking higher education. They emphasised the need to strengthen further the link between knowledge and society and the productive economy, acknowledging the decisive role of universities in shaping the future.
In a statement, the Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, NTUA alumnus Mr. Dimitris Papastergiou, emphasised: “It is with great pleasure that I visited the National Technical University of Athens today and saw it as we all wish it to be: an open university, filled with children’s voices and schools, opening its laboratories and inspiring young people for the day ahead. And I say this not only because I am an alumnus, but because we can see the difference: from an inward-looking and fearful university to a new, open and safe university. I am especially pleased with the work being done and I congratulate the Rector and his entire team. Let us continue in this way, showcasing our schools and the possibilities available to young people for their future.”
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Konstantinos Kyranakis, emphasised: “This is a very encouraging experience, because what I had the opportunity to see today is something that society is unaware of, the private sector is unaware of, and many times — I must confess — the State itself is unaware of, in order to support and fund it in every possible way. I would first like to congratulate the Rector of NTUA, the most historic institution in the country and, I would say, the most indispensable one, so that the new generation can develop and pursue a career worthy of their studies. What we do at the Ministry is to bridge, in practice, the gap between education and employment — between education and career development. What I would like to propose is that we move forward with the creation of a laboratory for railway projects. I believe that the railways have turned a new page, and in order to move forward into the future safely and swiftly, they need an ally in the National Technical University of Athens.”
Speaking with the students, the Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, and former Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor Nikos Papaioannou, stated: “You have come today to the National Technical University of Athens, the foremost engineering university in the country. It is first not because I say so, or because the Rector says so, but because of what you will see here. Beyond that, the second point is to make your dreams a reality. Everyone’s dreams are different, just as everyone’s goals are different. What truly matters, however, is to enjoy the journey towards achieving your goal. And yes, if any of you are interested in becoming engineers, your first choice — which I recommend wholeheartedly — will evidently be the National Technical University of Athens.”
The response of the teachers who visited NTUA with their students was particularly positive, with many noting that such initiatives bring science closer to pupils, turning the abstract into the tangible and bridging theory with practice. In a world dominated by images, direct contact with the reality of research becomes a truly valuable life experience for students.
The “Open Laboratories 2026” initiative significantly strengthens NTUA’s social footprint and, at the same time, reaffirms its role as a beacon of scientific excellence, progress and creativity that inspires thousands of young people to dream and to build.
Attached files:
