The Foundation of the Hellenic World (FHW) has announced the creation of Innovation Cosmos, a new innovation hub (Innovation Hub) at the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Centre. It aims to connect research and technology with entrepreneurship, contributing to the development and commercialisation of innovative solutions.
In addition to its work in culture and education, the Foundation has a long-standing research record, formally recognised by the Greek state since 2004. Focusing on advanced digital technologies, it develops innovative applications and participates in national and European research programmes, building significant expertise in applied research.
Innovation Cosmos is the next step in this journey, drawing on the Foundation’s research experience and infrastructure to create a collaborative environment for startups, research organisations, public-sector bodies and companies. Its aim is to develop, test and evaluate new ideas and technologies, helping them move from research to market.
Testing services and links with investors
Innovation Cosmos will provide research and innovation services to businesses, while also operating as a test bed. New technologies, products and services will be assessed there using real-world data and under real-world conditions before they enter the market.
Its services will include identifying innovative technologies and business opportunities, evaluating new solutions, developing pilot applications, organising Demo Days and connecting participants with investors and strategic partners.
At the same time, the available facilities at Hellenic Cosmos will be used to support research and innovation activities. The venue’s footfall is a significant advantage: it welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year, providing opportunities to test and evaluate new applications with real users and gather feedback.
Bringing research, business and society together
A key part of Innovation Cosmos’s work will be developing partnerships based on the quadruple helix model, bringing together the academic and research community, businesses, public-sector bodies and civil society.
By fostering collaboration across different scientific and technological fields, the hub aims to accelerate the shift from research and pilot testing to the wider application and use of innovative solutions.
It will also draw on international partnerships and European innovation networks, helping to create new research and business initiatives and strengthening the Greek economy’s international reach.
The Foundation’s strategy
Sofia Kounenaki-Efraimoglou, president of the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Centre and executive vice-president of the Foundation of the Hellenic World’s Board, said:
“The Foundation of the Hellenic World has long linked its work with technology and innovation, investing for almost three decades in the development and application of pioneering technological solutions.
“With Innovation Cosmos, we are building on this valuable experience and opening a new chapter by creating a space where research, technology and entrepreneurship can come together and grow through meaningful partnerships. We aim to give startups and research teams the opportunity to test, evaluate and refine their solutions using real-world data and assessing their effectiveness in real-world conditions before they enter the market.
“Our vision is for Innovation Cosmos to become an international point of reference for applied innovation, attracting businesses, research institutes and investors from Greece and abroad. It will be a place where international partnerships are developed, new technologies are tested and business opportunities are created, strengthening the Greek economy’s international reach and competitiveness.”
Open invitation to participate
Innovation Cosmos is inviting research and business teams, startups, universities, public-sector bodies and investors to take part in its activities and explore new opportunities for collaboration in Greece and internationally.
Those interested can register their interest via the website innovationcosmos.org.