EFA Group is planning a listing on Euronext within the next two years, according to company sources. The market on which it will seek a listing has yet to be determined, with all options still open.
The group now has more than 400 professionals across six markets, with clients in 40 countries, its founder and chairman, Christian Hatziminas, said in a speech at the opening of the new Delta building at Alexandria Tech Campus in Neo Psychiko.
The new 800 sq m building houses STHENOS AI and the Hellenic Association of Entrepreneurs and aims to become a hub for innovation, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. It has also been designed as an open venue for discussions, events and exhibitions on AI, digital transformation and business innovation.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the opening, Mr Hatziminas said the investment in the new building focused on artificial intelligence is estimated at around €5–6 million. In terms of staffing, he said about 30 people already work in AI at the new building, with the aim of reaching 60 by March and then 80.
STHENOS AI and the ‘keys’ in Greek hands
STHENOS AI, the group’s artificial intelligence company, develops infrastructure and solutions in AI, high-performance computing and advanced simulations, with applications in defence and dual-use technologies. As Mr Hatziminas explained in his speech, a core principle is that control of the data and computing power must remain in Greece.
Referring to recent remarks by Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, Mr Hatziminas stressed that the AI source code supporting the Armed Forces and the security forces must belong to Greece. “The keys must be in Greek hands,” he said, adding that at Delta “we are, in essence, making keys”.
In the same context, he referred to recent memorandums of cooperation with two Greek companies in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and advanced computing, saying that these partnerships were helping to build an ecosystem. “And above all, we are building a team,” he stressed.
STHENOS AI CEO Markos Hatziminas said the opening of the new building creates new opportunities for innovation and collaboration, with the aim of ensuring that ideas that start there have an impact far beyond its walls.
A permanent home for the Hellenic Association of Entrepreneurs
Mr Hatziminas said the Hellenic Association of Entrepreneurs, which has been active for more than 30 years and has a membership of more than 200 entrepreneurs, was gaining a ‘permanent home’ alongside AI engineers and researchers.
On reindustrialisation, he said the country currently had a “tailwind” and recalled the plan under way for four factories in Koropi. He stressed, however, that entrepreneurs themselves must make the most of the favourable conditions, underlining that innovation has value only when it reaches the real economy.
A space open to the community
“But the third tenant, and the most important one, is you,” Christian Hatziminas said, describing the open character of the new building. Comparing its role to that of cultural centres in neighbourhoods, he explained that Delta would host discussions, events and exhibitions focused on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and business innovation.
The space is intended for local residents, young people and students, as well as anyone with an idea looking for a place to discuss it. As he stressed, the aim is for knowledge to be shared, not simply produced.
Papastergiou: From consuming AI to producing it
Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Minister Dimitris Papastergiou stressed the need for Greece to move from consuming artificial intelligence to producing it. Infrastructure such as Delta and the facilities recently inaugurated in Lavrio can support this transition, he said, keeping data and computing infrastructure in Greece and Europe.
He also noted that the development of this infrastructure could help skilled workers stay in the country and encourage the return of Greeks who had sought career opportunities abroad.