Four new projects with total public expenditure of €7,710,135.39, aimed at promoting agrotechnology, agri-food, digital hydroponics, innovation and culture, have been approved for inclusion in the “Just Development Transition 2021–2027” programme by decisions of Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis.
According to the relevant announcement, the projects provide for the creation and operation of innovative Living Labs, with the aim of harnessing the comparative advantages of areas in the Peloponnese affected by the energy transition, linking producers and businesses with universities and research centres, and creating new employment opportunities.
The four projects and their funding
1. Agrotechnology and Industrial Processing of Primary Produce Lab (AgroTech Living Lab): €1,842,531.62
The project involves establishing a state-of-the-art agrotechnology laboratory focused on applying innovative technologies to the processing of agricultural products.
The laboratory will serve as a space for co-creation and coordination among academic and research institutions, businesses and local government bodies. Its operations will be based on Industry 4.0 applications, research, pilot testing and the transfer of know-how.
The aim is to develop new products with high added value, boost the competitiveness of local businesses and create more jobs.
Locating the laboratory in Megalopoli is considered pivotal, as it will allow it to operate alongside the other specialised laboratories at the Bioeconomy Hub.
2. Model Laboratory for Natural Products (MegaNatPro): €1,979,440
A model laboratory for natural products will also be established in Megalopoli, with the aim of harnessing the wider area’s plant biodiversity and expanding the reach of local production.
The laboratory will link production with research centres, universities, the pharmaceutical industry, and the food and cosmetics industries. The aim is to create new opportunities to develop local products commercially and open up new career prospects.
3. Model Digital Hydroponics Laboratory (Smart Agro Lab): €1,980,797.10
The project provides for the creation of a model digital hydroponics laboratory and the construction of a 1,000 sq m greenhouse facility on land owned by the University of the Peloponnese.
The laboratory will use artificial intelligence applications, sensors and automation to develop and test modern cultivation practices.
Its main goals are to save water, improve productivity and adapt agriculture to today’s needs and challenges. The project also provides for ongoing support and the transfer of know-how to agricultural businesses seeking to develop new services and products.
4. Agrotechnology Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Culture Laboratories (AgroDigi Lab & Maria Kallas – CCI Lab): €1,907,366.67
Funding has been approved in the Municipality of Oichalia to create two laboratories combining technological innovation with culture.
The AgroDigi Lab will support digital agriculture and modern greenhouse cultivation, as well as the transfer of technology to production activities.
The Maria Kallas – CCI Lab will promote entrepreneurship in the creative and cultural sectors. The project also includes completing Maria Callas’s ancestral home, with the aim of using it as a venue for special events focused on creativity, collaboration and innovation.
A network of innovation in the Peloponnese
The four projects will strengthen the development of a collaborative innovation network linked to the Megalopoli Bioeconomy Hub.
The network will give existing and new businesses access to modern facilities, scientific expertise, technological applications and opportunities to develop new products.
Other aims include attracting new scientists, upgrading the skills of the workforce and strengthening local entrepreneurship. The projects are intended to help gradually shape a more diversified, competitive and sustainable economy in areas affected by the energy transition.
The four projects are funded through the “Just Development Transition 2021–2027” programme, co-financed by the European Union under the NSRF 2021–2027.