GRNET participated in SLUSH 2025, one of the world’s most founder-focused technology and innovation events, held on 19-20 November 2025 in Helsinki, Finland.
Each year, SLUSH brings together more than 13,000 founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across the globe, offering a unique environment for knowledge exchange, networking, and the development of new collaborations in AI, deep-tech and digital innovation.
D. Katsianis, Deputy Chairman of GRNET and Assistant Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), represented GRNET, on behalf of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, as part of the Greek delegation led by Deputy Minister of Development responsible for Research and Innovation, Stavros Kalafatis. The mission brought together key national stakeholders, including, the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad & Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maira Myrogianni, and the Secretary General for National Security and National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, Thanos Dokos, reflecting Greece’s strong commitment to innovation and international cooperation. The delegation also included representatives of the National Bank of Greece (NBG) and the Hellenic Development Bank of Investments (HDBI), among them CEO Antigoni Lymperopoulou. Throughout the visit, the Greek delegation participated in targeted sessions and high-level meetings focused on emerging technologies and research–industry collaboration.
The delegation further deepened its mission through strategic visits to Finland’s leading innovation and technology centres, including Sitra, Finland’s Innovation Fund and leading strategy institute, CSC – IT Center for Science, home of LUMI, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers and a major hub for quantum and next-generation technologies, and ICEYE, the SpaceTech pioneer operating the world’s largest SAR microsatellite constellation and an investor with significant activity in Greece.
During the visit to CSC, Professor Katsianis highlighted the long-standing collaboration between GRNET and CSC within the EuroCC Project, under the EuroHPC JU, a partnership that has consistently contributed to shaping a strong and competitive high-technology landscape in Europe. He also underlined LUMI’s role as one of Europe’s largest AI Factory (AIF) and among EU’s first AIFs, alongside PHAROS: The Greek AI Factory, noting that GRNET and LUMI, as hosting entities, have worked together for many years towards a shared strategic vision for advancing Artificial Intelligence. He stressed that his collaboration-fully aligned with Greece’s National AI Strategy-strengthens the national innovation ecosystem by equipping Greek startups, researchers and academic institutions with cutting-edge services, tools and infrastructures, placing the country at the forefront of global AI developments.
Strengthening Greece’s Digital and Innovation Ecosystem
Slush 2025 concluded with days filled with innovation, networking and impactful collaborations for the Greek mission. GRNET’s participation reflects the national ambition to enhance Greece’s global technology presence, foster international collaboration and stay aligned with advances in AI, HPC and digital transformation. With this vision, GRNET continues to strengthen research infrastructures, drive innovation and support Greece’s transition to a modern, resilient and human-centric digital ecosystem.
GRNET warmly thanks Endeavor Greece for organising the mission, the Embassy of Greece in Helsinki for its valuable support, and Aegean Airlines for making this impactful participation possible.
