GRNET at BEYOND 2026: Advancing AI, HPC and Quantum Innovation

GRNET – National Infrastructures for Research and Technology, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, successfully participated in BEYOND 2026, the International Digital Technology & Innovation Exhibition, held 17–19 June 2026 at the Metropolitan Expo in Athens.

Located within the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence pavilion, GRNET showcased a portfolio of strategic national and European initiatives through audiovisual presentations and informational material. Visitors were introduced to flagship projects and infrastructures spanning High-Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), including PHAROS AI Factory, DAEDALUS supercomputer and EuroCC@Greece, advanced networking projects like HEPHAESTUS and MACHAON, quantum communication infrastructure including projects of HellasQCI and SEEWQCI.

Throughout the three-day event, GRNET representatives actively contributed to a series of panel discussions addressing critical topics related to Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing, quantum technologies, digital healthcare, cybersecurity, research infrastructures and Greece’s digital future.

Stefanos Kollias, Chairman of GRNET and Professor Emeritus at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), joined experts from government, academia and industry in three discussions exploring Artificial Intelligence, digital health, digital infrastructure and Greece’s digital future. His participation included the sessions “Healing with Data: AI, Digital Infrastructure and the Future of Greek Healthcare” (17 June), “Digital Greece: The Next Steps and Challenges for the Country’s Digital Transformation” and “Computing for Greece: The National AI Infrastructure That Will Define the Next Decade” (both on 18 June).

Across the sessions, Professor Kollias highlighted the transformative role of advanced digital infrastructures in strengthening research, innovation and public services, while emphasizing the strategic importance of PHAROS AI Factory and DAEDALUS supercomputer in building a national AI ecosystem that supports scientific excellence, technological competitiveness and digital sovereignty in Greece and Europe. He also underlined the growing impact of data-driven innovation and Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, as well as the importance of sustained investment in digital infrastructure to accelerate Greece’s digital transformation.

Dimitris Katsianis, Deputy Chairman of GRNET and Assistant Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), participated in the panel discussion “Quantum Computing: Challenges and Opportunities”, highlighting GRNET’s leading role in advancing quantum communication infrastructures through the HellasQCI and SEEWQCI initiatives and their contribution to the broader EuroQCI ecosystem. The discussion also explored the convergence of quantum technologies, High-Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing the importance of secure quantum communications and the opportunities emerging from the integration of quantum and HPC infrastructures.

Professor Katsianis also delivered the welcome remarks during the session “Region of Central Macedonia: Strategic Partnerships with Government Bodies for Research and Innovation”, highlighting the importance of collaboration between public bodies, academia and technology providers in advancing research and innovation.

Panos Louridas, Director of GRNET’s Research & Development Directorate and Professor at the Department of Management Science and Technology of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), participated in the same session, delivering the opening speech entitled “Manna from Heaven? GRNET’s Provision of Resources to the Greek Academic and Research Community” and moderating the thematic discussion “Nurturing Domestic AI”.

The session focused on the value of strategic collaborations between public organisations, academia, research institutions and technology providers in advancing Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and cloud-enabled innovation. Particular attention was given to the contribution of PHAROS AI Factory and advanced digital infrastructures in strengthening Greece’s AI ecosystem and supporting regional development, innovation and research excellence.

GRNET’s presence at BEYOND 2026 underscored its role as a key enabler of Greece’s digital future, connecting cutting-edge technologies, research excellence and innovation. Through its participation in major national and European initiatives, GRNET continues to advance digital transformation by developing world-class infrastructures and services that drive scientific progress, technological innovation and sustainable growth in Greece and beyond.

Useful Links

Share:
Tagged: