The conference examined the infrastructure, funding and applications shaping Greece’s AI ecosystem
The conditions for making effective use of artificial intelligence in Greece were central to AIForum26, with discussions on computing power, workforce skills and the translation of research into business applications. The 5th Artificial Intelligence Forum by AI Catalyst took place on 5 November 2026 at the Divani Caravel, organised by AI Catalyst in collaboration with ethosEVENTS.
The programme covered innovation funding, digital transformation and the responsible use of AI. Parallel discussions focused on healthcare, financial services, shipping, customer service and quantum technologies.
George Nounesis, Chair of Greece’s National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation (NCRTI) and a Partner of Komvos, participated in the discussion on the future of AI. The session was moderated by Myron Flouris, a member of the AI Catalyst Steering Committee and a Corresponding Member of Komvos, who also managed the conference programme and moderated the session on infrastructure and data.
Research, defence and national strategy
Joining George Nounesis on the panel exploring the next phase of AI were Dimitris Terzis, Secretary General for Research and Innovation; Mihalis Kritikos from the European Commission; Konstantinos Karalas from STHENOS AI; and Dimitris Dimitriadis from Cogniveil.ai.
The discussion highlighted AI’s potential to accelerate scientific research, from advanced materials to biology. It also examined how research findings can lead to new products and businesses, supported by better access to capital and international markets.
Defence applications and technologies with both civilian and military uses featured prominently. For Greece, a central question is how to develop its own expertise and production capacity in an intensely competitive international environment.
How can an AI application become a viable business?
Funding was explored in a panel featuring Stellina Siarapi, Secretary General for Private Investments; Haris Lambropoulos, President of the Hellenic Development Bank of Investments; Periklis Terlixidis from Smart Attica; and Panagis Magdalinos from the National Bank of Greece. Journalist Christos Konstas moderated the discussion.
A key issue was the connection between funding instruments and business outcomes. Preparing a competitive funding proposal needs to support a workable plan that addresses a clear market need and offers prospects for growth.
The discussion identified opportunities for Greek companies in specialised applications that solve specific problems. Access to computing infrastructure, appropriate technical support and international investment partnerships can facilitate their growth. For very small businesses, support with planning and integrating new tools into day-to-day operations remains essential.
AI in shipping operations
The shipping discussion brought together Matthew Maheras from AMMITEC, Christos Moridis from NetValue Systems, Panagiotis Nomikos, a maritime AI consultant, and Thomas Papacharizanos from DNV. Sofia Papadimitriou moderated the session.
Applications explored included market research, chartering, voyage management, procurement and predictive maintenance. The discussion also examined the capabilities of AI agents: systems that can combine information and carry out sequences of tasks.
Data quality and reliable results were identified as essential conditions for using these tools. For companies with smaller fleets, practical guidance, shared experience and staff training are particularly valuable in integrating new applications safely into existing processes.
The full list of sessions and speakers is available in the official AIForum26 programme.
