Summary of Initiative: Creation of a “Biotechnology Node– Health and Life Sciences Park for Research, Industry and Training”

The biotechnology sector is at the forefront of a transformative era, reshaping healthcare, food systems, and sustainability. The global market is projected to triple by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 12.8%, while the valuation of the health biotechnology sector is expected to reach $713.3 billion by 2027. Many countries are investing in science parks to foster innovation.

The Greek Non-Profit Civil Partnership KOMVOS-NODE, in collaboration with the ARISTEiA Institute (USA), is conducting a feasibility study for the development of the Health and Life Sciences Park for Research, Industry and Training (HeaL-SPRIT)—a dedicated park focused on research, industry, and education in the fields of health and life sciences. The initiative aims to strengthen Greece’s research, education, and innovation ecosystem in biotechnology, while supporting the retention and advancement of the country’s scientific talent. The feasibility study is being carried out in collaboration with Accenture Greece (its CEO, Kyriacos Sabatakakis, is a member of Komvos), which is offering pro bono services for the study’s initial phase. A memorandum of understanding is currently being finalized.

The study’s objectives include identifying Greece’s competitive advantages in the health and life sciences sector, developing a strategic growth plan, analyzing international best practices, selecting appropriate locations for HeaL-SPRIT, and estimating its economic impact at both local and national levels.

To this end, KOMVOS and the ARISTEiA Institute have formed an Advisory Committee composed of distinguished scientists and professionals with specialized expertise, to support the feasibility study for HeaL-SPRIT. The committee may expand to include experts in legal, regulatory, environmental, and bioethical matters. Current members include:

Coordinator

• Konstantinos Drosatos (Professor of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, USA; General Secretary of KOMVOS and President of the ARISTEiA Institute)

Health and Research Team

• Nikos Kyrpides (Program Director for Microbial Genomics and Metagenomics, U.S. Department of Energy – JGI; Board Member, KOMVOS-NODE)
• Nick Bouras (Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, King’s College London, UK; Corresponding Member, KOMVOS-NODE)

Industry Team

• Giorgos Kalyviotis (Vice President, Head of Product Supply, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, USA)
• Grigoris Roumeliotis (Vice President of Global Business Development, Orgenesis Inc.)

Strategic Planning Team

• Emi Psachoulia (Management and Strategy Consultant, Switzerland)
• Mata Harokopou (Head of Corporate Portfolio Management, UCB, Brussels, Belgium)
• Stratos Tavoulareas (Energy Consultant; Assistant Professor, Georgetown University, USA; Treasurer, ARISTEiA Institute)

Communications and Public Sector Relations Team

• Fay Makantasi (Research Director, Dianeosis Research and Policy Institute; Partner, KOMVOS-NODE)
• Mary Bibi (Health and Media Communications Specialist)