Institutional cooperation between EKT and HCDI to strengthen defence innovation

The National Documentation Centre and Electronic Content (EKT) and the Hellenic Center for Defence Innovation (HCDI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, at the Ministry of Digital Governance, launching an institutional partnership aimed at mapping and strengthening Greece’s defence innovation ecosystem.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of HCDI, Pantelis Tzortzakis, and the Director of EKT, Dr. Kyriakos Tolias, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Digital Governance, Christos Dermentzopoulos, and the Chair of the Board of EKT, Emeritus Professor Eugenia Bezirkioglou. Also attending the signing ceremony were EKT Vice President Professor Aristotelis Tziampiris; Dr. Nikos Karabekios, Head of the Defence Innovation Department at EKT; Commander (Eng.) Iasonas Dimou HN, Director of Development, Ecosystem Support and Technology Transfer at HCDI; Lieutenant Colonel Vasileios Sakellaropoulos, Head of Ecosystem Development at HCDI; as well as executives from both organizations.

The cooperation leverages the institutional and operational roles of EKT and HCDI with the aim of developing joint initiatives to promote innovation, support strategic actions in the fields of defence and technology, and facilitate the participation of specialized scientists, researchers, businesses, and ecosystem stakeholders. At the core of the collaboration is the strengthening of the technological and innovation capacity of Greece’s domestic defence industrial base and startup ecosystem, as well as the faster deployment of technological solutions in operational environments.

Deputy Minister of Digital Governance Christos Dermentzopoulos underlined that this collaboration constitutes an important step toward the further development of defence innovation in Greece. As he noted, HCDI contributes to connecting research and emerging technologies with the real needs of the Armed Forces, while EKT, through its expertise in documentation, data, and knowledge management, can substantially support this effort. Through the cooperation of the two organizations, the use of knowledge and innovation is strengthened for the benefit of Greece’s defence, security, and technological advancement.

The Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of HCDI, Pantelis Tzortzakis, stated: “For HCDI, cooperation with EKT is particularly important, as the two organizations can operate complementarily in selected fields. Our goal is to leverage EKT’s expertise in data collection, documentation and analysis, as well as technology foresight, in critical thematic areas such as Artificial Intelligence, sensors, and information technology. Through this collaboration, we will be able to capitalize on scientific knowledge, data, and networks, strengthening the capabilities of the Greek defence innovation ecosystem.”

The Chair of the Board of EKT, Emeritus Professor Eugenia Bezirkioglou, noted: “The cooperation between EKT and HCDI comes at a time when research, data, and cutting-edge technologies are of decisive importance in shaping solutions with meaningful impact. Through its expertise in documentation, analysis, and data exploitation, EKT can contribute to knowledge production and the promotion of innovation in a critical sector for the country.”

The Director of EKT, Dr. Kyriakos Tolias, stated: “The Memorandum of Cooperation we are signing with HCDI marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership in the field of defence, which has historically served as a driving force for technological development and innovation. As the National Authority of the Hellenic Statistical System for Research, Technological Development and Innovation, and as a national knowledge and data infrastructure, EKT possesses the experience and expertise required to map and support the defence innovation ecosystem. The establishment of the Defence Innovation Department is part of this strategic direction, aiming to produce work with added value for research, innovation, defence, and the economy.”

As highlighted by participants, particular emphasis will be placed on leveraging the potential of the Greek scientific diaspora. In this context, EKT has already developed an institutional collaboration with the OECD to map the Greek diaspora and the knowledge capital existing outside Greece, while the findings of a related study are expected to be announced soon.

Main Areas of Cooperation

The Memorandum of Understanding provides, among others, for:

• mapping the domestic defence innovation ecosystem and assessing its potential,
• providing specialized advisory services and support for strategic decision-making,
• developing knowledge management mechanisms and utilizing scientific and technological data,
• joint participation in research projects and European programmes,
• networking activities and international collaborations through European networks in which EKT participates, such as the Enterprise Europe Network,
• supporting startups and SMEs in developing defence-oriented technological solutions,
• initiatives for identifying and promoting dual-use technologies,
• information activities and seminars for research organizations, businesses, and Armed Forces personnel,
• supporting HCDI in its role as the National Focal Point for the European Defence Fund (EDF).

About HCDI

The Hellenic Center for Defence Innovation (HCDI S.A.) is a public limited company with shareholders the Ministry of National Defence (67%) and the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (33%). Its core mission is to cultivate a strong domestic defence innovation ecosystem that addresses national security needs. It focuses on commissioning research and development projects for dual-use technologies that can strengthen the country’s defence operational capabilities and economic growth.

HCDI bridges startups, SMEs, research centers, military academies, universities, established defence industry companies, the Armed Forces, Security Forces, and Civil Protection bodies through financial and non-financial tools, aiming to create more collaboration opportunities and accelerate the transformation of innovative ideas into modern defence solutions. HCDI operates under the supervision of the Minister of National Defence.

About EKT

The National Documentation Centre and Electronic Content (EKT), a National Research Infrastructure and National Authority of the Hellenic Statistical System, operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Governance. EKT promotes knowledge, research, innovation, and digital transformation. Its institutional role includes collecting, aggregating, organizing, documenting, disseminating, and digitally preserving scientific, technological, and cultural information, content, and data produced in Greece.

As part of the restructuring of its organizational framework, EKT established the Defence Innovation Department, responsible for monitoring and analyzing innovative technologies and practices in the field of defence. Its mission is to map innovation and assess activities in the defence sector, while providing evidence-based data to support policymaking.