News

The long-awaited contract for the construction of the new building of the “Athena” Research Center in Patras, with a total budget of €4.8 million, was signed by the Regional Governor of Western Greece, Mr. Nektarios Farmakis; the Chairman of the Board and General Director of Athena, Professor Yiannis Emiris; and the President and CEO of the KAMARIOTIS Technical Commercial S.A, Mr. Stavros Kamariotis. The signing ceremony was also attended by Mr. Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Executive Director and Head of the Strategic Projects Contracting Unit of the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF), and Professor Chrysostomos Stylios, Director of the Industrial Systems Institute (ISI) of Athena Research Center.

 

The project involves the construction of a new energy-efficient building with a total area of 2,980 sq.m. on a privately owned plot adjacent to the existing building of the Patras Science Park. It will house the Industrial Systems Institute, innovation initiatives, and other activities of Athena. The building will include a basement (for mechanical infrastructure), a ground floor, and two upper floors hosting administrative and financial offices, laboratories, and training spaces.

The contracting authority is Athena, while the Region of Western Greece (RWG) is responsible for construction supervision. The Strategic Projects Contracting Unit of HRADF acted as the implementing body, overseeing the project maturation, completion of design and tender documentation, and the open tender procedure to select the construction contractor.

 

The project is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan "Greece 2.0", co-funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU. The contract is financed through the Public Investment Program, with funding managed by the Ministry of Development / General Secretariat for Research and Innovation.

 

The Regional Governor of Western Greece, Mr. Nektarios Farmakis, stated: “The very important research and innovation ecosystem of Western Greece is being further strengthened. The construction of the new building in Patras will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Athena Research Center. In the Region of Western Greece, we are actively present in every initiative that concerns our area and promotes knowledge and research. I feel the need to express my gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to all those involved in this major effort, which reached a successful conclusion in such a short time. The future is built with projects like this.”

 

Mr. Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Executive Director and Head of HRADF’s Strategic Projects Contracting Unit, stated: “A significant project to promote innovation in Western Greece is coming to life, thanks to HRADF’s contribution and our excellent collaboration with the Region of Western Greece and the Athena Research Center. Our Strategic Projects Contracting Unit is leading the maturation of major projects to upgrade Greek research centers worth €64.2 million, playing a catalytic role in the creation of real innovation and development labs. Innovation is a key pillar of economic transformation, and HRADF will continue to support research rapidly, transparently, and decisively, as a driver of sustainable growth.”

 

Professor Chrysostomos Stylios, Director of ISI, thanked the current and former leadership of the Ministry of Development and the GSRI for their support in integrating and implementing the new building project. He also thanked Mr. Nektarios Farmakis, Regional Governor of Western Greece, and the Technical Works Directorate of the Achaia Regional Unit, stating: “With the new Athena building that will house ISI, a long-standing and persistent effort comes to fruition. Located next to the Science Park, the new building will enhance and expand the research and development activities of the Institute. Since its founding in 1998, ISI has operated both in Western Greece and across the country, producing research results, developing high-tech products, and offering advanced services—especially in fields related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital transformation of industries, enterprises, and organizations. The new facility will upgrade the research and innovation ecosystem in Western Greece and serve as a model for modern bioclimatic and energy-efficient buildings, incorporating ICT technologies relevant to building automation, management, sustainability, and digitization—technologies that are at the core of ISI’s research focus.”

 

Finally, Professor Yiannis Emiris, President of the Athena Research Center, expressed his great satisfaction and pride in the contract signing for the construction of the new building in Patras, adding: “This project has been a strategic goal for our Center, and we are grateful to the State, HRADF, and the Region of Western Greece for their support. The new building will strengthen Athena’s role as a leading institution in the digital revolution through its nationwide activities, particularly through the Industrial Systems Institute’s research, innovation actions like the Avisense spin-off, and broader partnerships with research and development entities. Geographically, the new facility will be located next to the Patras Science Park and the FORTH/ICE-HT, and very close to four more academic and research institutions. This is the first of five Athena infrastructure projects to reach contract stage under the Center’s expansion program funded by the Recovery Fund and the European Investment Bank.”