News

HERON – Hellenic Robotics Center of Excellence, Greece’s first Center of Excellence in Robotics, coordinated by Athena Research Center, has been approved for €15 million in funding through the “Competitiveness” Programme of the 2021-2027 NSRF, following a decision by Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, as announced on 25 August 2026.

 

The national co-funding forms part of HERON’s funding scheme under the European Teaming for Excellence action of Horizon Europe. The project provides for a total of €30 million in funding, comprising €15 million from Horizon Europe and €15 million in complementary funding through the “Competitiveness” Programme, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and national contributions. Securing the national funding is a key requirement of this funding scheme for the implementation and long-term development of the Center.

 

HERON is coordinated by Athena Research Center, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), with the aim of developing an internationally competitive Center of Excellence that will advance robotics research and technological innovation, while strengthening their links with industry and society.

 

HERON’s research activities are structured around three main areas: Robotics for Safety, Security and Rescue; Field Robotics, with applications in agriculture, maritime operations, logistics and space; and Healthcare and Social Robotics. In parallel, HERON is developing state-of-the-art research infrastructure, specialized laboratories and makerspace facilities for the design, development and testing of advanced robotic and mechatronic systems.

 

With €30 million in total funding, strong international partnerships and close links with Greece’s research, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, HERON is laying the foundations for the long-term development of a sustainable Center of Excellence with international reach, aspiring to become a reference point for robotics in Greece and Europe.