HCDI at the International Exhibition DEFEA 2025

HCDI at the International Exhibition DEFEA 2025

The Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI) had a dynamic presence at the International Exhibition DEFEA 2025, held on May 6–8 at the Metropolitan Expo, highlighting its central role in advancing innovation in the defence sector. The organization actively participated in key events during the exhibition and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hellenic Space Center (HSC), further strengthening the development and promotion of innovative solutions leveraging space technology to serve national needs.

Memorandum of Understanding with HSC

Recognizing the growing importance of protecting and ensuring the resilience of space systems and related infrastructures, HSC and HCDI signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing the country's capabilities in the design, production, and utilization of space systems and applications, and at developing a strong and sustainable space technology ecosystem in Greece.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Pantelis Tzortzakis, CEO of HCDI, and Mr. Nikos Sergis, CEO of HSC.

Welcoming the announcement, Mr. Sergis stated:
"Today’s formalization of an existing collaboration marks the foundation of our joint effort to bolster space innovation, with the primary goal of developing dual-use technologies and applications in space, by Greek institutions, Greek minds, and Greek hands — with the support of the Ministries of National Defence and Digital Governance. We warmly thank our partners at HCDI and the leadership of the two ministries, and we look forward to the first results."

On his part, Mr. Tzortzakis emphasized:
"Our collaboration with HSC marks an important step toward strengthening Greece’s presence in the space ecosystem, with a focus on dual-use applications. We are combining expertise, infrastructure, and a shared vision to harness space technology for the benefit of National Defence and civil protection, while simultaneously contributing to the country's innovation."

Photo from the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between HSC and HCDI at the DEFEA international exhibition, in the presence of the Secretary General for Telecommunications and Post, Konstantinos Karantzalos

Defence Innovation at DEFEA 2025

As part of the three-day exhibition, and in collaboration with METEX, HCDI organized the event “Challenges in Spinning Off Dual Use Research,” aimed at highlighting the difficulties researchers face in transferring applied research from lab to  market through the creation and growth of spin-off companies.

The event provided a platform for six spin-off companies from Greek universities and research centers across six different regions of Greece to present their innovative products and services, as well as the challenges they encountered during the creation and development of their businesses.

In addition, two research teams in an earlier stage of spin-off formation were invited to discuss the hurdles they face in successfully commercializing their solutions for both the defence sector and the broader market.

The event was supported by the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) of NTUA, the Archimedes Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and EIT Manufacturing. Technologies were showcased by CDXi Solutions, MetaMind Innovations P.C., SciDrones P.C., CogniSensus, Teaching Factory, Traqbeat Technologies, as well as research solutions from the Hellenic Naval Academy and ICCS - NTUA.

At the same time, HCDI representatives participated in key events organized by SEKPY, NCSR “Demokritos”, and the PRAXI Network, where discussions focused on national and European perspectives in the fields of defence and innovation, as well as best practices for further strengthening the country’s innovation potential.

HCDI invites all Greek companies, of all sizes, active in the fields of defence, security, and innovation to take part in the ongoing mapping of the domestic defence innovation ecosystem. The mobilization of all ecosystem stakeholders is essential for showcasing the true defence and innovation capabilities of the country. Visit the link: https://www.elkak.gr/ecosystem-chart

You can find a video summary of HCDI’s presence at DEFEA here.

For more information on HCDI’s activities, visit: https://www.elkak.gr