National Infrastructures for Research and Technology (GRNET) 

GRNET – National Infrastructures for Research and Technology is one of Greece’s largest public sector technology organizations, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence. It provides advanced network, cloud, and IT infrastructures and services to academic, research and educational institutions, as well as to public and private sector bodies. GRNET plays a key role as the national coordinator of e-Infrastructures in education and research, supporting the country’s digital transformation through technological expertise, applied research, and innovation. It develops and carries out the national strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and operates the National HPC Competence Center, the AI Factory PHAROS, the National Digital Competencies Portal, and key national and European initiatives in quantum communication and digital identity. Since 1998, GRNET has been serving hundreds of thousands of users daily across Public Administration, Education, Research, Health, and Culture. 

Within the PHAROS project, GRNET holds the central coordinating and strategic role, ensuring effective implementation and alignment with European objectives. 

As Project Coordinator (PC), GRNET oversees the overall management and quality assurance of the project, ensuring compliance with legal, ethical and data standards.

Additionally, GRNET is responsible for 

  • Building Training Capacity and Skills: focusing on enhancing training capacity and digital skills across Europe, supporting knowledge sharing and workforce development in AI and HPC domains.
  • Communication and Dissemination: designing and implementing a comprehensive communication and dissemination strategy to enhance the project’s visibility and actively engage stakeholders across Europe.
  • Technical Aspects: contributing to the development of HPC access policies and resource provision, fostering interaction with AI sandboxes, and advancing AI services for the healthcare sector.

Most importantly, GRNET is responsible for the development and operation of the new supercomputer “DAEDALUS”, a key technological pillar of PHAROS and a cornerstone of Greece’s participation in the EuroHPC ecosystem. DAEDALUS will deliver the advanced computing power and data capabilities required for the deployment, testing and scaling of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions developed within the PHAROS AI Factory. Through this infrastructure, GRNET will support national and European research communities, public organisations, and enterprises in accelerating innovation and digital transformation through AI and high-performance computing.

Lastly, GRNET contributes across other project’s activities, including the preparation of the project’s business plan, the contribution to AI and HPC interoperability, user support, networking with national and European initiatives and the development of innovative AI applications in the language, culture, and sustainability sectors.