GRNET, coordinator of PHAROS AI Factory, participated in the event “Supercomputers and Digital Sovereignty”, held on 27 May 2026 at the University of Western Macedonia’s ZEP Campus in Kozani, as part of an initiative by Digital World Summit Greece in collaboration with the University of Western Macedonia.
The event focused on the latest European and national developments in High-Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital infrastructures, highlighting their role in shaping digital sovereignty and technological competitiveness, as well as their contribution to innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and sustainable regional development. Particular emphasis was placed on the new opportunities emerging for Western Macedonia through the development of a dynamic digital ecosystem capable of attracting research, investment, and entrepreneurial activities.
Eugenia Lokana, Head of Digital Transformation and Digital Skills at GRNET, highlighted the importance of leveraging the expertise developed by GRNET in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing. As she noted, the knowledge and experience gained through initiatives such as PHAROS AI Factory and the new supercomputer “DAEDALUS” can serve as a catalyst for strengthening collaborations with the University of Western Macedonia and other regional stakeholders, contributing to greater interoperability and complementary use of digital infrastructures. Ms Lokana further noted that the combined utilisation of these infrastructures and capabilities is expected to enhance the country’s research and innovation activities, creating favourable conditions for investment, business development, and highly skilled employment opportunities in Western Macedonia.
She also emphasised the need for investments in advanced digital infrastructures to be accompanied by targeted actions for talent attraction, human capital development, and the strengthening of digital skills among the research and academic community, local and research organisations, businesses, and citizens. As she noted, fully leveraging the opportunities offered by Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing infrastructures, and the National Digital Skills Academy requires close cooperation among academic institutions, public authorities, and local communities, ensuring that knowledge and expertise address real educational and development needs while supporting sustainable digital transformation, innovation, and social cohesion.
GRNET’s participation reaffirmed its strategic role in advancing national digital infrastructures and digital skills, supporting research, innovation, and the country’s digital transformation.
