PHAROS AI Factory, Greece’s national ecosystem for accelerating Artificial Intelligence innovation, coordinated by GRNET, will participate in the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), taking place from 5–13 September 2026, at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center (TIF-HELEXPO).
The 2026 edition marks 100 years since the first Thessaloniki International Fair in 1926, with Japan as the honoured country, bringing together organisations, businesses and institutions from Greece and abroad. In this setting, PHAROS will showcase its contribution to Greece’s growing AI ecosystem, connecting research, academia, industry and the public sector and supporting the development and adoption of AI solutions in Health, Culture & Language, and Sustainability.
What to Expect at the Fair
During the Fair, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the PHAROS AI Factory, its vision, services and infrastructure at the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence exhibition space in Pavilion 12, which will include a dedicated area showcasing the new supercomputer DAEDALUS. GRNET representatives will be available to provide information and discuss potential collaboration opportunities.
As part of its participation, PHAROS will also be featured in two panel discussions on the Main Stage of Pavilion 12:
Sunday, 7 September 2026 | Pavilion 12 – Main Stage
11:30 – 12:30 · “A Citizen-Friendly State: A State with AI Serving the Citizen”
The discussion will focus on the role of Artificial Intelligence in modernising public administration and building a state that is more accessible and effective for citizens. In this context, panellists will explore the potential of AI technologies to simplify procedures, improve digital services and strengthen transparency, as well as the challenges associated with the digital transformation of the public sector.
Participating speakers include:
- D. Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence
- V. Charalampogianni, Deputy Minister of Interior
- D. Anagnostopoulos, Secretary General for Information Systems and Digital Governance
- A. Rogkakou, Governor, National Transparency Authority (NTA)
- V. Karkatzounis, Special Secretary for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance
- St. Kollias, Chairman, GRNET & Professor Emeritus, NTUA
Sunday, 7 September 2026 | Pavilion 12 – Main Stage
16:00 – 17:00 · “Digital Sovereignty in Practice: Greece’s Role in the European Strategy”
The discussion will focus on Greece’s strategic position in the European Artificial Intelligence landscape and on the prospects emerging for research, education and entrepreneurship. The panel brings together representatives from the political leadership, academia and research, and the business community, aiming at a substantive dialogue on the opportunities and challenges shaping Greece’s innovation ecosystem.
Participating speakers include:
- D. Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence
- D. Anagnostopoulos, Secretary General for Information Systems and Digital Governance
- V. Karkatzounis, Special Secretary for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance
- St. Kollias, Chairman, GRNET & Professor Emeritus, NTUA
- A. Sevasti, CEO, PHAROS S.A.
- Th. Iliou, Journalist (Mega TV, Makedonia newspaper – Thessaloniki)
Both sessions will also be broadcast live via DIAVLOS, GRNET’s live web streaming service. Streaming details and links are available here.
Further updates on PHAROS AI Factory’s participation will also be shared on its official LinkedIn account throughout the Fair.
More information about the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair is available here.
