FORTH had a dynamic presence at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair, which took place from 7 to 15 September 2024, with 10 speeches in panel discussions and numerous innovative exhibits, in Pavilion 7 of the Ministry of Development, at the GRSI’s (General Secretariat for Research & Innovation) stand.

Programme

Saturday, September 7th

• 13:55 – 14:00 "The flagship project "Centre for Innovation and Advanced Education" of FORTH

and

• 15.00 – 15.30 "Research and Innovation as Pillars of Regional and National Development: The Mission of the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas", Professor Nektarios Tavernarakis, Chairman of the Board of Directors, FORTH
• 16.00 –16.30 “The European Digital Innovation Hub for Smart Health”, Prof. Dimitris Plexousakis, Vice-Chairman of FORTH, Director of the Institute of Computer Science and coordinator of the smartHEALTH Hub

Sunday, September 8^th

• 12.30-13.00 "From Research to Market: Commercialization of Research Results"

Dr. Kostas Vavekis, Director of PRAXI Network/FORTH

Monday, September 9^th

• 17:30 – 18:00 "Exploiting research and strengthening entrepreneurship: the contribution of the Science and Technology Park of Crete", George Papamichail, Director of the Science & Technology Park of Crete (STEP-C) /FORTH

Tuesday,September 10^th

• 19.00-19.30 "Market Research, Innovation and Business Development: Strategies for the 21st Century", Dr. Evangelos Korobilis-Magas, Business and Innovation Consultant, PRAXI Network/FORTH

Wednesday, September 11^th

• 19.00-19.30 "Sustainable innovation: The impact of ESG criteria on innovation"

Dr. Achilleas Barlas, Coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network-Hellas, Coordinator of Innovation in SMEs Unit, PRAXI Network/FORTH

Thursday, September 12th

• 19:00 – 19:30 "Low Cost Sensors for Food Packaging"

Professor Vassilios Binas, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and Associated Researcher at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) of FORTH.

Friday, September 13th

• 19:00 – 19:30 “Archaeo-environment reconstruction with geoinformatics methods”

Dr. Nikos Papadopoulos, Research Director, Institute for Mediterranean Studies (IMS)-FORTH

• 19:30 – 20:00 "Photocatalysis: myth or reality? The Case of PCN Materials", an award-winning FORTH spin off company

Professor Vassilios Binas, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and Associated Researcher at the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) of FORTH.

Exhibits

• The Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser (IESL) presented ways to improve hygiene in indoor spaces using Nanotechnology products, such as construction materials, paints and fabrics. Using artificial light, these innovative photocatalytic materials have the ability to degrade air pollutants, combat bacteria, and destroy viruses, significantly improving the quality of air. They are produced in powder form and mixed with various materials (paints, coatings), contributing to the cleaning and disinfection of indoor spaces such as hospitals, schools, etc. Their action is long-lasting and effective in combating diseases related to the upper respiratory system, such as asthma and bronchitis. Visitors had the opportunity to see a range of different innovative building materials, as well as, the reduction of pollutants in a container, with the help of these innovative products.

• IESL also presented a novel type of ophthalmological sutures that allow the surgeon to monitor and control in real time the stress applied on the suture during the stitching process, taking place within cornea transplantation surgery. The aim of the project is the reduction of the complications related to the application of non-uniform strain during the transplant stitching onto the eye. Such complications reduce the quality of the patients’ vision. This research has been funded by the GSRI and Greece 2.0 “Research-Create-Innovate” (project PHAETHON), coordinated by IESL-FORTH, with Athens Vision as a clinical partner (https://www.iesl.forth.gr/en/project/phaethon#tab-general).

• The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) presented its activities in Flagship Action “Innovative Phytoprotection and Environment”, and other relative activities in the field of Green Biotechnology, to effectively monitor and address issues generated by insects of medical importance and the diseases transmitted, using innovative technologies and methods (such as automated molecular diagnostic platforms) as well as green bio insecticides.(https://www.kainotomosfytoprostasia.gr/ https://www.nextgenbiopest.eu/)

• The Institute of Computer Science showcased the Interactive Model of a Smart Greenhouse, employing cutting-edge Ambient Intelligence technologies that encompass the entire spectrum of farming activities. The goal is to achieve a harmonious synergy between humans and the Smart Environment, particularly within the sensitive Agri-food sector. (https://ami.ics.forth.gr/el/project/eksypno-thermokipio/)

• Visitors also experienced the 'VR Treasure Hunt system, an interactive game where users are called to navigate the virtual world and solve a series of riddles related to history, cultural heritage, events (such as periodic exhibitions), monuments and customs, of the city of Heraklion. The goal is to highlight and interconnect selected routes in such a way as to stimulate the interest of visitors in extracting historical data related to the city.

• Another application of ICS gave visitors the opportunity to travel through space within a virtual reality environment, and explore the history of the city of Heraklion by freely navigating in 3D set ups. This playful -yet educational- application provides a realistic visualization of 3D spaces and monuments, accompanied by original storytelling drawn mainly from Heraklion city’s past.

• The Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICEHT) presented an innovative and efficient dehumidification membrane based on ionic liquids. This technology will enhance living conditions (humidity control) in enclosed spaces such as homes, hospitals, industry, and more. It is 10 times more efficient than existing polymeric membranes and will significantly reduce the energy consumption of existing air conditioning systems, contributing to the European Community's goal of zero emissions from buildings (http://www.biomek.eu/).

Moreover, the visitors of FORTH’s booth had the opportunity to learn about:

• PRAXI Network, the Technology Transfer Unit of FORTH, and its activities which support innovation and technology transfer at both national and European level. PRAXI Network provides targeted consulting support to researchers, research organizations, and innovative Greek Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), helping to bridge the gap between research and industry. https://praxinetwork.gr/en/home/ and

• Science & Technology Park of Crete:
  The main objectives of STEP-C include technology transfer and commercial exploitation of research outcomes produced in the Academic and Research Institutions of Crete and their interconnection with industry and production. STEP-C occupies a large area of approximately 4,000 sq. m (offices and laboratory space) hosting primarily technology-oriented innovative companies, while it also provides the STEP-C Virtual Incubator service for non-resident tenants, combining virtual office with incubation services.