The opening of the Innovation Office of the Region of Peloponnese was successfully held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Tripoli, with the participation of more than 80 representatives of the Region of Peloponnese, the European Commission, the University of Peloponnese, the academic and research community, the Chambers of Commerce, businesses, and other institutional bodies of Peloponnese. The event marked the official launch of a new structure of strategic importance for strengthening innovation, entrepreneurship, and the connection between research and production in the Region of Peloponnese. The Innovation Office is a flagship project of the Region of Peloponnese, implemented by the University of Peloponnese, with the mission of serving as the central mechanism for supporting innovation in the Region, strengthening cooperation among universities, businesses, research bodies, and public organizations.
Mr. Dimitris Ptochos, Governor of Peloponnese, emphasized the need to accelerate new investments and ensure equal support across all Regional Units, noting that the Region of Peloponnese has historically had room for improvement in the field of innovation. He stressed that the Innovation Office aspires to contribute to shaping a new culture centered on people, their needs, and cooperation, rather than simply creating another structure.
Next, Mr. Nasos Sofos, Senior Official at the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) of the European Commission, specifically noted that, with the operation of the Innovation Office, Peloponnese is now aligned with other Regions of the country that have equivalent innovation support structures. He also pointed out that leveraging international networks and securing the continuation of the Office’s operation after the current funding period ends are critical conditions for the long-term success of the initiative.
Prof. Sofia Zyga, Rector of the University of Peloponnese, described the expanded role of the modern University, noting that its purpose is to create real social and economic impact through the utilization of knowledge and research. She also described the University as “an open institution, a reliable partner, a catalyst for collaborations, and a multiplier of development,” while expressing confidence that the Innovation Office will become a lasting institution with substantive content and measurable results.
The President of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Mr. Athanasios Katsis, described the Innovation Office as a particularly important initiative for the Region of Peloponnese and the University of Peloponnese, emphasizing that establishing a stable mechanism connecting research, entrepreneurship, and public administration is a necessary condition for sustainable development and strengthening the Region’s competitiveness.
On behalf of the Chambers of Commerce of the Region of Peloponnese, a welcome address was given by the President of the Chamber of Corinthia, Mr. Panagiotis Louziotis, who referred to the importance of the Innovation Office as a key tool for implementing the Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3). He also noted that the success of the initiative will be proven through the results produced for businesses and the local economy, describing the Office as the bridge that will connect businesses with institutional bodies and contribute to strengthening innovation and regional development. The event was also honored by the presence of the Presidents of the other Chambers of Commerce of the Region of Peloponnese: Mr. Giannis Troupis (Chamber of Arcadia), Mr. Fotis Damoulos (Chamber of Argolis), Mr. Ioannis Panaritis (Chamber of Laconia), and Mr. Evangelos Xygkoros (Chamber of Messenia), confirming the shared commitment of the Chamber institution to actively support the operation and goals of the Innovation Office.
Following this, on behalf of the Project Contractors, Ms. Eleni Mitsea, Strategic Planning Manager at Break Even Consulting and Coordinator of the Innovation Office, together with Mr. Ioannis Psarras, Emeritus Professor of the National Technical University of Athens and President of the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), presented the role of technology transfer bodies in the implementation of the project and the importance of connecting research activity with entrepreneurship and regional development. They also referred to the extensive network of collaborations already developed through the project, as well as the experience already gained during the first period of the Office’s operation.
This was followed by the project presentation by Ms. Eleni Mitsea, in which the vision, key pillars of operation, services provided, and upcoming actions were presented, aimed at supporting businesses, researchers, academics, and public bodies. The event was coordinated by Ms. Tzina Tsami, Entrepreneurship Advisor at Break Even Consulting and Deputy Coordinator of the Innovation Office. The event concluded with discussion and networking among participants, confirming the strong interest of the academic, research, business, and institutional community in creating a robust regional innovation ecosystem.
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