The inauguration of the Innovation Office of the Region of Peloponnese was held with great success on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, in Tripoli, with the participation of more than 80 representatives from the Region of Peloponnese, the European Commission, the University of Peloponnese, the academic and research community, Chambers of Commerce, businesses and other institutions in the Peloponnese. The event marked the official launch of a new structure of strategic importance for strengthening innovation, entrepreneurship and the interconnection between research and production in the Region of Peloponnese. The Innovation Office is an emblematic project of the Region of Peloponnese, which aims to serve as a central mechanism for supporting innovation in the Region, strengthening cooperation between universities, businesses, research institutions and public organizations.
Mr. Dimitris Ptochos, Governor of the Region of Peloponnese, emphasized the need to strengthen new investments and ensure substantial support for all businesses in the Region, noting that the Region of Peloponnese has significant room for improvement in the field of innovation. “We are proud that the Innovation Office aims to contribute to shaping a new culture centered on people, their needs and cooperation, rather than simply creating another structure.”
Mr. Nasos Sofos, Senior Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), then highlighted the fact that the Innovation Office of the Region of Peloponnese is being implemented alongside other Regions in the country that have corresponding innovation support structures. He stressed that the operation of such networks and ensuring the continued operation of the Office after the end of existing funding are critical prerequisites for long-term success.
Professor Sofia Zyga, Rector of the University of Peloponnese, described the expanded role of the modern university, emphasizing that its purpose is to create real social and economic impact through its connection with knowledge and research. She also described the University as “an open institution, a reliable partner, and a catalyst for cooperation and the exchange of ideas,” while expressing her confidence that the Innovation Office will become a lasting institution with meaningful content and measurable results.
Mr. Athanasios Katsis, President of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), described the Innovation Office as a particularly important initiative for the Region of Peloponnese and the University of Peloponnese, emphasizing that the creation of a stable mechanism connecting research, entrepreneurship and public administration is a necessary prerequisite for sustainable development and strengthening the Region’s competitiveness.
On behalf of the Chambers of Commerce of the Region of Peloponnese, Mr. Panagiotis Louloudis, President of the Corinth Chamber of Commerce, delivered a welcome address, highlighting the importance of the Innovation Office as a key tool for implementing the Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3). He noted that the success of the initiative will be demonstrated through its results, which will concern businesses and the local economy, describing the Office as a bridge connecting businesses with institutional bodies and contributing to strengthening innovation and regional development. The event was also attended by the Presidents of the other Chambers of Commerce of the Region of Peloponnese: Mr. Giannis Troupis (Arcadia Chamber), Mr. Fotis Damoulos (Argolis Chamber), Mr. Ioannis Panagiritis (Laconia Chamber) and Mr. Evangelos Xygkros (Messinia Chamber), confirming their common commitment to actively support the operation and objectives of the Innovation Office.
On behalf of the project contractors, Ms. Eleni Mitsou, Strategic Planning Manager at Break Even Consulting and Coordinator of the Innovation Office, together with Mr. Ioannis Psarras, Professor at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens and President of the Research University Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), presented the role of the project partners, the technological support of the project and the importance of connecting research activity with entrepreneurship and regional development. Reference was also made to the network of collaborations already developed through the project, as well as to the experience gained since the Office began operating.
This was followed by a presentation of the project by Ms. Eleni Mitsou, during which the vision, main pillars of operation, services provided and actions to be developed in the coming period to support businesses, researchers, academics and public bodies were presented. The event was moderated by Ms. Tzina Tzami, Entrepreneurship Consultant at Break Even Consulting and Deputy Coordinator of the Innovation Office. The event concluded with a discussion and networking session among participants, confirming the strong interest of the academic, research, business and institutional communities in creating a strong regional innovation ecosystem.
For more information about the Innovation Office, please visit: https://ppel-innovation.gr/
The event was held within the framework of Subproject 1, “Establishment and Operation of the Innovation Office of the Region of Peloponnese”, of the Action “Actions to support business innovation through cooperation between businesses and research institutions (Innovation Office)”, project code MIS 6011212, co-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund) and national resources through the “Peloponnese 2021–2027” Programme. The project is implemented by the Union of Economic Operators, comprising BREAK-EVEN CONSULTING I.K.E. and the Research University Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) of the National Technical University of Athens.
