25/01/2007

The Innovation Centre in Microelectronics, the first technology cluster in Greece, was recently inaugurated in Athens. It is a technology cooperative which houses, under the same roof, 15 rapidly growing Greek and foreign high-tech companies operating in the fields of microelectronic design (chip design) and embedded systems.

Specifically, 12 Greek companies (4Plus, Alma Technologies, Analogies, BlueDev, Diaplous, GDT, Globetech, Helic, inAccess Networks, Sciencis, Theon and Theta) and three subsidiaries of US multinational corporations (Atmel, Bytemobile and Photronics) participate in the Innovation Centre in Microelectronics. These companies have been developed partly by their own capital and partly by investments from Greece and abroad and employ 200 workers in Marousi and an additional 300 throughout Greece. Their products are already on the market and 80% of their client base is located abroad.

The first Greek technology cluster was developed under the framework of the Hellenic Technology Clusters Initiative (HTCI) and is co-funded by the Operational Programme "Competitiveness" of the Ministry of Development. It is also realized by the Unit for the Development of Greek Technology Cooperatives of the "Athena" Research Centre, with fundamental contributions from the University of Patras Professor Vasileios Makios (Vice-President of the "Athena" Research Centre and HTCI Director), Dr Jorge Sanchez-Papaspiliou (Director of Strategic Planning and Business Development) and Dr Nikos Voyiatzis (Director of Operations for Cluster and Company Services).

The inauguration of the centre, which was conducted by the Minister for Development Dimitris Sioufas, was attended by officers of the European and Greek Semiconductor Industry Associations, the President of the Sophia Antipolis Foundation of France, European Commission dignitaries and representatives of the business and academic community. During the inauguration event, a memorandum of cooperation between the HTCI and the French foundation "Sophia Antipolis" was signed in a bid to achieve technological collaboration between Greek and French cooperatives.

The Minister for Development referred to the anticipated creation of clusters in additional fields, such as renewable energy resources, biotechnology, pharmaceutical products and culture. He emphasised that the creation of strong networks between people and businesses, as well as the collection of market experience and knowledge, will offer many advantages to the evolving Greek scene and small to medium-sized enterprises. The Director-General of the HTCI, Professor Vasileios Makios, stressed that the HTCI initiative will act as a catalyst for collaboration between the public and private sectors in microelectronics. The establishment of an outstanding centre of research and development will enhance future activities in the country, while acting as a base for innovative business at global level.

Source: Ministry for Development