SETPE at the 13th Technology Forum – The Leading Technology and Innovation Gathering on 22 May in Thessaloniki
The Association of Hellenic Information Technology Enterprises (SETPE) is actively participating as a co-organiser of the 13th Technology Forum, which will take place on Friday, 22 May 2026, at Warehouse D of the Port of Thessaloniki Authority (the “Frida Liappa” Hall).
The Technology Forum has established itself as one of the most recognised platforms for dialogue and collaboration on technology, innovation, research and productive development in Northern Greece. This year’s event brings together representatives from higher education institutions, the research community, industry, entrepreneurship and the technology ecosystem, with the aim of strengthening synergies and bridging expertise with market needs.
Under the title “From Lab to Market: Innovating Through Entrepreneurship”, this year’s event focuses on the transition of research from the laboratory into practice, the transformation of knowledge into applied solutions, the business utilisation of innovation, and the development of new collaborations among research organisations, businesses, startups and institutional stakeholders.
The event is taking place in partnership with TechSaloniki X, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, further establishing the venue as a meeting point for the technology community. The joint presence of the two initiatives creates a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge exchange and the exploration of new opportunities for the city’s innovation ecosystem.
Participation is free of charge. SETPE members can register, attend the full-day event and gain insights into emerging cutting-edge technologies, the connection between research and the market, artificial intelligence and available funding opportunities.
Friday, 22 May 2026
Warehouse D | Port of Thessaloniki
“Frida Liappa” Hall
Arrival & registration time: 09:00 a.m.
The event programme includes, among others:
• the opening session, featuring representatives from the Government, the Region of Central Macedonia, the research community, local government and the business ecosystem,
• the “Innovation & New Entrepreneurship” session, highlighting the OK!Thess example and the role of innovation in the field of local government,
• the “Innovation for Society Awards – IFSAwards by RCM 2026” session, featuring the presentation of real-world challenges, reverse pitching, the participation of challenge owners, experts and the audience, as well as an open call for solutions,
• the “Students Innovate” special session, featuring innovative student projects with social impact from the 2nd Model Experimental Junior High School of Kalamaria, presented by NOESIS,
• the “From Lab to Market: Innovating Through Technology Transfer” session, focusing on the role of Technology Transfer Offices, collaborations between research teams, businesses and spin-offs, as well as policies that can support the utilisation of research outcomes,
• the discussion on Artificial Intelligence and young professionals, focusing on how junior professionals can collaborate creatively with modern AI tools rather than be replaced by them,
• the “European Innovation Council – EIC” session, focusing on funding instruments, the requirements for advancing Greek innovation and the opportunities available to businesses, research teams and ecosystem stakeholders.
In parallel, two keynote speeches have also been scheduled, as follows:
• Aliki Foinikopoulou, Head of the Global Public Policy team at Salesforce, with the keynote speech titled “The agentic revolution: Building trust and opportunity in the era of AI agents”,
• Paul Jansen, Associate Director Organised Innovation Spaces στην ARUP, με θέμα “Orchestrating, Scaling and Governing Innovation Ecosystems”.
For SETPE member companies, participation in the 13th Technology Forum represents a valuable opportunity for information exchange, networking and engagement with organisations, businesses, researchers, investment groups and professionals actively contributing to the development of the region’s technological and productive future.
SETPE strongly supports initiatives that strengthen the connection between technology, entrepreneurship, research, innovation and productive development. Its participation in the 13th Technology Forum reflects precisely this strategic direction — highlighting software development companies as key contributors to the digital transformation, competitiveness and extroversion of the Greek economy.
We invite you to register and attend the event proceedings 13th Technology Forum.
