Greece is positioning itself on the global artificial intelligence (AI) stage, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced during a discussion with AI and innovation startups at the Athens Conservatoire, organized by Endeavor Greece.

Addressing young innovators involved in the Greek AI Accelerator program, Mitsotakis encouraged them to bring forward ideas, emphasizing the potential of combining talent from within Greece with expertise abroad. “When domestic and international talent meet, miracles can happen,” he said.

The Prime Minister cited the country’s collaboration with AI giant OpenAI as proof that Greece has arrived on the global AI map. “We are here to lead, not follow,” Mitsotakis stressed, pointing to the government’s commitment to actively support AI innovation.

Building an Innovation Ecosystem

Since 2019, Greece has made deliberate investments in its innovation ecosystem, promoting entrepreneurship as a pillar of sustainable development. Mitsotakis noted that while results are promising, challenges remain, such as securing follow-on funding for startups, providing access to computational infrastructure like the new Daedalus system, and establishing clear regulations to guide responsible AI development.

He also emphasized the importance of leveraging the European single market of 450 million consumers, supporting Greek businesses to participate in international public tenders, and creating frameworks for startups to scale beyond national borders.

Highlighting the country’s strengths, Mitsotakis pointed to world-class universities, skilled young professionals, venture capital availability, and non-profit organizations that foster collaborations and innovation. He also announced plans for a new Ministry of Higher Education and Innovation, intended to unify fragmented research centers and academic institutions in Greece.

Global Competitiveness

Mitsotakis stressed the need for Europe to close its competitiveness gap with China and the United States, advocating for simplified regulatory frameworks to accelerate innovation. He reinforced that government support, combined with mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, is critical to developing Greece’s AI and tech ecosystem.

“The future growth of our country will come from smart, talented individuals, risk-taking investors, and a government that provides a friendly regulatory environment,” he said, concluding that AI is a central priority for Greece’s economic and technological development.