Greece has inaugurated the PHAROS AI Factory, a national hub designed to accelerate artificial intelligence development and strengthen collaboration between startups, academic institutions, and research centers. The initiative forms part of the European Union's network of 13 specialized AI facilities across member states.
Funded by 30 million euros ($35.32 million) from both Greek national coffers and the European Commission, PHAROS aims to democratize access to advanced computing resources and technical expertise. The platform specifically targets challenges faced by smaller entities in developing AI solutions, including prohibitive infrastructure costs and technical complexity.
With operational capacity expected in the coming months, the factory will prioritize three strategic domains: healthcare innovation through medical AI applications, cultural preservation using language processing technologies, and sustainable development solutions. The name PHAROS – derived from the ancient Greek word for lighthouse – reflects its mission to guide Greece's digital transformation.
A consortium led by the Greek Research and Technology Network (GRNET) oversees implementation, partnering with leading institutions including the National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos" and the National Technical University of Athens. The project aligns with broader EU efforts to establish technological sovereignty while addressing regional development disparities.
