The laboratories and new facilities of the “TEST BEFORE INVEST FACILITY” at EPISY/EKPA were packed, featuring presentations, technology demonstrations, and pilot tests that showcased the potential of Greek research and innovation. The technology of the future took center stage: robotic systems, artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and immersive collaborative environments combined to create a space where innovation is tested in practice.
The “TEST BEFORE INVEST FACILITY”, an initiative of the I-SENSE Research Group at the Research University Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (EPISY) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), hosts internationally standard laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment for Industry 5.0 applications. It is designed to support high-level fundamental and applied research, housing the pilot activities of over 200 researchers from the Institute, while also bridging the gap between scientific knowledge, the market, and Greek businesses.
The inauguration event for the new facility was a celebration of Greek research and innovation, highlighting the role of EPISY and NTUA as pillars of technological development and international outreach for the country.
Dr. Angelos Amditis, Director of Research and Development at EPISY and the visionary behind this initiative, emphasized:
"In Greece, despite outstanding research activity and high scientific potential, there remains a gap in the transfer of knowledge and technology to production. Companies often lack access to testing spaces, equipment, and expertise to experiment, validate, and adapt innovative solutions before investing in them. Our vision in creating the “TEST BEFORE INVEST FACILITY” aimed to fill precisely this gap, serving as an intermediary link between academic research and industrial application. It offers a safe, flexible, and realistic environment where scientific knowledge is transformed into tangible results, enabling Greek companies to reduce risk, innovate faster, and enhance competitiveness."
Professor Emeritus Ioannis Psarras, Director of EPISY/NTUA, added:
"With the “TEST BEFORE INVEST FACILITY,” EPISY realizes a years-long journey: transitioning research into practice and effectively connecting it with industry."
The event also featured messages from the Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, the Deputy Minister of Education, Nikos Papaioannou, and the Deputy Minister of Development, responsible for Research and Innovation, Stavros Kalafatis.
Greetings were delivered by Vasilis Oikonomou, MP for East Attica (ND), Dimitris Damaskos, Regional Vice-Governor of East Attica, Dimitris Kiousis, Mayor of Kropia, and Panagiotis Tsanakas, Dean of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NTUA. The space was also toured by Manolis Christodoulakis, MP for East Attica (PASOK).
The facility was equipped and operates with the Institute’s own funds to host researchers from diverse fields and encourage the creation and exchange of ideas. It also remains open to NTUA students, offering them the opportunity to apply knowledge and research in real industrial conditions.
Its location in a strategic industrial area, combined with modern facilities and ample space, allows for large-scale testing and the installation of industrial equipment under conditions simulating real production.
Notably, within its first months of operation, the facility hosts CogniSensus, a spin-off of EPISY developing sensor, data analysis, and automation technologies for demanding industrial environments. Additionally, a collaboration has been established with the Region of Attica and HERACLES for the implementation of IMMERGE, as part of the campaign “Learn to Do It Right.”
