Athens, Greece – The “Innovation to Impact: Deep Tech in Action 2026” conference successfully brought together leading voices from industry, academia, and public authorities to explore the future of artificial intelligence, next-generation connectivity, and digital transformation. The event also served as a platform to present the final achievements and outcomes of the 6G-BRICKS, ADROIT6G, and ACCC AC3 research projects to a wider audience.

Held in Athens, the conference showcased how cutting-edge deep-tech innovations are moving from research laboratories to real-world applications, with a particular focus on AI-powered networks, autonomous systems, and distributed intelligence.

Exploring the Future of Intelligent Networks

The conference agenda was structured around three key thematic pillars:

• Pillar I: Smart Networks, Smarter Applications
• Pillar II: Governing the Digital Future with AI
• Pillar III: Deploying Intelligence Anywhere

Through keynote discussions and expert panels, participants examined the evolving role of artificial intelligence in future communication networks, digital governance, and emerging technology ecosystems.

Distinguished Speakers and Industry Leaders

The event featured contributions from prominent representatives of government, research institutions, and technology companies, including:

• Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister for Development, responsible for Research and Innovation
• Dimitris Katsianis, Deputy Director, GRNET
• Nikolaos Romanos, Director of Digital Governance, Office of the Prime Minister of Greece
• Lazaros Karaoulis, CEO, DAEM
• Yota Paparidou, President, SEPE
• Manos Makromallis, President, SEKEE
• Konstantinos Chatzimichail, Network Director for Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Bulgaria, and Albania, Ericsson
• John Tenidis, Marketing Director for Wireless Solutions, INTRACOM Telecom
• Panagiotis Papagiannopoulos, Commercial Director, Fasmetrics
• Prof. Anna Tzanakaki, University of Athens
• Prof. Symeon Papavasiliou, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)
• Ioannis Chochliouros, Head of R&D Labs, OTE

The conference also included special “Fire Chat” sessions featuring:

• Michail Bletsas, Director of the National Cybersecurity Authority
• Omiros Tsapalos, Communications Strategist and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy and Finance

Live Demonstrations Showcase Research Impact

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of nine live technology demonstrations developed within the three featured projects. The demonstrations showcased innovative solutions in areas such as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• 6G communications
• Autonomous and self-managed networks
• Distributed intelligence
• Advanced digital services

The demonstrations were developed through collaborations involving leading technology and research organizations, including INTRACOM Telecom, SPACE HELLAS, Satways, Siemens, i2CAT/Iquadrat, Spark Works, CYENS Centre of Excellence, Athena Research Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Red Hat, and other project partners.

Collaboration Driving Innovation

The success of the conference reflects the strong collaboration between research institutions, industry stakeholders, and public-sector organizations working to accelerate Europe’s digital transformation and strengthen its leadership in next-generation communication technologies.

The organizers expressed their appreciation to all speakers, panelists, demonstrators, partners, and attendees who contributed to the event’s success. Special thanks were extended to co-organizers INTRACOM Telecom, OTE Group of Companies, and SmartPress S.A., as well as journalist Christos Kotsakas, who moderated and facilitated the panel discussions.

As the 6G-BRICKS, ADROIT6G, and ACCC AC3 projects reach their conclusion, the conference highlighted the tangible impact of their research and the growing role of AI-driven innovation in shaping the future of connectivity and digital services.