HETiA’s 5th Emerging Tech Forum 2025: Advancing Greece’s Role in the European Semiconductor Ecosystem
On December 11, 2025, the 5th Emerging Tech Forum, organized by the Hellenic Emerging Technologies Industry Association (HETiA), took place at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, reaffirming its role as a flagship platform for dialogue on deep tech, semiconductors, AI, cybersecurity, quantum, and innovation-driven growth in Greece and Europe. The Forum placed particular emphasis on the role of the Hellenic Chips Competence Centre (HCCC) as a cornerstone of Greece’s National Semiconductor Strategy and its alignment with European priorities under the EU Chips Act.
The Forum brought together government officials, European institutions, industry leaders, researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs, fostering high-level discussions on the strategic priorities shaping Greece’s technological future—ranging from the National Strategy for Microchips and the EU Chips Act, to defence/space technologies, intelligent energy systems, quantum computing, and the human factor of deep tech.
Within this strategic context, the Forum also marked an important institutional milestone, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Development and HETiA, reinforcing their cooperation in advancing Greece’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Meeting of HETIA with European Commission and Government representatives
The opening of the Forum was marked by a welcome address by Dr. Emmanuel Zervakis, President of HETiA and HCCC, followed by opening remarks by Lazaros Tsavdaridis, Deputy Minister of Development, and an opening note by Thomas Skordas, Deputy Director-General of DG CONNECT at the European Commission. Their contributions underscored the importance of semiconductors, innovation, and technological sovereignty for Europe’s competitiveness and highlighted Greece’s active role within the European policy and industrial framework.
A central pillar of the Forum was the discussion on the National Strategy for Microchips and its next implementation steps, with contributions from Eleftherios Kritikos, Secretary General of Industry, Thomas Skordas, and Dr. Emmanuel Zervakis. The session emphasized policy coordination, public–private synergies, and the catalytic role of HCCC in translating strategic objectives into measurable ecosystem outcomes. The discussion was complemented by a data-driven presentation on “The Hellenic Semi & Microchips Ecosystem in Numbers” by Professor Aggelos Tsakanikas of NTUA, offering a quantitative overview of Greece’s semiconductor landscape, research capacity, and growth potential, and highlighting the importance of evidence-based decision-making.
The Forum further addressed the opportunities and challenges facing the European semiconductor ecosystem, examining competitiveness across design, manufacturing, and systems integration, as well as the role of investment, innovation platforms, and international collaboration. Discussions also focused on defence and resilience technologies, exploring how advanced sensing, secure systems, and dual-use innovations contribute to national security, industrial resilience, and strategic autonomy.
Energy transition and sustainability were examined through discussions on intelligent power grids, AI-driven energy management, and digital infrastructure, highlighting how emerging technologies support energy security, efficiency, and climate objectives. The agenda then expanded to space technologies, with discussions on the future of space innovation, followed by a dedicated case study on Greece’s space program, featuring ICEYE, highlighting satellite applications, investment readiness, and the country’s growing footprint in the European space and downstream technologies ecosystem.
The afternoon sessions focused on Greece’s entrepreneurial deep tech momentum and on investments in European semiconductors and advanced systems, addressing financing mechanisms, scale-up challenges, and the importance of aligning deep tech innovation with industrial strategy as a pillar for our societal resiliency. A dedicated presentation by ASML on software innovations in chip fabrication and photolithography provided insights into cutting-edge developments shaping the future of semiconductor manufacturing.
Forward-looking discussions explored quantum computing and cybersecurity resilience, examining emerging technological paradigms, digital trust, and the protection of critical infrastructures in an era of accelerating technological change. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for robust ecosystems that combine technological excellence with security, reliability, and regulatory preparedness.
The Forum also highlighted the human dimension of deep tech innovation, focusing on leadership, talent development, organizational transformation, and impact-driven investment, underlining that sustainable technological progress depends equally on human capital and inclusive growth.
The event concluded with a special session marking 20 years of HETiA, reflecting on the evolution of the association from its early focus on semiconductors to its current role at the heart of Greece’s emerging technologies ecosystem, and looking ahead to Greece’s position in the European chips era.
Closing remarks by Dr. Emmanuel Zervakis encapsulated the Forum’s strategic vision and collective momentum, followed by a cocktail reception that offered participants valuable networking opportunities and reinforced collaboration across industry, academia, government, and the investment community.
Reflecting on the Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Zervakis stated:
“The Emerging Tech Forum confirmed its role as a strategic platform for advancing Greece’s priorities in semiconductors and deep technologies. By fostering structured dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators, and aligning national efforts with European objectives under the EU Chips Act, the Forum reinforces Greece’s growing role within the international technology ecosystem.”
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About the Forum:
Held each year in downtown Athens is the emerging technologies ecosystem’s gathering event, targeting to create awareness for HETiA members to governmental actors and society, discuss developments and challenges and finally propose ideas on capitalization of Greece’s competitive advantages in the global technological landscape.
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About HETiA:
HETiA is the alliance of highly innovative industrial and academic performers, promoting digital technology proliferation and entrepreneurship in emerging technology domains. HETiA is the evolution of the Hellenic Semiconductor Industry Association that was launched in 2005.
