IDRYMA TECHNOLOGIAS KAI EREVNAS

Their core work

FORTH (Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas) is Greece's premier multidisciplinary research center, operating institutes spanning computer science, molecular biology, materials science, photonics, and cultural heritage. They conduct fundamental and applied research across ICT, health, advanced materials, and security — translating scientific results into technologies through strong EU project participation. FORTH also serves as Greece's National Contact Point hub for multiple Horizon 2020 programme areas, providing innovation management services and capacity building to Greek SMEs and researchers. Their labs in Heraklion, along with facilities across Greece, produce research in areas from ultrafast lasers and robotics to genomics and nanomaterials.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2014–2018), FORTH's portfolio was heavily shaped by its role as Greece's NCP hub — keywords like "national contact points," "capacity building," "networking," and "innovation management" dominated, alongside fundamental research in soft matter physics and molecular biology. From 2019 onward, the profile shifted decisively toward applied digital technologies: machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and sensor systems became the dominant themes, with cultural heritage digitization emerging as a distinctive niche. This evolution reflects a deliberate move from research support and coordination services toward technology-driven applied research with direct industrial relevance.

FORTH is rapidly deepening its AI and machine learning capabilities while expanding into cultural heritage tech and privacy-preserving systems — expect them to seek partnerships combining data science with domain applications.

How they like to work

FORTH operates as both a project leader and a reliable large-consortium partner, with 84 coordinated projects (28%) showing strong leadership capacity alongside 207 participations. With 2,371 unique consortium partners across 76 countries, they function as a major European networking hub rather than a closed-circle collaborator. Their dual role — running Greece's NCP network while conducting deep technical research — means they bring both administrative competence and scientific depth, making them a low-risk, high-connectivity partner for any consortium.

FORTH has collaborated with 2,371 distinct organizations across 76 countries, making it one of the most connected research centers in H2020. Their network spans all of Europe with strong Mediterranean and Western European links, plus international reach through EU-China cooperation (DRAGON-STAR Plus) and global research infrastructure projects.

What sets them apart

FORTH is one of very few European research centers that combines deep technical research capability (photonics, AI, materials science, genomics) with extensive EU programme management experience through its NCP network. This dual identity means they can both execute advanced research work packages AND help consortia navigate Horizon Europe processes, widening participation requirements, and dissemination obligations. For consortium builders, FORTH offers a rare package: a scientifically credible Greek partner that strengthens geographic diversity while adding genuine technical weight.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EUROfusion
  Participation in one of H2020's largest projects — the pan-European fusion energy roadmap implementation — signaling engagement with big-science infrastructure.
• Chromatin3D
  Coordinated a nearly EUR 1M ERC-level project on chromatin dynamics in disease, demonstrating FORTH's strength in life sciences and genomics.
• TIMESTORM
  Coordinated an interdisciplinary FET project bridging cognitive science with robotics — exemplifying FORTH's ability to lead at the frontier of human-machine interaction.