RESEARCH AND EDUCATION LABORATORY IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES

Their core work

AIT is a Greek research centre specializing in IoT systems, network infrastructure, and industrial digitalization. They build and test IoT platforms, edge computing architectures, and smart manufacturing solutions — from factory automation operating systems to predictive maintenance services. Their work spans the full stack from physical network layers (optical networks, satellite backhaul, 5G spatial multiplexing) up to application-level platforms for smart cities, quality control, and circular economy. They consistently serve as a technical implementation partner, bringing telecommunications and IoT integration expertise to large European consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015-2018, AIT focused heavily on IoT infrastructure, cloud testbeds, and telecommunications (optical networks, satellite backhaul), alongside early Industry 4.0 work on edge computing and factory automation. From 2018 onward, the focus shifted toward applied industrial outcomes — zero-defect manufacturing, digital platforms for circular economy, and predictive security for IoT — while also branching into energy harvesting and UAV-based remote networking. The trajectory shows a move from building and testing network infrastructure toward deploying it for specific industrial and sustainability applications.

AIT is moving from network-layer R&D toward application-level industrial platforms, suggesting future collaborations should pitch them for IoT-to-manufacturing integration or digital circular economy roles.

How they like to work

AIT operates exclusively as a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which positions them as a reliable technical contributor rather than a project leader. With 186 unique partners across 27 countries in 13 projects, they are a well-connected hub that integrates into diverse consortia rather than sticking with the same partners. This makes them easy to bring into new consortia: they are experienced joiners who know how to deliver their technical component within large, multinational teams.

AIT has collaborated with 186 distinct partners across 27 countries, giving them one of the broadest partner networks relative to their project count. Their connections span most of the EU, with no narrow geographic clustering.

What sets them apart

AIT bridges telecommunications infrastructure and industrial IoT applications — a combination that is uncommon among Greek research centres. Their portfolio covers everything from silicon photonics and 5G multiplexing to factory-floor edge computing and zero-defect manufacturing, making them a strong fit for projects that need someone who understands both the network layer and the industrial application layer. For consortium builders, they offer a Greek partner with deep ICT credentials and a proven track record of delivering within large RIA and IA projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• blueSPACE
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 508K) — focused on 5G spatial multiplexing, representing AIT's deepest investment in next-generation network infrastructure.
• FAR-EDGE
  Defined AIT's Industry 4.0 pivot — built an edge computing OS for factory automation, directly linking their networking expertise to manufacturing applications.
• FIESTA
  Foundational IoT testbed project that established AIT's credentials in federated IoT/cloud experimentation across smart city use cases.