Pioneers
Meet the AI pioneers in Greece and learn about the initiatives in which they participate.
Companies
SciFY - Science For You
Non-Profit Company
SciFY is a technological, Urban NGO, which develops state-of-the-art information systems and offers them free of charge to all, including... their design and the details for their realization and it provides the necessary support in order to solve everyday problems. Its actions pertain to the field of Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technologies for the Disabled, Electronic Democracy, support of Civil Society and Education. It has been awarded for our work and has received many distinctions. Its social impact is over 130.000 people. Read more
Is an AI Pioneer.Participates in EU Commission’s DIGITAL SME Focus Group on AI
Reported a Pioneer in AI in GR (by Boston Consulting Group)
Experience in AI Training.
- Has trained over 1,500 people in AI to date.
- Special programmes for Businesses, Students
- Local/ International levels
Develops AI solutions.For business and the general public that are used daily.
Works closely with organizations that promote AI:
- EU Commission
- NCSR Demokritos
- Hellenic AI Society
- SciFY Academy (1500+ people in AI up to date)
- Prometheus AI Training Program
- AIIS European project (ΑΙ Training of medical students)
- NewSum app (AI for the news industry)
- Alpha and Omega (AI for journalists)
We began '1000 Pioneers for AI' in order to create a network of people that want to innovate utilizing AI in an anthropocentric manner. The first resolts are very encouraging!
Intracom Telecom
Company
is an international provider of telecommunication systems and solutions, with a presence of over 40 years in the market. The company innovates in the fields of wireless access & ... transmission and it offers a competitive package of software solutions, Analytics, and IoT. It has a complete portfolio of solutions for the Smart City and a full series of informatics and communications services. The Company's mechanics' know-how in designing, developing, operating, and improving Big Data Clusters systems, place the Company in a leading position in the market. Additionally, with the addition of applications of AI & Machine learning, they cover fully the operational and business needs in various fields. Read more
In 2012, Intracom Telecom introduced BigStreamer™, one of the first Big Data management platforms, and the support of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms in the field of telecommunications. Today, the R&D team of our company consists of about 35 people specialized in AI (Data Scientists, Analysts, Engineers, Administrators). This team has been involved in several projects for Telecommunications, Energy, and Health organizations, Banks, and Smart Cities both in Greece and abroad. Among others, the company has developed a number of enterprise-ready AI applications with the generic name Cognitiva™, which are supported by advanced technological tools.
- Air Pollution Prediction - Prediction of the evolution of air pollution parameters in the city of Belgrade through machine learning
- Sentiment Analysis - Processing of Greek texts and sound for the automatic detection of positive/negative judgement of clients and of the products that concern them.
- NFV Resource Intelligence - Smart management of computer resources in networks based on NFV by utilizing advanced forms of AI, like Reinforcement Learning.
- ETSI ENI - Participation to the Experiential Networked Intelligence (ENI) Industry Specifications Group of ETSI stressing the application of AI on the smart management of telecommunication systems.
- Power Consumption prediction - Research project on the prediction of energy consumption by small and medium-sized businesses through Machine Learning algorithms aiming at green economy.
- Energy Disaggregation - Research project on the automatic device recognition through their energy footprint in smart energy meters, aiming at limiting the energy consumption of small and medium-sized businesses.
- Crowdsensing Automatic recognition of gathering of a great number of citizens through Wi-Fi networks and sending alarms to municipalities to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through this community, we have the opportunity to offer and take important knowledge in the field of Artificial Intelligence, while also creating partnerships with top companies and people. Other than knowledge and experience in AI, the community helps develop the appropriate digital skills so that its members can further co-operate and innovate.
ΟΒΚΟ
Company
Obko is an ecosystem based on artificial intelligence algorithms that aspires to become the user's single point of contact with their bank, unifying their financial life... by leveraging the legislative framework of open banking. Obko is a mobile application that will offer specialized financial guidance to the general public, providing services currently exclusive to 'wealthy' clients through their investment advisor. Specifically, Obko will unify the customer's accounts and cards in a single application to: - help them automate all time-consuming banking tasks such as bill payments, money transfers, and monthly liquidity monitoring. - train them to spend consciously and increase their savings, establishing healthier financial habits. - suggest better deals in key areas of monthly expenses such as electricity, telephony, etc. - guide them to optimize their banking portfolio and maximize long-term profit through investment moves suitable for their profile. Read more
Obko is fundamentally grounded in artificial intelligence, with AI serving as the key-tool enabling the delivery of its services. Through the utilization of AI, Obko adeptly analyzes users' financial data, comprehending their behavioral patterns, strategic thinking in financial matters, and spending habits.
At the same time, AI enables obko to present users with a current financial snapshot and statistical analyses of their past financial activities. Additionally, it can offer users accurate forecasts for future payments, detailing how these may impact their liquidity to ensure that all their obligations are covered.
- SciFY Academy 2019 Training
- Financial data processing of users to draw qualitative conclusions about their financial behavior and the ability to provide them with targeted and practical money management advice.
We will be part of an ecosystem continually inspired, developed, and created through Artificial Intelligence. By participating in the 1000 Pioneers initiative, we can exchange ideas and know-how, exploring future service-level synergies that will deliver added value to our end users.
ANAVATHMISI S.A.
Company
In ANAVATHMISI, we envision a better Public Sector—modern, efficient, sustainable, and capable of addressing contemporary challenges. ... With exclusive support for public bodies for over twenty-five years, we transform our knowledge and experience of their institutional framework into value for public administration, employees, and citizens, bringing our vision one step closer to realization. Read more
We approach each agency as a separate case, emphasizing its particularities. We analyze the organization's data in depth, study its capabilities, use cutting-edge technologies, always design in close cooperation with the agencies themselves, and implement the most comprehensive, innovative, applicable, and sustainable solution. Key pillars of the implementation of our methodology are the company's highly trained interdisciplinary human resources, as well as its wide network of top-of-the-line partners.
Management team training: “Leading AI-Empowered Innovation”
ΑΙ Roadmap Application
A customer-centric philosophy, prompt response, speed of service, reliability, and a problem-solving culture are core values of the company. We continuously strive to enhance the quality of the services we offer, investing in human capital and innovation. Our participation in the first AI community in Greece aligns seamlessly with all of the above, as reflected in the company's modern strategy and our corporate motto: 'Building a Better Public Sector.'
PlanBe
Company
PlanBe's mission is to build smart, resilient, and sustainable Cities. We provide strategies and tools to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable ... Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on three key areas: smart cities, sustainable development, and the circular economy. PlanBe is a founding member of the Alliance for Smart Cities. Read more
Harnessing AI is at the core of PlanBe's strategy, as it is a prerequisite for strategic planning and the creation of smart, resilient, and sustainable cities. Indicative projects of PlanBe are the digital transformation study of the Town of Rhodes and the first Voluntary Local Review in Greece for the Municipality of Skiathos.
Management team training: “Leading AI-Empowered Innovation”
ΑΙ Roadmap Application
Participating in a community of leading professionals in the field of AI know-how and its application offers the possibility to exchange views, strengthen alliances, and jointly achieve a sustainable and inclusive society. This also includes the targeted selection of appropriate βιώσιμης χωρίς αποκλεισμούς καθώς και τη στοχευμένη επιλογή ενδεδειγμένων AI models to create smart cities and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
COSMOTE
Company
The OTE Group is the largest technology company in Greece and one of the leading companies on the Athens Stock Exchange in terms of ... capitalization. Its shares are also traded on the London Stock Exchange. Deutsche Telekom holds a 49.22% stake in its share capital, with the Greek State holding 7%. In 2021, the OTE Group employed approximately 10,500 workers in Greece. It offers a wide range of services: fixed and mobile telephony, broadband services, pay TV, and integrated ICT solutions. At the same time, it is active in the maritime communications and real estate sectors, while it has the online food ordering service BOX and the COSMOTE Insurance digital platform for insurance comparison and purchase. Outside of Greece, it is active in the Romanian mobile telecommunications market. With a central message of "One world, better for all", COSMOTE is the single commercial brand for all the Group's products and services. Its mission is to bring the possibilities of technology to everyone so that everyone can fully utilize the opportunities of today while building a better tomorrow. Read more
COSMOTE owns and manages large volumes of data from various sources. By exploiting them, it can train AI algorithms and create services that will make the world better for everyone. In this context, Cosmote invests in targeted AI solutions that cover both internal and customer needs. These solutions cover a wide range of technologies, such as Machine vision, NLP, chatbots, sentiment analysis, etc.
COSMOTE participates, supports, and promotes innovation through actions that present solutions and services based on AI-related technologies. Based on the above, COSMOTE has created the IT Innovation Center Team, which aims to monitor, support, and promote innovation in all our Group functions and activities. The IT Innovation Center Team explores the connection and relevance of AI solutions in the Telecommunications sector and actively supports their adoption
Through the 1000 Pioneers initiative, COSMOTE benefits from the transfer of know-how, resulting from the contact and collaboration between members. AI companies and providers create a network of partners. Apart from developing the skills of COSMOTE employees, this transfer of AI know-how will also assist them in adopting solutions for their daily tasks.
DESMOS
Non-profit Foundation
Desmos is a Non-profit Foundation that serves as a hub between donors and beneficiary organizations throughout Greece in order to cover documented needs in ... an efficient, transparent and accountable way. Desmos manages & utilizes surplus goods & pro bono services from companies, foundations & individuals, in order to help cover documented needs of social welfare providers in Greece. Desmos strives to render the donation process simple, targeted and efficient, by undertaking the research, managing logistics and ensuring transparency of transactions. Read more
Knowledge and Insights on AI.
Emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies, and best practices in AI implementation. Staying informed about AI advancements is crucial for non-profits to leverage AI effectively in their operations.
Inspiration and Innovation.
We were exposed to groundbreaking ideas and projects that can spark creativity and new approaches to addressing the issues we are passionate about.
ΜΕΧΟΧΟ
Non-profit organization
Mexoxo is a non-profit organization that supports women in fully utilizing their capabilities. Believing that education is the tool for development and change, Mexoxo encourages, ... promotes, and facilitates active participation of women in entrepreneurship, education, and empowerment. Elpida founded Mexoxo in 2013 with the vision of "Democratizing education for women globally." Mexoxo's mission is to support 5 million women by 2030 in achieving socio-economic development. Since its inception, Mexoxo has trained and empowered 43,000+ women in 40 countries and has indirectly impacted 172,000 women, as each empowered woman supports four others in her family or community. Member of: Clinton Global Initiative & Concordia, Elpida is Obama Leader 2023. Read more
After participating in the SciFY session, Mexoxo's perspective on AI has evolved significantly. We now recognize the crucial need for awareness in leveraging AI's potential. We see AI as invaluable in enhancing daily operations and pushing boundaries, enabling us to accelerate decision-making, designing, turn curiosity into creativity and contribute to a more sustainable and radiant world.
Until now, our involvement in AI initiatives has been limited to the SciFy session. However, we plan to incorporate AI design into our organization moving forward. This endeavor aims to support our mission to democratize education for women globally, reflecting our CEO's commitment to CGI and making inclusivity and empowerment to women happen.
Participating in Pioneers for AI offers us a multitude of benefits. It provides invaluable networking opportunities, grants access to innovative solutions, fosters collaborations, and promotes inclusivity. Moreover, it keeps us updated on sustainable approaches, aligning perfectly with our mission to advance women's education and empowerment on a global scale. Empowers us to make a meaningful contribution to the evolution of the world.
Odyssea
Non-profit organization
Odyssea is a non-profit organization that supports vulnerable young people in order to best respond to employment opportunities in society, by ... providing tailored vocational and life-skills training along with employability services. Odyssea’s mission is to ensure that people have equal opportunities by harnessing the power of knowledge for employment and personal development. Our vision is to build a world where all young people thrive by realizing their full potential. Read more
Unlike most medium level NGOs, Odyssea is a data-driven organization that utilizes digital technologies, well-documented processes and information to best respond to specific tasks and swiftly adapt to change. In that mindset, we have designed, developed and implemented a custom digital tool that helps us organize and monitor our work and measure our impact, all in one place. He have also developed our Talent Platform (talent.odyssea.com) for efficiently matching job seekers with companies. By using data analytics and AI, we enhance our commitment to an evidence-based model for decision making and are able to share valuable data and good practices with our sponsors, the job market and other stakeholders of the humanitarian ecosystem.
Leveraging this knowledge and with the intention to democratize access to emerging technologies, Odyssea is creating a series of AI tools to support its internal and external operations. Some tools that are under development or planned are:
- Matching algorithms for our companies and beneficiaries
- Smart impact assessment
- Smart prioritization of fundraising leads
- Smart filtering of incoming requests
Odyssea has gained a more holistic understanding of how to develop its AI strategy and great support from field experts on its next steps in the world of AI.
Save Your Hood
Non-profit organization
Save Your Hood is a Non-Profit Organization that was born 3 years ago from our need to live in cleaner, more beautiful and healthier neighborhoods! It encourages ... initiative and empowers individuals and groups to organize and act collectively in their neighbourhoods, while providing common ground where everyone can voice their ideas and concerns. Read more
Artificial intelligence can be of great help both to Save Your Hood and to all civil society organizations and groups. Familiarity with this will help us manage problems such as lack of adequate staff and funding as well as manage our large number of volunteers in a meaningful way. It will also enable us to create innovative projects to combat waste in Greece, promote the circular economy and save our neighborhoods!
Athens Alzheimer Association
Non-profit organization
Athens Alzheimer Association is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 by people with dementia, their relatives, and healthcare professionals interested in ... Alzheimer’s disease. It aims to raise awareness of all forms of dementia and improve the quality of life of people with dementia and their families. Currently, the Association numbers 5500 official members, has a staff of 120 health professionals and 147 active volunteers and is run by a 7-member elected board. Athens Alzheimer’s Association runs nine Day Care Centers in Greece, offering daily care to people affected with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The Centers' staff consists of a number of physicians, psychologists, speech therapists, social workers, nurses, and physiotherapists, as well as administrative personnel. Read more
Not very active at the moment
SciFΥ Pioneers for AI training
Better understanding of how AI works and how it can assist us in achieving our goals.
HIGGS
Non-profit organization
HIGGS | Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability | is a non-profit organization which aims to reinforce ... CSOs in Greece through educational and supportive programs. It offers capacity building support to small and medium CSOs mainly through training and educational initiatives. Currently, it operates three capacity-building programs, the Accelerator, the Incubator and the Green and Social Entrepreneurship Incubator designed for the Greek CSO ecosystem assisting them in their growth and development. Read more
After participating to the seminar implemented by SciFy, were excited and eager to explore new possibilities in the filed of AI and its possible application to our services provided.
We are exploring our options in creating a roadmap of initiating AI actions in our work.
Knowledge, updates and application on AI. Networking with other stakeholders interested in AI. Ability to inform and disseminate the AI updates to other CSOs participating in our core programms, events and activties.
Hellenic Association of Women with Breast Cancer, "Alma Zois"
Non-profit organization
The Hellenic Association of Women with Breast Cancer, "Alma Zois", is a non-profit organization... established in 1988 by women experienced with breast cancer. Its Uniqueness lies in the fact that all its members, the Board of Directors, and its volunteers are women with breast cancer experience. Its vision is the reduction of deaths caused by breast cancer in our country and the quality of life of patients. Its goal is to provide psychosocial support, inform and empower every woman suffering from breast cancer, raise awareness among the general public about the importance of prevention and early diagnosis, and advocate for patients' rights. Read more
For now, as an organization, we have participated in the Training Program 'AI Pioneers in Civil Society.'
We hope that through our participation in Pioneers for AI, we will be given the opportunity to network and develop new partnerships. Additionally, we aim to adopt solutions that will enhance our daily operations and take advantage of opportunities to access innovative solutions. Our ultimate goal is the more effective, broader, and more immediate coverage of the needs of women with breast cancer in Greece.
WWF Greece
Non-profit organization
WWF Greece is an independent national environmental NGO that belongs to the Global WWF Network. It operates ... in Greece for 32 years and has implemented over a hundred projects focusing on the subjects of nature protection, environmental legislation and governance, climate change, pollution, sustainable food systems, fisheries, environmental education, citizen engagement and many more. WWF Greece actively participates and supports the WWF Network’s global initiatives. It is also an active member of the WWF Mediterranean Marine Initiative, alongside 6 other WWF offices, that implements a common conservation strategy for the Mediterranean Basin. Read more
To date our relationship with AI is essentially exhausted in the utilization of AI modules embedded in mainstream software. A mild use of AI for text editing is also taking place.
We are currently investigating options for utilizing AI for the purposes of CRM, document management, but also for specific field applications (as uses in telemetry).
To date we have benefited from an excellent training and guided discussion on possible applications. We look forward to opportunities for know-how exchanges and partnerships, especially in applications that are of common interest to the NGO community.
Child and Adolescent's Center
Urban Non-profit Company
The Child and Adolescent Center is an Urban Non-Profit Company founded in... March 1996 in Chios and operates 3 structures in Athens and 3 structures in Chios. Its purpose is the person's development and the treatment of mental health services in the spirit of social and community psychiatry: prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, research study, planning, implementation of public health, and treatment-community awareness. Until the end of 2023, the Center served 10539 beneficiaries (children/adolescents/adults). In addition, it is active in designing and implementing educational programs for professionals and specialists in mental health and special procedures, as well as in the design and implementation of research protocols. At the same time, it participates in programs in Greece and abroad, either as a coordinating organization or as a partner, and has active participation in scientific events by publishing articles in Greek and international scientific journals, as well as by participating in Panhellenic, European, and International Conferences. Finally, at an institutional level, it participates in formulating mental health policies in Greece and Europe through participation in networks and committees. The goal of the Child and Adolescent Center is a world that talks about mental health comfortably and recognizes, understands, and accepts the diversity of people with psychiatric/psychological/developmental disorders. Read more
People WIth Disabilities Pioneers in Artificial Intelligence
Knowledge and information about how AI works and how it can be helpful/supportive for people with disabilities. Networking with colleagues and greater self-confidence and optimism for its usefulness concerning the interconnection and inclusion of disabled people in the labor market!
PanHellenic Association for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Work Re-Integration (PEPSAEE)
Non-Profit Scientific Association
The PanHellenic Association for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Work Re-Integration (PEPSAEE) is a non-profit... Scientific Association that was founded in 1997 and is active in the psychosocial rehabilitation and social and professional (re)integration of people with psychosocial difficulties. The Organization, which is supervised by the Department of Mental Health of the Ministry of Health and serves the principles of Community Psychiatry, has developed and operates eight Mental Health Units: one Boarding School, six Day Centers, and one Mobile Unit. All provided services are based on the basic principles of Recovery and Co-Production, are directed exclusively to adults, and are completely free and confidential. Read more
In the context of the holistic support it offers to the served workers and potential workers receiving mental health services, the Employment Support Office of the Specialized Day Center "Social Dialogue Center" of PEPSAEE uses information methods and consulting adapted to the new trends and data of the modern digital age (use of the Internet, participation of recipients in webinars, use of digital platforms to write a CV, search for jobs related to new technologies and trends). However, it is a challenge and an opportunity to integrate recipients into employment programs in artificial intelligence, an emerging field with promising results in many areas.
The Organization participated in the "People with Disabilities Pioneers in AI" program, in which two trainers trained mental health services recipients in the annotation process to develop skills and knowledge on the subject and be absorbed directly into the labor market in related posts. This initiative is in agreement with our goals of inclusion and psychosocial rehabilitation and integrates people with disabilities into a new reality that respects and utilizes the skills and abilities of these individuals with the aim of their general well-being.
• Information about new opportunities in the labor market involving People with Disabilities and following new trends in the labor market.
• Inclusion of people with mental difficulties in the application and use of artificial intelligence in the context of psychosocial rehabilitation and professional (re)integration.
People
George Giannakopoulos
Expert | Research Fellow at NCSR Demokritos" • CEO and CRO at SciFY
George Giannakopoulos,has more than 15 years of experience in Software Engineering, IT projects and Artificial Intelligence. He is the CTO of SciFY and a research fellow of the Software ... and Knowledge Engineering Lab of NCSR “Demokritos”. He has worked in a number of EU-funded projects including SYNC3, OKKAM, NOMAD, SemaGrow and CLARIN-EL, on topics such as large-scale linguistic services and pipelines, distributed semantic query processing and text analytics. He holds a PhD on Artificial Intelligence and specializes in Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning and Data Mining. Within SciFY he leads a team of more than 10 people on projects related to data mining and text summarization (NewSum project), personalization (PServer project) and other state-of-the-art IT settings. Read more
He holds a PhD on Artificial Intelligence and specializes in Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning and Data Mining. Within SciFY he leads a team of more than 10 people on projects related to data mining and text summarization (NewSum project), personalization (PServer project) and other state-of-the-art IT settings.
Prometheus AI Training : “DIGITAL SME Focus Group on AI
Vassilis Giannakopoulos
Marketing and Social Impact Manager at SciFY
Vassilis Giannakopoulos, received his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Operations Research and his Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Athens University of ... Economics and Business. He has worked in a leading market research company designing and implementing ad hoc research projects for customers such as Shell and Coca-Cola, as well as a product manager in the telecommunications sector. He is currently working as a Marketing and Impact Manager at SciFY, leading numerous social innovation projects that range from disability and e-democracy to entrepreneurship and innovation management. Read more
Pioneers for AI in Greece
Giannakopoulos Konstantinos
Dr
Kostas Giannakopoulos is a Physicist (AUTH) with a Ph.D. from the University of Liverpool (1998). He's a Researcher of INN and works in NSCR ''Demokritos'' (Electron Microscopy Lab) since ... 2001. Among other things, he has worked in STMicroelectronics, NTUA, the University of Cyprus, and the University of Novi Sad (Honorary Professor). He has worked on the development and characterization of many nanomaterials and nanostructures. He has 92 scientific publications and about 1300 references on his work (h-index 20). Lastly, he dealt with the promotion of the Advanced Materials sector to the general public, through a European program where he was a sub-coordinator (www.materialsfuture.eu). Read more
He can help in many neuralgic fields and in Scientific research
Contact with a team that deals with an interesting subject.
Contribution of artificial intelligence to the search for innovative magnetic structures with special properties for applications of magnetic sensors and disk storage media.
Michael Golias
Informatics professional for 35 years with work experience in IT departments in various private companies in Greece from the position of Head of Department. I began my career... as Pascal and Cobol Developer. Recently I have been working on RPA technologies and Process Mining. Read more
He can help in many neuralgic fields and in Scientific research
Contact with a team that deals with an interesting subject.
Konstantinidis Efthimios (Akis)
Human Resources Manager (Greece & Cyprus), Printec Hellas SMSA
A results-focused Human Resources professional, with skills and experience in recruiting, compensation and benefits, employment law & relations, training and development. Read more
Concept understanding, knowledge, networking
Eleonora Ricci
Postdoctoral Researcher
My name is Eleonora Ricci, and I am a Chemical Engineer. I received a PhD from the University of Bologna, Italy, and now, as a postdoctoral... researcher, I study the application of machine learning models to materials simulation for carbon capture processes. Read more
Smaragda Lymperopoulou
Dr
Smaragda Lymperopoulou is a Material Engineer with a MSc and a PhD in Chemistry and she holds a second degree in... Pedagogy. She has joined KIT and Sussex University as a visiting researcher and University of Southampton and FORTH as a research fellow. Her research interests focus on chemistry, science communication and STEAM education. Read more
Fotis Papastergiou
An economist with a business background, he has a keen interest in technology that originated from a postgraduate thesis ... on the music industry. Having wandered through the fields of health and import trade for several years, he entered the IT domain out of love for Blockchain technology and, of course, music. In recent years, he has worked as a product owner in a fintech IT company specializing in payments. He has never stopped trying to play the bass. Read more
I believe that AI will relatively soon affect all the facets of life. Therefore I think it's useful on a professional, but also on a personal level, to know the subject better.
Initially, from the "Pioneers" I won an interesting introductory seminar about AI. I hope that this try evolves into something truly creative on a professional and social level.
Giota Stathakou
Company executive
She stands out for her high-level studies and 12 years of professional experience in Big 4 companies, including ... Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and Grant Thornton. She has extensively attended and holds certification for her knowledge of 'A.I. for business implications' from MIT University in America. With a keen interest in Artificial Intelligence and its positive impact on our lives, she describes herself as a woman with a vision—ambitious, self-confident, and caring, always accompanied by a smile. Read more
I have watched the relevant subject in MIT and am very interested in the transformation that is about to take place in oue life in the near future.
AI in action.
Anastasis Stamatis
Co-founder & Data Scientist, Dataphoria
Anastasis is a Data Scientist and co-founder of Dataphoria, a startup focused on ... leveraging data for sustainable development and social good. He is the curator of the Global Shapers Athens Hub, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, and one of the coordinators of the pan-Hellenic voluntary campaign Let's do it Greece. Read more
Artificial intelligence has become entrenched in our lives in recent years. My goal is to use this advanced technology for sustainable development and social good.
I am part of a community of people with different fields of action, that are linked by a common interest: Our interest in AI and our want to contribute to its utilization, each one in his or her own field.
Nikos Paliogiannis
Intellectual Property Manager
I am a qualified Chemical Engineer (NTU). For many years, I was involved in the ... evaluation, management, and monitoring of investment proposals within the framework of NSRF Programs. Since May 2018, I have been working at the Innovation Office of NCSR Demokritos, mainly dealing with issues of patent management and technology transfer. Read more
Artificial Intelligence has piqued my interest on various levels for a while now. In the context of my work, regarding evaluation and suggestion on technologies/patents that include AI methods or the development of ideas and the writing of research funding proposals on behalf of the researchers of NCSR "Demokritos" and companies of the Technology Park "Lefkipos", as well as on a personal level as I am interested in the development and the programming of AI methodologies to be used in my research efforts or in the facilitation of my daily life at work. Generally, I think AI is a field that is intellectually challenging and especially useful since it seems that in the future it will play a particularly important role, changing society, economy, and science radically.
I look forward to expanding my knowledge and skills on issues of AI through hands-on practice, not only in terms of technical / programming aspects of AI but also in others concerning issues of ethics and AI's general involvement in our lives. I expect that the "Pioneers" initiative will cover those goals of mine and also it will enable me to be a part of a wider network of people with whom I share the same interests and from whom I can learn through their experience, but also obtain the appropriate professional supplies for the challenges of the future.
Gavriil George
Expert for all things digital. Sense maker. Love building products and experiences for the digital age. I have accumulated... 20 years of experience in all aspects and disciplines of digital business: strategy, user experience, design thinking, service design, digital marketing, loyalty, website management, analytics etc. My expertise lies mainly in fintech, finance and banking but I have also been involved as UX consultant in multiple digital projects across industries. I am currently the co-founder and CEO of obko. Read more
Kopsacheili Katerina
Specialized in Customer Experience of digital and nοn-digital products. Focused on strategy, research, users’/customers’ ... behavioral analysis, product and service design. For the past 15 years I have worked in Banking as a Customer empathy manager and as a Service Design consultant in multiple industries: Fintech, Insurance market, Media etc. I love user research and the magic field of exploring users' needs and translating them into product features and design for life. I am currently Customer Empathy and Product Director of obko. Read more
An interesting journey that will help me optimize Customer Experience.
Knowledge exchange, networking, new ideas, share of experiences, and the sense of belonging in a very special community.
Vasilis Linakis
Founder & CEO of Linakis.digital (www.linakis.com), an internationally awarded digital agency, in Saudi Arabia,... British Bank (SAAB), Central Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank, Eurobank, Alpha Bank, Optima Bank, European Reliance and many more. I have a strong technical background and in particular, how technology can be applied to real-world problems in order to provide solutions. obko is a great example of such a case. Read more
A.I. is a technological (and philosophical) area which has always fascinated me. I have always had a very strong interest in it. 20 years ago, during my Master’s Degree, I studied the parameters affecting the successful “existence” of humans in virtual environments. Even since then it was prominent that the level of intelligence of the machine, and how quickly it could adapt to human input, was key in its success to interact with humans and provide an environment in which humans felt more comfortable. Currently I am following an Executive MBA programme and I am finalizing my thesis on the subject of “Legal and Ethical issues affecting the growth of the autonomous car industry. The effect of consumer trust and legislation on the widespread use of autonomous cars.” Autonomous cars rely almost entirely on A.I. The success of these algorithms are key to the growth of almost every industry, including of course the automotive industry.
Due to my deep interest in the field of A.I. I am very keen on being part of an active community of like-minded people, who share an interest in the field. Meeting a mix of business and academic members in the community provides a unique and exciting point of view in Artificial Intelligence.
Christos-Antonios Gizelis
Christos-Antonios Gizelis is a graduate of the Department of Electronic Engineering Technology, Wentworth Institute of ... Technology, Boston, Massachusetts (1995). He holds a Master's Degree in Telecommunications and Information Systems from the University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom (1996), and a Ph.D. from the University of the Aegean, Department of Information and Communication Systems in Wireless Broadband Network Management and Control Techniques (2009). Since 1998, he has participated in many research projects funded by the European Union and national resources, as a Research Associate in the Department of Telecommunications, School of Electrical Engineering of NTUA, and has many publications in international journals, conference proceedings, and books. He has worked in various private telecommunications companies as a computer engineer and IT consultant. He is also a certified IT/Telecommunications adult trainer, and has been a member of the Group of Companies' IT Innovation Center Team (Principal Innovation Analyst) since 2017. Read more
My participation in pilot projects with COSMOTE's IT Innovation Center team sparked my interest in AI technologies. This interest is currently being met through my active participation in European research projects that design and create solutions and services using data.
1. The DataPorts Research Project (https://dataports-project.eu/), which will enhance the transition of European seaports from connected and digital to smart and cognitive, providing a secure environment for gathering and integrating data that come from various sources and belong to different stakeholders. That way, the entire port community can gain real value from this data in order to improve its processes, offer new services, and invent new business models based on Artificial Intelligence and data.
2. The TYPHON Research Project (https://www.typhon-project.org/), whose objective is to provide a validated methodology and integrated technical offering for the design, development, search, evolution, analysis, and monitoring of scalable hybrid architecture data.
From my participation in the 1000 Pioneers initiative, I hope to gain a better understanding, knowledge, and experience in AI technologies, which will significantly help me in my participation in research projects, but also in the management of pilot projects that I participate in or coordinate.
Nikolopoulos-Gkamatsis Filippos
Nikolopoulos-Gamatsis Philippos is a graduate of the Department of Economics of the Athens... Οικονομικού Πανεπιστήμιου Αθηνών (2018) και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού διπλώματος Business Analytics του ίδιου Πανεπιστημίου (2022). Η διπλωματική του εργασία πραγματοποιηθήκε σε συνεργασία με τον ΟΤΕ. Σε αυτήν εξερεύνησε σε βάθος την συσχέτιση μεταξύ των περιορισμών και των μέτρων της πανδημίας COVID-19 με τις πωλήσεις του ηλεκτρονικού καταστήματος καθώς και την επισκεψιμότητα του site. Το τελικό αποτέλεσμα της διπλωματικής αυτής εργασίας ήταν η δημιούργια μοντέλων που προβλέπουν το επίπεδο των πωλήσεων και της επισκεψιμότητας σε καθημερινή βάση. Έκτοτε εργάζεται στην θέση του Data Scientist στο IT Innovation Center του ομίλου ΟΤΕ (2020), εστιάζοντας σε λύσεις ΤΝ. Read more
My interest in Artificial Intelligence technologies and applications was sparked during my postgraduate studies and further strengthened through my participation in pilot projects with the IT Innovation Center team of OTE. My goal is to be as involved as possible in this ever-growing field.
1. The TYPHON Research Project (https://www.typhon-project.org/), whose objective is to provide a validated methodology and integrated technical offering for the design, development, search, evolution, analysis, and monitoring of scalable hybrid architecture data.
2. The creation of a Chatbot for internal use. The purpose of this Chatbot is to direct and help the employees of the OTE group through dialogue regarding various company policies and procedures. The creation of this specific tool is based on natural language (Greek) processing techniques as well as Artificial Intelligence techniques.
3. The Proof of Concept (PoC) that utilizes Computer Vision technologies and Artificial Intelligence techniques within OTE Group's retail stores. The project aims to monitor the movement of customers (anonymously and in compliance with GDPR rules) to optimize space organization, enhance human resource management, and achieve various other optimizations.
Through my participation in the 1000 Pioneers initiative, I expect to expand my knowledge regarding Artificial Intelligence technologies with the long-term goal of being able to participate in more related projects. Additionally, I hope to be inspired with possible applications that could be useful in my workplace as well as my personal aspirations.
Gary Joel Pereira
Gary Joel Pereira is a graduate of the Web Design and Game Development Department of IEK Akmi (2019).... During his internship at OTE, he worked with virtual reality technologies, 3D printing, and modeling, as well as development in Unity for augmented reality experiences on devices such as Hololens 1, Hololens 2, and Nreal glasses. Since 2020, he has been a member of the IT Innovation Center Team of the Group of Companies, serving as a Software Developer. Read more
My interest in Artificial Intelligence was sparked during my Game Development studies, where I initially focused on NPC behaviors. This interest was further cultivated through my involvement in projects with the IT Innovation Center Team of the Group of Companies.
By participating in the 1000 Pioneers initietive, I hope to develop experience and better knowledge of ΑΙ technologies so that I can apply it in future projects.
Elli-Maria Gkouti
Elli-Maria Gouti is a graduate of the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics ... at the University of Patras and holds a master's degree in "Marketing & Communication" from the Athens University of Economics and Business (2016). Since 2017, as a member of the IT Innovation Center team at the OTE Group, she has been responsible for startup scouting/company scale-up and maintaining contact with the Innovation Ecosystem. Concurrently, she designs and executes pilot programs aimed at experimenting with new technologies in real-use cases. Additionally, she has taken part in the organization of 4 Innovation Competitions held by COSMOTE in recent years. Elli-Maria currently holds the position of Senior Innovation Analyst at the IT Innovation Center of the OTE Group. Read more
In the context of my involvement in the design and management of pilot projects with the IT Innovation Center Group of the OTE Group, I am exploring ideas and solutions to maximize the potential of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in the company's use cases. My interest in AI spans both the technology itself and its practical applications.
One of the AI actions I have been involved in is the creation of a pilot application to guide and solve customer problems through visual feedback, using machine vision technology.
Through my participation in the 1000 Pioneers initiative, I aim to witness firsthand how we can harness the power of Artificial Intelligence to address everyday challenges through technology. Simultaneously, I hope to acquire a deeper understanding, knowledge, and experience in AI technologies, which will significantly aid me in scouting innovative solutions in the field of Artificial Intelligence, as well as in the design and management of pilot projects that I participate in or coordinate.
Vassilis Aggelis
Currently an Emeritus Professor of Quantitative Methods at the University of the Aegean at the Department of Business Administration, where I taught from 1987 to 1995 and ... served as President from 2013 to 2015. Parallel to this, I taught as a visiting professor at other Universities in Greece. I have extensive work experience in the private and public sector in both managerial and consulting positions in companies and organizations. I have written three books, university lectures for many courses and I have edited a volume of scientific papers. I have participated in quite a number of research projects, in many of which I acted as the scientific director. I have successfully supervised 14 doctoral dissertations and published more than 150 scientific papers in international journals and conference proceedings. Read more
My relationship with AI is limited. As a Vice President of the Hellenic Society for Systemic Studies, I participated in November 2019 in the proceedings of the 15th National and International Conference of the Company entitled Systemics and Business Intelligence, where I had my first substantial contact with the subject. My recent participation in the SciFY Laboratory for the company ANAVATHMISI SA entitled ‘’Leading AI - Empowered Innovation’’, along with my personal study deriving from this occasion expanded my knowledge, which however remains limited around the possibilities of its application in the business environment.
I have participated in the Systemics and Business Intelligence conference and the SciFY Laboratory as mentioned previously.
As a professor of Quantitative Methods in Schools of Business Administration for many years but also as an employee with extensive experience in the private and public sector, I believe that my participation in the 1000 pioneers, i.e. my most systematic and in-depth involvement with AI, will provide me with great opportunities on the effective use of information. Availability of information has indeed increased tremendously in recent years, in order to address the complexity of the business environment, which is also growing rapidly, I believe partly due precisely to the speed of information transmission.
Thanos Polydoros
Ο Θάνος Πολύδωρος είναι απόφοιτος του Οικονομικού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και του London School of Economics & ... Political Science. Είναι Διευθύνων Σύμβουλος της μεγαλύτερης εταιρείας παροχής λογιστικών – συμβουλευτικών υπηρεσιών σε Δήμους, ΑΝΑΒΑΘΜΙΣΗ Α.Ε., ιδρυτής της εταιρίας συμβούλων στρατηγικής για έξυπνες, βιώσιμες και ανθεκτικές πόλεις, PlanBe Ι.Κ.Ε. και Πρόεδρος του Δ.Σ. της Συμμαχίας για τις Έξυπνες Πόλεις. Ειδικεύεται στη Λογιστική – Διεθνή Λογιστικά Πρότυπα Δημοσίου Τομέα, στον Εσωτερικό Έλεγχο φορέων του Δημοσίου καθώς και στο Δημόσιο Λογιστικό. Ανέκαθεν τον συνέπαιρνε η εισαγωγή καινοτόμων εργαλείων και εν γένει η αξιοποίηση της τελευταίας λέξης της τεχνολογίας για την ολοένα και πληρέστερη κάλυψη των σύγχρονων αναγκών, για έναν καλύτερο και βιώσιμο εν τέλει κόσμο. Read more
Until robots "understand" us, let us understand what AI is and how AI can make our jobs and our world better. I am an ally in the effort of dozens of scientists, such as Mr. G. Giannakopoulos, on the discreet
demystification of AI and its harmonious integration in our lives.
I am a member of a pioneering community - network of people with a common interest and perception around AI. I hope that with my contribution as well, this community with be constantly expanding with the addition of more remarkable scientists and professionals.
1000 pioneers is a pre-condition but also an opportunity for interesting collaborations on many levels.
Faye Orfanou
Technology Transfer Advisor -- Co-founder & Director of AELIA Lab
Faye Orfanou is a technology transfer advisor, offering services to research organizations ... and she is also the co-founder and director of AELIA, a capacity building organization which supports people in their professional development and entrepreneurial ventures. Recently, Faye introduced into AELIA the Sci2Biz lab, supporting researchers and scientists, who are interested in combining their academic and scientific activity with business activity. Read more
Some of my most challenging cases as technology transfer advisor were cases for commercialization of AI research results. AI research can have a spectrum of applications, since AI is practically sector agnostic. At the same time, AI patents are exponentially increasing. (The increase of patented AI applications in the last 2 years is impressive!) Thus, commercialization of AI Research has significant challenges: (a) it raises critical IP issues, (b) it is challenging in terms of market choice “choosing where to play” and (c) it raises regulatory, legal and ethical issues (very attractive to me thanks to my legal background), which may restrict commercialization potential or, on the contrary, open up new market perspectives. All these aspects render AI remains an amazing field for technology transfer and innovation development. Furthermore, within the framework of my activity in AELIA, I have been observing and studying the applications of AI in the fields of Education/Learning & Development, Skills Building, and Human Resources Management. AI applications have been integrated in all those fields and more keep developing, opening up new opportunities, raising new challenges and in any case transforming (if not disrupting) Education, Professional Development and Employment.
By participating to 1000 pioneers for AI, I will have the opportunity to acquire a deeper insight into various applications of AI and their relevant challenges, by participating to learning and knowledge exchange activities. Furthermore, I hope to meet people from diverse sectors who have an original interest in AI and share views, predictions but also fears regarding the future of AI. Moreover, I hope that with AELIA we could also contribute to the community of the 1000 pioneers by organizing learning, capacity building or networking activities regarding professional activities which are based on AI and/or make use of AI as well as regarding the application of AI in the new World of Work and in Education.
Dimitris Siontoros
Access Network Engineer
20 years work experience in Telecoms Industry with expertise on RAN Planning. ... Special Roles: CX Ambassador and Digital Hero. Read more
Antonella Tsoukala
BSc Chemistry
Antonella Tsoukala is a Chemist, passionate about entrepreneurship and the pharmatech industry. She... has been active in the European startup scene for the past years. Her goal is to build meaningful solutions to alleviate bottlenecks in the Drug Discovery & Development industry. Currently, she is working at Terra Lumina, a startup building the most advanced AI drug discovery platform for Natural Compounds. Read more
Paulina Ploumidaki
IT educator, Robotics coach and Olympian
Paulina studied Informatics and then continued her postgraduate studies in the integration of ICT in Education, while... she also attended the "STS-Science Technology Society" postgraduate program. She is a Computer Science educator, Robotics judge, and coach with numerous awards, the highlight of which was winning an Olympic medal in 2019. She was the inspiration behind the educational program for girls "Robotics meets the Arts", while she's working on the implementation of Robotics programs in the Third Age and in Special Education. In 2021, she was one of ten scientists in the final of the FameLab Science Communication Competition, where she presented the concept of Algorithms through a ballet lesson and an introduction to Artificial Intelligence. Finally, she is close to gifted children, has studies in classical dance, and children's yoga, speaks four languages, and her dream is that all children's faces are always smiling! Read more
I teach AI to my students, today's digital natives, and tomorrow's citizens of an AI-shaped world. Through the Informatics classes and the Robotics trainings, I try to provide the children with the necessary knowledge about Artificial Intelligence as well as the appropriate computational thinking and problem-solving skills, so that they will later be able to respond to the challenges of the future world.
Joining a group with a common vision and networking with people from different scientific fields. Thus, we can achieve the exchange of opinions and experiences, along with the co-creation of motivations. Simultaneously, knowledge about Artificial Intelligence, its challenges, and applications is enhanced.
Sevasti Ioanna Papaioannou
Μηχανικός Διασφάλισης Ποιότητας - Omilia Ltd
Graduate student of the department of German Language and Literature, Quality Assurance ... Engineer of interactive applications at Omilia Ltd. Read more
As part of my work as a Quality Assurance Engineer at Omilia, I am required to work with interactive applications. Therefore, I have come into contact with technologies such as voice recognition and natural language understanding, simulating and evaluating (among other things) the user experience.
- An overview of the field of Artificial Intelligence
- Understanding its basic concepts and the methods it uses
- Updates on the challenges of the sector and dispelling myths surrounding it
- Contact with experts and individuals in related subjects
Adamos Daios
Adult Trainer
Engineer with studies in Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, Adult Education, Logistics, ... and Data Analysis. Passionate about lifelong learning and technology! Read more
Inquisitive with a variety of approaches, carefully considering the trajectory of AI for the purpose of human progress.
1000 Pioneers for Artificial Intelligence
Meeting and collaborating with people who share interests and goals.
Marina Zacharopoulou
Technical Compliance in the field of iGaming
Graduate of the Law School of Athens, EKPA, with postgraduate studies in Artificial Intelligence from the University of ... Bologna. Regular member of the NGO Homo Digitalis. Participation in papers & legislative text consultations. Read more
Postgraduate studies in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Bologna in 2019-2020
Participation in a consultation on the new proposal for a regulation on Artificial Intelligence at the European level. Presentation of papers at conferences on autonomous vehicles.
Continuous education, active participation in social activities, and engagement in the ongoing 4th industrial revolution. Additionally, AI is an area that demands the collaboration of scientists, sociologists, and lawyers working alongside technical experts. This collaboration is essential to ensure the development of human-centered AI.
Ioanna Malandraki
Secondary Education Teacher
Ioanna Malandraki is a student in the Master's Program in Philosophy with a major in Applied ... Ethics at the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Philosophy, EKPA (2021-present). She is also a member of the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy within the same department. Ioanna is a graduate of the Department of Philosophical and Social Studies with a major in Philosophy from the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Crete (2016-2020). Additionally, during her undergraduate studies, she participated in the Erasmus+ Program and studied at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the Pedagogical University of Krakow. Read more
Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
Maria Melissourgou
Teaching at the 'University of the Aegean' & the 'Hellenic Open University'
Research interests related to AI: Corpus Linguistics, Natural Language Processing &... pragmatic analysis, Automatic Genre Identification, Human-Machine Interaction, Machine Translation, Stylometry-Authorship Profiling. Read more
Konstantinos Konstantis
PhD Candidate
I am a PhD candidate at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the National and ... Kapodistrian University of Athens. I graduated from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NTUA and completed the postgraduate program Science, Technology, Society—Science and Technology Studies at EKPA. My doctoral research, titled 'Framing the Emergence of Engineering Ethics,' is funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation. Read more
As a graduate of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NTUA, I acquired knowledge about the creation of artificial intelligence systems. However, during my MA and PhD studies, I shifted my focus to explore the social dimensions of artificial intelligence. My particular interest lies in studying the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and its relationship to society. My primary goal is to unveil the 'black box' of artificial intelligence and examine its non-neutrality.
I have participated in conferences and meetings related to artificial intelligence, including the Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency conference organized by ACM annually. Additionally, I attended meetings such as 'Expert group meeting: AI literacy tools and resources,' 'Learning to act and live with Artificial Intelligence,' and 'Artificial Intelligence: How can youth take part?' organized by the youth department of the Council of Europe.
Being part of the 1000 Pioneers initiative provides me with the opportunity to engage with fellow scientists who share the same passion for artificial intelligence. I have the privilege to organize outreach events with them, addressing societal concerns. Additionally, I share my experiences and perspectives on artificial intelligence through seminars conducted for the 1000 Pioneers community. Lastly, the strength of this community lies in its multidisciplinarity, which is deemed essential for the development of artificial intelligence for the benefit of society.
Andriani Avgerinou
Sociologist
I was born in Athens in 1980. I hold a degree in Sociology from Panteion University of Athens, and I completed ... my internship at the Foundation of the Hellenic World, focusing on the development and implementation of educational and cultural programs. Currently, I am pursuing a postgraduate course in Philosophy at EKPA, with a research focus on Applied Ethics. Over the past 3 years, I have worked as a scientific associate and consultant in government agencies. Prior to that, I spent 8 years as administrative staff in primary health care units. In the interim, I worked as a translator of scientific papers and articles. On a voluntary basis, I contribute articles on criminology, sociology, and cyber-security. I am also actively involved in organizing and presenting cultural and educational events in collaboration with private and public organizations. Read more
Η καθημερινότητα και η εργασία βοηθούν στην τριβή με την ΤN. Προσδοκώ μέσω του μαθήματος ΤΕΧΝΗΤΗ ΝΟΗΜΟΣΥΝΗ που θα παρακολουθήσω στο επόμενο εξάμηνο στο μεταπτυχιακό που φοιτώ, να εμβαθύνω σε τεχνικούς όρους, έννοιες, προγράμματα και τη σχέση της με την Εφαρμοσμένη Ηθική.
Συμμετοχή στο ‘Me and AI: The Students’ Sessions 2022’, την πρώτη φοιτητική διημερίδα με θέμα Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη και Ηθική. Θέμα εισήγησης, “Ο ρόλος της Ηθικής στην αντιμετώπιση της Αλγοριθμικής Μεροληψίας”.
Η συμμετοχή στους 1000 Πρωτοπόρους θα προσφέρει εξειδικευμένη γνώση, εμπειρία και ευκαιρία για έκφραση ιδεών και σκέψεων σε μια κοινωνία που απαιτεί γρήγορες λύσεις και άμεση αναπροσαρμογή συνθηκών καθώς η Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη τρέχει με ιλιγγιώδη ταχύτητα ενώ το ποσοστό ψηφιακού αναλφαβητισμού στην Ελλάδα είναι πολύ μεγάλο.
Margarita Palavidou
Fundraising & Development Director at DESMOS
With over 15 years of experience in the field of communication and advertising, where... έχοντας δημιουργήσει στρατηγική για την επικοινωνία μεγάλων εταιριών στην Ελληνική αγορά, θέλησα να προσφέρω τη γνώση και την εμπειρία μου στον τρίτο τομέα και να ασχοληθώ με οργανισμούς που δραστηριοποιούνται με γνώμονα την αλληλεγγύη και σκοπό την κοινή ωφέλεια. Read more
I have extensively read about Artificial Intelligence, and like many others, I have utilized various tools recently made available to the public, such as ChatGPT. I am confident that AI, as a tool, will significantly reduce the time spent on many tasks that once consumed a substantial portion of our day. With proper use, it has the potential to offer effective solutions.
Knowledge is power. Anything new is usually scary until you figure out how it works. When you understand how it works, then you can use it for your own benefit, for the organization you work for, and why not, for the common good.
Loukas Oikonomakis
CTO at Odyssea
Loukas hails from Athens and boasts a background in civil engineering, having earned his degree from... NTUA. His academic journey took him to Imperial College London, where he obtained his MSc in Structural Engineering. Following his studies, Loukas ventured into the world of architecture, working for a prominent firm in London. He has honed his skills in finite elements analysis, optimization, parametric design, and computational analysis, all while maintaining a strong interest in machine learning and algorithm advancements within the realm of AI. Within Odyssea, Loukas plays a vital role as CTO. He leverages his technical expertise to contribute to the development and management of innovative projects around social innovation, makerspaces, digital transformation and societal impact. Additionally, he manages the creation of internal tools and workflows, and his technical knowledge is a valuable asset when it comes to proposal writing. Read more
In my ongoing commitment to harnessing AI for positive change, I am actively engaged in several key initiatives and have plans for future endeavors:
- Labour Market Data Analysis: Applying AI to analyze market trends, ensuring Odyssea's vocational training aligns with current needs.
- AI Tools for Employability: Contributing to AI tools that enhance the employability of Odyssea's beneficiaries, facilitating smoother workforce transitions.
- Impact Assessment with AI: Utilizing machine learning for impactful assessment, ensuring data-driven continuous improvement in Odyssea's programs.
- Efficient Internal Operations: Employing AI to streamline internal operations, optimizing workflows to reach and assist more individuals effectively.
- AI Education for Empowerment: Initiating educational programs to bridge the AI knowledge gap for Odyssea's beneficiaries, empowering them with skills for evolving industry demands.
Participating in Pioneers for AI has been a transformative experience for me. Engaging with seasoned experts has not only allowed me to discuss my ideas but has provided invaluable feedback that significantly refined their essence. The networking aspect has been equally rewarding, connecting me with dynamic professionals, opening doors for potential collaborations on projects with shared goals. What sets this community apart is the collective understanding of leveraging AI for non-profit organizations—a shared vision that amplifies the impact of our individual efforts. Pioneers for AI has not only deepened my understanding of the AI landscape but has also equipped me with a practical roadmap for implementing these advancements within a company setting.
Patra Blekou
Communications & PR Manager at Athens Alzheimer Association
Patra Blekou holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Healthcare... Administration. She has been working in the Athens Alzheimer’s Association since 2013 as head of Communications and she is responsible for the organisation of all conferences and events which are carried out throughout the year, including the World Alzheimer’s Month campaign, Caregiver’s Day and Caregivers School. Since 2013 she has worked on an increasing number of Athens Alzheimer’s Association events, developing and employing a successful digital media strategy, in addition to various key fundraising activities. She is passionate about supporting the organisational development of Athens Alzheimer’s Association’s members, and has demonstrated this through the organisation of various educational programs and activities, as well as campaigns and events. She has presented the Athens Alzheimer’s Association’s initiatives in numerous national and international conferences. Over the last decade she has been involved in various national and European Projects (Erasmus+, Erasmus sports, Horizon 2020) and she is an expert in communication and dissemination activities. Read more
Better understanding of this very interesting technological tool
Anastasia Psoma
Project Μanager at HΙGGS
Ms Anastasia Psoma studied Business Administration at the University of Macedonia with... a Master’s degree in “Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations” from the University of Sheffield. She also holds a Diploma in Fundraising from the Institute of Fundraising (UK) and a Diploma in Digital & Social Media from Deree. She is an experienced Fundraising & Communications Manager, with exposure to demanding and multi-cultured international organizations. For the past 15 years, she has strategically applied know-how to raise funds and build awareness for various national and international non profits, displaying exceptional results. She is currently the project manager of HIGGS' Accelerator, a capacity building program for non profits and social enterprises. Read more
Before the workshop, I was in awe of all the new potential AI brings but I was not really aware of all the possibilities and limitations. Now I am eager to put what we learned in practice and test how AI can help us in our work.
Incorporate AI to some of our functions in the organization.
A better knowledge of the AI field and its practical application to the work of a non-profit organization.
Michalis Vasilakis
Advocacy Manager/ Project Manager at HIGGS
Has more than 10 years of active participation and work in Civil Society in different... types of initiatives (LGBTQI+, Environmental, Refugee/Immigration, Youth Work, Empowerment and training of CSOs). His first touch with the civil society was in Zimbabwe (Bulawayo), coming back to Greece he had the chance to work and volunteer in various organisations on field and coordination positions. Among other responsibilities, he was in charge of managing various EU Projects, Campaigns, Volunteers, Advocacy Units and Policy Making. During his experience he actively participated in national and international networks creating an important experience on Alliance Building. Read more
My interaction with AI ChatGPT has evolved into enriching experience through our ongoing conversations. Interacting with AI, represented by our chat history, has become an integral part of my daily routine. I rely on AI not only for obtaining information but also for engaging in insightful discussions and receiving personalized assistance. The seamless flow of information and the ability to explore diverse topics have made this relationship an invaluable resource. The convenience and efficiency of our interactions highlight the positive impact of AI on my learning, problem-solving, and overall digital engagement.
This is an ongoing internal discussion in our organization.
Lots of useful and interesting information about the way AI works and can be useful in our work. For example, how to form a question in ChatGPT in order to receive the result I want.
Sophia Tsivitzis
Public Relations, Partnerships & Fundraising Manager at Hellenic Association of Women with Breast Cancer "Alma Zois"
With Marketing Research as a solid foundation and many years of solid experience in Public... Relations, Marketing, and Communications, as well as a restless spirit and persistence, I always try to create and develop win-win strategic synergies for a good cause. Read more
I got an extremely interesting, useful, and pragmatic overview concerning AI and was filled with thoughts and ideas about how I could use it to make my everyday life easier. I also realized how much work I need to do with my team to get there, which is extremely helpful.
Alexandra Emirza
Deputy Director at HIGGS
Ms Alexandra Emirza, holds a ΒΑ in Public Administration from Panteion University of Social and Political... Sciences and an MSc in Health Care Policy and Management from the University of Birmingham. She has more than 15 years of experience and worked both with private consulting companies in Project Management and with NGOs in the preparation, analysis, and monitoring of programs funded by national and international donors. She has been a capacity-building trainer and a strategic consultant for the nonprofit sector, and, since January 2018, she is Deputy Director at HIGGS. She has performed numerous evaluations for EU-funded projects under the OECD/DAC criteria and acts as a head of the impact assessment unit has participated in social impact measurement studies. She has been trained as an SROI Practitioner certified by the Social Value UK. Read more
I am at the stage that I am reading and trying to acquaint myself with the AI concept, its applications, potential and possible risks.
I am exploring the options of applying an action to my work.
My participation has been eye-opening in terms of understanding the concepts of Artificial Intelligence and its potential. The valuable already existing applications and the world of AI were given in simple and tangible way by the amazing trainers with specific reference to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Starting to comprehend what is AI and how is could be potentially applied in my work and other CSOs. Furthermore, being part of a community that has same interest and shares knowledge and information regarding AI and its application.
Constantinos Liarikos
Head of Development at WWF Greece
Trained economist with postgraduate studies in Economic Development and... Environmental Management. Has worked with WWF GR since 2003 having also held the role of Conservation Director for many years. In parallel I have worked in research positions with many Greek academic institutions and free-lance as organizational development trainer and consultant. Read more
I have a keen interest on the subject both ref its application in my work but also regarding its impact on societies and economies. Despite my keen interest I am only currently starting to unlock its secrets.
Mainly applications regarding the management of relations (CRM) and the synthesis of information in the digital sphere.
A valuable set of tools to better understand AI and start evaluating options for its application.
Lena Panagiotarea
Project & Fundraising Manager at HIGGS
With more than 20 years of professional experience as a Project Manager - 16 years in the private sector... (13 years in an advertising agency) and 8 years in the non-profit sector, I am fortunate to have worked with hundreds of different people and groups and gained a holistic view of these two sectors in Greece. This professional journey continues on the same path of Project Management, offering in addition, capacity-building seminars and consulting meetings on CSR and team management. Read more
Due to a conference of the organization I work for (HIGGS) that will be organized in May 2024 with the theme "Philanthropy, Digital Environment & AI", I have done a research in depth in order to build the agenda of it and found the appropriate speakers for this project. During this research, I read a lot about AI and the evolution that it will bring.
I have already participated in 2 seminars concerning AI and NGOs (additional to SciFY seminar) and for sure I will keep on reading and searching more info about it.
1. Clarified what is AI and what is not.
2. The "fear" about the "evil" that AI can cause in human work and more widely, has been debunked.
3. A lot of scattered information I read about the topic, came into one series and made sense.
4. Very specific information was given about its application, its usefulness and its inclusion in everyday professional work.
5. So useful, simple, understandable, from a team who are experts and have approached and rendered it for "simple users" and listeners.
6. I highly recommend it for all organizations. The most useful seminar I have attended in years.
Christos Rodopoulos
CFO at WWF Greece
Ο Χρήστος γεννήθηκε στη Θήβα. Σπούδασε Οικονομικά στο Πανεπιστήμιο... Macedonia. Finance Executive with extensive experience and a proven track record in Finance & Business Planning. Financial Analysis, Reporting, and Project Management within multinational companies. He joined the WWF Greece team in November 2014 as Head of Financial & Administrative Services (CFO). In his free time, he is involved in swimming and fishing, playing basketball, and listening to music. Read more
It should be clear on what problems AI will solve or new opportunities that it will present. That vision will be translated to a strategy. For many organisations, like us, short-term plans for AI will mainly focus on acquiring new or upgrading existing tools with embedded AI. Applications already delivered via software will simply see this capability integrated and become much more accessible and understandable to the organisation as a whole.Our main goal is to educate our staff , at least in parts, initially in the process of understanding the new capabilities of AI.
For many organizations, short-term plans for AI are going to be primarily focused on acquiring or upgrading existing tools with integrated AI. Applications that are delivered via software-as-a-service or SaaS will simply see the capability as it is made available.
The application of even some basic elements of ΑΙ in our everyday life will make us much more familiar with the next phase of more systematic and qualitative use of the new possibilities it offers. The use of simple everyday applications that aim to simplify and manage a lot of data will be the first phase of our adaptation to the new era of AI.
Frosso Tzintziropoulou
Psychologist, MSc - Psychotherapist in the Hellenic Association of Women with Breast Cancer "Alma Zois"
Frosso Tzinziropoulou is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University... of Crete and holds a Master's Degree in Health Psychology. She is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Institute for Behavioral Research and Therapy and in Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy at The Linehan Institute-Behavioral Tech. She is in charge of the Telephone Support Line of the Hellenic Association of Women with Breast Cancer 'Alma Zois,' coordinator of psychotherapeutic groups for oncology patients, and maintains a private office. Since 2014, she has been a member of a group of therapists in the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy department for Borderline Personality Disorder at Aeginite Hospital. Read more
My introduction to the world of Artificial Intelligence started recently with the two-day Training Program 'AI Pioneers in Civil Society.' This particular program has sparked my interest in gaining further knowledge about Artificial Intelligence and exploring its effective application in my field of study.
With my participation in the 1000 Pioneers program, I have the opportunity to connect and interact with people from various cognitive fields, aiming to exchange opinions on the optimal use of Artificial Intelligence.
Giorgos Iatrou
Counselor-Psychotherapist, Scientific Manager of autismap.gr platform
George Iatrou is a Mental Health Consultant and psychotherapist. He studied psychology at the... Department of Philosophy-Pedagogy and Psychology of the University of Ioannina. He holds a master's degree specializing in Mental Health from the Department of Nursing of the University of Thessaly. He is a Doctor of Medicine from Thessaly. He is trained in Systemic and Family Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), and Counseling Psychology (HND in Counseling and Psychology, UK). His research interests are empathy, caregiving, and autism spectrum disorders. He has been working for more than twelve years in the field of mental health and education. He works as a Mental Health Counselor in the Department of Scientific Documentation and Education of the Child and Adolescent Center and, in a private context, provides counseling support services to children, adolescents, and families in Thessaloniki. At the same time, he is an external partner of the University of Western Macedonia, teaching courses in the subject of Educational Psychology, and a certified instructor of the Gordon model "effective parent" from Gordon Hellas. Read more
Ιnitially, my relationship with AI was almost non-existent! Α completely superficial approach to some tools, more in an experimental context due to personal interest. The first and essential contact with it came with the "People With Disabilities Pioneers in Artificial Intelligence" program in collaboration with SciFY!
Annotation!
Networking with colleagues and partners with a vision and passion to work and offer something different, innovative, and effective in people's everyday lives. In particular, I really hope that the program I participated in will be a great bridge, filling a chronic gap in the workplace and vocational rehabilitation of people with disabilities!
Varvara Pantelaiou
Psychologist & Career Counsellor at PEPSAEE
Ι am Psychologist and Career Counselor at PEPSAEE, helping people with mental ... ψυχικές δυσκολίες να ανακαλύψουν και να αναπτύξουν δεξιότητες και ικανότητες προκειμένου να αναζητήσουν και να διατηρήσουν εργασία ή απασχόληση στο πλαίσιο της ψυχοκοινωνικής αποκατάστασης και ένταξής τους. Read more
Artificial Intelligence is a tool that will benefit many industries and change work patterns. Although my relationship with Artificial Intelligence is superficial, I am adapting to the changes it brings and developing the skills required.
I participated in the annotation process and understood the quality of this process to bring reliable results using Artificial Intelligence.
It was a ground-breaking initiative and opportunity for both mental health professionals and people with mental health problems to link the need for professional reintegration and psychosocial rehabilitation of people with mental illness with the new trends in the labor market and the new opportunities offered by the use of Artificial Intelligence for work.
Polyxeni Kourasti
Psychologist/Scientific Coordinator Day Center for Adolescnets and Young Adults with ASD, Child and Adolescent's Center
I was born and raised in Piraeus, where I completed my secondary education. I continued... my studies in the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, from which I graduated in 2004 and then attended a postgraduate program in Developmental Psychology at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. From 2008 until today, I have been working as a psychologist at the Child and Adolescent’s Center and in private practice. My scientific and research interests concern ASD in all its scope and my goal is to provide science based, person-centered therapeutic interventions and raise awareness about ASD and the inclusion of people with ASD in society. Read more
Before my AI annotation training with SciFY, my relationship with Artificial Intelligence was very loose. I had a basic understanding of what it was and how it worked and rarely used it in my daily life. After my training, I gained a deeper knowledge of the concept and can recognize its advantages and applications in science and everyday life and evaluate possible faults and risks that it may carry.
I plan on training people with ASD in the process of annotation so they can develop annotation skills and potentially be employed in this specific field.
I developed my professional skillset and can use this knowledge to facilitate the access of people with ASD to the labor market, thus improving their quality of life. In addition, I can contribute to the creation of AI technologies that are not biased towards people with disabilities.
Katerina Karava
Sociologist Msc, Employment Consultant at PEPSAEE
Katerina Karava is a graduate of the Department of Sociology of Panteion University and holds a master's... degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Thessaly. For the last year, he has been working at PEPSAEE as a job counselor, supporting people with psychosocial difficulties to achieve a smooth social (re)integration through work. Read more
My relationship with Artificial Intelligence, before my involvement in the educational program of SciFY, mainly concerned its use in my daily life through applications, platforms, etc. Now, after attending the program, I am able to understand, to a certain extent, the procedure followed in order to pass data and correct errors in AI programs.
I participated in the annotation training program so that, in turn, I can train mental health service recipients in annotation, with the prospect of them being professionally trained in this field in the future.
Through my participation in the training, I understood a little better the use of AI in everyday life. At the same time, through this initiative, the way was opened for people with psychosocial difficulties to explore and get to know in practice a professional field that seems like it will occupy the labor market quite a bit in the future.