Athens, 04 June 2025 – In the presence of the Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on Tuesday, June 3, between the Municipality of Palaio Faliro and the Pleiades Technology and Innovation Cluster for the establishment of the PalaioFaliro.Lab Innovation Center.
Through this agreement, the Municipality of Palaio Faliro becomes the first municipality in the Attica region to lay the foundation for a new model of local development based on innovation, technology, and co-creation.
Sustainable development, technological advancement, and social cohesion will form the core pillars of the PalaioFaliro.Lab. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence, renewable energy sources, smart city solutions, and digital cultural heritage, the Center aims to address the modern needs of the urban environment and the local community.
Thematic action areas:
- Recycling & Environmental Sustainability
- Mobility
- Culture, Digital Heritage & Tourism
- Education & Robotics
- Sports & Wellness
- Energy & Sustainable Infrastructure
- Health & Vulnerable Groups-
PalaioFaliro.Lab’s success relies on the collaboration of stakeholders like municipal authorities, community members, academia, iQnovus participants, and the Pleiades ecosystem. This cooperation enables informed decisions, addresses challenges, and ensures sustainable progress.
At the event’s opening, Palaio Faliro Mayor Mr. Yiannis Fostiropoulos highlighted the Municipality’s opportunities and strategic advantages, saying: “Today marks a new chapter with both challenges and opportunities. The foundation of our effort is the human element; a modern and innovative city must first and foremost be human-centered. Our city, Palaio Faliro, is a place with immense development potential. With our connection to the sea, green spaces, and cultural wealth, we have all the resources to become a model of sustainable development and innovation. Through this effort, we will invest in sustainable development solutions, traffic management, micromobility, and recycling, which is a hallmark of modern culture, and our goal is to showcase our city as a paradigm.
By joining the NetZero Cities program, we are dedicated to fostering a sustainable future. We are investing in innovative solutions for energy, culture, and attracting investments to build a strong economy. Collaboration is key to solving modern city challenges. Our partnership with Pleiades will enhance local governance and create an innovation hub to attract funding and achieve results. Data will guide our sustainable development efforts, helping us make informed decisions. Palaio Faliro has the potential to be a model of innovation and collaboration. We invite everyone to join this significant effort!”
The Minister of Development, Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, who honored the event with his presence, stated: “Research and innovation are tools for generating wealth that is shared within society. The strategy we aim to promote, regarding our products and services, is for ‘Made in Greece’ to become a symbol of quality. This requires research and innovation. It is also the tool for making people’s lives better, more humane, and more functional. Through innovative actions or services, we create solutions that respond to the needs of citizens, introducing new services, products, and ideas that make life easier and of higher quality.
Local governance plays a decisive role in this journey. When it embraces new ideas, collaborates with science and entrepreneurship, it can bring innovation to the heart of everyday life. Today, the Municipality of Palaio Faliro demonstrates this, with an initiative that showcases what local development with a modern approach means: creative, technologically advanced, and forward-looking. Warm congratulations to Mayor Yiannis Fostiropoulos and the Pleiades Cluster. With such initiatives, local governance takes steps forward.”
Antonis Cassano, President and Founder of the Pleiades Innovation Cluster, remarked: “Our collaboration with the Municipality of Palaio Faliro comes as a natural development, rooted in our mutual understanding that urban challenges necessitate partnerships. Given its strategic location and historical ties to sports, education, and culture, Palaio Faliro is an exemplary partner for pioneering urban solutions. The establishment of the Palaio Faliro.Lab aims to create a model environment for urban innovation and the advancement of new solutions. This partnership aligns with the broader international vision of the Municipality of Palaio Faliro. With significant projects forthcoming, its strategic position has the potential to set a benchmark. Today, we affirm our commitment to a future that promises innovation, sustainability, and enhanced quality of life.”
The signing event of the Memorandum was attended by several notable figures, including Member of Parliament for the B3 Southern Athens District and former Mayor of Palaio Faliro for many years, Mr. Dionysis Hatzidakis, Deputy Regional Governor of the Southern Athens District, Mr. Christos Theodoropoulos, Vice President of the Quest Group, Ms. Effie Koutsoureli, and CEO of Uni Systems, Mr. Yiannis Loumakis.
About Pleiades Innovation Cluster
The Pleiades Innovation Cluster is a non-profit organization founded in 2022, contributing to the creation of a dynamic Greek innovation ecosystem. It consists of a group of individuals and entities, including research centers, university institutions, large, small, and medium-sized enterprises with specialized expertise, as well as startups. Its main objectives are to produce innovation, develop new business models, provide optimal services, and enhance the efficiency of operational processes. Founding members: Uni Systems and Quest Group. More information: www.pleiadesiot.com
For more, please contact
Vicky Boufi, Corporate Communications Manager, Uni Systems
Tel.: 694 838 7210 | mail: BoufiV@unisystems.com