International tech companies are increasingly turning their attention to Thessaloniki, as an emerging innovation hub in southeastern Europe. The latest sign of this trend comes from two major IT firms in Switzerland and Finland exploring establishing a presence in the city through the creation of technology hubs.
According to Professor Panagiotis Ketikidis, president of the Thessaloniki-based Alexander Innovation Zone, the two companies have already initiated exploratory contacts with established local IT firms as part of plans to develop partnerships and tap into the region's growing technology ecosystem. These initial discussions prompted the local companies to approach the innovation zone, which is now helping present Thessaloniki's broader capabilities to the prospective investors.
Representatives from the Swiss and Finnish firms are expected to visit Thessaloniki shortly after Easter to gain first-hand insight into the city's innovation landscape. During their visit, the Alexander Innovation Zone will guide them through meetings with key stakeholders across the local tech and research ecosystem, offering a comprehensive overview of the environment in which they could operate.
The innovation zone also aims to serve as an informal 'soft landing office' to help companies navigate the process of entering a new market. As Ketikidis explains, such a structure, designed to support incoming investors by connecting them with institutions, talent and local networks, is still lacking in the city in an organised form.
"What we will do is show them why Thessaloniki is a good choice for expansion," he said. "And of course we start with the talent that exists in abundance, not only in the city but across northern Greece."
He pointed in particular to the region's large academic base, noting that northern Greece counts around 220,000 students across its universities and research institutes. "From this pool of knowledge produced in our universities and research centres, companies can draw and create wealth for their businesses," he added.
Ketikidis also argued that Thessaloniki is increasingly appearing on the global innovation map, as international networks quickly identify locations where new ideas and investment opportunities are emerging. Interest is coming not only from Greek firms expanding domestically, such as Epignosis, but also from foreign companies seeking to establish new footholds in the region.
By Maria Mathiopoulou - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
