Project Coordinator

The KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE) operates within the University of Cyprus, in Cyprus. The Center was established in 2008 and was subsequently selected by the EU to advance into a Research and Innovation Center of Excellence in 2017. The KIOS CoE is the largest research and innovation center in Cyprus on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with an emphasis on monitoring, control, management and security of critical infrastructures such as electric power systems, water distribution networks, telecommunication networks, transportation systems, healthcare systems as well as emergency management and response systems. 

KIOS provides an inspiring environment for conducting excellent, cutting-edge research at a global scale, producing new knowledge and advanced technological tools to improve the operation, efficiency, reliability, safety, and security of critical infrastructure systems, bringing major socio-economic and environmental benefits at the local and global level. The Center collaborates with more than 300 national and international academic institutions, public authorities and governmental organizations, SMEs, NGOs and other stakeholders to assure that its research has maximal applicability and impact. 

The Athena Research and Innovation Center in Greece was founded in 2003 as the “IRIS – Integrated Research for the Information Society”, in order to consolidate and further expand the Greek R&D activities and initiatives in the area of ICT. Athena’s mission is to drive cutting-edge research and innovation in digital sciences and technologies, addressing global challenges and national needs. The Center is dedicated to advancing knowledge across a wide range of research disciplines, from informatics and communication to computational sciences and computer engineering. It further aims to fuel disruptive technologies and innovation, and to nurture the next generation of digital inventors. The Center’s technological results support a responsible and inclusive digital trans- formation, and impact fields from engineering and healthcare to social sciences, the humanities, and the environment. 

The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) in Cyprus operates under the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works. It is the oversight authority of the air transport industry in Cyprus and the Provider of Air Navigation Services (Air Traffic Control) in the Nicosia Flight Information Region and the control towers at Larnaca and Paphos airports.  

The Ministry of Digital Governance of Greece, established in 2019, is the central authority overseeing Greece’s digital transformation efforts. Its mission includes modernizing public services, enhancing transparency, and fostering economic growth through technological innovation. The Ministry is responsible for integrating critical IT and telecommunications infrastructures, ensuring secure and efficient digital systems across the public sector.

Aviomania Aircraft, based in Larnaca, Cyprus, is the leading manufacturer of ultralight gyroplanes in the region. Founded in 1983, Aviomania has built a reputation for innovative, “no compromise” design in the aerospace sector. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of autogyros offered both as kits for amateur construction and as ready-to-fly aircraft, under its renowned Genesis line. Known for its advanced design features such as the Active Tail Design and Center Line Thrust technology, Aviomania’s gyroplanes combine exceptional safety, stability, and performance. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of ultralight aircraft engineering, Aviomania Aircraft continues to set industry standards, making it a key partner in projects that leverage aerospace innovation. 

Hellenic Drones is a leading SME based in Athens, Greece, set to provide cutting-edge, high-quality UAV services and products for a wide spectrum of industrial and commercial applications. The company offers a wide range of drone- based services, including security monitoring, inspections of critical infrastructure and industrial facilities and agricultural operations. Hellenic Drones is also active in Research and Innovation activities, participating in EU funded projects, working towards drone technology development and dissemination. Furthermore, it operates as a drone academy providing theoretical and practical training and certification in UAS technologies.

GRNET, is a state-owned firm in Greece acting as an advisor to the Ministry of Digital Governance on the design of advanced information systems and infrastructures, and is a key implementer of the National Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS). Its activities lie in 3 main domains; digital governance, networking and computing services and infrastructures. It operates a nation-wide digital infrastructure network spread all around the country, serving 200 PSOs, educational and cultural institutions with more than 500.000 users (and via gov.gr the whole population of the country) with 6 GRNET data centres in separate locations, all connected via 10.000 km of optical fibre. Likewise, GRNET manages the deployment and operation of the mid-range supercomputer, DAEDALUS, capable of executing more than 60 petaflops or 60 million billion calculations per second (aggregated performance) and the AI Factory site in Greece.

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is a business organization in Cyprus, responsible for representing the interests of the private sector. Established to support and promote the growth of Cypriot businesses, the CCCI advocates for economic development, providing members with a wide range of services, including business advisory, and networking opportunities. The Chamber plays an integral role in shaping public policy, fostering international trade relations, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors. 

Adrestia R&D, established in 2020 in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, is a research and development company specializing in cybersecurity, health, tourism, energy, and knowledge sharing. The team comprises experts from partner SMEs, research institutes, public sector organizations, and highly qualified individuals, collectively bringing extensive experience in EU and national funded programs. Adrestia R&D adopts a holistic approach to problem-solving, delivering intuitive solutions that require minimal technical expertise. In several projects, they have taken a leading role in dissemination and communication activities, ensuring effective outreach and stakeholder engagement. Committed to corporate social responsibility, Adrestia R&D actively promotes gender equality, environmental sustainability, and cybersecurity awareness.

CBK PAN is an interdisciplinary research institute in Poland, affiliated to Polish Academy of Sciences. It is founded in 1977, and has more than 200 employees nowadays. It is the only R&D institution in PL fully devoted to space research and the use of space technologies and satellite applications. CBK PAN has been involved in crisis management activities since 2005, with a dedicated division for these purposes (Crisis Information Centre – CIK) established in 2013. CIK is the leading institution for UAV, satellite, and geoinformatics support for civil protection authorities in Poland. It provides operational support for Polish crisis management structures and conducts R&D activities based on its insight into user needs in this field. Additionally, it fosters the optimal use of existing technological capabilities in geospatial information, especially satellite- and aerial-based remote sensing, and develops new methods and tools in this domain, particularly those based on satellite techniques and Earth Observation (EO) downstream applications and services. The institute also raises awareness of the added value offered by the practical use of geospatial information (both satellite- and drone-based) in crisis management operations and planning. As part of its services, CIK provides geoinformatics support, training, and expert advice for the State Fire Service and other crisis institutions, and tests the usability of new, pre-operational technical solutions during exercises and demonstrations.

The Hellenic U-Space Institute (HUSI) is a private NGO based in Athens, Greece, dedicated to advancing innovative air mobility and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Greece.  The institute engages in research and development activities that promote and support practical development and integration of emerging IAM technologies and supports the establishment of IAM standards and regulations. Furthermore, HUSI serves as a platform for collaboration between local authorities, industry partners, and individuals involved in U-space management. HUSI’s goal is to achieve safe, sustainable, socially accepted, and socially beneficial inniovative air mobility. 

TP Mediteranean Adventures LTD, based in Cyprus, is a project end user, offering a dedicated testing environment for the eVTOL. They will also contribute valuable operational insights to help shape the trial phase.

SocialTech Lab is an award-winning non-profit organisation based in Nicosia, Cyprus dedicated to fostering resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems. They use entrepreneurship & innovation in fragile contexts to bridge divides, empower local change-makers, solve social & environmental challenges, and cultivate resilient ecosystems. With a 9-year track record, SocialTech Lab has garnered a 7000+ community, 50+ programs (accelerators, venture builders, hackathons, etc.), and 10+ digital startup tools (i.e., e-learning, mobile app, AI chatbot). SocialTech Lab has experience implementing programs across three regions – Eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus), Western Balkans, and The Middle East. Their work has been recognized by the UN Youth Envoy, the Obama Foundation, Yunus & Youth (Supported by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus), UNDP, Microsoft, The Commonwealth, and other gov. organizations including Embassies, High Commissions, State Departments, and Foreign Ministries. SocialTech Lab operates CyprusInno, an island-wide entrepreneurship platform of digital tools and live programs in Cyprus, as well as The Base by CyprusInno – the world’s first Social Impact Generator™ combining the elements of a coworking space, accelerator/incubator, innovation center, and multimedia studio in Cyprus’ Buffer Zone. 

Institute “Mihailo Pupin” (IMP) is the leading Serbian R&D institution in information and communication technologies (ICT). Ever since it was founded in 1946, the Institute has been engaged in contract research and application-orientated research on behalf of key utility and transportation companies, government and various vertical industry sectors. IMP provides a wide range of products and services in the high-tech field in applied research, design, development, manufacturing, testing and implementation of professional equipment and systems intended for a wide range of business partners, primarily public utilities companies of the national significance. 

Epirus Region is the fourth largest province in Greece, geographically located in the north western side of mainland Greece, between Macedonia and the Ionian Sea. In EUSOME, Epirus Region acts as an end user by contributing insights for the design of a pilot scheme. Furthermore, as the regional authority responsible for reacting to natural disasters, their experience in crisis management will help guide the practical application of our technology.

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) is the competent authority for common rules in civil aviation in Greece, overseeing safe and efficient air navigation service operations, conducting inspections and studies to verify compliance, issuing certificates, and implementing the national performance plan for air navigation services. It also regulates airport charges, air navigation services, and airport charges, as well as airport charges. The Authority ensures proper oversight and compliance with regulations in the field.