Mantis Beyond Innovation

Innovation does not stop at selecting an idea. It gains value when it is tested, measured and connected to real operational needs.
This is exactly what the IPTO Innovation Hub demonstrated: two business challenges were transformed into two functional Proofs of Concept, bringing AI and VR closer to the daily workflows of a critical infrastructure organization.
With Mantis Beyond Innovation coordinating the journey from challenge design to PoC development and evaluation, the winning teams of the 1st IPTO Innovation Challenge moved from idea to implementation.

The initiative was presented by Ioannis Moraitis, Director of Research, Technology & Development and Head of the IPTO Innovation Hub, together with Christos Nikoloudis, Founder & CEO of Mantis Beyond Innovation, who coordinated the PoC journey and the discussion around their operational value. The VR team was led by Ilias Kalisperakis, Co-founder of up2metric, while the AI for Pylons team was led by Dimitris Giakoumis, Principal Researcher (Grade B’) in Service Robotics at CERTH/ITI.

Beyond the prototypes themselves, these PoCs point to a clear potential impact: reducing exposure to risk and, in specific training or operational scenarios, potentially preventing accidents by up to 100%; reducing required man-hours by up to 30%; and improving operational effectiveness by up to 30%. Showcasing how open innovation can translate into measurable operational potential.

Climate Neutrality Challenge now open!

Innovation becomes action in Elefsina.
A call for startups, innovative SMEs and research teams with ready-to-pilot solutions for the climate and industrial challenges of the Thriasio Pedio.
Pitch to the Municipality and the region’s key players, with the prospect of a real pilot in Eleusis.

🗓️ September 2026
👉 Registrations open: link in bio

Enabling the Greek Research & Innovation Ecosystem in Agritech & Foodtech.
An info day by EIT Food Country Representative Greece, in collaboration with ELGO-DIMITRA.
Researchers, innovators and idea holders in agritech and foodtech: this one’s for you.

Join us online to learn about:
- EIT Food’s mission and programmes in Greece
- Education and learning opportunities
- How open innovation and venture building can turn your research into products, services and spin-offs
- Funding and entrepreneurship calls for 2026

📅 Thursday 2 July 2026
🕐 13:30–15:30
💻 In Person & Online: Registration link in bio

Enabling the Greek Research & Innovation Ecosystem in Agritech & Foodtech.
An info day by EIT Food Country Representative Greece, in collaboration with ELGO-DIMITRA.
Researchers, innovators and idea holders in agritech and foodtech: this one’s for you.

Join us online to learn about:
- EIT Food’s mission and programmes in Greece
- Education and learning opportunities
- How open innovation and venture building can turn your research into products, services and spin-offs
- Funding and entrepreneurship calls for 2026

📅 Thursday 2 July 2026
🕐 13:30–15:30
💻 Online — registration link in bio

We’re the EIT Food Country Representative for Greece (2026–2028).

EIT Food is Europe’s leading food innovation initiative, and as its Country Representative, we’re the national gateway connecting Greece’s agrifood ecosystem to EIT Food programmes and funding.

Delivered by a consortium that brings together complementary strengths:
🟢 Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH): academic leadership and education
🟢 Mantis Beyond Innovation: innovation and entrepreneurship

Stay tuned!

Some of the brightest minds in Greek agrifood and foodtech took the stage with us at BEYOND Expo Athens 2026.

From biotech breakthroughs to smart farming and rural capacity building, from research to entrepreneurship, our speakers shared their vision for a stronger, more sustainable food system.

A huge thank you to all speakers for joining the conversation.

From idea to scale, and everything beyond.

A look at this Thursday’s line-up. On 18 June, our panellists take on EIT Food Priorities & the Greek Ecosystem at BEYOND Expo. Swipe for the full agenda!

Exclusive for BEYOND Expo Greece visitors! Join us to discover EIT Food’s 2026 priorities, funding opportunities & innovation calls for agrifood startups. Learn how DUTh & Mantis Beyond Innovation can support your journey from research and ideas to market.
📍 Hall 3, Stand C40/39 | 18 June, 15:00–16:30