Greece launches €150M AI funding program for small businesses
Greece's Development Ministry will distribute €150 million to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt artificial intelligence, Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos announced Friday. The program launches in September under the country's Development Law framework.
The funding covers employee training, consulting services, and equipment purchases needed to integrate AI into operations. The government targets SMEs specifically, viewing them as needing additional support to implement emerging technologies.
One in three Greek businesses already uses AI-related technologies, according to Theodorikakos. About half of startups on the Elevate Greece innovation platform work in AI-focused sectors.
Theodorikakos said the government's goal is to boost productivity and competitiveness without widening social or economic inequalities. "Artificial intelligence is bringing enormous changes to the way we work, communicate and produce," he said during a panel discussion at the ruling New Democracy party's congress.
The minister stressed that AI should remain "a technological tool in human hands" rather than dominate decision-making processes.
Gallium production investment
Greece is also investing €340 million in gallium production, which Theodorikakos described as strategically important for the AI sector. Gallium compounds are critical raw materials used in semiconductor and microchip manufacturing.
The planned Greek production capacity will reach 50 tons annually. Gallium plays an increasingly important role in global technology and AI supply chains.
For IT and development professionals, understanding AI for IT & Development and Generative AI and LLM technologies will be essential as businesses implement these programs.
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