The Cyprus University of Technology's Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence and the Hellenic Association of Space Industry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation.
The MoU was signed at the premises of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) in Nicosia in the presence of the Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, establishing a strategic framework for collaboration between the Cypriot and Greek space technology ecosystems.
According to a press release issued by the Centre, the Memorandum, which is valid until 31 December 2030, defines "a comprehensive framework of cooperation in the fields of Space Technology, Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, as well as Defence and Security applications."
It provides for joint participation in research and development programmes at European, national, and international level, the development of innovative products and services, networking and international outreach activities, and the establishment of consortia for participation in ESA programmes and other organisations.
It also focuses on cooperation and exchange of know-how from the Greek ecosystem through the National Microsatellites Programme, the joint development of innovative products and services to equip new designs of remote sensing, communications and satellite navigation satellites, and the development of innovative tools combining remote sensing technologies and artificial intelligence, with emphasis on natural disasters, shipping, maritime surveillance, environmental applications, Defence and Security, among others.
Furthermore, the press releaSe reads, the Memorandum provides for strengthening the interconnection and cooperation between "Eratosthenes" and Greek organisations in the space sector, with the aim of creating a dynamic and mutually supportive cooperation network.
It, in addition, establishes an annual networking day for the Greek and Cypriot industry, with the objective of fostering synergy between industry and the research community. In addition, it foresees the establishment of consortia for the submission of joint proposals to ESA, SAFE and other European or international organisations.
In her address, the Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, described the Centre as "a model of successful strategic investment in research, innovation and entrepreneurship", noting that within a short period of time it has evolved into a leading hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure with scientific excellence.
As she noted, infrastructures such as the Satellite Data Acquisition Station (DAS) and the Cyprus Atmospheric Remote Sensing Observatory (CARO) provide critical data and services both for scientific research and for public policy formulation, while she underlined the Centre’s contribution to the creation of highly specialised jobs and the support of entrepreneurship.
The Memorandum was signed by Professor Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Chief Executive Officer of the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence of CUT, and Dr Athanasios Potsis, President of the Hellenic Association of Space Industry.
Professor Hadjimitsis said that the signing of a strategic memorandum of cooperation with the Hellenic Association of Space Industry in the space sector represents a significant moment in the trajectory of the "Eratosthenes" Centre of Excellence. He added that the signing crowns a strategic collaboration that had begun prior to the evolution of the Remote Sensing and Geo-Environment Laboratory of the Department of Civil Engineering and Geoinformatics of CUT into the "Eratosthenes" Centre of Excellence.
He added that the signing opens new horizons for space cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, leveraging advanced technologies and infrastructures such as the DAS Satellite Data Acquisition Station recently installed in Cyprus.
On his side, Dr. Athanasios Potsis stressed that the time has come for the Greek and Cypriot space ecosystems to dynamically claim their position within the European space technology environment, strengthening cooperation between scientific and industrial stakeholders and contributing to the development of the economy and technological base of both countries.
The key message, he said, is that the Greek space ecosystem and industry, in cooperation with the Cypriot space ecosystem, must further develop technological and scientific collaboration in order to compete on equal terms in the global space technology market, thereby contributing to the economic growth and technological advancement of both countries.
"The signing of the Memorandum marks a new chapter of cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in the field of space technology, strengthening the competitiveness and international presence of both countries within the global space community", the press release concludes.
(Source: CNA)
