The event “Agrifood and Digital Innovation: DUTH as a Catalyst for Development” was successfully held on Friday, 7 November 2025, at the Amphitheatre of the Department of Civil Engineering at the Kimmeria Campus in Xanthi. The event was co-organized by flagship initiatives and research actions of the Democritus University of Thrace in the agrifood sector: the first European Digital Innovation Hub DigiAgriFood, the EIT Food Hub Greece, as well as the European projects DIGI-Rangeland and OFELIA.
During the first session, participants were presented with the results achieved to date and future actions of DigiAgriFood, along with the initiatives of the DUTH research team supporting livestock farmers in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace through the DIGI-Rangeland project. These initiatives aim to transfer expertise and promote the use of digital tools in livestock production management.
In the second session, attendees were informed about opportunities for accessing cascade funding, provided through the European project OFELIA, coordinated by DUTH. The project targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups active in the development and production of innovative functional foods, as well as in the utilization of aromatic and medicinal plants. In the coming period, the project team will proceed with further outreach activities.
The event culminated with a panel discussion organized by the EIT Food Hub Greece, focusing on innovation and the connection of research with market needs, within the framework of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) and the Regional RIS3 of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The discussion featured the Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, Student Welfare & Lifelong Learning and President of the Regional Research and Innovation Council (RRIC) of the region, Professor M. Grigoriou, representatives of the Regional Development Fund of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the DUTH Technology Transfer Office, and the business community, followed by an open discussion with the audience.
The event concluded with a visit to the facilities of the new “smart” greenhouse of the Institute of Agroecology and Digital Agriculture (PAKEK-DUTH), where visitors were introduced to state-of-the-art equipment acquired through the “Universities of Excellence” project. Research teams of the Institute showcased innovative digital applications for crop production management, followed by an engaging dialogue with participants on topics related to digital transformation and the green transition in agriculture. Discussions highlighted key aspects such as production costs, climate change adaptation, environmental protection, and consumer health.
Overall, the event highlighted the pivotal role of DUTH in driving the digital and green transition in the agrifood sector—an integral objective of the University’s Strategic Plan.
Watch the event’s recap video here.
