Defence Redefined

18/10/2024

The University of Piraeus, through the Financial Technology and Quantitative Finance Lab (FinTechQF Lab), and the Military School of Evelpidon co-organize on Friday, November 15, 2024, the conference:

“DefenceFin 2024 | Funding of Defence Innovation and Industry”

A country’s ability to develop and finance defence innovation and industry is a pillar of its national security and independence. A strong defence industry not only ensures the necessary autonomy in state-of-the-art equipment and technologies but also contributes to economic growth, creating highly skilled jobs and promoting technological progress at a wider level.

At the geopolitical level, defence innovation strengthens a country’s position in the international system. A country with advanced defence technologies enjoys greater prestige and influence while deterring potential aggression. In addition, the export of defence material is an important source of revenue and diplomatic influence.

The defence industry is a force multiplier. Technologies developed for military purposes can find application in many other areas, such as health, transportation, and communications. This contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of a country and improving the quality of life of its citizens.

In this context, and on the occasion of the Greek Government’s initiative to create a defence technology support mechanism, the Financial Technology and Quantitative Finance Laboratory (FinTechQF Lab), the University of Piraeus, and the Military School of Evelpidon (SSE) are co-organizing a conference on “Funding of Defence Innovation and Industry” at the facilities of the SSE. 

The aim is for the presentations and discussions within the conference to significantly contribute to the necessary fermentations to create an effective framework for the development of defense innovation and industry.

Also read: A successful event organised between the European defence project HERMES & the Cyprus Defence Ecosystem

Venue and Time:

Evelpidon Military School, “Lieutenant General Alexandros Xiros” Amphitheater

Evelpidon Avenue (Varis–Koropiou), Vari

Friday, November 15, 2024

Program of the Day

• 8:15–8:45 

Attendance

• 8:45–9:15 

Greetings (Official: Faculty Dean; Piraeus University Rector; FinTechQF Lab Director; CEO of HCDI) (15-25 minutes)

• 9:15-11:25 

The European and National funding framework: Developments, Examples from Abroad, Limitations and Opportunities

• 9:15–9:30 

Foreword: Nektarios Nasikas, Adjunct Professor of SSE  

Funding sources: (European) European Defence Fund (EDF), European Defence Agency (EDA). (National) Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation (ELKAK)

Funding targets, project participation statistics, future funding opportunities.

• 9:30–9:45 

The Hellenic Center for Defence Innovation: Goals and Challenges

Pantelis Tzortzakis, Managing Director of HCDI

• 9:45–10:00 

European Defense Agency: Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – Ioannis Chatzialexandris, Project Officer, Energy and Environment, EDA

• 10:00–10:15 

European Defense Fund (EDF): Possibilities and Financing Mechanisms – GDAEE Representative 

• 10:15–10:30 

Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS): Strengthening the Competitiveness and Innovation of the European Defence Industry, Panagiotis Kikiras, Head of Unit for Technology and Innovation, Research Technology and Innovation Directorate, EDA

• 10:30–10:45 

Digital Europe: Konstantinos Chatzisavvas

• 10:45–11:00 

The European Investment Bank and the European Defence Industry:

Ioannis Kaltsas, Head of the Investment Team for Greece & Cyprus, European Investment Bank

• 11:00–11:25 

Panel Session “The current state of play: Examples of funded projects and future actions for financing innovative projects with a defense orientation”

• 11:25-11:40 

Coffee break

• 11:40-13:30 

Investments in Defence Innovation and Industry – Private Equity Financing

• 11:40–11:50 Introduction

Nikolaos Kourogenes, Professor and Member of the Management Board of the University of Piraeus, Director of FinTechQF Lab

• 11:50–12:10 

Creating a Sustainable Defence Industry Governance Ecosystem: The Pillar of Private Funding, Dimitris Papasotiriou (BA, MSc, MA, ELA/ESLog, PhD.c), CEO Beyond the BEST

• 12:10–12:25 

Is it possible to open the Greek industry to the Defence Sector?

Pending

• 12:25–12:40 

Seeking private equity funding

Member of the Board of the Hellenic Aerospace, Security, and Defense Industries Group (HASDIG) – Pending

• 12:40–12:55

NATO Innovation Fund (NIF): Role and prospects of financing the domestic defense industry

Pending

• 12:55–13:10 

Defence Innovation Technoblasts: Opportunities to support and approach capital – Konstantinos Michanetzis, Co-Founder and member of the BoD at MIT Enterprise Forum, Co-founder and CEO at Sylipsis

• 13:10–13:30 

Panel Session “International Competition and Meeting Domestic Needs: Seeking the Golden Ratio for the National Interest”

• 13:30-13:45

Coffee break

• 13:45-14:40

 The Geopolitical Dimension of Defence Industry and Technology

• 13:45–13:55 Introduction

Georgios Kaimakamis, Professor and Dean of the Military School of Evelpidon

• 13:55–14:10 

Dionysios Mouzakis, Professor of Advanced Defence Materials Engineering, Evelpidon Military School

• 14:10–14:25

Vasilios Martzoukos, Vice-Admiral e.a. P.N., Honorary Commander of the School of Naval Cadets

• 14:25–14:40

Konstantinos Grivas, Professor of Geopolitics and Modern Military Technologies, Military School of Evelpidon

• 14:40–14:55 

Athanasios Platias, Professor of Strategy, University of Piraeus

• 14:55-15:15 Conclusions – Closing of the Conference

Lessons from the Past as a Guide to a Resilient Tomorrow

Efthymios Harokopos, (BSc, MSc, Executive MBA, Prince2), Business Development Manager Beyond the BEST, ex-Director of Military Education, Military School of Evelpidon

• Pronunciation

Nikolaos Kourogenes, Professor and Member of the Management Board of the University of Piraeus, Director of FinTechQF Lab

Also read: Collaborative Event between the HERMES Project and the Cyprus Defence Ecosystem