2023 was a year of growth!
What a year this has been! Looking back, we feel so happy for the amazing results and the incredible journey.
Up to now, we have contributed to improving the lives of 182,000 people in total.
We received a distinction by UNESCO’s IRCAI ! Our project "Pioneers for Artificial Intelligence" was recognized among the world's “100 Top AI projects” contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals! Additionally, for the second year in a row, we ranked as the #1 company in “Lefkippos” Technology Park at NCSR “Demokritos”. It was a great honor for us to achieve these distinctions.
Our Αssistive Τechnologies supported beneficiaries with disabilities, professionals and caregivers this year. Furthermore, the development of our electronic game "Taxidiotes" designed for children with disabilities, was completed and schools all over Greece are already using it!
We trained 1,800 students in AI, key business executives in major companies and many citizens.
Moreover, we empowered Civil Society organizations by training 10 NGOs in Artificial Intelligence. We co-organized the biggest crowdsourcing campaign in Europe regarding Air Quality, to strengthen citizen participation and e-Democracy.
We started environmental initiatives: we organized 3 Academy Events training 100+ people in environmental issues in collaboration with experts in the field. We started a new project on the use of AI in the circular economy to build capacity in European SMEs.
We contributed to the digital transformation of dozens of organizations.
Faithful to our commitment to continuous improvement, we adapted our impact assessment methods to stay closely aligned with reality.
2023 was a year of growth for us! Three new members joined our team, while at the same time, we maintained personnel satisfaction at 92% and ensured the personal and skills development of our team members.
We continue with passion and dedication to create a better future for all!
Let's take a detailed look at what happened in the past year.
Vassilis Giannakopoulos Chief Marketing Officer Marketing, Social Impact and Business Development
Our Impact at a Glance
112,400 Assistive Technologies
7,800 Education & Science Dissemination Democracy & Civil Society
182,000 Beneficiaries
7,700 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Artificial Intelligence
5,500
48,600
Artificial Intelligence
What we do:
7,800
BENEFICIARIES
• AI Training
• Digital Transformation using AI
• Free ΑΙ Solutions
• Technology transfer of research results
• AI and Natural Sciences
Highlighted Projects for 2023
Trained thousands of people in AI
• We trained 1,800 school students in AI in collaboration with the Herakleidon Museum.
[Artificial Intelligence… For Teenagers at the Herakleidon Museum]
• We trained 240+ medical students in AI and guided them through hands-on challenges. [AIIS]
Used AI to support innovation in the largest Research Centre in Greece
• We created “Innovation Monitor”, an online tool that allows researchers from different areas to easily find partners and innovate. [Innovation Monitor]
New Ventures: creating Europe’s AI lighthouse
• We partnered with 28 EU organizations, from 13 countries, in a 28 million, 4-year project to launch the European AI-on-Demand (AIoD) Platform! [Deploy AI]
112,400
BENEFICIARIES
Assistive Technologies
What we do:
• Free Assistive Technology Tools
• Inclusive games
• Trainings and innovative awareness campaigns
Highlighted Projects for 2023
Created an innovative, fun and free electronic game for disabled children
• We launched an electronic game for children with: quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, mobility problems and/or mental deficiency. Already hundreds of users all over Greece are using it! [Taxidiotes]
Suggested a new paradigm for active aging in Europe
• Along with 35 partners from 14 countries, we developed digital solutions, a marketplace, a knowledge hub and more to support active aging! SciFY offered 5 digital solutions, and customized them to the needs of older adults and their carers.
[EU SHAPES Project]
Designed online games to support elderly people
• We contributed to EU-wide efforts to support the cognitive enhancement of older adults in Europe, designing new online games and services, along with 2 partners from Greece.
[EU Pharaon Project]
Highlighted Projects for 2023
Created a digital tool to support researchers and students
• Utilizing an AI model, we significantly reduced the time and cost needed to develop new materials! AI can predict new materials properties and guide development and innovation. [Make a Zif]
48,600 BENEFICIARIES
Education & Science Dissemination
What we do:
• Events and Workshops
• Training projects
• Online Library
• Educational Games
Helped Research Institutes and Universities to disseminate research results
• We created websites that stand out, brand and visual identity, dissemination assets, communication tools and more for their research projects. [XR4Human]
Developed Quality Assurance Tools and Guidelines for training future Finance Executives
• We created Digital Tools, Self-assessment Tools and Guidelines to help VET providers. [EQAFIT]
Spread knowledge through Science Dissemination Events
• We organized 5 Educational Events open to the public, discussing AI, the Environment and Digital Transformation, and enriched our online library with free educational material.
[SciFY Academy Events]
7,700
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
What we do:
• Helping companies
◦ in their Digital Transformation
◦ exploit AI potential
◦ ιnnovate in CSR
◦ access innovation sources
• Running Social Entrepreneurship projects
• Running Tech Transfer projects
• Bridging Research with Society's Needs
Highlighted Projects for 2023
Boosted Social Innovation
• We created the 1st Social Innovation Educational Workshop in Greece in cooperation with key players in the field [SEED]
Helped Companies in Greece and abroad digitally transform using AI
• We worked with top companies in Greece (e.g. Cosmote) and abroad (European Commission, European Innovation Council, etc) helping them innovate. [Business support services]
Organized a SciFY Academy event dedicated to AI and Innovation
• During the event, experts from various fields inspired participants showing how AI is used to innovate for Society, Democracy, Entrepreneurship, and Education. We also presented our awarded project, “Pioneers for AI in Greece”.
[SciFY Academy: “Pioneer initiatives in Artificial Intelligence”]
Democracy & Civil Society
What we do:
5,500
BENEFICIARIES
• E-tools for public engagement
• Crowdsourcing
• Events
• Gamification
• Training - Knowledge Dissemination
Highlighted Projects for 2023
Trained 10 Not-for-Profit Organizations on how to use AI, to increase their Social Impact
• Dozens of their executives attended our AI workshops and learned how to utilize it. We also supported them in initiating new AI projects. [AI Pioneers in Civil Society]
Conducted the largest crowdsourcing project on Air Quality in Europe
• Along with 11 EU organizations, we co-developed solutions for Europe's Air Quality and proposed policy recommendations to European MPs. [CODE]
Organized an open discussion event to enhance Social co-Creation
• In an interactive workshop, Civil Society members, decision-makers, experts, and citizens co-created guidelines that can guide an inclusive Digital Transformation in Europe.
[Event "Digital Transformation for some or for all?"]
Many of the projects we are working on within our Impact Areas have an environmental focus. Therefore, we contributed to Climate Action in numerous ways.
We organized 3 SciFY Academy events dedicated to the environment! We brought together experts from Universities, companies, and NGOs to talk to us about:
• Environment & Innovation: Waste Management
• Environment & Innovation: Livable & Resilient Cities
• Environment & Innovation: Energy
We contributed to the largest Crowdfunding project in Europe for air quality, involving thousands of citizens who expressed their problems and suggested innovative solutions! [CODEeurope]
....and what about Environmental Issues?
We trained 3 NGOs actively involved in environmental issues (WWF Greece, Ecogenia, Save Your Hood) in Artificial Intelligence (AI). They have already designed how they can use AI to enhance their actions in environmental protection. [AI Pioneers in Civil Society]
We started collaborating with 7 organizations from across the EU to develop a program of "green" skills for SMEs. By utilizing Artificial Intelligence, we will achieve the best possible outcome! [AI4GreenSMEs]
We assisted researchers and students in understanding and innovating gas separations (a widely used and highly energy-intensive process) with an online tool. [Make-A-ZIF]
Let’s take a look at the Projects we worked on in 2023. Each one touches more than just one Impact Area.
Developing AI and Green skills in SMEs: AI4GreenSME
AI for the Circular Economy: An EU Training Program for SMEs
Creating Europe’s “AI Lighthouse”: Deploy AI
Powering European SMEs and the Public Sector with AI
SciFY along with 7 organizations across the EU, will create an educational programme for SMEs in AI for the Circular Economy.
Our objectives:
• Provide AI training to SMEs to promote the transition toward the circular economy.
• Define set of competencies
• Create and test a training course
• Create collaborative tools
• Promote data management and circular business models
SciFY has partnered with 28 EU organizations, from 13 countries, in a 28-million project to launch the European AI-on-Demand (AIoD) Platform.
Deploy AI will offer AI transformation capacity at a European level:
• Uniting the European AI community: Researchers, businesses, and anyone interested in AI can share resources and collaborate.
• Powering industry with AI: Businesses can access cutting-edge AI tools to grow sustainably and become digitally independent.
• Values matter: The platform upholds European values like openness, transparency and fairness in AI development.
• Your one-stop AI shop: Find anything you need for AI, from datasets to applications.
We are proud to be part of this initiative, making AI accessible and beneficial for all of Europe.
The DeployAI project has received funding from the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) under grant agreement No.101146490DIGITAL-2022-CLOUD-AI-B-03.
Training NGOs in AI : AI Pioneers in Civil Society
We trained 10 Not-For-Profit Organizations in AI to help them improve their social impact.
Online game for Children with Disabilities: Taxidiotes
An innovative, fun and free electronic game for children with: quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, mobility problems and/or mental deficiency.
We are so happy to have built AI capacity in 10 Civil Society Organizations!
What we did:
• Created a new program for training NGOs in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Trained ten NGOs in AI.
• Helped three organizations develop a plan to utilize AI to increase their efficiency around Sustainable Development Goals.
• Guided all the organizations involved to have actionable material to improve their effectiveness with AI applications.
• Helped build expertise in the use of AI in permanent support structures for CS organizations (at HIGGS).
• Informed dozens of NGOs about the project, laying the foundations for further development of the program.
The project was implemented for free for the participating organizations thanks to the support of Teleperformance Greece in the framework of its Corporate Social Responsibility program and its initiatives that promote innovation and the empowerment of civil society.
We offered the game for free and already hundreds of users all over Greece are using it!
The “Taxidiotes” game:
• is accessible via computer;
• is fully adaptable to each player’s abilities;
• can be utilized by parents, educators, and institutions all over Greece;
• is very entertaining!
The children can:
• play using the keyboard or special equipment (“switches”);
• choose to use dice with colors (if they can’t calculate) or numbers (to practice);
• choose to play longer or shorter levels (if they get tired when they have to stay focused);
• try easier or harder versions;
• play by themselves or versus the computer. More info and the results here Play the game here. (Game in Greek)
Created with the kind sponsorship of the HERACLES Group. Learn more here
Artificial Intelligence… For Teenagers at the Herakleidon Museum
We train high school students in Artificial Intelligence.
Training medical students in AI: AIIS
• We continue to educate teenagers in AI at the Herakleidon Museum by constantly updating the educational material and following the developments in science!
• 1,800 Students were trained in 2023 (3,200 in total)
• Through the program, we:
◦ help them understand what AI is, and how to use it
◦ explain AI concepts using games: we train robots to distinguish apples from oranges
◦ explain why ethics is important in AI
◦ explain AI’s limits
◦ inspire them to work with AI tools in a safe way
◦ and much more!
SciFY along with 5 Universities and 3 Companies from EU countries built on the first results (training material and methodology on how to train medical students in AI) and took further steps:
• Finalized and shared the training material and the methodology with medical schools and other stakeholders throughout the EU.
• Created and implemented an exploitation plan so that the course could be included in the curricula of medical schools.
• Awarded the best students of the program with VR glasses.
• Published a paper about the whole project and the methodology. The program is utilized by Medical Universities in 3 European countries.
This project is funded by Erasmus+ under KeyAction 2 (KA2), Cooperation for innovation and exchange of good practices, funded by the European Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
(in Greek)
More information about the program here
100+ Future Doctors trained on AI & Soft Skills
Digital Tools for Science Dissemination
Innovative Digital Tools for Efficient Experimentation and Science Communication
Boosting innovation: Make a Zif
• Scientists experiment with special materials (ZIFs) to create gas separation membranes. Thus, they can innovate and protect the environment. However, the process is costly and time-consuming.
• We made public an AI model that predicts the results of such experiments, without needing to actually build the membranes.
• So now researchers and students have a valuable tool in their hands!
• Check out Make a Zif to innovate or use it in your teaching activities!
Communicating Science Results from EU Projects
SciFY helps Research Institutes and Universities to disseminate research results in an efficient and understandable way. We create websites that stand out, brand and visual identity, dissemination assets, communication tools and more for their research projects.
We have already collaborated with top Research Institutes in Greece (NTUA, NCSR “Demokritos" ) with excellent results.
Our projects for 2023 cover a wide range and offer captivating aesthetics and a great user experience:
• XR4Human (Responsible development and uptake of XR technologies)
• Poiesis (Tackling societal mistrust in science)
• Rosie (Fostering responsible open science in Europe)
• Sops4RI (Toolbox for developing Research Integrity Promotion Plans)
Learn more here
Learn more here
Connecting Researchers using AI: Innovation Monitor
Enhancing Research Collaboration and Funding through AI-Powered Networking
Cognitive Stimulation for Older Adults: Pharaon
A tool for healthcare professionals and caregivers, designed by expert scientists.
In collaboration with the Innovation Office of NCSR “Demokritos”, we have developed an AI-assisted platform for intelligent networking. With Innovation Monitor, Researchers for the first time will be able to:
• easily and quickly find areas of collaboration with other researchers and companies and
• find partners to submit proposals.
We are already discussing opportunities for exploitation by other research institutions in the country.
Contact us to learn more
SciFY, in collaboration with Alzheimer Athens and Gruppo Maggioli, is participating in the research project "Pharaon" to support the cognitive enhancement of older adults in Europe with special online games and services.
What does the solution include?
• Maggioli's Eligence application, a cognitive enhancement platform designed for individuals with mild cognitive impairment, early stages of dementia, and cognitively healthy older adults, offers 35+ games.
Work in progress for 2023-2024
• Testing the Eligence platform with older adults with the collaboration of “Alzheimer Athens”.
• Enrichment of the platform with 2 new games developed by SciFY.
• Connecting Eligence with Pharaon and making it available all over Europe.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the grant agreement No 857188.
Technological Solutions for Older Adults: SHAPES
Empowering Active Aging with Inclusive Technologies Across Europe
Quality education for future Financial Executives: EQAFIT
Improving the training of future financial executives.
A great journey has concluded! SciFY along with 35 organizations from 14 EU countries has been working on one of the largest projects for inclusive technologies for older adults.
Thousands of people all over Europe have engaged in activities to:
• better understand the needs of the ecosystem around active aging.
• test and validate digital solutions in multiple languages.
• promote a pan-European approach to support active aging.
All the things we learned are freely available for all.
Learn more about SHAPES and its results here!
In 2023, the project concluded by bringing ready-to-use tools to the VET providers training financial executives.
These VET providers are now able to use:
• an online Self-Assessment tool for quality training in VET education, and
• Quality Assurance (QA) Tools and Guidelines :
◦ a Graduate Tracking System, and
◦ a Quality Online Service,
in order to offer updated training programs teaching the skills needed for the most recent job profiles.
Check them out here
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 857159.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. Project Number 2020-1-SE01-KA202-077844.
Crowdsourcing for better Quality of Air in the EU: CODE
Enabling EU citizens to co-develop solutions for Europe's Air Quality
Boosting Social Innovation in Europe: SEED
Social Innovation Educational Workshop in Greece.
The largest crowdsourcing project on Air Quality in Europe concluded in 2023.
SciFY, along with 11 other organizations
• collected citizens’ input for the air quality (Gathered problems they face, suggested solutions, ranked ideas and formulated policies)
• experimented with 4 different platforms for the crowdsourcing process
• suggested recommendations for EU's Policy Framework for Air Quality
• suggested recommendations for Crowdsourcing
• disseminated the results in many EU countries
This project is funded by a € 1,316,367.00 grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation. The aim of the project is to develop and test in real life an innovative model for citizen engagement in public policy decision-making based on enhanced tools for e-participation and digital democracy.
Another project concluded in 2023 - What did we achieve?
• Established 4 National Social Innovation Skills Centers in Greece, Italy, Romania, and Slovenia.
• Completed Pilot Programs in Greece, Italy, and Slovenia.
• Run national social innovation programs in different countries.
• Created a European network of 25 National Skills Centers for Social Innovation
• 68 people involved in social innovation attended the first workshop for the InfoHub platform
This project has received financial support from the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) (2014-2020) and the European Social Fund under Grant Agreement VP/2020/010/0139. For further information please consult: http://ec.europa.eu/social/easi and http://ec.europa.eu/esf
See the results here
Watch a video that captures the highlights of this two-year journey here
Learn more about the project here
Sharing Knowledge:
SciFY’s Science Dissemination Events
SciFY Academy Events
Environment & Innovation
SciFY held a series of 3 events dedicated to the environment, aspiring to create a platform for discussion by bringing together representatives of IT, environmental organizations, and citizens.
Participation was free and open to all. More than 100 citizens participated!
Event 1: Energy
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, at INNOVATHENS of Technopolis City of Athens
What we learned:
• How AI helps us analyze scenarios and make Sustainable Development decisions.
• How we are redesigning the energy distribution system in the country to adapt to production and consumption changes.
• How we analyze our progress towards SDGs with global scientific collaboration and data visualization.
• How scientists make future predictions by integrating models and data from worldwide sources.
Event 2: Livable & Resilient Cities
Tuesday, November 14th, 2023, at INNOVATHENS of Technopolis City of Athens
We discussed about:
• Urban sustainability projects, social innovation and environmental awareness in Trikala.
• New insights into improving transportation methods for accessibility.
• AI's role in shaping visions for city neighborhoods.
• Energy-efficient, technologically advanced housing for sustainable cities.
• The Climathon Initiative
Event 3: Waste Management
Thursday, December 7th, 2023, at INNOVATHENS of Technopolis City of Athens
We discussed about:
• Green Innovation in fashion.
• How technology, logic, and people contribute to sustainable waste management.
• How can active citizens & Artificial Intelligence help?
• Food Waste
Inspiring change using AI: Pioneer initiatives in AI
Wednesday, January 25th, 2023, at INNOVATHENS of Technopolis City of Athens
The 1st Academy after 3 years that took place in a physical space!
During the event, experts from various fields inspired participants by showing how AI is used to innovate for Society, Democracy, Entrepreneurship, and Education.
We presented Pioneers for AI in Greece, how AI is used in parliaments and how Open Data is utilized by AI systems.
Then, in a workshop, we used the World Cafe method to co-design Artificial Intelligence actions to be applied in Entrepreneurship and Education.
Digital Transformation: For Some or
For All?
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, at Higgs
SciFY and the ECAS organization co-organized an event dedicated to Digital Transformation.
Civil society organizations and members, experts, decision-makers and citizens discussed in order to co-create guidelines for an inclusive Digital Transformation in Europe.
The event aimed to address the main challenges to inclusion in five areas:
• Digital Democracy
• Digital Economy
• Digital Safeguards
• Digital Rights
• Digital Education
Highlighted Media Presences
Training NGOs in AI KATHIMERINI
How SciFY trained 10 Not-for-Profit organizations in AI.
Read the article here (in Greek)
Game for Children with Disabilities NEWS247
The first electronic game in Greece for children with cerebral palsy
Read the article here (in Greek)
AI & Democracy
HELLENIC PARLIAMENT’S MAGAZINE
Title: “AI and Democracy”.
Analyzing the intersection between AI and Democracy
Read more here (in Greek)
Interview about AI
ERT NEWS, “Prime” Show
Dr. George Giannakopoulos spoke to Ilias Siakantaris about Artificial intelligence.
Read more and watch the video with the interview here (in Greek)
We have a new website!
Find ready-to-use tools, learn using the online library, get inspired learning about exciting projects and contact us to share your crazy ideas at www.scify.org!
Team GrowingEffectivenessAchievements
• Three new wonderful people and skilled professionals have joined SciFY:
◦ Stamatis Chrysikopoulos - Business Intelligence Consultant
◦ Stefanos Koutoupis - Devops & Backend Engineer
◦ Nazeli Papadaki - Marketing Executive and Event Manager
• Through our Personal Development Process, we ascertain that the team keeps growing, acquiring new skills, and is satisfied (92% satisfaction index measuring 10 dimensions).
• We are proud to share the scientific publications our team contributed to in 2023:
Dr George Giannakopoulos: Co- Founder & CEO
Dr. Aris Kosmopoulos: Machine Learning Expert & Principal Software Engineer
◦ "The Financial Narrative Summarisation Shared Task (FNS 2023). [Read more here]
◦ "Machine-learning-driven health monitoring diagnostics focused on composite structures utilizing smart layerwise spectral elements". [Read more here]
◦ Enabling digital twins in the maritime sector through the lens of AI and industry 4.0. [Read more here]
◦ Inverse Design of ZIFs through Artificial Intelligence Methods. [Read more here]
◦ From STEAM to Machine: Emissions control in the shipping 4.0 era. [Read more here]
◦ Content-based and Knowledge-enriched Representations for Classification Across Modalities: A Survey. [Read more here]
• Paul Isaris earned the Scrum Master certification from Scrum.org with a perfect score of 100/100!
• 4,000 downloads for our free Laravel open-source plugin for the GDPR cookies consent window. Laravel is an open-source framework that we use in order to build many of our awesome web applications. We developed a plugin that lets developers install and customize a Cookies GDPR-compliant banner, letting the application users decide which cookies to accept