The island of Syros in Greece is upping its efforts in Europe’s maritime innovation efforts with a partnership between the University of Aegean and EIT Digital
This summer, the EIT Digital Summer School on Maritime Informatics and Robotics brought together students, researchers, and innovators from across Europe to explore the future of marine technology.
Exploring the final frontier on Earth
Marine robotics is revolutionising our relationship with the oceans. These technologies are enabling the exploration of polar regions, monitoring the environment, and transporting goods using autonomous systems that are cleaner, safer, and more efficient.
But the ocean remains one of the most hostile environments on the planet, making innovation in this field both complex and critical.
Learning by doing
Held in Greece’s first-ever high school, established in 1834, the Summer School blended tradition with cutting-edge learning. Participants, many of which have no prior experience in robotics, were introduced to coding and guided through the process of building their own autonomous boats. The hands-on format, supported by both professors and volunteers, emphasised practical learning and innovation.
Connecting education with research and real-world impact
The Summer School was held along side with the IEEE Symposium on Maritime Informatics and Robotics, a two-day international event featuring expert panels, the latest research, and the Aegean Ro-Boat Race. This integration provided students with access to global thought leaders and groundbreaking projects, reinforcing the connection between academic learning and industry challenges.
Syros as a living lab for the blue economy
At the heart of the initiative is a long-term vision to transform Syros into a European reference point for maritime innovation. The goal is to create a living lab that brings together academia, startups, and industry to experiment, collaborate, and drive forward a sustainable blue economy. The focus areas include smart shipping, maritime informatics, autonomous vessels, and ocean data systems enhanced by artificial intelligence.
EIT Digital’s role in building the ecosystem
Support from EIT Digital has been key in accelerating this transformation. The Summer School has become a foundation for practical education and experimentation, attracting international talent and testing new formats that link research with real-world impact. Participation in the EIT Digital Master School in Autonomous Systems, through the SPECTRO project, has further strengthened the university’s academic offerings and talent pipeline.
Looking ahead, the University of the Aegean plans to expand the Summer School into a flagship European academy for blue tech. Plans are also underway to establish a Centre of Excellence in Smart Shipping, which will help cement the island’s leadership in maritime innovation. Another key objective is to support the growth of deep tech startups, ensuring that innovation is not only developed but also brought to market.
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