16th AI Connected Business World 2026

Connect, Protect, Innovate: Greece as a Digital Gateway

27 May 2026
Divani Caravel Hotel

The 16th AI Connected World 2026 conference, to be held on 27 May 2026 at the Divani Caravel Hotel, brings security, intelligence, and infrastructure to the forefront as the foundational pillars of the modern economy. In a landmark year for digital transformation, the conference positions Greece as a “Digital Gateway”-a critical hub for data and networks connecting Southeastern Europe with the rest of the world.

Connectivity in 2026 is no longer just about bandwidth, but about resilience and the creation of a secure environment for investment. It is about the strategic convergence of technology and entrepreneurship, fostering an ecosystem where data is transformed into value, and innovation safeguards society.

The conference focuses on the “hard” sectors shaping tomorrow’s GDP: Smart Cities & Intelligent Spaces, AIoT & Data Intelligence, Total Connectivity, Technology for Civil Protection, and Business Growth. Through applied use cases and cutting-edge analyses, it will showcase how smart infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence function both as the “shield” and the accelerator of the economy.

The goal of the conference is to bring together market leaders – from Government and Telecommunications Providers to Data Center companies, Industry, and Startups. Through high-level networking and knowledge exchange, the 16th AI Connected World highlights the trifecta: “Connect, Protect, Innovate” as the roadmap for Greece to not merely follow developments, but lead them.

Within this framework, the conference serves as the premier platform for strategic dialogue, linking major infrastructure projects with the real economy and society’s needs for security and prosperity.

7 Key Questions to Be Answered at the Conference

1
How is Greece evolving into an international data hub (Digital Gateway) through investments in Data Centers and satellite networks?
2
How does the integration of Smart Cities and buildings create intelligent environments that improve daily life and conserve resources?
3
In what ways are AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) and Generative AI redefining industrial production and logistics?
4
How do Civil Protection technologies (Digital Twins, Drones, Early Warning Systems) shield the country from natural disasters?
5
Which infrastructures (5G Standalone, FTTH, Edge Computing) are required to support the digital economy of the next decade?
6
How is cybersecurity ensured in an environment where everything -from factories to cities- is interconnected?
7
Which funding tools and business models can unlock growth and enhance the international outreach of Greek businesses?

Themed Sessions

Smart Cities & Intelligent Spaces: The Unified Experience of the “Living” City

Moving beyond the separation between buildings and the urban fabric, this session examines the smart ecosystem as a whole, focusing on functionality and the citizen experience within a unified digital space.

Holistic urban management: Integration of city and building services
Smart Buildings: Buildings as energy hubs and components of the Smart Grid
E-mobility & Micromobility: Charging infrastructure and smart transportation
Service Digitization: E-government and citizen participation
Urban Regeneration: Public–private collaboration for sustainable redevelopment
Smart Environment: Air quality sensors, smart lighting, and waste management

AIoT & Data Intelligence: When Data Becomes “Intelligent”

Internet of Things is maturing and converging with Artificial Intelligence. This session explores the shift from simple data collection to automated decision-making and the productive use of information.

Industry 4.0 & 5.0: Next-generation robotics and automation
Generative AI: Applications in industry and customer service
Smart Logistics: Optimization of supply chains and transportation
Agri-tech: Data-driven precision agriculture and drones
Predictive Maintenance: Cost reduction and efficiency gains through AI
Human–Machine Interface: Collaborative robots (Cobots) and worker safety

Total Connectivity & Infrastructure: From Earth to Space

The backbone of the digital economy. This session covers all infrastructures that carry and store data, highlighting Greece’s role as an international hub.

Underwater Cables: Strategic interconnections positioning Greece as a data gateway
Data Centers: Greece as a regional hub for data storage and management
5G Standalone & Private Networks: Next-generation networks for dedicated enterprise use
Fiber Optics (FTTH): Full deployment of ultra-high-speed networks
Edge Computing: Real-time data processing close to the source
Satellite Internet (NTN): Borderless connectivity for shipping and remote regions

Tech for Civil Protection & Resilience: Society’s Digital “Shield”

In the face of the climate crisis, technology becomes a tool for survival. This session presents advanced solutions that ensure operational continuity and protect critical infrastructure.

Digital Twins: Simulation and prediction of natural disasters
Drones & Sensors: Early detection of fires and floods
Crisis Management Systems: Command platforms and emergency communications
Critical Infrastructure Security: Cybersecurity for energy and irrigation networks
Disaster Recovery: Technologies for network resilience and recovery
Smart Water Management: Solutions for water scarcity and leak detection

Digital Ecosystem & Business Growth: Investments, Synergies & the Digital Economy

The business session of the conference – how technology attracts capital, growth, and new jobs, creating value for the national economy.

Funding Tools: Leveraging RRF, ESPA, and attracting foreign investment
Innovation Hubs: The startup ecosystem and tech clusters
SME Transformation: Digital transformation of SMEs from theory to practice
GovTech: Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) for major projects
Digital Skills: Skills development for the new labor market
Fintech & Payments: Digital payments and modern financial tools

Why Attend

Become part of the “Digital Gateway”: Understand how Greece’s geopolitical and technological upgrade into a data hub creates new opportunities for your business.
Experience AI in practice: Move beyond the hype and see how AIoT and Data Analytics transform production processes and create a competitive advantage. Invest in Security: Learn about technologies that safeguard your infrastructures -physical and digital- and ensure business continuity.
Network with Decision Makers: Meet senior executives, government officials, and investors shaping the country’s digital strategy.
Smart Infrastructure & Cities: Discover how integrating cities and buildings is transforming Real Estate, Energy, and Resource Management.
Explore Funding Opportunities: Learn about available funds and investment programs supporting digital transformation.
Connect. Protect. Innovate. Be inspired by leader-level speakers and contribute to shaping a resilient and innovative future.

The 16th AI Connected World 2026 invites you to actively participate in shaping Greece’s digital future!

Who Should Attend

CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and senior executives defining digital transformation strategy
IT, Operations, and Security executives from large enterprises and industries
Government officials and Local Authorities planning smart cities and civil protection
Investors, fund managers, and executives seeking opportunities in technology
Telecommunications providers, Data Center operators, and satellite application companies
Integrators, developers, and AIoT and Cloud solution providers
Civil Protection officials, Security Forces, and crisis management companies
Utility companies (Energy, Water) and infrastructure management executives
Business consultants and digital market analysts
Startups and researchers innovating in high technology