Greece is changing — and it’s doing so through technology.
That was the clear message sent by the Greek government following the announcement of a landmark strategic partnership with OpenAI, one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence companies. This collaboration begins with a focus on education and innovation, aiming to reposition Greece as a key player on the global AI map.
From Fear to Opportunity: Reframing How We Talk About Technology
In Greece, as in many European countries, public discourse on technology is often dominated by caution, skepticism, and risk-aversion. But this mindset is slowly being replaced by confidence and purpose.
The way we talk about technology shapes our collective instincts. When public narratives are defensive or pessimistic, entire societies delay, hesitate, and miss out on opportunities. Greece is now proving that with vision, public policy, and practical implementation, that cycle can be broken.
ChatGPT Edu: A Digital Tutor in Every Greek Classroom
On Friday, in Thessaloniki, Greece hosted the event “AI in Schools: Artificial Intelligence in Education”, featuring:
- Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (via live video)
- Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki
At the core of the partnership is the rollout of ChatGPT Edu — a tailored, education-focused version of ChatGPT — across schools in Greece.
Under this initiative:
- Teachers and students will receive training in AI fundamentals
- They will learn prompt engineering and how to create custom GPTs
- AI will be used in lesson planning, interactive exercises, group projects, and more
“The idea of a personalized digital tutor is exciting. It can provide support to all students, regardless of region or income, and reduce reliance on expensive private tutoring,” Mitsotakis said.
Leveling the Educational Playing Field
The Prime Minister specifically proposed the development of AI-powered academic advisors for students preparing for the Greek national exams (Panhellenics), stressing how artificial intelligence can be a tool for educational equity.
Sam Altman added:
“AI adoption in Greece has increased sevenfold in recent years, especially among people under 35. We want technology to help people learn, create, and thrive. Its potential is greater than any previous tool we’ve seen.”
Greek AI Accelerator: Innovation, Made in Greece
The partnership also invests in Greece’s startup ecosystem. Through the Greek AI Accelerator, developed in collaboration with Endeavor Greece, Greek tech startups will gain:
- Direct mentoring from OpenAI professionals
- AI bootcamps and hands-on workshops
- The opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley to network and collaborate globally
Governments Can Innovate Too — Greece Is Showing How
Public administration is often viewed as slow and outdated — but Greece is proving the opposite. From gov.gr to the digitalization of services, and now AI-powered education, the country is reshaping how a government can function: modern, effective, and citizen-centric.
“Technology should serve people — not the other way around,” said the Prime Minister.
A Regulatory Focus on Safety, Democracy, and Digital Childhoods
Mitsotakis also emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks, especially when it comes to minors and online safety. He highlighted the “Kid’s Wallet” initiative — a new effort to verify age and enable parental controls for digital platforms.
He stressed the need for EU-wide policies focusing on:
- Protecting children online
- Protecting democratic processes
Greece Isn’t Just Following the Future — It’s Helping Shape It
Greece has already demonstrated that it can leap ahead in digital transformation. This new partnership with OpenAI is another bold move — one that positions the country to consciously embrace AI, not out of inevitability, but by strategic choice.
A state can be efficient, ambitious, and people-driven. And Greece is showing how.
Source: pagenews.gr