TLDR: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a significant partnership with OpenAI, launching “OpenAI for Greece.” This initiative aims to integrate AI into secondary education with ChatGPT Edu, foster a dynamic ecosystem of AI startups through an accelerator program, and leverage AI for public sector services and healthcare. Mitsotakis emphasized AI’s transformative potential for Greece’s economy and society, while also highlighting the need for safeguards and EU-level regulation to protect democracy and minors.
Athens, Greece – September 5, 2025 – Greece is embarking on a transformative journey into the age of artificial intelligence, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled a landmark partnership with OpenAI, titled “OpenAI for Greece.” The initiative, announced during an event focused on “AI in Schools” where Mitsotakis conversed with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, positions AI as a “new, major, and exciting opportunity” for the nation.
The “OpenAI for Greece” Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed at the Hellenic Expo by Prime Minister Mitsotakis, alongside ministers of the Hellenic Republic, Anthony S. Papadimitriou, President of the Onassis Foundation, and OpenAI representatives Chris Lehane (Chief Global Affairs Officer) and Kevin Mills (Head of Education and Government GTM). This collaboration is designed to expand access to high-quality AI tools in secondary education and significantly accelerate innovation within Greece’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis articulated a clear vision for AI’s role in Greece’s future, identifying three key pillars of interest: “The health sector, where the opportunities are truly immense. Education, of course, which we are discussing today through an excellent initiative to integrate AI into our schools. And a third pillar is creating a dynamic ecosystem of startups.” He expressed confidence in Greece’s ability to support AI startups, both domestically and internationally, thanks to European funds, aiming to establish Greece as an “AI hub.”
A cornerstone of the initiative is the integration of AI into education. Greece is set to be among the first countries to pilot ChatGPT Edu, a specialized version of ChatGPT tailored for academic institutions. This platform offers access to OpenAI’s latest models, supports GDPR compliance, and provides enterprise-grade security. The pilot program will commence this academic year, involving teachers from upper-secondary schools selected to ensure regional and socio-economic diversity. The initial phase will focus on building AI literacy, enhancing teacher productivity, and promoting responsible AI integration. The Onassis Foundation, in collaboration with local partners like The Tipping Point, will lead the implementation, coordinating teacher onboarding and managing daily operations. OpenAI will contribute to co-designing teacher training and offering technical support.
Beyond education, the “Greek AI Accelerator Program” will be launched to nurture a new wave of AI-focused founders. This program, a partnership with Endeavor Greece, will provide selected startups with access to OpenAI technology and credits, technical mentorship from OpenAI engineers and global experts, tailored workshops on scaling and compliance, and international exposure, including a visit to OpenAI’s San Francisco headquarters. The accelerator will prioritize AI solutions aligned with Greece’s national priorities, such as education, public services, healthcare, and climate.
Mitsotakis also addressed the critical issue of Greece’s skilled workforce, noting the large number of AI specialists currently working abroad. He stated, “we would like them to return home,” emphasizing the goal to create more domestic opportunities.
While embracing the vast potential of AI, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of addressing its challenges. He highlighted children’s mental health as a “very important issue” that will be a “key part of the regulations we establish for AI.” Mitsotakis also voiced support for EU-level regulation to “protect both democracy and minors, ensuring there is no hostile or toxic environment.” He acknowledged that students are already using tools like ChatGPT and expressed a desire to integrate such AI tools to enhance learning, while simultaneously ensuring necessary safeguards.
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This partnership marks a significant step for Greece, leveraging AI as a catalyst for economic growth, educational advancement, and improved public services, all while navigating the ethical and societal implications of this rapidly evolving technology.
