What are Living Labs?
Living Labs are innovative research and innovation ecosystems that operate under real-world conditions. They are co-creation spaces where researchers, businesses, public authorities, and citizens collaborate to develop, test, and evaluate new products, services, and technologies.
Real-World Experimentation
Testing innovations in authentic environments with real users, not in laboratory conditions.
Participatory Design
End users actively participate in the design and improvement process of solutions.
Key Characteristics
- check_circle Open innovation with multi-stakeholder collaboration (quadruple helix model).
- check_circle Real-time validation of solutions with user feedback.
- check_circle Interdisciplinary approach combining technology, social sciences, and design thinking.
- check_circle Direct transfer of technology and knowledge to the market and society.
Thematic Areas
The Living Labs of the University of Athens can cover a wide range of thematic areas, leveraging the multidisciplinary nature of the institution:
Smart Cities & Sustainable Development
IoT solutions, traffic management, environmental monitoring, building energy efficiency.
Health & Wellbeing
Digital health applications, telemedicine, wearable monitoring devices, AI-powered diagnosis.
Energy & Environment
Renewable energy sources, smart grids, circular economy, natural resource management.
Education & Society
Innovative learning methods, digital transformation in education, social innovation.
How to Participate
Submit Your Idea
Complete the expression of interest form describing your innovative idea or the problem you want to solve.
Evaluation & Matching
Our team evaluates your proposal and connects you with the appropriate Living Lab and relevant partners.
Pilot Design
We co-design the pilot program with you, defining objectives, methodology, and timeline.
Implementation & Evaluation
Execution of the pilot with real users, data collection, and evaluation of results for further improvement.
Benefits of Participation
For Researchers
- * Access to real testing environments
- * Collaboration with end users and stakeholders
- * Strengthening funding applications with pilot data
- * Publications and impact case studies
For Businesses & Startups
- * Validation of products/services before market launch
- * Access to academic expertise
- * Co-development with potential customers
- * Networking with research organizations
For Public Authorities & Citizens
- * Participation in shaping innovative solutions
- * Early access to new technologies
- * Improvement of public services
- * Strengthening the university-society connection