The eMT cluster is cluster approved by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GGRT) within the framework of the Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EPAnEK)/Axis 02 - Collaborative Innovation Consortia (CICs), based on a relevant decision by GGRT. The Supporting Entity of this project is the company ena Development Consultants.

The vision and direction of the eMT cluster were shaped by ena Development Consultants, leveraging their extensive knowledge of the needs and economic activities of businesses and organizations in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

The eMT cluster highlights the substantial benefits generated by Digital Transformation for businesses and the economy, as well as the developmental opportunities provided by Collaborative Innovation Consortia. 

The composition of eMT cluster members was determined based on their ability to develop innovative technologies tailored to the needs of businesses in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, local government organizations, education, and commerce. 

A significant challenge of the project is for the technologies developed within the cluster to demonstrate their broad adaptability to the varying needs of businesses, to be simplified (allowing for faster and easier adaptation), and to leverage existing investments of the enterprise-users. The cornerstones of these challenges are the maximization of the use of modern technology and interoperability. The operational rules of the clusters have created a catalytic environment for serving the above objectives. 

The eMT cluster started its operations in 2021. The works accelerated following the formal  approval of the project by GGRT, in July 2022. 

The eMT cluster operates as a Consortium among its members, with a full administrative structure modeled after large organizations. However, the eMT cluster also innovates in the area of administrative structure, in combination with the scope of application domains. Its expanded composition (15 technology companies as members, supported by an additional 2 technology companies and 3 academic institutions) operates with a matrix structure, dividing horizontally the development cycle of a technology project and vertically its technological units, which are separated as follows: 

• eMT Metaplatform, 
• eMT Agro, 
• eMT Manufacturing, 
• eMT SmartCities & Tourism, 
• eMT HR support. 

The project was completed in December 2023 with the implementation of significant technological applications by the member companies, as presented on the pages of the technological activities of this website. 

The rich experience gained during the operation of the project creates the necessary conditions for its continuation. The eMT cluster, with the support of ena Development Consultants as a Supporting Entity, has established memoranda of cooperation with business incubators such as Thinc Thrace incubator, Lab40, and Lighthub in the areas of Xanthi, Drama, and Alexandroupolis respectively. Additional collaborations have been developed with the first European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) in the Agri-food Sector in Greece, #DigiAgriFood, thus participating in the developmental trajectory of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. 

As a technology cluster, through numerous events and meetings both in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and in other geographical areas of Greece, it has succeeded in functioning as a point of reference for businesses interested in incorporating technological solutions for their digital transformation. 

Through the collaboration of the members of the eMT cluster, productive collaborations  have been developed, which will be further strengthened with alliances and participation in new projects. The exchange of expertise with other clusters in Greece has strengthened the strategic planning of the eMT cluster, enabling it to continue operating with a focus on innovation and the vehicle of new technological approaches, constantly attracting new members, not only from the technology sector but also from businesses in other industries, which have gained experience in digital transformation, contributing to the promotion of best practices. 

Furthermore, the eMT cluster includes participation from the Department of Physics of the International Hellenic University, the Department of Production Engineering and Management of the Democritus University of Thrace, and the Department of Shipping and Business Services of the University of the Aegean. 

​​​​​Additionally, the eMT cluster includes the Department of Physics at the International Hellenic University, the Department of Production and Management Engineering at Democritus University of Thrace, and the Department of Shipping and Business Services at the University of the Aegean.