INVESTech (Innovation Vocational Excellence and Sustainability in Tech) is a European initiative aimed at establishing a transnational cooperation platform for Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The project encompasses five European countries: Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Lithuania. ​

Key Objectives:
• Establish CoVEs: Set up Centres of Vocational Excellence in Košice (Slovakia), Attica (Greece), Sofia (Bulgaria), Nicosia (Cyprus), and Klaipeda (Lithuania).
• Promote Innovation in Vocational Education and Training (VET): Facilitate collaboration among education providers, the labor market, and other stakeholders to incorporate innovative technologies and practices in VET.
• Support Green Transition and Social Inclusion: Develop skills that contribute to environmental sustainability and promote social inclusion through vocational training.
• Enhance Skills Development: Offer targeted training programs and online courses for VET students and professionals, providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling across different European Qualifications Framework (EQF) levels (4-7).
• Implement the Quintuple Innovation Helix (Q2IH) Framework: Promote partnerships among academia, industry, the public sector, civil society, and the natural environment to align CoVEs with regional smart specialization strategies focused on sustainable development and innovation.
By bridging the gap between the business sector and educational institutions, INVESTech seeks to ignite innovation, create dynamic skills ecosystems, and drive forward green transformation and social inclusion.

The project is coordinated by the Technical University of Košice and involves 18 partners from the participating countries. ​

​The INVESTech (Innovation Vocational Excellence and Sustainability in Tech) project is a collaborative initiative aimed at establishing a transnational platform for Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector across five European countries: Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Lithuania. ​

Role of Partners:

The project brings together a diverse consortium of partners, each contributing unique expertise to achieve the project’s objectives:​

• Technical University of Košice (Slovakia): As the project coordinator, it oversees the strategic direction and ensures the alignment of activities across all participating countries. ​

• IDEC SA (Greece): Specializes in consultancy and training services, contributing to the development of educational methodologies and quality assurance mechanisms. ​

• Coop (Greece): Focuses on social innovation and participatory design, enhancing community engagement within the project’s framework. ​

• CyRIC (Cyprus): An award-winning high-tech company developing novel technologies and products for local and international markets in fields such as IoT, 5G, and Artificial Intelligence.

• Klaipeda Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (KCCIC) (Lithuania): Consolidates over 300 members, including major companies and SMEs, promoting export and business development, and participating in various international projects.

• Emphasys Centre (Cyprus): Provides education, ICT training, and research services, contributing to the development of digital skills and competencies.

• Secondary Vocational Technical School Michalovce (SOSTMI) (Slovakia): Offers vocational education in fields like informatics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and construction, preparing technical personnel for local industries.

Role of NCSR “Demokritos”:

The National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” (NCSR “Demokritos”) is the largest multidisciplinary research center in Greece, with approximately 630 researchers working on projects funded by state funds, the European Union, and the private sector. Within the INVESTech project, NCSR “Demokritos” brings its extensive research and development expertise to:

• Enhance Research Capabilities: Contribute to the development and implementation of advanced research methodologies within the CoVEs, ensuring alignment with cutting-edge scientific developments.​

• Foster Innovation: Leverage its experience in managing large-scale research infrastructures to support the creation of innovative educational and training environments.​

• Promote Sustainable Practices: Integrate sustainability principles into the project’s framework, drawing from its own initiatives in expanding and modernizing research infrastructures.

By collaborating with other partners, NCSR “Demokritos” plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific research and vocational education, thereby enhancing the overall impact of the INVESTech project.