The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened its 7th Quantum Technology Conference with the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) in Crete. For three days, scientists, engineers and policy makers will discuss the latest achievements in bringing new quantum technologies into space. The conference provides a timely and strategic platform to present OHB Hellas’ expansion and its collaboration with FORTH. This engagement reflects OHB Hellas’ commitment to fostering innovation and contributing to the advancement of Greek space technologies within Europe.
OHB Hellas is a dedicated Space Systems company in Greece, subsidiary of the leading European Space and Technology group OHB SE. OHB Hellas started its operations in the country in 2018 and is developing space business in collaboration with local space companies, institutions, and universities, as well as European partners.
Further, OHB Hellas’ objectives include expanding the OHB SE supply chain to Greece, to cooperate with the other OHB subsidiaries, to support bilateral European collaborations in the space domain, as well as to design and integrate space hardware in Greece.
As part of the OHB family, OHB Hellas upholds the same standards of excellence demonstrated by OHB Group. A prime example is OHB System AG, which was last week honored by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) with the prestigious “Excellence in Industry” Award during IAC 2025. This recognition celebrates OHB’s outstanding performance and its successful introduction of innovative space technologies to the global market. The award reflects the broader commitment of the OHB group to setting global benchmarks in space innovation—a strategy that OHB Hellas proudly brings to its operations in Greece.
In 2025, OHB Hellas has expanded to Crete at the premises of the Science park of the prestigious Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH). This move builds on a five-year collaboration with FORTH, marked by the milestone achievement of flying the first Greek AI algorithm on ESA’s OPS-SAT mission in 2022. The new investment reflects OHB’s vision to transform Crete into a hub for cutting-edge space technologies, leveraging the interdisciplinary nature and modern science infrastructures of FORTH. These include clean rooms and advanced computational facilities as well as access to Skinakas Observatory. In addition, the expertise of FORTH researchers in quantum sensor technologies, photonics and optics along with established novel signal processing and machine learning algorithm development, will provide a fertile ground for strengthening mutually beneficial interactions, resulting in products and services that will directly benefit the economy of the island of Crete. Moreover, the academic ecosystem around FORTH with enable OHB to attract additional talent, foster innovation, and strengthen Greece’s position in the European space sector.
OHB Hellas is building strong competencies in Orbital High-Performance Computing (OHPC), with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) onboard satellites. This emerging domain is expected to revolutionize spacecraft operations and enable new business models such as “Satellite-as-a-Service.” OHB Hellas aims to become the OHB Group’s center of excellence for Orbital High-Performance Computing, aligning with both the group’s strategic needs and Greece’s strengths in advanced computing.
Among its key achievements is its long-standing contribution to ESA’s PLATO mission since 2018. Building on this success, OHB Hellas is now supporting the ESA flagship mission LISA, a major milestone for the OHB Group and a proud moment for Greece’s participation in cutting-edge space science. The company ensures that the complex mission design is executed with precision and efficiency.
Further demonstrating its technological capabilities, OHB Hellas is actively involved in several ESA and EU funded space projects, such as the ESA’ BOLERO project related to machine learning and deep learning techniques to satellite communications. Additionally, OHB Hellas contributes to the ODIN’S EYE I and II project funded by the European Defense Fund, focused on space surveillance and early warning, where the company brings its expertise in on-board data processing technologies.
In addition to its core activities, OHB is advancing its commitment to secure communications through quantum technologies. A dedicated department within the OHB group is strategically advancing the commitment to become a leading provider of certified end-to-end Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems and infrastructure for quantum networks driving a wide portfolio of ESA and non-ESA projects. On this path, the company is developing already today scalable satellite-based QKD infrastructure for Europe for example within SAGA and maturing key-technologies through new space missions like QUBE or EAGLE-1. OHB combines its firmly established expertise in engineering and cryptography with cutting-edge enabling technologies such as photonic integrated circuits to enhance TRL of quantum technology in space. This positions OHB at the forefront of Europe’s quantum ecosystem, driving innovation in secure communications and quantum information networks.
The European Space Agency has identified quantum technologies as a strategic important topic for space. We welcome the technical excellence and long-standing heritage of the Greek research and engineering community to contribute to new quantum communication and sensing space missions. A strong collaboration between industry and researchers is of vital importance and we are looking forward to see the OBH Hellas – FORTH partnership translating cutting-edge innovation into practical applications and products.
FORTH welcomes the deepening of its collaboration with OHB Hellas. It will further enhance the basic and applied research as well as innovation at FORTH, especially in the fields of space-based computing, (quantum) communication and quantum sensing and will provide an important conduit for future commercial exploitation of its innovations. Moreover, we anticipate that these innovations will directly contribute to improving the economy of the island of Crete and Greece
OHB System has been selected by ESA as prime contractor for the development of the LISA space segment under a very competitive environment. Such award was possible thanks to the high quality of our proposed solution, which benefited of the valuable contributions of our pre-selected suppliers, including OHB Hellas. The role of OHB Hellas has strong legacy with their responsibilities in the PLATO science mission, and we are expecting and counting on the same outstanding performance in LISA. We are proud to transfer the Plato and LISA know how to future quantum missions.
Our new investment in Crete reinforces OHB’s commitment in collaborating with FORTH in making Crete the Space island of Europe. Since its establishment in 2018, OHB Hellas has been part of ESA’s historic missions, such as PLATO and very recently LISA. This contribution highlights the capacity of Greek industry to play a meaningful role in Europe’s most ambitious scientific projects. We are proud that Greece via OHB is part of Missions that matter.
