A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Rectorate, between the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) and CrediaBank, laying the foundation for the development of joint initiatives in the fields of education, research, innovation, and sustainable development.
The Memorandum was signed on behalf of HMU by the Rector, Professor Nikos Katsarakis, and on behalf of CrediaBank by Mr. Stylianos Iliadis, General Manager of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, and Mr. Ioannis Dramountanis, Head of the Crete Regional Network. The meeting was attended by the Vice Rector for Finance, Planning, Development and Student Welfare, Professor Nikolaos Vidakis, the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Professor Athanasios Malamos, the Executive Director Dr. Vanessa Simantiraki, as well as Mr. Nikos Platakis, Cobalt Wealth Area Sales Manager, and Mr. Andreas Kalpadakis, SB Sales Manager of the Crete Regional Directorate of CrediaBank.
This collaboration is part of the bank’s strategy to support the agri-food sector in Crete, aiming to promote joint scientific activities in education, research, innovation, and social contribution, as well as the creative exchange of knowledge, highlighting the role of universities as key partners in shaping a responsible and resilient production model.
Through this partnership, the University leverages its collaboration with CrediaBank as a framework for the development of applied research, the promotion of innovative solutions in the agri-food sector, and the transfer of know-how to the local economy, reinforcing its role as a driver of sustainable development in Crete.
The Memorandum provides for the strengthening of joint initiatives involving Departments of the School of Engineering, the School of Agricultural Sciences, and the School of Management and Economics, making use of HMU’s interdisciplinary foundation and research capacity.
Key areas of cooperation include research in renewable energy and smart systems, sustainable agricultural development, the digital transformation of businesses and tourism, public health and social support actions, as well as the development of lifelong learning programmes and modern skills.
