Michael Katharakis

Dr. Michalis Katharakis serves as the Vice President of the Regional Research and Innovation Council of Crete, bringing over 20 years of expertise in developing, managing, and directing innovation programs, projects, and teams. His experience spans collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the University of Crete, the Hellenic Mediterranean University, and the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Currently, Dr. Katharakis holds the position of Director of the Technical Schools at the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he previously led the development and training unit for a decade. In this role, he has been responsible for developing and managing innovative programs, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, and economic development initiatives. Additionally, he oversees the European Enterprise Europe Network.
Dr. Katharakis also serves as the CEO of the Mediterranean Agri-Food Competence Center (MACC). His academic background includes two doctoral degrees: one in Technology Management and Innovation Integration from the Technical University of Crete, and another in Quantum Electrodynamics from the National Technical University of Athens.
With extensive expertise in intellectual property development and protection, Dr. Katharakis has worked as a patent consultant for the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation. His experience in technology transfer, gained through his work at the Science and Technology Park of Crete and as director of technology transfer at the TEI of Crete’s Liaison Office, further enhances his profile.
Dr. Katharakis has authored several articles in international peer-reviewed journals and has been an invited speaker at many national and international conferences on innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial property.