The innovative OptiMEMS software framework from the Information Technology Institute (ITI) of the Centre for Research and Technology – Hellas (CERTH) won the second prize — among more than 100 submitted proposals — in the panhellenic competition for green innovation "Greenathon".

This recognition highlights the potential of our intelligent energy management solution to transform how we power our homes, businesses, and cities.

About Greenathon

The competition was organized by the Secretariat for Natural Environment and Water of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Organization for Natural Environment and Climate Change.

Greenathon is a panhellenic competition for green innovation, bringing together the brightest minds to tackle environmental challenges through technology.

The Finals

The Greenathon finals took place on September 12, 2021 at the 85th Thessaloniki International Fair.

Angelina Bintoudi, research associate of CERTH/ITI and PhD candidate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, represented the OptiMEMS team and competed with 12 teams.

Optimems at the Greenathon 2021 awards at the 85th Thessaloniki International Fair

The OptiMEMS Framework

The OptiMEMS framework is the brain for the building blocks of the future Smart Grid.

The congested electrical distribution network now requires smart solutions to increase the rate of integration of renewable energy sources.

What Are Microgrids?

Microgrids are fully controlled, autonomous entities that generate, store and consume electricity either interconnected or not from the main distribution grid.

A team of CERTH/ITI engineers developed the OptiMEMS framework as a holistic automatic controller for the new generation microgrids.

It is a complete solution for the optimal energy management of a microgrid, including:

Energy Assets

Production and storage units
Electric vehicles
Controllable smart loads

Key Features

The framework is complemented by a fully customizable per-application web-based user-friendly interface through which users can visualize every technical and economic aspect of the microgrid operation.

Technology Integration

The developed framework integrates seamlessly different heterogeneous technologies to deliver optimal performance:

Artificial Intelligence

Optimisation techniques
Machine learning and deep learning

Connectivity

Open protocols (OpenADR, OCPP)
Distributed meters and sensors (IoT)

User Experience

Visual analytics
Custom hardware devices

Real-World Validation

For three years, OptiMEMS has proved its highly profitable and environmentally-friendly performance through its application on the first interconnected microgrid in Greece — the ITI SmartHome, located in the CERTH premises.

Piloted Deployments

At the same time, OptiMEMS has been piloted in:

Larger industrial building installations
Smart City level deployments
V1G / V2G e-mobility infrastructure

This makes it a horizontal solution to the challenges of Smart Networks 2.0.

What This Means

The Greenathon recognition validates our approach to intelligent energy management.

Our solution isn't just theoretical — it's been tested and proven in real-world applications.

From single homes to entire smart cities, OptiMEMS delivers measurable results in energy optimization and cost reduction.