Greece Healthcare Genomic and Genetic Technologies
Greece’s participation in international genomic projects and rising demand for genetic technologies is creating opportunities for companies providing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) solutions, as well as precision medicine and gene therapy technologies. U.S. medical research firms in these sectors are well-regarded for their innovation and technology, making them competitive in the Greece’s healthcare (or medical research) market.
In Greece, there are 99 genetics labs offering cytogenetic and molecular tests to diagnose cancer, rare illnesses, and pre-natal genetic disorders. Most testing is reimbursed by the state. Precision medicine initiatives in the country are growing, led by the Hellenic Network of Precision Medicine (HNPM). The Greek Research Infrastructure for Personalized Medicine is driving increasing activity in the operation of accredited biobanks, clinical data collection and establishing specialized departments for molecular and genetic analysis using next-generation sequencing.
The prevalence of rare diseases is significant in Greece, with over 500,000 patients affected by over 6,000 rare diseases. These diseases include sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, Fabry disease, Gaucher disease, CREST syndrome and neural tube defects. Greece has 27 rare disease expertise centers at clinics located across 8 hospitals.
Key genomics initiatives in Greece:
National Thalassemia Prevention Program:
This program was initiated to address diagnosis and clinical management of thalassemia, which is the most frequent genetic disorder in Greece. This program has significantly reduced the incidence of thalassemia in Greece.
Greek Genome Center (GGC):
Established under the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, the GGC provides access to advanced genomic sequencing technologies for research purposes.
European Genomic Data Infrastructure (GDI):
Greece is actively participating in the “1 million Genomes” project through the GDI, contributing genomic data to a large European research network.
BeginNGS Greece:
This pilot program aims to use rapid whole genome sequencing to screen newborns for approximately 400 treatable genetic diseases. The NHS has recruited 1,000 families to participate in the pilot program.
The Genome of Greece (GoGreece) Initiative:
This long-term national genomics project, launched in 2010, facilitates the implementation of genomic medicine in Greece. As of 2025, samples from over 20,00 people have been collected and 600 individuals have been sequenced.
EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) – Greece:
This European-wide prospective study was designed to investigate the effect of certain factors (diet, nutritional status, lifestyle and environment) on the incidence of cancer and other chronic diseases. 28,572 Greek participants were recruited into the study and follow up studies to investigate disease endpoints are ongoing.
For more information on tender opportunities in Greece, please visit the following links.
Ministry of Health: https://www.ekapy.gov.gr/
Ministry of Digital Governance: https://mindigital.gr/archives/category/prokhryxeis
Opportunities for U.S firms:
Join us in Greece to Propel Your Genomic and Genetic Technologies to New Heights
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) is organizing a Genomic and Genetic Technologies Trade Mission to Greece, Türkiye, and Italy on May 19-23, 2025. The mission is open to U.S. firms providing genomic and genetic technologies and will connect participants to local partners, customers, and distributors in Greece, Türkiye, and Italy, as well as with national research institutes and genetic labs in each of these countries. Directly following the last mission stop in Milan, participants can attend the European Human Genomics Conference, taking place May 24-27. For more information, please visit here.
For more information on biotech and genomics opportunities in Greece, please contact Healthcare Specialist Mary Simopoulou with the U.S. Commercial Service in Greece at Mary.Simopoulou@trade.gov.