Ο2hub is the digital platform for the provision of Open Data and Open APIs from the subsidiary companies Growthfund (HCAP). O2hub aims to harness the potential of open data originating from HCAP’s subsidiaries by fostering an open, technological and human ecosystem of knowledge, collaboration, and data. O2hub aspires to contribute to development, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, and transparency across key sectors of Greek society and economy — including energy, environment, transport, networks, infrastructure, and the supply chain.

What are Open Data and Open APIs

The availability of open (non-personal) data and open interfaces by the subsidiary companies of Growthfund was launched on a pilot basis in December 2021. The pilot operation of O2hub aims to actively engage public and private sector entities in the utilization of open data and emerging technologies such as big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and more. A dynamic pool of human capital in Greece is actively seeking creative avenues for innovation, with the potential to support local economic growth and entrepreneurship. Moreover, Greece has a high concentration of academic and research institutions with significant expertise in applied fields of society and the economy, which can utilize open public data.

In this context, the O2hub can serve as a valuable tool for promoting digital innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as for the development of new applications and proposals by Greek businesses, start-ups, researchers, and others.

The O2hub is based on best practices from leading open data & API portals worldwide. Key features of the pilot version are the availability of indicative open data sets from the subsidiaries, support for participatory and collaborative processes to develop innovative services and applications, as well as the structured collection of citizen requests and needs for the open availability of selected data sets.

Through the open data catalog, it is possible to directly submit requests, questions or problems regarding the data, aiming at the continuous improvement of the platform through the active participation of all interested parties.

The O2hub also offers services for the management, access, processing, analysis, and visualization of data and metadata that are openly shared and reused. The implementation of the O2hub is based on open standards and open technologies.

The Value of Open Data

The availability of open data, namely non-personal data sets from the public and private sectors that are freely available for processing and reuse by third parties, is one of the main pillars of economic growth and entrepreneurship worldwide. Open public data serve all three key objectives of open government: transparency, accountability, and participation, while also contributing to increased productivity and competitiveness of businesses.

The Hellenic Asset Development Fund

Growthfund (HCAP) is a holding company established in 2016, with the Hellenic Republic as its sole shareholder, represented by the Minister of Finance. As Greece’s Public Investment Fund, its mission is to: play an active role in the modernization of state-owned enterprises, maximize the value of public assets, ensure high-quality services for citizens and consumers, and contribute to the national economy. Growthfund’s portfolio includes subsidiaries and equity participations in public enterprises operating in key sectors of the Greek economy, such as: Real Estate: Public Properties Company (ETAD), GAIATOSE, ETVA Industrial Areas, HELEXPO-DETH, Energy & Utilities: Public Power Corporation (PPC), Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP), Thessaloniki Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYATH) Transport & Infrastructure: Athens International Airport (AIA), Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA), Corinth Canal Company (AEDIK), 23 Regional Airports Food Supply: Central Market of Thessaloniki (KATH), Central Market and Fishery Organization (OKAA), Hellenic Saltworks Technology: 5G Fund (PHAISTOS) Postal Services: Hellenic Post (ELTA) The portfolio managed by Growthfund is currently valued at €6 billion, with approximately 31,000 employees across its companies.

More information: https://www.growthfund.gr/