From Defence to Innovation: Alexandros Kapetanakis in Business Magazine UAE
Business Magazine UAE has published an interview with Alexandros Kapetanakis, Founder and CEO of EBS Consulting, on the company’s journey and on what it takes for a company to enter the defence market.
In the interview, he looks back on some three decades in engineering, military equipment and international defence cooperation, and on founding EBS in Athens in 2023 to put that experience at the service of defence and dual-use companies.
More than technology
A recurring theme is that a strong product does not open the defence market on its own. Companies also have to meet security, registration and compliance requirements before they can take part in defence work.
“Companies entering the defence sector need to understand that technical capability alone is not always enough.”
European and NATO programmes
Drawing on his roles in government and international coordination, he explains how EBS supports companies in programmes such as those of the European Defence Agency and NATO, where every programme sets its own requirements.
“Each programme has its own requirements, so companies need to assess their capabilities and prepare accordingly.”
Opening the door for smaller companies
The interview also looks at how smaller companies with specialised technology can find their way in: readiness assessments and practical first steps, attention to technology readiness and standards, research partnerships, and international cooperation through consortia.
Lessons from public service
“My experience in public service has shown me the importance of preparation, responsibility, and clear communication.”
The next chapter
Looking ahead, EBS will continue to support defence and dual-use companies, with a focus on European and NATO programmes and on innovation.
Read the full interview in Business Magazine UAE.
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