Crete’s Life – Saving Health  Innovation Earns Top Mobile & IoT Honors

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Crete’s rapidly advancing innovation ecosystem received major international recognition as the digital application of the “ZOH” Program (Crete’s mobile-enabled cardiac arrest response initiative), developed by the Region of Crete, secured top honors at the Mobile & IoT Awards 2026 in Athens. The application earned the Platinum Award, achieving the highest score across all competition categories, and additionally received the Gold Award in the “Mobile Health” category, underscoring its pioneering role in mobile-supported emergency response.

The distinction highlights the strength of Crete’s innovation landscape, where advanced research, digital technology and social impact converge. The “ZOH” Program is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), one of Europe’s most respected research institutions, the Medical School of the University of Crete, and the Region of Crete. Together, they have created a model that demonstrates how scientific excellence and digital innovation can be transformed into lifesaving public services.

At its core, the “ZOH” Program enables rapid and effective response to incidents of cardiac arrest. Through its mobile application, trained volunteers and emergency responders are instantly alerted and guided to nearby cases, significantly reducing response times. This capability is vital not only for residents but also for the millions of international visitors who choose Crete every year. The program strengthens the island’s safety infrastructure, reinforcing Crete’s positioning as a secure, technologically advanced and visitorfriendly destination.

The Mobile & IoT Awards, a leading institution in mobile business excellence, recognized the program for its ability to merge cuttingedge technology with meaningful social value. Representing the Regional Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, Deputy Regional Governor Giorgos Pitsoulis accepted the awards, emphasizing that the distinction reflects the effectiveness of the program and the collective effort of all participating institutions. He expressed gratitude to FORTH’s CeHA team, the University of Crete’s Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Laboratory and the volunteers, noting that their contribution demonstrates the power of collaboration and science in protecting human life.

Dimitris Katehakis, head of CeHA at FORTH, highlighted that the dual award is a significant honor for Crete’s research community. He noted that the recognition confirms how research and digital innovation can evolve into solutions with strong social impact, adding that the “ZOH” Program exemplifies the partnership between the Region of Crete, the University of Crete and FORTH in advancing prevention and saving lives.

Crete’s innovation ecosystem continues to gain momentum, proving that the island is not only a leading tourism destination but also a hub of scientific excellence and technological advancement. The “ZOH” Program stands as a landmark initiative that strengthens public safety, enhances visitor confidence and showcases how innovation can serve society at scale.