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Empowering People, Strengthening Businesses

Established in 1950, the Technical Institute of Heraklion Chamber (TIHC) stands as a flagship institution in Crete with 75+ years of excellence.

Our Mission Pillars

Vocational & Adult Education

Delivering cutting-edge, market-relevant training through VET & ADU programs.

Strategic Consulting

Providing career services, competency mapping, and guidance for entrepreneurs.

Post-Secondary Excellence

Operating ISAEK, a state-recognized institute with 16 formal specializations.

The TIHC Advantage: Deeply Embedded in the Economy

As the official training arm of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, we bridge the gap between education and the real economy. With institutional access to 20,000+ regional businesses, we design bottom-up training based on real-time employer needs.

Our Strategic Focus

Digital Transformation Advanced digital skills, e-learning, and hybrid educational models.
Green Transition Circular Economy and green skills in tourism and hospitality.
Social Inclusion Equity through an active Gender Equality Plan (GEP) in all operations.
EU Innovation Leader

Expertise in European Innovation

Proven management across Erasmus+, COVE, and HORIZON. Notably, TIHC serves as the Coordinator for the 'Fashion Earth Alliance' (FEA-VEE), a large-scale project demonstrating our capacity to manage complex, multi-million euro initiatives.

Who We Support

Young Adults (18-30): High-school graduates, university graduates, and NEETs.
Adults (30+): Professionals seeking upskilling and entrepreneurs.
Vulnerable Groups: Unemployed individuals and tailored pathways for women.
Dr. Michael Katharakis

Dr. Michael Katharakis

Director & Project Manager

Dr. Katharakis leads the Development and Vocational Training Unit. With over 20 years of experience managing EU-funded projects, he has a proven track record of coordinating complex initiatives, including high-level roles at the University of Crete's ELMEPA. His academic background focuses on business clusters and innovation integration.

Markella Splinaki

Markella Splinaki

Senior Expert & EU Project Manager

A Biomedical Engineer (M.Sc.) and Junior Data Analyst, Markella specializes in proposal writing and deliverable management. She brings advanced technical skills in Python, SQL, and Power BI to our data-driven projects.

Maria Vouidaski

Maria Vouidaski

Senior Expert & EU Project Manager

Maria holds an MSc in Management and Administration. She is an experienced manager of Erasmus+ projects and is a certified Adult Trainer recognized by EOPPEP, specializing in non-formal education.

Ilektra Koundouraki

Ilektra Koundouraki

Senior Expert & EU Project Manager

Ilektra is an Economist with extensive experience in the development, coordination, and financial monitoring of National and EU-funded projects. She ensures financial accuracy and compliance for all initiatives while also managing social media and digital dissemination strategies. Since 2021, she has also served as an Economics instructor, bringing practical workspace expertise to adult education.

Konstantinos Tsikalas

Konstantinos Tsikalas

Technical Expert & AI Project Manager

Konstantinos is a Software Development and Web Design graduate, specializing in AI Development and Management. He oversees the implementation of AI-driven solutions, translating advanced technologies into practical digital tools for European projects.