Konstantinos Kechagias, doctoral candidate in the department under the supervision of Professor Yannis Ioannidis, has been globally recognized by Google as a Google Developer Expert in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), with a specialization in Generative AI & Privacy. This recognition reflects his extensive engagement with these technologies and his demonstrated excellence. The distinction is particularly significant on a national level, as he is the first individual in the Balkans to receive this acknowledgment from Google in this thematic area and among the first in Southeastern Europe.
Beyond this recognition, his expertise and research in the field have led to the development of cutting-edge applications with strong practical impact. Innovation plays a pivotal role in these projects. For these reasons, Google has also selected him as an Innovation Champion, specializing in AI and ML on the Cloud. This is yet another prestigious distinction, as slightly more than 500 individuals worldwide hold similar recognition. Through this acknowledgment, Google provides him with all the tools necessary to continue conducting research and creating innovative applications that consistently deliver a positive societal impact.
The combination of these two distinctions places him among fewer than 150 individuals worldwide to have received such dual recognition and among fewer than 50 in the field of AI and ML.
Additionally, his most recent application, an innovative smart energy assistant, has been recognized globally (competing against all applications developed by experts and Innovation Champions). Leveraging Google’s resources and combining them with innovative practices and algorithms, the application aims to help households and businesses cope with rising energy costs caused by the energy crisis. The application has been distinguished as one of the best, not only for its practical utility but also for its technological innovations. Among other achievements, it was featured on Google Cloud’s official social media channels (followed by over 2.6 million people) and was globally promoted by Google. Additionally, he received a signed and numbered copy of the original design of TPC/IP and the Internet from Vinton Gray Cerf (Vint Cerf).