“Companies that focus on continuous improvement and the development of innovative solutions—like SDENG—can build strong partnerships and earn the trust of international clients and collaborators,” says Aris Theodorou in an interview with NEWS 24/7.

April 22, 2025

A Greek company, SDENG, is actively participating in the construction of FC Barcelona’s new stadium, bringing its specialized know-how to a globally significant project.

On the occasion of the TechFuse conference, NEWS 24/7 spoke with Aris Theodorou, co-founder and CEO of SDENG, which is contributing to the development of the new Camp Nou.

“The key to our involvement in the Camp Nou redevelopment was our expertise in large-scale projects and our specialization in complex steel structures,” says Theodorou.
“Implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) at the LOD500 level allows us to deliver with precision and meet the challenges of projects of this magnitude. It’s not the first time we’ve been involved in stadium design—we also contributed to the design of the Baku Olympic Stadium.”

This conversation sparks thoughts about Greece’s capacity to foster innovation. One key contributor to this dialogue is TechFuse, an initiative by the non-profit Innovation and Digital Economy Hub. It’s the first Greek conference that combines technology and innovation with culture, and it was held for the second consecutive year at the “Dimitris Chatzis” cultural venue in Ioannina, from March 13–15.

“The next phase of SDENG’s growth and scaling up is, in my opinion, the most difficult part of our journey so far,” Theodorou explains.
“Geographical limitations, coupled with the lack of national incentives for meaningful development and internationalization, make it hard to attract strategic investors such as angel investors. These individuals bring not just capital but also strategic guidance, networks, and business opportunities.”

What was the key to securing your role in the Camp Nou project?

“As I mentioned, our participation was based on our experience with large-scale projects and complex metal structures. The use of BIM at LOD500 enables us to work with precision and overcome construction challenges. We’ve already been part of major stadium designs, including the Baku Olympic Stadium.
Furthermore, our involvement in international projects and collaborations with top construction groups makes us a trusted partner for global ventures.”

Is it easy for a Greek company to attract international attention?

“It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. The Greek market doesn’t offer a strong brand name in this sector. Gaining international recognition requires high quality, specialization, and innovation.
Companies focused on continuous improvement and cutting-edge solutions—like SDENG—can form strong partnerships and gain the trust of global stakeholders. Careful planning, a commitment to excellence, and ongoing team development are essential to standing out and capturing international interest.”

Did you have key allies in your journey so far?

“Our journey has been supported by strategic partnerships with top-tier players in the construction and energy sectors. These alliances have enabled us to take on challenging global projects and expand our portfolio with successful outcomes.
Another major contributor to our growth has been our collaboration with the University of Thessaly, through which we access talented and specialized professionals. This partnership has helped us grow our engineering team with skilled, young talent.”

What are your next steps—both in terms of projects and investment?

“We’re focusing on strengthening our presence in new markets and deepening our involvement in high-profile international projects.
We’re also investing in strategic collaborations with industry leaders to take on even more demanding assignments and expand our global footprint. At the same time, we continue to prioritize research and development so that we remain at the forefront of technology and offer sustainable, high-quality solutions.”

What’s essential—such as “angel” investors—for a company to scale up?

“Scaling up is the toughest challenge. As I said earlier, geographical and systemic constraints make it difficult to bring in strategic investors like angels, who don’t just offer money—they offer direction, networks, and opportunity.
These investors can help us enhance our tech infrastructure, streamline operations, and prepare for more complex projects as the company grows. Unfortunately, Greece’s current business environment is still focused too heavily on real estate and doesn’t promote tech-driven growth.”

“Scaling also requires expanding resources and growing the team, which—given the ongoing brain drain—will likely be the most difficult challenge over the next decade.”

Original article in Greek published by NEWS 24/7:
👉 Μια ελληνική εταιρεία βάζει το λιθαράκι της στην έδρα της Μπαρτσελόνα (news247.gr)