Mr Georgios Gkoumas is a Research Engineer at the Laboratory of Manufacturing Systems & Automation within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Patras. He holds a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of West Attica and an MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction Award) from Heriot-Watt University, in collaboration with the University of West Attica. His academic specialisation focuses on renewable energy systems, hybrid energy integration, and energy storage optimisation. Since 2024, he has been involved in multiple R&D projects funded by the EC, acting as a Research Engineer and contributing to technical implementation and deliverable preparation. His participation includes projects such as energy4.0, MaaSBrakeAM, and CTO5.0. His research activity focuses on renewable energy technologies, hybrid energy systems, industrial decarbonisation, life cycle assessment, sustainability, and resilience. Through publications and project engagement, he contributes to advancing applied research in energy transition and sustainable industrial systems. In parallel with his research career, he has developed experience as a Consulting Engineer in the fields of development strategy and energy policy. He has contributed to the design and implementation of Regional Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) for the regions of Sterea Ellada, Peloponnese, and Western Greece, supporting the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process and stakeholder engagement mechanisms.