Orestis Tsakalotos, Executive Chairman of Qualco Group and Chairman of Qualco Foundation spoke to Mononews about the vision behind Qualco Foundation.

Mononews: What is your vision for the Qualco Foundation?

Orestis Tsakalotos: Our vision at Qualco Foundation was born from a deep belief: We can all help, give back, and strengthen our society.

That’s why we work every day to support those who need it most. Through targeted initiatives in education, social solidarity, culture, and sports, we strive to open paths and help build a future where access to knowledge, health, and well-being will not be a privilege of the few but a right of the many.

At Qualco Foundation, we believe real change starts with small acts of love and solidarity. We strive to bring about this change every day with consistency and respect for society.

Mononews: What inspired you to create the Qualco Foundation?

Orestis Tsakalotos: Social contribution has been and is part of our identity. At Qualco, for more than 25 years, we have known that a business’s success is not measured only by numbers but also by the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. Thus, the Qualco Foundation was born from the need not to limit ourselves to fragmentary social responsibility actions but to create an organisation that is a driving force for substantial and serious solutions.

But the Qualco Foundation is something deeper. It is the continuation of a family tradition of giving.

With her boundless kindness, my mother taught me that solidarity is not an act but a way of life. My grandfather’s brother, General Thrasyvoulos Tsakalotos, instilled in me a sense of duty towards society and homeland. My uncle, the artist Yannis Moralis, showed me that art can change the world.

Growing up with such examples, I learned that potential is not enough—you have to use it to give. The Qualco Foundation is the expression of that legacy.

We want to bring together people who care, are inspired and take action to create a future where no one feels invisible.

Mononews: What areas does the Qualco Foundation focus on?

Orestis Tsakalotos: Our actions have a common goal: to create new opportunities and empower society.

We focus on:

–Education & Science: Knowledge is power. We give young people the tools to move forward and claim their future.

–Culture: Culture unites and shapes us. We support art, tradition and voices that deserve to be heard and not forgotten.

–Sports: Sports are not just about competitions and medals. They are about discipline, self-confidence and hope. We support young athletes and programs promoting physical activity, wellness, and Olympism.

–Social Solidarity: We stand by those facing life’s challenges, from young parents struggling with everyday life to children on remote islands who deserve equal opportunities and areas affected by disasters.

Mononews: Who are your partners in this effort?

Orestis Tsakalotos: We don’t walk this path alone—our strength lies in our partnerships.

We collaborate with leading organisations such as the NCSR “Demokritos”, the Athens Conservatory, the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art.

Our partnerships are not just sponsorships. They are true partnerships based on a commitment to creating real change.

Mononews: Where do you get your financial resources from?

Orestis Tsakalotos: At the core of our philosophy is the concept of “giving back to society.” This concerns both the Qualco Group itself, which is the main source of funding, and the personal time of Qualco people who, with dedication and solidarity, have been actively supporting the Qualco Foundation’s action from the very beginning. Thus, by “giving back,” we strengthen those around us who are in need and our shared hope for a better future.

Mononews: Tell me about the collaboration with Demokritos and precisely what this development of innovative FinTech tools in Greece is about.

Orestis Tsakalotos: Our partnership with NCSR “Demokritos” is more than a strategic partnership—it is a practical investment in Greek talent and innovation. Through the Demokritos & QUALCO Fellowship Programme, we support young scientists who develop innovative solutions in financial technology (FinTech), leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics.

One of our primary goals is to create opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to remain and develop in Greece. We offer well-paid positions, foster collaboration between academia and the business world, and contribute to reducing brain drain.

In short, we want Greece to innovate in the FinTech sector—not just as a consumer. Through this collaboration, we bring research one step closer to the real market, turning ideas into applications that can make a difference.

Mononews: What is one of Qualco Foundation’s most impactful initiatives?

Orestis Tsakalotos: The Institute of Greek Musical Heritage (IEMK) is one of the projects that stands out to me—an effort to preserve the musical wealth of Greece.

Through the exhibition “I think it’s time to listen…” at the Ghika Gallery, we honoured 12 leading figures in Greek music, such as Manos Hadjidakis, Vassilis Tsitsanis, and Nikos Skalkotas. More than 4,000 visitors embraced our effort. And that’s just the beginning.

Culture is alive when it continues to inspire.

Mononews: How have local communities responded to your work?

Orestis Tsakalotos: The love and trust of local communities is our greatest reward.

For example, in Koufonisia, we helped a small elementary school establish a music education programme. We didn’t just provide musical instruments—we gave the children a way to express themselves, dream, and create.

People want to be part of this change in every corner of Greece. And that gives us the strength to continue.

Mononews: Why Qualco Foundation?

Orestis Tsakalotos: Because every act of solidarity counts. Because every child who finds opportunities changes their story. Because no one should feel invisible. And we are here to make sure of that.

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