The Indelible Legacy of a Pioneering Scientist and the AMKE KLEON TSETIS – Beacon of Research, Innovation, and Contribution.
An honorary memorial event marking 15 years since the passing of visionary scientist, restless pharmacist, and pioneering entrepreneur Kleon Tsetis was held on Wednesday, March 12, in his hometown, Arta.
The event was organized under the auspices of the Municipality of Arta, paying tribute to the proud Epirote who left an indelible mark on the fields of science and social contribution.
The event was graced by the presence of his family—his daughters, Julia and Irene Tsetis—as well as His Eminence Metropolitan of Arta, Mr. Kallinikos, members of parliament, regional governors, representatives of the Municipality of Arta, the President of the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies, Mr. Theodoros Tryfon, pharmacists, and distinguished local figures.
The Mayor of Arta, Mr. Christoforos Siafakas, began his speech by highlighting the significant contributions of the late Kleon Tsetis in health, industry, and society — a journey marked by a unique legacy, with the Tsetis family faithfully continuing his life philosophy. “Today’s event is a small tribute to a great man from Arta, Kleon Tsetis, and the valuable legacy he left behind,” he stated, adding that the municipal authority has proposed naming a central street of the city after Kleon Tsetis.
The President and CEO of OFET, Ms. Julis Tsetis, MSc Pharmacist, Honorary Doctor of Pharmacy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the University of Patras, spoke with emotion about her father’s remarkable work, as well as the Foundation established in his memory. She specifically stated:
“Today is a day of celebration and honor for my late father, Kleon, whom most of you knew personally—this restless and creative spirit who passed away 15 years ago. He was a man deeply committed to research, industrial production, pharmaceuticals, and health.
In his memory, together with my sister, we created the Non-Profit Civil Company KLEON TSETIS, which supports research in medical sciences and culture. It is inspired by our father’s vision and the unwavering values that govern the two pharmaceutical companies he founded, UNI-PHARMA and InterMed.
The mission of the foundation is to promote research and innovation, and to advance science and education for the younger generation, with a vision to improve human health and quality of life. A key goal is to strengthen domestic scientific research by awarding scholarships to outstanding students and young researchers, ultimately aiming to prevent the phenomenon of brain drain.
Since its establishment, more than 35 scholarships have been awarded. The KLEON TSETIS foundation also provides significant support to Greek universities and research institutions through donations of consumables and equipment, as well as funding for the renovation of hospital and educational infrastructure—highlighted by the creation of a modern amphitheater at NKUA, where today, which now hosts the official oath ceremony for pharmacy students. Another goal of the NPCC is to establish strong alliances between industry and academia and to connect researchers across all fields of health sciences. Excellence, ethics, innovative thinking, and continuous learning are the principles that guide the NPCC in all its activities.
We continue, actively and unwaveringly, the historical legacy of the inspired and brilliant founder of our Group, our father Kleon Tsetis, and through our tireless work, we honor him every single day”, she said.
In a message, the Minister of Health, Mr. Adonis Georgiadis, praised the legacy of Kleon Tsetis, noting that the pioneering pharmacist and industrialist created, through his work, a Group that is today among the fastest-growing in Europe. He emphasized that the Tsetis family has a long-standing, multi-generational tradition in the pharmaceutical sector, and highlighted the significant contribution of UNI-PHARMA to Greek society during the pandemic, when Julia Tsetis promptly donated millions of doses of chloroquine to both the Greek and Cypriot healthcare systems.
Mr. Theodoros Tryfon, President of the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (PEF), underscored the contribution of the OFET Founder to the Greek pharmaceutical industry.
“Kleon Tsetis was one of the people who laid the foundation for where we stand today. One of the pioneers who, in the 1960s and ’70s, started from scratch with nothing but a strong will to succeed, minimal resources, and a vision — and helped build a new Greece. He was one of those who established the solid production base that Greece enjoys today”, he stated, among other remarks.
With emotion and deep respect for the journey and accomplishments of Kleon Tsetis, tributes were also paid by His Eminence Metropolitan of Arta, Mr. Kallinikos, Members of Parliament Ms. Olga Gerovasili and Mr. Georgios Stylios, Mr. Apostolos Valtas, President of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, and author Pinelopi Kourtzi.
Vision and Mission
The KLEON TSETIS NPCC was founded with the mission to actively support and promote creative thinking, scientific research, and innovation. With a vision to improve health and quality of life, it serves science, education, culture, and innovation—offering growth opportunities to the new generation of scientists and strengthening synergies between the Academic Community, Research Institutions, and Industry.
A lasting devotion to Epirus
A foundation created in memory of Kleon Tsetis could not bear just any logo. For the scientist and entrepreneur who loved and honored his homeland—always contributing quietly and humbly to society—a message was chosen that encapsulates his deep affection and enduring commitment to his birthplace.
“Apeirotan”, symbolized by the bull: the ancient Doric expression of Ancient Epirus, the land that gave birth to, nourished, and shaped Kleon Tsetis.
“Apeirotan”, because it was the boundless land of Epirus that inspired Kleon Tsetis toward a boundless path of giving—laying the foundations for the vision behind KLEON TSETIS NPCC.
CGWORKS PRODUCTION