Project title: INTEL-IRRIS – Intelligent Irrigation System for Low-cost Autonomous Water Control in Small-scale Agriculture
Website: https://intel-irris.eu/
INTEL-IRRIS is a PRIMA project that improves irrigation efficiency for smallholder farmers using a cost-effective, autonomous sensor-based system. By integrating IoT, AI, and local agricultural knowledge, it offers a user-friendly, open-source solution for better water management. The system operates independently of remote servers, focusing on ease of use and adaptability.
INTEL-IRRIS main objectives are (1) to reduce the cost of smart technologies for smallholders – dividing the cost by a factor between 10 and 100, (2) to increase adoption of smart technologies by smallholders by “translating” raw data into readable information used for making decision about irrigation adjustment and (3) to increase on a long-term the smallholders’ sustained production and income, as well as the local innovation opportunities and capacities.
Project title: Organic Rankine Cycle – Prototype Link to Unit Storage (ORC-PLUS)
The ORC-PLUS project a new model of a small size CSP plant coupled to an ORC turbine with a rated output of 1 MWel, and an innovative thermal Energy storage able to extend the power production of the CSP plant for four hours at rated output.
The ORC-PLUS project aims to advance decentralized renewable energy production in Morocco using small-scale Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies. It addresses limitations in thermal energy storage for mid-sized CSP plants, focusing on creating a cost-effective, modular CSP model for rural and arid areas. The project also seeks to export its technology to other Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan regions.
In the frame of ORC-PLUS Project activities have been developed and built at pilot level an innovative TES system able to extend the power production for 4 hour during the evening hours (6:00 pm – 10:00 pm) of an existing solar thermal power plant locate inside of inside of the Green Energy Park in Benguerir (Morocco) that use the linear Fresnel collectors technology as solar field and an ORC turbine with a rated output of 1 MWel as power unit (see Figure). The Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) used by the existing CSP plant is an environmentally friendly mineral oil working in the range 180°C – 300°C.
It still pending the hot final commissioning of plant in reason of the financial issues met by the Holding company in which ENERRAY SpA operates
To get in touch with potential stakeholders interested to complete the scientific and technical development of the technology and to replicate the experience of ORC-PLUS project introducing other potential improvement
Project title:SUPER PV
Website: https://www.superpv.eu/
SUPERPV is a collaborative European-funded project initiated in 2018 by 26 partners in reaction to this trend. Together, they target a significant LCOE reduction (26%-37%) for European-made PV by adopting a hybrid approach combining technological innovations and data management methods. Introducing superior quality PV systems will create conditions for accelerating large scale deployment in Europe and help EU PV business to regain leadership on world market.
The project developed several innovations in solar technology, including advanced nanocoatings, bifacial modules, smart micro-inverters, and digital tools for operations and maintenance. These innovations, along with cost reductions in the PV supply chain, achieved a 41-43% total cost reduction, surpassing the original target. The technologies were tested in diverse climates such as Lithuania, Norway, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Main goal is to continue development and commercialization of innovations developed within this project.
We have demonstrated that our project innovations perform well in hot climates like Tunisia or Morocco. Therefore it would be particularly interesting to participate in this event located in Cairo, Egypt and meet with local renewable energy experts with whom we could discuss about potential partnerships.
Project title: VIRTIGATION: information for UfM/EC innovation marketplace
Emerging viral diseases in tomatoes and cucurbits – Implementation of mitigation strategies for durable disease management
Website: https://www.virtigation.eu/
The EU-funded VIRTIGATION project aims to combat viral diseases affecting tomato and cucurbit crops, which cause significant global harvest losses. Running from June 2021 to May 2025, it focuses on developing solutions for begomoviruses and tobamoviruses impacting these crops, with a multi-actor approach for better management and control. The project collaborates with partners in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and countries like Morocco, Israel, and India.
VIRTIGATION developed tools to protect tomatoes and cucurbits from viral diseases, including a network of 152 stakeholders. They introduced novel sequencing pipelines and the Genome Detective tool for rapid virus identification. Preventive strategies involve breeding for resistance, using plant extracts against whiteflies, and testing methods like soil steaming and solarization, while also studying virus transmission and climate change impacts.
Virus resistance research will focus on identifying genes responsible for natural resistance and working with breeding companies to incorporate this resistance into cucurbit and tomato varieties. Development of biopesticides will continue with support from EU funding, and cross-protection strategies will be advanced through private-public partnerships. The genomic tools developed will be integrated into the Genome Detective platform and remain freely accessible to the public research sector.
VIRTIGATION looks forward to participating in this event to showcase the project as well as its latest results. Moreover, we appreciate the opportunity to interact with key stakeholders of the Mediterranean basin, a key geographical area for the project.
Project title: Improving MEDiterranean irrigation and Water supply for smallholder farmers by providing Efficient, low-cost and nature-based Technologies and practices (MED-WET)
Website: https://www.medwet-eu.com/
The Mediterranean region is experiencing severe water scarcity due to factors like high tourist activity, population growth, changing diets, and climate change. The MED-WET project addresses this issue by developing efficient, low-cost, and nature-based irrigation technologies. It focuses on three solutions: SLECI, a self-regulating subsurface irrigation system; a solar desalination greenhouse to convert saline water into freshwater for irrigation; and constructed wetlands for wastewater reuse. These technologies are being piloted in Malta, Morocco, Egypt, and Portugal. The project is led by Hochschule Wismar University in Germany and funded by the PRIMA initiative, supported by the European Union.
The SLECI technology was tested at various sites in Morocco, Portugal, and Malta for irrigating different types of trees. While crop yields from SLECI and conventional drip irrigation were similar, SLECI demonstrated significantly lower water usage. The solar desalination greenhouse in Gozo, Malta, was used to grow halophytes and lettuce, but the water conversion rate from brackish to freshwater was below 50% due to evaporation. In Egypt, constructed wetlands were used to treat domestic and agricultural wastewater, achieving a high pollutant removal efficiency of 87-91% and providing treated water for irrigating bamboo fields.
After completing the research phase, the project consortium aims to bring the developed technologies to market. To achieve this, exploitation plans and business plans will be created for each technology. Additionally, the consortium is already actively seeking investors in the target countries to support the commercialization efforts.
We want to showcase our products to a wide audience. Our goal is to attract both potential investors and agricultural businesses interested in purchasing our technologies. Additionally, we are seeking to engage with other technology developers for exchange and collaboration.
Project title: NewTechAqua – Tools and Strategies for a Sustainable, Resilient and Innovative European Aquaculture
Website: https://www.newtechaqua.eu/
NewTechAqua is a European Union-funded project focused on advancing the aquaculture industry. It aims to develop innovative and sustainable technologies to improve fish production, health, and environmental management. The project integrates new approaches to feed, breeding, disease control, and environmental monitoring, aiming to boost the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture practices across Europe.
NewTechAqua was divided into nine work packages (WPs). WP1 focused on developing and demonstrating three innovative types of aquafeeds: pro-health, organic, and zero waste. WP2 aimed to enhance the control of parasite outbreaks in Norwegian and Mediterranean farms through new AI epidemiological models and promoted sustainable aquaculture with advanced technologies for mollusc and inland fish farm eco-intensification. WP3 created innovative breeding programs to improve the performance, robustness, and quality of farmed species, while WP4 advanced reproduction technology in three emerging fish species. Additionally, high-quality seafood products and sustainable processing techniques for by-products were validated. WP6 developed indicators to monitor progress toward the project’s impacts, and WP7 ensured market uptake through a comprehensive exploitation strategy. Finally, WP8 focused on targeted communication, dissemination, and the effective transfer of the project’s technologies and knowledge.
The NewTechAqua project officially concluded in December 2023, but the work to maximize its impact is still very much ongoing. The activities related to dissemination, communication, and exploitation of the project’s results are actively in progress, ensuring that the innovative outcomes continue to benefit the aquaculture sector. Since the project’s end, significant efforts have been directed toward promoting the industrial application of the technologies and solutions developed during NewTechAqua. Partnerships with industry stakeholders are being cultivated to integrate these advancements into real-world operations, aiming to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness across the aquaculture industry.
In parallel, the comprehensive documents, guidelines, and other resources generated by the project are being leveraged for training and educational purposes. These materials are invaluable for both current professionals and the next generation of aquaculture experts, helping to disseminate the cutting-edge knowledge gained through NewTechAqua. Various workshops, webinars, and training sessions are being organized to ensure that the project’s insights are shared widely and applied effectively.
As we move forward from the successful conclusion of the NewTechAqua project, the knowledge gained and the extensive network established during the project serve as a solid foundation for continued research and development in the aquaculture sector. Our immediate focus is on leveraging the innovative outcomes of NewTechAqua to initiate new research initiatives and collaborations. We are actively exploring various funding opportunities to support these efforts, aiming to build on the progress made and address emerging challenges within the industry. Moreover, the strong partnerships and collaborative framework established during the project will be instrumental in driving future projects. By maintaining and expanding this network, we aim to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations that will further advance the sustainability and efficiency of aquaculture practices.
Engaging with industry leaders and stakeholders will not only foster collaborations but also help drive the adoption of the solutions developed and validated in the project, supporting the growth of sustainable aquaculture practices in the region and beyond.
Project title: Medaid – Mediterranean Aquaculture Integrated Development
MedAID project aims to assess technical, environmental, market, socio-economic and governance weaknesses in the industry. By exploring innovative solutions and providing comprehensive toolboxes, the project strives to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability holistically. Through collaboration between Mediterranean countries and northern European R&D institutions, MedAID promises to revolutionise the sector with innovative tools, integrated plans and improved governance, leading Mediterranean marine fish aquaculture into a transformative future.
The productivity of Mediterranean marine fish aquaculture, particularly seabass and seabream, is stagnating. MedAID aims to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability by addressing technical, environmental, and socioeconomic challenges through interdisciplinary work packages (WPs). The project involves stakeholders in consultation, communication, and training, focusing on improving biological performance and overcoming market, environmental, and legal constraints. An interdisciplinary consortium will develop innovative tools and strategies, integrating Northern European technologies to improve the sector’s overall image, sustainability, and governance.
Although the MedAID project officially concluded several years ago, the impact of its outcomes continues. Efforts are ongoing to facilitate the exploitation of the project’s results both in industrial applications and in educational contexts. The comprehensive documentation and deliverables produced during the project are being utilized for training purposes. These resources serve as valuable tools for educating and training the next generation of professionals and researchers in the field. Workshops, seminars, and educational programs are being organized to disseminate the knowledge acquired through MedAID, ensuring that its legacy continues to contribute to the growth and innovation in the aquaculture industry.
Since the MedAID project concluded in 2021, the knowledge and networks developed during the project have continued to drive forward research and development in the Mediterranean aquaculture sector. The project’s legacy is being actively leveraged to build upon its achievements and explore new opportunities for growth and innovation. Our primary focus moving forward is on utilizing the insights gained from MedAID to initiate new research projects and collaborations. We are seeking additional funding sources to support these endeavors, with the goal of addressing ongoing and emerging challenges in the industry. The robust network of partners and stakeholders established during MedAID remains a critical asset, providing a strong platform for launching future initiatives.
This event offers an excellent platform to present our work on improving fish health, welfare, and production efficiency through sustainable practices. We would like to promote the adoption of MedAID’s solutions, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of Mediterranean aquaculture.
Project title: Sustainable technologies and methodologies to improve quality and extend product shelf life in the Mediterranean agro-food supply chain – FRUALGAE
Website: http://www.frualgae.aua.gr
FRUALGAE project focuses on enhancing sustainability in the agro-food value chain by reducing food losses and waste, improving water management, and building capacity across various levels. It aims to extend the shelf life of Mediterranean products like tomatoes and leafy vegetables through innovative technologies, including biodegradable packaging and ICT-based cold-chain control. Additionally, the project addresses water management by integrating microalgae production using nutrient-rich wastewater from hydroponic cultures, demonstrating a novel approach to water recycling and reutilization. Together, these efforts form a comprehensive strategy to create a more sustainable and efficient agro-food system.
FRUALGAE project aims to create economically and environmentally sustainable food production by utilizing biomaterials from marine organisms, specifically microalgae. It focuses on ready-to-eat fresh-cut tomatoes and leafy vegetables, with the potential to extend these technologies to other fruits, vegetables, and perishable products like meat, fish, and dairy. The project’s objectives include identifying scalable microalgae with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, applying them in greenhouse hydroponic systems for water treatment, and developing eco-friendly, nonthermal food processing and packaging methods to improve quality and shelf life. Additionally, the project emphasizes the holistic valorization of by-products from hydroponic water treatment and the effective communication of its goals and results to stakeholders.
FRUALGAE project is closing the innovation gap by enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs and large enterprises in the Mediterranean, EU, and global food industries. By developing novel solutions in food processing and packaging, the project simultaneously addresses innovation, environmental challenges, and competitiveness. The smart packaging-based management system being developed will improve food distribution logistics and reduce food waste, which is a significant global issue. This system has the potential to be applied to various production systems, benefiting food equipment manufacturers and SMEs by providing them with cutting-edge technologies that aren’t yet widely available or used. The project also addresses environmental sustainability by managing hydroponic wastewater through microalgae biomass production, which provides a low-cost, eco-friendly solution. The microalgae biomass generated can be used as a source of high-value biotechnological products, such as antioxidants and antimicrobials, offering an additional revenue stream for hydroponic greenhouses. Overall, FRUALGAE’s innovations will support business growth, diversification, and the supply of healthier food options, contributing positively to public health.
Explore collaboration interests of industry and academia in the region and further elaborate on potential opportunities and barriers for technology transfer, scaling up and commercialization of the results obtained from the FRUALGAE project.
Project title: “Cleaning Litter by developing and Applying Innovative Methods in European seas” (CLAIM)
Website: https://www.claim-h2020project.eu/
CLAIM project, funded by the EU, focused on preventing and managing marine plastic pollution in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas. It involved 21 partners from 13 EU countries, Tunisia, and Lebanon, and developed five key technologies:
1. CLEAN TRASH®: A floating barrier for collecting litter at river mouths (TRL 9).
2. Pyrolyser: A device processing up to 100 kg of waste daily (TRL 5).
3. EcoPlex Microplastic Remover®: A microplastic filtering system for wastewater plants (TRL 8).
4. Photocatalytic Reactor: A system that breaks down microplastics into harmless compounds (TRL 6).
5. Ferrybox: A device for sampling and filtering seawater on ships.
These innovations target plastic waste at its source to reduce marine pollution.
CLAIM project developed five devices to combat macro and micro plastic pollution and enhanced governance with tools like models and concentration maps to track plastic distribution. The project used an ecosystem approach to assess the benefits of cleaning methods on ecosystem services and human well-being. CLAIM’s modeling tools forecasted plastic pollution’s impact on the Baltic and Mediterranean seas and evaluated its technologies’ effectiveness. The project focused on ecosystems vital to fisheries and aquaculture, using models to trace plastic sources and predict their spread.
In the framework of the H2020 project CLAIM, HCMR, New Naval, and KISS Intelligence formed a spin-off company named “MINDS TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES PRIVATE COMPANY” (MINDS PC), to further exploit the research results and expertise from the CLAIM project. MINDS focuses on:
We wish to showcase the results of CLAIM, foster collaboration with stakeholders and discuss opportunities and barriers for technology transfer and commercialization of technologies to stop plastic pollution that affects human health in a way that we only now start learning.
Project title: BIZEOLCAT – Bifunctional Zeolite based Catalysts and Innovative process for Sustainable Hydrocarbon Transformation
Website: https://www.bizeolcat.eu/
The growth in world energy demand from fossil fuels has played a key role in the fast increase in CO2 emissions. Since the Industrial Revolution, annual CO2 emissions from fuel combustion have dramatically increased from near zero to over 33 GtCO2 in 2015. Technical improvements in catalysis are crucial to reduce this environmental burden in alignment towards the climate actions targets agreed in COP21.
BIZEOLCAT addresses the need for lowering the carbon footprint of refining industry, contributing to an evolving scenario of sustainable economy in such field.
BIZEOLCAT’s main objective is to obtain light olefins and aromatics using light hydrocarbons by implementing new procedures, involving innovative catalysts synthesis methodologies and novel reactor design and processing, demonstrating their improvement in sustainability and economic scalability in existing industrial processes. Upbringing the use of light alkanes as raw material for specialty chemical industry and not as feedstock for fuels in the current oil refining process, BIZEOLCAT contributes to this transition. Methane from stranded gas natural resources, propane and butane from oil cracking can be efficiently converted into light olefins (propylene, butadiene) and aromatics (benzene, toluene) and further used for commodity or fine chemicals as polypropylene, polybutadiene, acrylonitrile, acrolein and propylene oxide. Catalysis is a key enabling technology to carry out this new sustainable chemical framework where natural resources of methane are not diverted to gas flaring or where newly generated outputs from cracking, as propane/propene mixtures orbutane/butenes mixtures become a raw material and not fuel.
It is our intend to showcase current achievements and project results, which have resulted in successfully developing, testing and demonstrating five innovations.
Secondly, to engage with stakeholders by networking with industry leaders, researchers and policymakers for potential collaboration and commercialization.
Thirdly, to use the event as an opportunity to refine BIZEOLCAT approaches based on expert input and gathering feedback.
To showcase BIZEOLCAT, which addresses the urgent need to lower the carbon footprint of the refining industry through advanced catalysis, contributing to climate action and sustainable energy transitions in line with COP21 targets.
Project title: BIM for Energy Efficiency in the Public sector – BEEP
Buildings are responsible for 36% of global final energy consumption and nearly 40% of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions. In such a challenging situation, renovating and making Mediterranean buildings smarter is of utmost importance to reduce the carbon footprint of our homes. BEEP project aims at strengthening the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) – a process supported by various tools and technologies involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places – to enhance energy efficiency in buildings.
BEEP pilot actions will contribute to an open, competitive digital market for construction and will encourage wider collaboration between the public and private sectors for further collective action. The project will facilitate the wider introduction of Building Information Modelling in the public sector as a strategic enabler and the adoption of an aligned framework for its introduction into the built environment and construction sector. This alignment will accelerate growth and support competitiveness of the construction sector, especially in SMEs.
The Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Marketplace 2024 is an annual event organized by the European Commission in collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM).