# IDConsortium - Just research it! - Full Content > Consultancy firm specialized in National and European R&D projects --- ## BOOSTER advances seaweed-based biostimulants for drought-resilient crops URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-seaweed-based-biostimulants-drought-resilient-crops ### News | BOOSTER > # BOOSTER advances seaweed-based biostimulants for drought-resilient crops ## BOOSTER partner BioAtlantis has advanced the development of innovative seaweed-based biostimulant solutions designed to help crops better cope with drought stress. IDConsortium #### As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of dry periods, agriculture needs practical and sustainable tools to support crop resilience without compromising productivity. Within the BOOSTER project, seaweed extract formulations are being explored as one of the promising approaches to improve drought tolerance in key cereals, including maize and teff.​ As part of BOOSTER’s research activities, BioAtlantis developed and screened a range of innovative seaweed extract formulations to identify those with the strongest potential to enhance plant performance under drought conditions. This work led to the selection of top-performing candidates for further validation through seed and foliar priming approaches. The selected formulations are now moving from screening to field testing. BioAtlantis produced the most promising seaweed extract formulations and completed their bioactive, microbiological and stability characterisation, ensuring that the candidates supplied for trials meet the necessary quality and performance requirements. These formulations are being tested in multi-location field trials across the Mediterranean region, South and Eastern Europe, and drought-prone regions of Ethiopia. By evaluating the solutions under diverse agro-climatic conditions, BOOSTER partners aim to better understand how seaweed-based biostimulants can support crop performance in different environments and under varying levels of water stress. The trials will assess the potential of these formulations to improve drought resilience, crop development and productivity in maize and teff. Seed priming and foliar applications will provide valuable insights into how different application strategies can contribute to stronger crop responses during dry periods. This work marks an important step in BOOSTER’s efforts to translate scientific advances into practical solutions for climate-resilient agriculture. By combining innovative biostimulant development with real-field validation, the project is helping to identify tools that could support farmers in adapting to increasingly challenging growing conditions. Further results from the field trials will help determine the performance of the selected seaweed-based biostimulants and their potential contribution to more resilient and sustainable cereal production systems.** ### About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## H2BLUE impulsa el uso del hidrógeno verde en la economía azul europea URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/h2blue-hidrogeno-verde-economia-azul-europea ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # H2BLUE impulsa el uso del hidrógeno verde en la economía azul europea ## IDConsortium ha acompañado a PLOCAN y al consorcio internacional en la preparación de H2BLUE, una propuesta seleccionada para recibir financiación europea en el marco de Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a 2025. IDConsortium #### Nos alegra anunciar que H2BLUE ha sido seleccionado para recibir financiación en la convocatoria I3-2025-INV2a, gestionada por la Agencia Ejecutiva del Consejo Europeo de Innovación y de las Pymes (EISMEA) y financiada a través del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). ### Innovación interregional para descarbonizar el sector marítimo El instrumento Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) apoya proyectos de innovación desarrollados conjuntamente por regiones europeas. En su línea Strand 2a, impulsa la integración de regiones menos desarrolladas y en transición en cadenas de valor europeas, favoreciendo la demostración, el escalado y la llegada al mercado de soluciones innovadoras. Coordinado por PLOCAN y con un presupuesto cercano a los 7 millones de euros, H2BLUE busca acelerar la incorporación del hidrógeno verde en actividades clave de la economía azul. El proyecto desarrollará y validará soluciones en condiciones reales, con especial atención a entornos marítimos y portuarios, barcos de apoyo, actividades pesqueras y granjas de acuicultura. ### Un consorcio conectado con los retos reales de la economía azul H2BLUE conectará regiones ultraperiféricas, como Canarias y Azores, con otros ecosistemas europeos con capacidades avanzadas en hidrógeno, innovación y desarrollo tecnológico. El consorcio reúne administraciones públicas, centros tecnológicos y de investigación, infraestructuras de experimentación, organizaciones empresariales y empresas especializadas. Esta combinación permitirá cubrir toda la cadena de innovación: desde el desarrollo y adaptación de tecnologías hasta su demostración en entornos reales. El proyecto abordará, además, aspectos esenciales para su futura adopción, como seguridad, certificación, regulación, viabilidad económica y comercialización. H2BLUE prestará especial atención a la participación de pymes europeas. A través de mecanismos de financiación en cascada, el proyecto prevé movilizar a más de 50 pymes y facilitar su participación en proyectos de demostración relacionados con la aplicación del hidrógeno verde en la economía azul. ### El papel de IDConsortium IDConsortium ha acompañado a PLOCAN y al conjunto del consorcio durante la preparación de la propuesta, contribuyendo a la definición del concepto, la configuración del consorcio, el diseño del programa de apoyo a pymes, la estructuración del plan de trabajo y del presupuesto, y la redacción y presentación de H2BLUE. Para el equipo de IDConsortium, este resultado supone una enorme satisfacción. H2BLUE demuestra cómo la cooperación interregional puede conectar capacidades tecnológicas, infraestructuras, empresas e inversiones para avanzar en la descarbonización de sectores estratégicos y generar nuevas oportunidades económicas en los territorios participantes. Queremos agradecer a PLOCAN y a todos los socios del consorcio su confianza, compromiso y excelente trabajo durante la preparación de H2BLUE. **¡Enhorabuena a todo el consorcio! Comienza ahora una nueva etapa para convertir H2BLUE en resultados reales para las regiones, las empresas y la economía azul europea.** ## Más noticias sobre el proyecto H2BLUE: --- ## H2BLUE promotes the use of green hydrogen in the European blue economy URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/h2blue-green-hydrogen-european-blue-economy ### News | IDConsortium > # H2BLUE promotes the use of green hydrogen in the European blue economy ## IDConsortium has supported PLOCAN and the international consortium in the preparation of H2BLUE, a proposal selected to receive European funding under the Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a 2025 call. IDConsortium #### We are pleased to announce that H2BLUE has been selected to receive funding under the I3-2025-INV2a call, managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). ### Interregional innovation to decarbonise the maritime sector The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) instrument supports innovation projects jointly developed by European regions. Under its Strand 2a, it promotes the integration of less developed and transition regions into European value chains, supporting the demonstration, scale-up and market uptake of innovative solutions. Coordinated by PLOCAN and with a budget of nearly EUR 7 million, H2BLUE aims to accelerate the uptake of green hydrogen in key blue economy activities. The project will develop and validate solutions under real-life conditions, with a particular focus on maritime and port environments, support vessels, fishing activities and aquaculture farms. ### A consortium connected to the real challenges of the blue economy H2BLUE will connect outermost regions, such as the Canary Islands and the Azores, with other European ecosystems that have advanced capabilities in hydrogen, innovation and technological development. The consortium brings together public authorities, technology and research centres, testing infrastructures, business organisations and specialised companies. This combination will cover the full innovation chain: from technology development and adaptation to demonstration in real-life environments. The project will also address key aspects for future uptake, including safety, certification, regulation, economic viability and commercialisation. H2BLUE will pay particular attention to the participation of European SMEs. Through cascade funding mechanisms, the project expects to mobilise more than 50 SMEs and facilitate their participation in demonstration projects related to the application of green hydrogen in the blue economy. ### IDConsortium’s role IDConsortium has supported PLOCAN and the whole consortium throughout the proposal preparation process, contributing to the definition of the concept, the configuration of the consortium, the design of the SME support programme, the structuring of the work plan and budget, and the writing and submission of H2BLUE. For the IDConsortium team, this result is a great source of satisfaction. H2BLUE shows how interregional cooperation can connect technological capabilities, infrastructures, companies and investments to advance the decarbonisation of strategic sectors and generate new economic opportunities in the participating territories. We would like to thank PLOCAN and all consortium partners for their trust, commitment and excellent work during the preparation of H2BLUE. **Congratulations to the whole consortium! A new stage now begins to turn H2BLUE into real results for the regions, companies and the European blue economy.** ## More news about H2BLUE project: --- ## H2Blue URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/h2blue # H2BLUE – Green hydrogen solutions for the blue economy ## H2BLUE promotes the development, demonstration and market uptake of green hydrogen solutions for maritime, port, aquaculture and fisheries applications through interregional cooperation. IDConsortium ## What is H2BLUE? H2BLUE is a European interregional innovation project designed to accelerate the deployment of green hydrogen technologies across the blue economy. Led by PLOCAN and with a budget of approximately €7 million, the project will develop and validate innovative hydrogen solutions in real operational environments, with a particular focus on maritime and port activities, aquaculture and fisheries. H2BLUE has been selected for funding under the **Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a 2025 call – I3-2025-INV2a**, financed by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). The I3 Strand 2a programme supports interregional investments that integrate innovation actors from less developed and transition regions into European value chains. It helps bring mature innovations closer to scale-up and commercialisation by connecting regions with shared or complementary Smart Specialisation priorities. H2BLUE will connect outermost regions, including the Canary Islands and the Azores, with other European innovation ecosystems with advanced capabilities in hydrogen technologies, research, demonstration and business development. The consortium brings together: - Public administrations and regional innovation agencies - Research and technology organisations - Hydrogen and blue economy specialists - Maritime and port testing infrastructures - Aquaculture and fisheries organisations - Business support organisations and companies This combination of expertise will allow H2BLUE to address the entire innovation chain, from technological development and adaptation to demonstration and market uptake. The project will also cover key aspects such as hydrogen safety, certification, regulatory compliance, economic feasibility and the development of sustainable business models. A central component of H2BLUE will be the involvement of European SMEs in the development and validation of new solutions. Through Financial Support to Third Parties, the project expects to mobilise more than 50 SMEs and support their participation in demonstration and innovation activities related to hydrogen applications in the blue economy. IDConsortium supported PLOCAN and the consortium throughout the proposal preparation process, contributing to the development of the project concept, consortium building, the design of the SME support programme, the definition of the work plan and budget, and the drafting and submission of the proposal. The approval of H2BLUE demonstrates how cooperation between European regions can connect technological capabilities, testing infrastructures, companies and investment opportunities to support the decarbonisation of strategic blue economy sectors. ### Latest News: ## Our partners of BOOSTER project consortium --- ## I3 2026 calls open: EUR 58.4 million to boost interregional innovation investments URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/i3-2026-calls-open-eur-58-million-boost-interregional-innovation-investments ### News | I3 > # I3 2026 calls open: EUR 58.4 million to boost interregional innovation investments ## The 2026 Interregional Innovation Investments calls offer a major opportunity for regional innovation ecosystems, SMEs and public-private partnerships seeking to scale mature innovations across European value chains. IDConsortium The European Commission has opened the 2026 calls of the **Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument**, with a total budget of **EUR 58.4 million** to support mature innovation projects developed jointly by partners from different European regions. The 2026 calls are structured around two investment strands: - **Strand 1 – I3-2026-INV1:** EUR 28.2 million to strengthen existing interregional value chains and support mature innovations as they move towards demonstration, scale-up and commercialisation. - **Strand 2a – I3-2026-INV2a:** EUR 30.2 million to help less developed and transition regions join European value chains, while creating sustainable business opportunities and stronger investment capacity in these territories. Projects should build on shared or complementary Smart Specialisation priorities and involve companies, particularly SMEs, in the deployment and market uptake of mature innovations. Selected projects may receive grants of up to **EUR 10 million**, with a 70% EU funding rate. Financial Support to Third Parties can also be included, with the maximum amount per supported SME increased from EUR 60,000 to **EUR 100,000** in 2026. The calls opened on 13 May 2026 and the deadline for submitting proposals is **12 November 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time**. IDConsortium supports organisations and regional innovation ecosystems throughout the full proposal preparation process, from shaping the initial project concept and building the consortium to defining investment cases, work plan, budget and final submission. With experience in European innovation funding and consortium development, IDConsortium can help applicants translate promising ideas into structured, competitive and investment-ready proposals. **Interested in preparing an I3 proposal? ****Contact IDConsortium to assess your project idea, identify the right strand and plan a strong proposal strategy.** ## More news about I3 Instrument Programme: --- ## BOOSTER field trials put promising maize biostimulants to the test under drought URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-field-trials-promising-maize-biostimulants-test-drought ### News | BOOSTER > # BOOSTER field trials put promising maize biostimulants to the test under drought ## This spring, BOOSTER partners launched new maize field trials across Europe to assess how selected biostimulant solutions can help crops cope with drought while supporting plant health and productivity. IDConsortium #### Drought is one of the most pressing challenges facing European and global agriculture, with increasing pressure on farmers to maintain yields under more frequent and severe water stress. Within the BOOSTER project, researchers are working to develop and validate innovative solutions that can strengthen crop resilience and support more sustainable maize production​. Following earlier screening activities carried out within the project, four promising BOOSTER biostimulants have now been selected for field validation. These include two microbial biostimulants and one seaweed-based product applied as seed coatings, together with one seaweed biostimulant applied through foliar spray. The trials are taking place in Southern France, Spain and Hungary, allowing the products to be tested across different soils, climates and growing conditions. To evaluate their performance under drought-relevant conditions, the field trials include both fully irrigated plots and plots receiving limited irrigation. This approach will allow researchers to directly compare how treated and untreated maize plants perform when water availability is reduced, providing valuable insight into the potential of these biostimulant solutions to support crops during dry periods. Throughout the growing season, the maize plants will be closely monitored using a combination of field observations and advanced data collection tools. Researchers will assess key indicators such as crop emergence, visible stress symptoms, flowering time and final yield. In addition, drone technology will be used to collect detailed information on plant height, crop cover and vegetation health, helping the project team build a clearer picture of how the different treatments affect crop development under contrasting water conditions. The field trials mark an important step in the BOOSTER project’s efforts to move from promising laboratory and screening results towards real agricultural conditions. By testing the selected biostimulants in open-field environments, the project aims to identify solutions that can contribute to more resilient maize production systems and support farmers in adapting to the realities of climate change. First results from the trials are expected by the end of 2026. Stay tuned for further updates as the BOOSTER partners continue to monitor the crops and evaluate the performance of these innovative biostimulant solutions under drought stress. Sowing machine at work on a field in Spain Examples of coated maize seeds Picture of drip irrigation in field trial France ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: Social Share or Summarize with AI IDConsortium Follow IDConsortium – Consultoría e innovación. Consultancy firm specialized in National and European R&D projects #innovation #H2020 #EU #HorizonEurope #LIFEprogramme Avatar Retweet on Twitter IDConsortium Retweeted Avatar ### EDIH MADRID @edihmadrid · 7 Apr 2025 👉 Hoy tenemos la #formación #Blockchain & IA para pymes. Optimizar procesos, mejorar la seguridad y fomentar la transparencia en los negocios son algunas de las cosas que este curso acercará mediante esta tecnología a quienes se han acercado a nuestras oficinas. #cursos Reply on Twitter 1909201333736927397 Retweet on Twitter 1909201333736927397 1 Like on Twitter 1909201333736927397 2 Twitter 1909201333736927397 Avatar ### IDConsortium @idconsortium · 7 Apr 2025 📢¡Nueva edición! Curso EDIH: Gestión y explotación de la #PropiedadIntelectual ©️®️ Esta #formación es tu oportunidad para adquirir una #visión estratégica y práctica que potenciará tu #negocio 👌🏼 @EdihMadrid #EDIHMadridRegion Inscripción gratuita ⬇️ Reply on Twitter 1909256402540835300 Retweet on Twitter 1909256402540835300 Like on Twitter 1909256402540835300 Twitter 1909256402540835300 Load More ID Consortium ® 2026 All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy linkedintwitterfacebookyoutube --- ## From research to field validation: BOOSTER partners gather in Ghent for Fourth Annual Meeting URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-partners-ghent-fourth-annual-meeting ### News | BOOSTER > # From research to field validation: BOOSTER partners gather in Ghent for Fourth Annual Meeting ## BOOSTER partners came together in Ghent, Belgium, from 3 to 5 June 2026 for the project’s Fourth Annual Meeting, hosted at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. IDConsortium #### As drought continues to put pressure on cereal production, the meeting brought the consortium together at an important stage of the project: moving from discovery and early testing towards field validation, environmental assessment and stakeholder engagement.​ Across three days, partners reviewed how the different strands of BOOSTER research are coming together to support more drought-resilient cereal production systems. Discussions covered progress in understanding the genetic mechanisms that help crops respond to water stress, the development of microbial and seaweed-based biostimulants, and the testing of selected solutions under field conditions. A central message from the meeting was the importance of connecting scientific discovery with practical agricultural solutions. BOOSTER is exploring drought resilience from several complementary angles: identifying useful genetic features in crops such as maize, teff and *Eragrostis nindensis*; developing biological products that can support crop performance under water stress; and testing these approaches in realistic growing environments. This transition towards real-world validation is now well underway. Partners discussed ongoing maize biostimulant field trials across several European regions, including the Po Plain, Southern France, Spain, Hungary and Southeast Bulgaria. These trials are designed to evaluate how selected BOOSTER biostimulants perform under field conditions and different drought-related scenarios. At the time of the meeting, the trials were still in progress, with field data expected later in the season. The meeting also looked beyond technical performance. Partners discussed how BOOSTER solutions will be assessed from an environmental perspective, including through Life Cycle Assessment work that will use field data to better understand the environmental footprint of the tested approaches. This will help the project evaluate not only whether the solutions work, but also how they may contribute to more sustainable crop production systems. Another key theme was how BOOSTER results can reach the people and organisations that may use, support or build on them. The consortium reviewed progress in dissemination, communication, intellectual property and exploitation planning, including scientific publications, public deliverables, project news, newsletters, media coverage and the monitoring of potential exploitable results. Collaboration beyond the consortium was also highlighted. Partners discussed ongoing networking with European and African initiatives, including the mapping of relevant projects and opportunities to strengthen cooperation around crop resilience, biostimulants, microbiome innovation and genomic tools. BOOSTER’s collaboration with the HelEx sister project was also addressed as part of the project’s wider effort to build synergies with related initiatives. The final day placed particular emphasis on stakeholder dialogue. BOOSTER partners presented key scientific advances to members of the Stakeholder Network and discussed how to improve engagement with external actors. Ideas included more targeted webinars, possible field visits for farmers and advisors, and communication materials linked to field activities, helping ensure that project results are shared in formats that are relevant and accessible to different audiences. The Fourth Annual Meeting marked an important step in aligning BOOSTER’s next phase. As field trials progress and new results become available, the consortium will continue working to validate innovative solutions, strengthen collaboration and support the development of more drought-resilient maize and teff production systems. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## EIAR advances BOOSTER field validation of microbial biostimulants for drought-stressed teff URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eiar-booster-field-validation-microbial-biostimulants-drought-stressed-teff ### News | BOOSTER > # EIAR advances BOOSTER field validation of microbial biostimulants for drought-stressed teff ## BOOSTER is moving from laboratory preparation to real field conditions, bringing the project’s work on microbial biostimulants and drought resilience closer to practical application in teff cultivation. IDConsortium #### One of EIAR’s key contributions has been the successful development and optimisation of a protocol for the mass production of microbial biostimulants through seed coating, also known as pelleting. The activity was originally planned to be carried out by the Aphea.Bio research team in Ghent, Belgium. However, concerns emerged around the transport of coated seeds to Ethiopia, particularly because the coating process involves moisture imbibition that can trigger early physiological activity and compromise seed viability during shipment​. Rather than allowing this limitation to slow progress, the EIAR research team, working together with researchers from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, EBI, adapted the process locally. The teams developed, tested, and refined a seed-coating protocol directly under Ethiopian conditions, creating a robust procedure that performed successfully throughout inoculum preparation, seed coating, and germination assessments. This achievement represents an important practical step for BOOSTER. By establishing a reliable local protocol, EIAR not only ensured that the microbial formulations could be evaluated effectively in Ethiopia, but also strengthened the project’s capacity to test drought-resilience solutions under the environmental conditions where they are most needed. Picture 1. Different steps for testing and optimization of microbial formulations aimed at improving drought tolerance in teff The work has now progressed into field validation. EIAR researchers have started evaluating selected microbial biostimulants and seaweed extracts under moisture-stress conditions at the Melkassa and Bishoftu research locations using irrigation-based trials. Land preparation, field layout, planting, and agronomic management activities have already been completed, while trial management and data collection are currently ongoing. These field activities are helping BOOSTER move closer to understanding how microbial formulations and seaweed-based treatments can support teff performance under drought stress. At the same time, they reinforce the project’s broader ambition of developing practical and scalable approaches for improving crop resilience in regions increasingly affected by water scarcity. Picture 2. Field evaluation of selected microbial biostimulants and seaweed extracts under moisture stress conditions using irrigation ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## New BOOSTER video now available! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/new-booster-video-available +34 · 91 125 03 11 info@idconsortium.es linkedintwitterfacebookyoutube +34 · 91 125 03 11 info@idconsortium.es linkedintwitterfacebookyoutube +34 · 91 125 03 11 info@idconsortium.es linkedintwitterfacebookyoutube #### +34 · 91 125 03 11 #### info@idconsortium.es linkedintwitterfacebookyoutube ### News | BOOSTER > # New BOOSTER video now available! ## We are pleased to share a new video from the BOOSTER Project EU, presenting ongoing work and insights on #cropresilience and #sustainableagriculture. IDConsortium #### The video features BOOSTER partners in action, showing where and how the work is carried out, and how collaboration drives progress across the project. From laboratory research to field validation, BOOSTER brings together partners across Europe & Africa to develop science-based solutions for climate-resilient crops. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: Social Share or Summarize with AI IDConsortium Follow IDConsortium – Consultoría e innovación. Consultancy firm specialized in National and European R&D projects #innovation #H2020 #EU #HorizonEurope #LIFEprogramme Avatar Retweet on Twitter IDConsortium Retweeted Avatar ### EDIH MADRID @edihmadrid · 7 Apr 2025 👉 Hoy tenemos la #formación #Blockchain & IA para pymes. Optimizar procesos, mejorar la seguridad y fomentar la transparencia en los negocios son algunas de las cosas que este curso acercará mediante esta tecnología a quienes se han acercado a nuestras oficinas. #cursos Reply on Twitter 1909201333736927397 Retweet on Twitter 1909201333736927397 1 Like on Twitter 1909201333736927397 2 Twitter 1909201333736927397 Avatar ### IDConsortium @idconsortium · 7 Apr 2025 📢¡Nueva edición! Curso EDIH: Gestión y explotación de la #PropiedadIntelectual ©️®️ Esta #formación es tu oportunidad para adquirir una #visión estratégica y práctica que potenciará tu #negocio 👌🏼 @EdihMadrid #EDIHMadridRegion Inscripción gratuita ⬇️ Reply on Twitter 1909256402540835300 Retweet on Twitter 1909256402540835300 Like on Twitter 1909256402540835300 Twitter 1909256402540835300 Load More ID Consortium ® 2026 All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy linkedintwitterfacebookyoutube --- ## LIFE 2026 Call for Proposals URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/life-2026-call-for-proposals ### News | LIFE Programme > # LIFE 2026 Call for Proposals ## The LIFE 2026 Call for Proposals will fund projects addressing environmental, climate, and energy challenges across Europe. IDConsortium **The 2026 LIFE Calls for proposals will be published in April. Join the #EULIFE26 info days from 28 to 30 April!** This event is organised by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) to inform and support potential applicants. Dedicated information sessions will provide insights into the four LIFE sub-programmes, highlight the Calls’ priority topics for 2026 and give advice on how to prepare a good proposal for your project. The info days will be live-streamed and the questions from the audience will be answered live via slido.com. The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action. Created in 1992, it has co-financed thousands of projects. The LIFE Programme 2021-2027 is managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and has a budget of €5.4 billion. It is divided into four sub-programmes: - Nature and biodiversity - Circular economy and quality of life - Climate change mitigation and adaptation - Clean energy transition    21 April 2026 28–30 April 2026 (online) September – October 2026 LIFE 2021–2027 Grants (co-financing) Public and private entities, companies, NGOs, research organisations European Commission (CINEA) Support innovative projects with strong environmental and climate impact at EU level ## More calls, press releases and news about LIFE Programme:​ ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu --- ## CPSBB brings BOOSTER’s maize drought-resilience work into focus through priming research and early results URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/cpsbb-boosters-maize-drought-resilience-focus-priming-research-early-results ### News | BOOSTER > # CPSBB brings BOOSTER’s maize drought-resilience work into focus through priming research and early results ## From preliminary findings on seaweed-extract priming strategies to public presentations linking BOOSTER with food security and sustainable agriculture, CPSBB gives clearer shape to the project. IDConsortium #### At the Centre of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, CPSBB, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, BOOSTER is taking shape as more than a research project. It is becoming a focused scientific effort to understand how maize and other cereal crops can be better prepared for drought through plant stress biology, biostimulants, and priming strategies​.​ CPSBB is helping drive this work by exploring practical approaches that could improve crop resilience under water stress. Among the most promising directions is the assessment of seed and foliar seaweed extract priming strategies, a line of research that is giving the Bulgarian partner’s contribution to BOOSTER a clear and distinctive profile. This scientific direction was captured in an abstract published by Dr Aakansha Kanojia, titled BOOSTER: Assessing seed and foliar seaweed extract priming strategies to improve maize drought resilience. This work has already started to produce visible scientific progress. During a press conference held at CPSBB, Dr Aakansha Kanojia presented preliminary results from the partner’s BOOSTER research, offering one of the first public insights into how the team is approaching drought-response solutions in maize. At the same event, CPSBB Director Prof. Dr Tsanko Gechev outlined the main approaches and objectives guiding the scientists involved in BOOSTER, helping position the work within the centre’s broader expertise in plant stress responses and crop resilience. The event also brought BOOSTER into dialogue with high-level institutional stakeholders, including Mr Yanislav Yanchev, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Bulgaria, Prof. Hristina Yancheva, Governor of Plovdiv, Mr Ivan Popov, Executive Director of the Executive Agency “Programme for Education”, as well as representatives of academia, research institutions, and the media. What makes this contribution especially relevant is its practical orientation. Rather than addressing drought resilience only at a theoretical level, CPSBB is examining approaches that could support crops more directly, helping plants respond better to stress and contributing to the broader search for sustainable agricultural solutions. This gives BOOSTER an important scientific pathway with clear relevance for food security and climate-resilient farming. The relevance of this work became even clearer when CPSBB welcomed representatives of industry, academic institutions, and business clusters from Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Finland, and Sweden. During the visit, Prof. Gechev presented BOOSTER alongside CPSBB’s wider work on biostimulants and priming technologies, using preliminary findings from the project to show its potential impact on food security and sustainable agriculture. This helped place BOOSTER within a broader European conversation on how science can support agriculture under increasing environmental pressure. CPSBB also helped connect BOOSTER’s research with wider educational and societal discussions. At the Second Scientific and Practical Conference Green Education for a Sustainable Future, held in Stara Zagora, Dr Emil Vatov, molecular biologist at CPSBB, presented BOOSTER as one of the centre’s large-scale projects for improving drought tolerance in cereal crops. The conference brought together teachers, school principals, educational specialists, and students from across Bulgaria, expanding the conversation around drought resilience beyond the scientific community alone. Through early results, a well-defined research direction, and growing scientific visibility, CPSBB is helping BOOSTER move closer to practical solutions for drought resilience in cereal crops. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Addressing key challenges by Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans URL: https://idconsortium.com/publications/key-challenges-smart-specialisation-western-balkans # Addressing key challenges by Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans ## This paper examines the effectiveness of Smart Specialisation strategies in addressing sustainability and competitiveness challenges in the Western Balkans, a region whose innovation performance is strongly tied to EU accession efforts. IDConsortium #### Emphasizing green and digital transitions as key drivers but also situating Smart Specialisation within the New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA), the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and their emphasis on building connected Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs), it highlights the need for system-level innovation focused on inclusive growth. The involvement of local players and strategic resource allocation remain crucial for practical outcomes. Evidence shows progress in digital infrastructure and sectoral initiatives, yet persistent gaps in data availability, skills and regulatory frameworks hamper uptake. In addition to environmental considerations, the paper draws attention to ICT cooperation, sectoral knowledge and innovation systems and sustainability reporting alignment as critical enablers for resilient development. Strengthening regional cooperation and stakeholder trust emerges as the key to optimising Smart Specialisation strategies for sustainable, innovation-led growth in line with EU priorities. **Nikola Radovanovic****European Commission – Joint Research Centre Emanuele Fabbri****European Commission – Joint Research Centre Macarena Sanz****ID Consortium, Spain Marina Predic**ID Consortium, Spain --- ## SOILBIOMASS+ Project Selected for EU Funding Under Horizon Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/soilbiomass-project-selected-eu-funding-horizon-europe ### News | IDConsortium > # SOILBIOMASS+ Project Selected for EU Funding Under Horizon Europe ## SOILBIOMASS+ aims to accelerate the sustainable use of biomass resources while improving soil health across European landscapes. IDConsortium ### We are thrilled to announce that the SOILBIOMASS+ project, coordinated by the University of Reading with the support of IDConsortium, has been officially selected for funding under the Horizon Europe Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” (HORIZON-MISS-2025-05-SOIL-07). SOILBIOMASS+ aims to accelerate the sustainable use of biomass resources while improving soil health across European landscapes. Through a combination of co-creation in Living Labs, digital tools, and inclusive value chains, the project will deliver scalable solutions for climate-resilient soil and biomass systems. Only one project was selected among several proposals submitted for this highly competitive topic, making this an especially meaningful achievement for the entire consortium. ** *“We are proud to have contributed to shaping such a strong and impactful proposal. Our sincere thanks to the University of Reading and all partners for their trust and collaboration”* said Macarena Sanz, Founder and Director of IDConsortium. The project is now entering the Grant Agreement Preparation phase and is expected to kick off in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates as SOILBIOMASS+ takes root!** ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## BOOSTER scientists spotlight drought-resilient “resurrection plant” in VIB-IPBO Online Café URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-scientists-spotlight-drought-resilient-resurrection-plant-vib-ipbo-online-cafe ### News | BOOSTER > # BOOSTER scientists spotlight drought-resilient “resurrection plant” in VIB-IPBO Online Café ## On 11 December, VIB-IPBO hosted a new edition of its Online Café series, bringing together two BOOSTER scientists to share cutting-edge insights into drought resilience research. IDConsortium #### These webinars are designed to highlight how similar scientific challenges are approached across continents, making BOOSTER—with its strong Europe–Africa collaboration—a natural fit for the format​​.​ The session focused on Eragrostis nindensis, commonly known as lovegrass, a remarkable species native to southern Africa. This plant is widely recognised for its extreme drought tolerance and ability to survive near-total desiccation, effectively “resurrecting” when water becomes available again . As such, it serves as a powerful model for understanding how crops can adapt to water scarcity. During the webinar, Dr. Llewelyn van der Pas from the University of Cape Town explored the physiological and stress biology mechanisms that enable this resilience. His work integrates large-scale proteomic studies with rhizosphere microbiome analyses, revealing how both the plant and its associated microbial communities contribute to survival under prolonged drought conditions. Complementing this perspective, Dr. Bojana Banović Đeri from CREA Ricerca (Italy) presented advanced molecular insights into drought response. Her research focuses on transcriptional and regulatory networks identified through mRNA-seq and MOA-seq analyses. These findings provide a deeper understanding of how gene regulation underpins drought tolerance and how such mechanisms could be translated into crops like maize and teff. This exchange exemplifies the BOOSTER project’s broader ambition: to uncover species-specific drought-responsive traits and translate them into strategies for improving resilience in key crops . By combining physiological, microbial, and molecular approaches, the project continues to advance knowledge that is essential for climate-resilient agriculture. **Watch the full webinar here:** ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## University of Bern advances microbial and seaweed-based solutions for drought-resilient teff URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-university-bern-microbial-seaweed-based-solutions-drought-resilient-teff ### News | BOOSTER > # University of Bern advances microbial and seaweed-based solutions for drought-resilient teff ## The University of Bern (UBERN) plays a key scientific role in the BOOSTER project, leading the discovery and selection of microbial and seaweed extract (SWE) solutions to enhance drought tolerance in teff, a staple crop in drought-prone regions. IDConsortium #### As part of its contribution to BOOSTER, UBERN is driving key activities to identify biological solutions that can strengthen teff’s resilience to drought​.​ Central to this work was the **screening of a diverse collection of 58 microbial isolates sourced from drought-prone soils in South Africa (21 isolates) and Ethiopia (37 isolates)**. These candidates were evaluated through a structured greenhouse screening pipeline using teff as the model crop, with the goal of pinpointing microbes capable of improving plant performance under water-limited conditions. Greenhouse trials were conducted until the V2 growth stage, after which drought stress was applied. Plant height was monitored in the days following stress initiation, and dry biomass was assessed at the end of the stress period. To ensure robust and meaningful comparisons, two control groups were included: a mock-treated control and a non-primed control. Seed priming treatments followed Aphea.Bio’s established protocols, ensuring consistency with downstream formulation and scale-up activities. This screening process **successfully identified microbial strains with a clear capacity to enhance drought tolerance in teff**. Two of the most promising candidates will now be transferred to Aphea.Bio for scale-up and formulation. These strains will move forward into the next phase of BOOSTER, where they will be validated in upcoming field trials in Ethiopia to assess their performance under real farming conditions. In parallel to field validation, UBERN will contribute to a deeper understanding of how these microbes exert their beneficial effects. Planned studies include whole-genome sequencing of the selected strains, assessments of microbial root colonisation intensity, and meta-transcriptomic analyses to capture root–microbe interactions during drought stress. Alongside microbial screening, UBERN also led the evaluation of seaweed extract (SWE) formulations developed by BioAtlantis. Six formulations, three designed for seed priming and three for foliar application, were tested under controlled greenhouse conditions. Based on their superior performance in enhancing grain yield and improving key physiological parameters under drought stress, one SWE formulation for seed priming and one for foliar application were selected. These SWE candidates will also be validated in Ethiopian field trials as BOOSTER progresses. Looking ahead, transcriptomic analyses at UBERN will further investigate how SWE treatments influence teff responses to drought at the molecular level. Together, these results highlight a strong portfolio of microbial and SWE-based solutions with significant potential to improve drought resilience in teff. Future OMICS studies within BOOSTER will help clarify the underlying mechanisms, including the role of beneficial metabolites, signalling proteins, and drought-responsive pathways that support plant adaptation under water stress. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Feliz Navidad 2025 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/feliz-navidad-2025 ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # ¡IDConsortium os desea una muy Feliz Navidad y un 2026 lleno de salud, proyectos y oportunidades! ## Quiero comenzar este mensaje agradeciendo profundamente la confianza que clientes, socios y colaboradores habéis depositado en IDCONSORTIUM a lo largo de este año. Ha sido un periodo intenso, lleno de retos, pero también de avances muy significativos que han demostrado la fuerza del trabajo bien coordinado y del compromiso compartido. IDConsortium En 2025 hemos celebrado la aprobación de varios proyectos europeos, entre los cuales destacan dos iniciativas especialmente relevantes. **FARM360TECH**, centrado en la digitalización y sostenibilidad del sector agrícola mediante demostradores a gran escala y Living Labs; y **GATE5.0**, diseñado para fortalecer la competitividad y el crecimiento de las pymes agroalimentarias a través de financiación directa, aceleración empresarial y acceso a mercados internacionales. En total, los proyectos aprobados este año suman **más de 10 millones de euros de financiación europea para nuestros clientes**, un hito que refleja la calidad, el rigor y la ambición que caracterizan las propuestas que desarrollamos conjuntamente. Más allá de estos éxitos, hemos trabajado en un conjunto diverso de nuevas propuestas que abordan algunos de los **grandes retos europeos de la próxima década**: el fomento del relevo generacional en el sector agrícola, la mejora de la salud y productividad de los suelos agrícolas y forestales, la digitalización de cadenas agroalimentarias, el desarrollo de nuevas fuentes de proteínas en la industria biotecnológica europea, la transformación de los sistemas alimentarios urbanos con especial atención a grupos vulnerables, la modernización digital de infraestructuras criticas como los puertos europeos y la descarbonización de sectores vinculados a la economía azul. Cada propuesta ha requerido **investigación profunda, estrategia clara, solidez técnica y una narrativa bien estructurada**, demostrando nuestra forma de trabajar: cercana, rigurosa, exigente y orientada a resultados. De cara a 2026, ya estamos colaborando con muchos de vosotros en la preparación anticipada de concept notes, construcción de consorcios y análisis estratégico de convocatorias para **Horizon Europe, I3, LIFE, CBE, Digital Europe, Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument y otros programas clave**. Será un año lleno de oportunidades para avanzar en la transición verde, la transformación digital, la innovación territorial y el crecimiento de sectores clave, y queremos acompañaros en cada paso del camino. ** ¡Quiero desearos una muy Feliz Navidad y mis mejores deseos para el año nuevo! ** **Que 2026 nos traiga salud, proyectos inspiradores y nuevas oportunidades para seguir construyendo juntos una Europa más sostenible, innovadora y competitiva.** **¡Gracias por vuestra confianza y por permitirnos acompañaros un año más!** **Macarena Sanz – Directora de IDCONSORTIUM** ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## Merry Christmas 2025 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/merry-christmas-2025 ### News | IDConsortium > # IDConsortium wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a 2026 full of health, projects and opportunities! ## I would like to begin this message by expressing my sincere gratitude for the trust that clients, partners, and collaborators have placed in IDCONSORTIUM throughout this year. It has been an intense period, full of challenges but also significant milestones that highlight the strength of coordinated work and shared commitment. IDConsortium In 2025, we celebrated the approval of several European projects, including two especially noteworthy initiatives. **FARM360TECH**, focused on the digitalisation and sustainability of the agricultural sector through large-scale demonstrators and Living Labs; and **GATE5.0**, designed to strengthen the competitiveness and growth of agrifood SMEs through direct funding, business acceleration, and access to international markets. Altogether, the projects secured this year amount to **more than €10 million in European funding for our clients**, a milestone that reflects the quality, rigor, and ambition that define the proposals we develop together. Beyond these successes, we have worked on a diverse set of new proposals addressing **some of Europe’s major challenges for the coming decade**: fostering generational renewal in agriculture, improving the health and productivity of agricultural and forest soils, digitalising agrifood value chains, developing new protein sources for the European biotechnology industry, transforming urban food systems with special attention to vulnerable groups, modernising critical infrastructures such as European ports, and decarbonising sectors linked to the blue economy. Each proposal has required **in-depth research, clear strategy, technical solidity, and a well-structured narrative**—demonstrating our way of working: close, rigorous, demanding, and results-oriented. Looking ahead to 2026, we are already collaborating with many of you on early preparation of concept notes, consortium building, and strategic analysis of upcoming calls under **Horizon Europe, I3, LIFE, CBE, Digital Europe, Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument and other key programmes**. It will be a year full of opportunities to advance the green transition, digital transformation, territorial innovation, and the growth of key sectors, and we look forward to supporting you every step of the way. ** I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and my warmest wishes for the New Year! ** **May 2026 bring health, inspiring projects, and new opportunities to continue building a more sustainable, innovative, and competitive Europe together.** **Thank you for your trust and for allowing us to accompany you for another year!** **Macarena Sanz – Director of IDCONSORTIUM** ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## Publicados los Programas de Trabajo 2026–2027 de Horizon Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/publicados-programas-trabajo-2026-2027-horizon-europe ### NOTICIAS | Horizon Europe > # Publicados los Programas de Trabajo 2026–2027 de Horizon Europe ## La Comisión Europea ha publicado oficialmente los Programas de Trabajo de Horizon Europe para el periodo 2026–2027, marcando el inicio de la última fase del actual Programa Marco de Investigación e Innovación de la UE. IDConsortium #### Estos programas definen las prioridades estratégicas, topics y presupuestos que guiarán las convocatorias de financiación europeas durante los próximos dos años, con un fuerte énfasis en impacto, escalado, competitividad europea y alineación con políticas clave de la UE. ### Un periodo clave para proyectos de gran impacto Los Programas de Trabajo 2026–2027 refuerzan áreas estratégicas como: - la **transición verde y digital**, - la **autonomía estratégica europea**, - el **despliegue de soluciones innovadoras a escala**, - el fortalecimiento de **ecosistemas de innovación**, - y la conexión entre investigación, mercado y políticas públicas. Se espera una mayor presencia de **acciones de gran escala**, como **COFUND, Innovation Actions, Large-scale pilots y iniciativas orientadas a implementación**, junto con una clara continuidad de enfoques como el **Multi-Actor Approach**, las **Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs)** y la **New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA)**. ### Oportunidades para todo tipo de actores Las convocatorias 2026–2027 están dirigidas a una amplia gama de actores, entre ellos: - entidades de investigación y universidades, - empresas, startups y scaleups, - hubs de innovación, clusters y EITs, - administraciones públicas y agencias regionales, - y organizaciones con experiencia en cooperación europea y despliegue territorial. El nuevo paquete de Programas de Trabajo ofrece **numerosas oportunidades tanto para proyectos de investigación como para acciones de innovación, coordinación, demostración y escalado**, con un enfoque claro en la **explotación de resultados y la sostenibilidad a largo plazo**. ### Un momento estratégico para preparar propuestas Con la publicación de los Programas de Trabajo, se abre un **periodo clave de análisis, posicionamiento y construcción de consorcios**, especialmente de cara a convocatorias con plazos a partir de 2026. Desde ya, es recomendable: - identificar topics prioritarios, - alinear ideas de proyecto con las nuevas prioridades, - activar contactos estratégicos y potenciales socios, - y preparar con antelación propuestas complejas y de gran presupuesto. **Más información y contacto:****Si quieres analizar cómo encajan estos Programas de Trabajo con tus ideas de proyecto o explorar oportunidades de colaboración, contáctanos para más información.** Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Disponibles en IDConsortium ## Más noticias sobre este programa: --- ## Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programmes Published URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/horizon-europe-2026-2027-work-programmes-published ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programmes Published ## The European Commission has officially published the Horizon Europe Work Programmes for the period 2026–2027, marking the beginning of the final phase of the EU’s current Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. IDConsortium #### These Work Programmes define the strategic priorities, topics and budgets that will shape European funding opportunities over the next two years, with a strong focus on impact, scale-up, competitiveness and alignment with key EU policies. ### A key period for high-impact projects The 2026–2027 Work Programmes reinforce strategic priorities such as: - the **green and digital transitions**, - **European strategic autonomy**, - the **deployment and scaling-up of innovative solutions**, - the strengthening of **innovation ecosystems**, - and stronger links between research, market uptake and public policy. There is an increased emphasis on **large-scale and implementation-oriented actions**, including **COFUND schemes, Innovation Actions, large-scale pilots and deployment initiatives**, alongside the continued use of approaches such as the **Multi-Actor Approach**, **Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs)** and the **New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA)**. ### Opportunities for a wide range of stakeholders The 2026–2027 calls target a broad range of actors, including: - research organisations and universities, - companies, startups and scaleups, - innovation hubs, clusters and EITs, - public authorities and regional agencies, - and organisations experienced in European cooperation and territorial deployment. The new set of Work Programmes offers **multiple opportunities across research, innovation, coordination, demonstration and scale-up actions**, with a strong emphasis on **exploitation, sustainability and long-term impact**. ### A strategic moment to prepare proposals With the publication of the Work Programmes, a **critical phase of analysis, positioning and consortium building** begins, particularly for calls opening in 2026. Now is the right time to: - identify priority topics, - align project ideas with the new strategic directions, - activate key contacts and potential partners, - and prepare complex, large-scale proposals well in advance. **More information and contact:****If you would like to assess how these Work Programmes align with your project ideas or explore collaboration opportunities, contact us for more information**. Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Available on IDConsortium ## More info about this programme: --- ## Nueva oportunidad europea: European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/oportunidad-europea-european-startup-scaleup-hubs-pilot ### NOTICIAS | Horizon Europe > # Nueva oportunidad europea:European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot ## La Comisión Europea ha lanzado una nueva oportunidad estratégica dentro del programa Horizon Europe, en el marco de European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE):HORIZON-EIE-2026-02-CONNECT-01 – European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot. IDConsortium #### Este topic tiene como objetivo poner en marcha un gran programa europeo de apoyo a startups y scaleups, mediante la creación y despliegue de una red de hubs de alto rendimiento (“Champions League” hubs) interconectados a nivel europeo. ### Un instrumento ambicioso: Programme COFUND A diferencia de las acciones de coordinación tradicionales, este topic se articula como un Programme COFUND, con: - una contribución indicativa de la Comisión Europea de hasta 20 millones de euros, - y un requisito de cofinanciación del 50%, que deberá provenir de fuentes nacionales, regionales y/o privadas y estar claramente acreditada en la propuesta. Se espera financiar un único proyecto, con una fuerte capacidad de implementación y alcance europeo. ### ¿Qué tipo de iniciativas se buscan? La acción está orientada a consorcios capaces de desplegar un programa operativo real, centrado en: - el apoyo directo a startups y scaleups en sus procesos de escalado, acceso a inversión e internacionalización, - la cooperación estructurada entre hubs de innovación de al menos 10 países, incluyendo países Widening, - y el uso de financial support to third parties (FSTP) para canalizar apoyo financiero directo a empresas innovadoras. ### Una oportunidad para líderes de ecosistemas El topic está especialmente dirigido a organizaciones con experiencia en la integración de ecosistemas de innovación, la colaboración público-privada y el diseño de programas paneuropeos, como hubs de innovación, EITs, agencias regionales, clusters y entidades con capacidad de gestión de programas complejos. Por su diseño, se trata de una call con baja competencia esperable, pero con altos requisitos estratégicos, financieros y de gobernanza, lo que la convierte en una oportunidad especialmente relevante para actores consolidados en el ámbito de la innovación y el emprendimiento europeo. 10 de Marzo de 2026 Horizon EuropeEuropean Innovation Ecosystems (CONNECT) ## Más noticias sobre este programa: --- ## New European opportunity: European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-opportunity-european-startup-scaleup-hubs-pilot ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # New European opportunity: European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot ## The European Commission has launched a new strategic opportunity under Horizon Europe, within the framework of European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE):HORIZON-EIE-2026-02-CONNECT-01 – European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot. IDConsortium #### This topic aims to deploy a large-scale European programme supporting startups and scaleups, through the creation and implementation of a network of high-performing innovation hubs (“Champions League” hubs) interconnected at European level. ### An ambitious instrument: Programme COFUND Unlike traditional coordination actions, this topic is structured as a Programme COFUND, featuring: - an indicative European Commission contribution of up to €20 million, and - a 50% co-funding requirement, to be provided by national, regional and/or private sources and clearly demonstrated in the proposal. Only one project is expected to be funded, with strong implementation capacity and pan-European reach. ### What type of initiatives is the call targeting? The action is addressed to consortia capable of deploying a fully operational programme, focused on: - direct support to startups and scaleups in their scaling-up processes, access to investment and internationalisation, - structured cooperation between innovation hubs from at least 10 countries, including Widening countries, - and the use of financial support to third parties (FSTP) to channel direct financial support to innovative companies. ### An opportunity for ecosystem leaders This topic is particularly relevant for organisations with proven experience in integrating innovation ecosystems, public–private cooperation and the design of pan-European programmes, such as innovation hubs, EITs, regional agencies, clusters and entities with strong programme management capabilities. Due to its design, this call is expected to have low competition, but high strategic, financial and governance requirements, making it a highly attractive opportunity for well-established actors in the European innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. 10 March 2026 Horizon EuropeEuropean Innovation Ecosystems (CONNECT) ## More info about this programme: --- ## FARM360TECH URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/farm360tech # FARM360TECH – Revolutionizing agriculture ## FARM360TECH introduces a comprehensive 360-degree approach, combining traditional farming practices with next-generation Agriculture 5.0 tools. IDConsortium ## What is FARM360TECH?  In regions like Tenerife, where farmers like Juan face challenges from water scarcity, soil salinity, and invasive pests, FARM360TECH offers transformative solutions. Through IoT sensors, UAVs with multispectral imaging, and AI-driven insights, the project provides farmers with tools to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. These technologies, combined with Living Labs across Apulia (Italy), Central Macedonia (Greece), Cyprus, and Andalusia (Spain), empower farmers to co-develop region-specific solutions and share best practices.The project fosters collaboration between less developed regions, transition areas, and innovation leaders from advanced agricultural hubs such as Western Flanders (Belgium) and Attica (Greece). This integration facilitates access to European value chains, advanced farming techniques, and scalable innovations, such as digital twins to predict and mitigate challenges like water shortages and pest outbreaks. In just two growing seasons, FARM360TECH’s impact will be evident. Farmers like Juan can reduce water use by 40%, enhance yield quality by 30%, and achieve sustainability certifications that unlock premium export markets. FARM360 also equips SMEs in less developed regions with the tools, business models, and investment access needed to thrive in competitive value chains. FARM360TECH aligns with the I3-2024-INV2a call, advancing the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy. By leveraging TRL 6 to TRL 8+ technologies validated through Large-Scale Demonstrators (LSDs) across Europe, the project bridges the innovation gap and reduces environmental footprints. It empowers SMEs, integrates Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), and builds resilient, sustainable agricultural ecosystems, establishing its pivotal role in modernizing European agriculture. ### Latest News: ## Our partners of BOOSTER project consortium --- ## IDCONSORTIUM impulsa la aprobación del proyecto europeo FARM360TECH URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/proyecto-europeo-farm360tech ### Noticia | IDConsortium > # IDCONSORTIUM impulsa la aprobación del proyecto europeo FARM360TECH, una iniciativa pionera para acelerar la transformación digital de la agricultura sostenible ## IDCONSORTIUM se enorgullece de anunciar la aprobación del proyecto FARM360TECH, una importante iniciativa europea que modernizará la agricultura mediante la integración de soluciones digitales avanzadas y demostradores adaptados a cada región. IDConsortium #### El proyecto fue preparado con éxito por IDCONSORTIUM, reforzando nuestro papel como socio de confianza en la presentación de propuestas europeas de alto impacto. Con un presupuesto total de **9,2 millones de euros**, incluyendo **7,1 millones de euros de financiación europea** y **2,1 millones de euros en apoyo financiero a terceros (FSTP)**, FARM360TECH se posiciona como un proyecto emblemático en Europa para una agricultura inteligente, resiliente y sostenible. FARM360TECH introduce un enfoque integral de **360 grados**, combinando prácticas agrícolas tradicionales con herramientas de Agricultura 5.0 de última generación. El proyecto apoyará a agricultores que se enfrentan a desafíos críticos como la escasez de agua, la salinidad del suelo y la presión de plagas mediante: - Sistemas de monitorización en tiempo real - Teledetección e imágenes multiespectrales con UAV - Modelos de IA para optimizar riego, fertilización y control de plagas - Gemelos digitales para anticipar sequías, necesidades hídricas y brotes de plagas Estas herramientas permitirán reducir el consumo de agua **hasta en un 40%** y mejorar la calidad de las cosechas **en un 30%** en solo dos campañas agrícolas. ### Living Labs europeos para co-crear soluciones con agricultores FARM360TECH establecerá **Living Labs** en: - Apulia (Italia) - Macedonia Central (Grecia) - Chipre - Andalucía (España) Estos entornos multi-actor permitirán a agricultores, pymes, investigadores y proveedores tecnológicos validar, adaptar y escalar soluciones específicas para cada región. El proyecto también conecta áreas menos desarrolladas con polos agrícolas líderes como **Flandes Occidental (Bélgica)** y **Ática (Grecia)**, promoviendo la transferencia de conocimiento y una integración más amplia en las cadenas de valor europeas. ### Impulso a pymes y fortalecimiento de cadenas de valor agrícolas El proyecto también apoyará a pymes del sector agroalimentario mediante: - Modelos de negocio e innovación adaptados - Acceso a herramientas digitales avanzadas - Nuevas oportunidades de mercado - Integración en cadenas de valor europeas de alto rendimiento FARM360TECH cierra la brecha entre la innovación y la adopción real desplegando tecnologías **TRL6 a TRL8+** en demostradores a gran escala, generando beneficios ambientales y económicos tangibles. ### El compromiso de IDCONSORTIUM con la innovación europea de alto impacto La aprobación de FARM360TECH refleja la experiencia de IDCONSORTIUM en el diseño de propuestas europeas competitivas y de alta calidad alineadas con el **Pacto Verde Europeo** y la **Estrategia De la Granja a la Mesa**. Continuaremos apoyando a nuestros socios en la entrega de soluciones transformadoras, sostenibles y escalables para la agricultura europea. Italia, Grecia, Chipre, Bégica y España **9.2 millones €** ## Más noticias sobre el proyecto FARM360TECH: --- ## IDCONSORTIUM supports the approval of the European FARM360TECH project URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-farm360tech-project ### News | IDConsortium > # IDCONSORTIUM supports the approval of the European FARM360TECH project, a pioneering initiative to accelerate the digital transformation of sustainable agriculture ## IDCONSORTIUM is proud to announce the approval of the FARM360TECH project, a major European initiative that will modernise agriculture through the integration of advanced digital solutions and region-specific demonstrators. IDConsortium #### The project was successfully prepared by IDCONSORTIUM, reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in high-impact European proposals. With a total budget of **€9.2 million**, including **€7.1 million in EU funding** and **€2.1 million in Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)**, FARM360TECH positions itself as a flagship European project for smart, resilient, and sustainable agriculture. FARM360TECH introduces a **comprehensive 360-degree approach**, combining traditional farming practices with next-generation Agriculture 5.0 tools. The project will support farmers facing critical challenges such as water scarcity, soil salinity, and pest pressure by deploying: - Real-time monitoring systems - Remote sensing and multispectral UAV imaging - AI-driven decision support for irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control - Digital twins to anticipate droughts, water needs, and pest outbreaks These tools will enable farmers to reduce water consumption by **up to 40%** and improve crop quality by **30%** in just two growing seasons. ### European Living Labs to co-create solutions with farmers FARM360TECH will establish **Living Labs** in: - Apulia (Italy) - Central Macedonia (Greece) - Cyprus - Andalusia (Spain) These multi-actor environments will allow farmers, SMEs, researchers, and technology providers to jointly validate, adapt, and scale region-specific solutions. The project also connects less developed regions with leading agricultural hubs, such as **Western Flanders (Belgium)** and **Attica (Greece)**, promoting knowledge transfer and broader EU value chain integration. ### Boosting SMEs and strengthening agricultural value chains The project will also support agrifood SMEs through: - Tailored business and innovation models - Access to advanced digital tools - New market opportunities - Integration into high-performance EU value chains FARM360TECH bridges the gap between innovation and real-world adoption by deploying technologies from **TRL6 to TRL8+** across Large-Scale Demonstrators (LSDs) in Europe, creating measurable environmental and economic benefits. ### IDCONSORTIUM’s commitment to high-impact European innovation The approval of FARM360TECH reflects IDCONSORTIUM’s expertise in designing competitive, high-quality European proposals aligned with the **EU Green Deal** and the **Farm to Fork Strategy**. We will continue supporting our partners in delivering transformative, sustainable, and scalable solutions for European agriculture. Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Belgium and Spain **9.2 million €** ## More news about FARM360TECH project: --- ## GATE5.0 URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/gate5 # GATE5.0 – Accelerating the green and digital transformation of Europe’s agrifood sector ## GATE5.0 is a European initiative co-funded by the European Union under the SMP-COSME EUROCLUSTERS programme. The project drives the digital and green transition of the agrifood ecosystem by empowering SMEs to adopt Agriculture 5.0 technologies such as IoT, AI, robotics and data analytics. IDConsortium ## What is GATE5.0? **GATE5.0 **is an initiative designed to empower agrifood SMEs across Europe through direct financial support, business acceleration services, and strategic guidance. The proposal was successfully prepared by IDCONSORTIUM, reinforcing our commitment to high-impact European initiatives. The project has a total budget of **€2.7 million**, of which **€2.6 million** comes from European funding, and includes **€1.9 million in Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)** to boost SMEs developing innovative solutions aligned with the green and digital transition. GATE5.0 focuses on strengthening the business capabilities of SMEs by providing: - Development and validation of new business models - Strategic advisory services and growth support - Access to tailored funding instruments - Connections with key actors in the agrifood ecosystem - Entry points into European and global markets This business-oriented approach distinguishes GATE5.0 as a programme aimed at accelerating innovation from a capacity-building perspective, complementing other initiatives more focused on technological validation. GATE5.0 will operate in **Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Lithuania**, promoting collaboration among: - SMEs and start-ups - Innovation centres and clusters - Universities and research organisations - Public administrations - Sectoral associations This cooperative network will create personalised support pathways for participating SMEs, fostering sustainable growth within the European agrifood ecosystem. A distinctive element of GATE5.0 is its strong commitment to opening new international market opportunities for agrifood SMEs. The project will provide training and advisory services to facilitate access to strategic regions such as: - Southeast Asia - Africa - South America This support will help companies expand their business models and build international partnerships. The approval of GATE5.0 confirms IDCONSORTIUM’s role as a key partner in the development of European projects that generate economic impact, business growth, and innovation. We will continue supporting European SMEs on their path towards competitiveness, sustainability, and global expansion. ### Latest News: ## Our partners of BOOSTER project consortium --- ## IDCONSORTIUM secures approval of the European GATE5.0 project URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-gate5-project ### News | IDConsortium > # IDCONSORTIUM secures approval of the European GATE5.0 project to strengthen the competitiveness and growth of agrifood SMEs ## IDCONSORTIUM is pleased to announce the approval of the European project GATE5.0, an initiative designed to empower agrifood SMEs across Europe through direct financial support, business acceleration services, and strategic guidance. IDConsortium #### The proposal was successfully prepared by IDCONSORTIUM, reinforcing our commitment to high-impact European initiatives. The project has a total budget of **€2.7 million**, of which **€2.6 million** comes from European funding, and includes **€1.9 million in Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)** to boost SMEs developing innovative solutions aligned with the green and digital transition. GATE5.0 focuses on strengthening the business capabilities of SMEs by providing: - Development and validation of new business models - Strategic advisory services and growth support - Access to tailored funding instruments - Connections with key actors in the agrifood ecosystem - Entry points into European and global markets This business-oriented approach distinguishes GATE5.0 as a programme aimed at accelerating innovation from a capacity-building perspective, complementing other initiatives more focused on technological validation. GATE5.0 will operate in **Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Lithuania**, promoting collaboration among: - SMEs and start-ups - Innovation centres and clusters - Universities and research organisations - Public administrations - Sectoral associations This cooperative network will create personalised support pathways for participating SMEs, fostering sustainable growth within the European agrifood ecosystem. A distinctive element of GATE5.0 is its strong commitment to opening new international market opportunities for agrifood SMEs. The project will provide training and advisory services to facilitate access to strategic regions such as: - Southeast Asia - Africa - South America This support will help companies expand their business models and build international partnerships. The approval of GATE5.0 confirms IDCONSORTIUM’s role as a key partner in the development of European projects that generate economic impact, business growth, and innovation. We will continue supporting European SMEs on their path towards competitiveness, sustainability, and global expansion. Spain, Portugal, Netherlands and Lithuania **2.7 million €** ## More news about GATE5.0 project: --- ## IDCONSORTIUM impulsa la aprobación del proyecto europeo GATE5.0 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/proyecto-europeo-gate5 ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # IIDCONSORTIUM impulsa la aprobación del proyecto europeo GATE5.0 para fortalecer la competitividad y crecimiento de las pymes agroalimentarias ## IDCONSORTIUM anuncia la aprobación del proyecto europeo GATE5.0, una iniciativa diseñada para potenciar a las pymes agroalimentarias europeas mediante apoyo financiero directo, servicios de aceleración y acompañamiento estratégico. IDConsortium #### La propuesta fue preparada con éxito por IDCONSORTIUM, reforzando nuestro compromiso con iniciativas europeas de alto impacto. El proyecto cuenta con un presupuesto total de **2,7 millones de euros**, de los cuales **2,6 millones** proceden de financiación europea, e incluye **1,9 millones de euros en apoyo financiero a terceros (FSTP)** para impulsar a pymes con soluciones innovadoras alineadas con la transición verde y digital. GATE5.0 centra sus esfuerzos en fortalecer las capacidades empresariales de las pymes, facilitando: - Desarrollo y validación de nuevos modelos de negocio - Asesoramiento estratégico y apoyo para crecimiento - Acceso a financiación adaptada - Conexión con actores clave del ecosistema agroalimentario - Acceso a mercados europeos y globales Este enfoque empresarial distingue a GATE5.0 como un programa orientado a **impulsar la innovación desde la estructura empresarial y el desarrollo de capacidades**, complementando otras iniciativas centradas en validación tecnológica. GATE5.0 operará en **España, Portugal, Países Bajos y Lituania**, promoviendo la colaboración entre: - Pymes y startups - Centros y clusters de innovación - Universidades y centros tecnológicos - Administraciones públicas - Asociaciones del sector Esta cooperación permitirá crear itinerarios personalizados para las pymes participantes, fomentando el crecimiento sostenible del ecosistema agroalimentario europeo. Un elemento distintivo de GATE5.0 es su apuesta por abrir nuevas oportunidades de mercado para las pymes agroalimentarias europeas. El proyecto ofrecerá formación y asesoramiento para facilitar el acceso a regiones estratégicas como: - Sudeste Asiático - África - Sudamérica Este apoyo permitirá a las empresas prepararse para expandir sus modelos de negocio y establecer alianzas internacionales. La aprobación de GATE5.0 confirma el papel de IDCONSORTIUM como socio clave en el desarrollo de proyectos europeos que generan impacto económico, crecimiento empresarial e innovación. Continuaremos apoyando a las pymes europeas en su camino hacia la competitividad, sostenibilidad y expansión internacional. España, Portugal, Países Bajos y Lituania **2.7 millones €** ## Más noticias sobre el proyecto GATE5.0: --- ## CREA advances BOOSTER’s drought-resilience breakthroughs with new genomic insights, global outreach, and stakeholder engagement URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/crea-boosters-drought-resilience-breakthroughs ### News | BOOSTER > # CREA advances BOOSTER’s drought-resilience breakthroughs with new genomic insights, global outreach, and stakeholder engagement ## From pioneering regulatory-DNA mapping in teff and Eragrostis nindensis to presenting BOOSTER innovations at international conferences and training on climate-smart water solutions, CREA continues to drive scientific and societal impact across the project. IDConsortium #### CREA’s multi-team contributions accelerate BOOSTER’s scientific and stakeholder impact. The CREA teams across CI Bergamo and GB Fiorenzuola D’Arda have delivered major advances in BOOSTER’s mission to uncover the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind drought tolerance in cereal crops. Building on the state-of-the-art MNase-defined cistrome occupancy analysis (MOA-seq) method (first optimized in maize) the teams applied this innovative approach to map transcription factor (TF) binding under drought stress in teff. Working closely with colleagues from UDUS, UBERN, EIAR, and external collaborators at the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, the researchers generated the first comprehensive drought-responsive TF-binding atlas across teff genotypes and their F1 hybrids. By quantifying both genetic (SNPs, InDels) and epigenetic (cytosine methylation) variation, they identified a set of regulatory variants within cis-regulatory elements (CREs) controlling key drought-response genes. These variants will now undergo validation, including via genome editing, to accelerate breeding pipelines for drought-resilient teff varieties. In parallel, CREA, in collaboration with UCT, MSU, and UDUS extended MOA-seq and transcriptomics to the desiccation-tolerant species Eragrostis nindensis. Comparing genomic responses across E. nindensis, teff, and maize will help identify both conserved and unique protective mechanisms, as well as enable the exploration of strategies to transfer genetic traits from more drought-tolerant species to more sensitive ones (e.g. from teff/E. nindensis to maize, and from E. nindensis to teff). CREA Bergamo also leveraged the BonnMu maize mutant collection to identify knock-out variants in priority drought-responsive genes discovered through BOOSTER’s MOA/mRNA-seq pipeline. Field evaluations in Bergamo, along with planned winter-nursery propagation in Mexico, will generate mutant lines representing one of the approaches adopted to validate the top candidate genes identified through the MOA strategy for improving drought resilience in maize. BOOSTER science showcased on global stages. BOOSTER results and methodologies were presented across several high-profile international events: - V Molecular Biosystems Conference 2025, Chile: Bojana Banović Đeri (CREA-CI) delivered a well-received talk, “Integrative Analysis of Gene Expression and Transcription Factor Binding Uncovers Molecular Mechanisms of Drought Stress and Rehydration in Eragrostis nindensis”, sharing BOOSTER’s comparative genomics insights with over 130 researchers in eukaryotic gene regulation. - Nextflow Summit 2025: Jacopo Tartaglia (CREA-GB) presented how the integration of Nextflow and cloud computing is powering BOOSTER’s large-scale bioinformatics workflows. His talk highlighted CREAs transition to scalable, reproducible, cloud-based genomics pipelines that underpin BOOSTER’s regulatory-genomics discoveries. - Agri-Food Innovation Festival 2025: CREA-PB presented the BOOSTER poster during one of Italy’s leading events on agri-food innovation, engaging stakeholders on future-facing topics such as digitalisation, sustainability, and crop resilience. CREA-PB further expanded BOOSTER’s knowledge base by participating in the advanced FAO–CIHEAM training course on wastewater reuse for agriculture. The week-long programme brought together representatives from 11 Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries to address water scarcity challenges and sustainable water-management strategies. The course emphasised the role of biostimulants and drought-tolerant crop varieties, two pillars of BOOSTER’s scientific strategy, in enabling resilience under saline, desalinated, or treated wastewater irrigation. CREA-PB researcher Andrea Martelli was selected for in-person participation and awarded a scholarship covering registration fees. CREA-PB has also launched a major socio-economic study within BOOSTER: “The Adoption of Biostimulants to Mitigate Abiotic Stresses: Stakeholders’ Perspectives and the Crucial Role of Water.” The analysis will involve about 100 farmers across Italy, France, Bulgaria, Germany, South Africa, and Ethiopia using a discrete-choice experiment survey. The study focuses on two key crops, maize and teff, and two types of biostimulants: marine-algae extracts and drought-adapted PGPR. By examining farmers’ perceptions, willingness to adopt, and barriers to implementation, the research will assess the drivers influencing sustainable-practice uptake, identify enabling conditions for biostimulant adoption, and provide recommendations for policymakers, industry, and the BOOSTER Stakeholder Network. The findings will contribute to broader climate-smart agriculture strategies, informing how innovative biostimulants and water-efficient practices can strengthen crop resilience under increasingly severe water-stress conditions. BOOSTER presentation by Bojana Banović Đeri, CREA-CI at the V Molecular Biosystems Conference 2025, Chile: BOOSTER (Bojana Banović Đeri, CREA-CI) presenting at V Molecular Biosystems Conference 2025, Chile BOOSTER (CREA) attendance at FAO and CIHEAM advanced training on wastewater reuse for agriculture in Zaragoza (20-25/10/25) Maize plant sample from CREA field trials ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## State-of-the-art BOOSTER study maps genetic control of maize traits through regulatory DNA variation URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/state-art-booster-genetic-control-maize-regulatory-dna-variation ### News | BOOSTER > # State-of-the-art BOOSTER study maps genetic control of maize traits through regulatory DNA variation ## A major milestone for the BOOSTER project was recently achieved through the publication of a landmark study in Nature Genetics, led by BOOSTER partner Professors Thomas Hartwig and Julia Engelhorn from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. IDConsortium #### The research, titled “Genetic variation at transcription factor binding sites largely explains phenotypic heritability in maize,” reveals that genetic differences in regulatory DNA, rather than genes alone, explain most of the heritable diversity observed in maize.​ This international effort involved multiple BOOSTER-affiliated teams, including researchers from Germany, the Netherlands, France, the United States, and China. Together, they constructed the first-ever **maize leaf pan-cistrome**, a comprehensive map of transcription factor (TF) binding sites, regions of the genome that control gene activity, across 25 diverse maize hybrids grown under both well-watered and drought conditions. By combining cutting-edge genome mapping techniques with advanced bioinformatics, the study identified over **200,000 functional variants** that influence how genes are switched on and off, directly linking these variants to differences in plant height, leaf architecture, flowering time, and drought tolerance. Using an innovative method known as **MNase-defined cistrome occupancy analysis (MOA-seq)**, the team was able to observe how TFs interact with DNA at unprecedented resolution. This approach, developed and refined within the BOOSTER network, allowed researchers to trace how subtle genetic changes impact gene regulation and plant performance. The analysis demonstrated that these regulatory variants, referred to as **binding quantitative trait loci (bQTL)**, account for most of the additive genetic variation in more than 70% of the tested maize traits. The results also shed new light on how maize responds to drought. Under water-limited conditions, the team discovered more than **14,000 drought-responsive regulatory sites**, including regions near genes such as *ZmNAC111* and *ZmTINY*, both associated with drought tolerance. Laboratory validation confirmed that certain drought-tolerant maize lines show stronger activation of these regulatory regions, supporting their potential as targets for future breeding or genome editing. The study’s success builds on collaborative contributions from several teams, including those at **Forschungszentrum Jülich**, the **Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS)**, the **Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research**, **Iowa State University**, the **University of Nebraska–Lincoln**, and **UC Davis**, which together ensured robust data analysis and cross-continental integration of results. Beyond its scientific significance, this achievement illustrates **BOOSTER’s** capacity to merge genomic science with practical agricultural outcomes. By uncovering how DNA regulatory elements shape plant performance, BOOSTER advances its overarching goal of enabling **climate-resilient, data-driven crop improvement**. Looking ahead, the consortium plans to expand upon these results by mapping similar regulatory networks across additional tissues and environmental conditions. The data and analytical tools developed are now publicly available, ensuring that breeders and scientists worldwide can access this resource to guide future crop innovations. Access the full article HERE. The BOOSTER coordination team congratulates Professor Hartwig and all contributors for this remarkable achievement, which represents a key step toward understanding, and ultimately engineering, the complex genetic networks that sustain agricultural productivity under changing climates. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Professor Jill Farrant receives Lifetime Achievement Award at 2025 NRF Awards, reinforcing UCT’s leadership within the BOOSTER project URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-professor-jill-farrant-lifetime-achievement-2025-nrf-awards ### News | BOOSTER > # Professor Jill Farrant receives Lifetime Achievement Award at 2025 NRF Awards, reinforcing UCT’s leadership within the BOOSTER project ## The BOOSTER consortium is proud to celebrate Professor Jill M. Farrant, from the University of Cape Town (UCT), who has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards. The prestigious ceremony, held on 7 August 2025 in Johannesburg, recognised South Africa’s leading scientists and researchers under the theme “Innovating for a Sustainable Future”. IDConsortium #### The award acknowledges Professor Farrant’s exceptional contribution to science, her pioneering research on plant desiccation tolerance, and her lifelong dedication to advancing food security and sustainability in Africa and beyond.​ Professor Farrant, who holds the **DSI-NRF Research Chair in Systems Biology Studies on Plant Desiccation Tolerance for Food Security** within UCT’s Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, is a world leader in the study of how plants survive extreme drought. Her multidisciplinary systems biology approach combines molecular, physiological, and ecological analyses to uncover how certain plants known as *resurrection plants* can tolerate almost complete water loss and then recover when rehydrated. Through her work, she aims to apply these natural mechanisms to improve the drought tolerance of important crops, ensuring food security in a future marked by climate instability. Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Farrant has demonstrated a unique ability to connect world-class scientific excellence with societal impact. Her work has redefined global understanding of **plant desiccation tolerance**, and her discoveries have contributed directly to the **development of drought-tolerant maize**, natural **biostimulants derived from root-associated microbes**, and strategies for **reducing the dependence on chemical fertilisers** in degraded soils. By exploring *“orphan crops”* such as teff and legumes, she has advanced the use of underutilised African species to strengthen climate resilience and promote nutrition security. Professor Farrant’s influence extends globally, with over **250 scientific publications**, **18 book chapters**, and numerous international distinctions, including the **L’Oréal–UNESCO Award for Women in Science (2012)** and the **Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s Georg Forster Research Award (2022)**. She was also the **first female researcher from UCT to achieve the NRF A-rating**, a recognition reserved for scientists of exceptional international standing. Her research and outreach have been featured in several international documentaries, such as the BBC’s *The Genius Behind* and PBS’s *H2O: The Molecule that Made Us*, as well as public events including **TED Global**, **BioVision**, and **Falling Walls Berlin**. The BOOSTER consortium extends its warmest congratulations to **Professor Jill Farrant** for this well-deserved recognition. Her lifetime of dedication to science and society exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives BOOSTER’s vision, building a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural future for Africa and the world. **Access more about Professor Farrant’s work and BOOSTER’s collaborations ****HERE**. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## BOOSTER consortium gathers in Cape Town to review progress and plan ahead URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-consortium-cape-town-review-progress-plan-ahead ### News | BOOSTER > # BOOSTER consortium gathers in Cape Town to review progress and plan ahead ## Representatives from BOOSTER partners met at the University of Cape Town from 3–5 June 2025 to present achievements, tackle upcoming challenges, and reinforce collaboration. IDConsortium #### The BOOSTER project held its third annual meeting, 3-5th June 2025, at the University of Cape Town (UCT). This was organized by Professor Jill Farrant and Dr Llewelyn Van der Pass of UCT. The gathering brought together all project partners, with 18 members attending in person and 22 joining virtually. Three of the Scientific Advisory Board members also joined virtually.​ During this period, participants reviewed the progress made across the project’s seven work packages. Here, work-package leaders shared details on milestones achieved and issues arising along the way including but not limited to methodological advances that should be embraced, and identification of key issues to address in the coming phases, such as experimental design refinements, to data integration strategies. Lively discussions ensued from all presentations and particularly guided the discussion on scientific issues such as the above mentioned new methodology to identify genetic variants of genome sequences regulating key drought responsive genes, development of new natural biostimulants based on the use of seaweed extracts and bacteria and in so doing, ultimately led to matters surrounding the dissemination, exploitation and communications strategies to be embraced, as well as the management of the project and the ethical aspects connected to it. Strategic networking and outreach activities were highlighted by a presentation given by a representative from the sister project HelEX, who shared insights on synergies and potential collaboration opportunities between the two initiatives, enriching the exchange of ideas and broadening the consortium’s perspective. At the same time, networking activities carried out in Europe by the team of Dr Marc Heidje from VIB and those associated with African continent by Prof Farrant, gave insights as to how BOOSTER studies are impacting continental research agendas and inspiring enthusiasm among early-career researchers present in the audience. Informal moments, like participating in interactive African drumming at UCT and a dinner in a local Ethiopian restaurant, where members got to eat the product of one of their lines of research, injera bread made from Tef seeds, helped deepen connections between partners. Looking ahead, the consortium has committed to refining experimental pipelines, strengthening cross-work-package collaboration, and scheduling a mid-year virtual checkpoint. The group agreed upon the drafting of upcoming deliverables due in 2025 and brainstormed plans for an open-access publication to highlight BOOSTER’s collective contributions. The meeting concluded with warm acknowledgements to UCT partners Farrant and Van der Pas for hosting this memorable meeting at UCT, nestled at the feet of Table Mountain, South Africa. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## WE-RISE 1st Open Call URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/we-rise-1st-open-call ### News | IDConsortium > # WE-RISE Open Call #1 ## Support women-led startups in the GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech sectors. IDConsortium #### WE-RISE’s main goal is to empower underrepresented female entrepreneurs in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech, through a strategic blend of funding and tailored support. The project aims to amplify the market presence of high potential women-led startups, particularly from emerging European countries. The project’s pillars include amplifying market presence through targeted funding and investor matchmaking, integrating startups into the ecosystem through cross-border acceleration activities, and providing a holistic growth program. By prioritising inclusivity, diversity, and systemic change, WE-RISE seeks to enhance the impact and visibility of women-led startups, contributing to the broader advancement of the European innovation ecosystem towards sustainability. The present Open Call aims to attract and select 20 women-led tech startups in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech, particularly from less developed European countries, with ambitions to enhance their impact and market presence.​ The total budget to be allocated for the Open Call is 600.000 € #### **Application Process Overview** Eligible startups must first create a profile on the EuroQuity platform and join the WE-RISE Greenhouse Community. Upon joining, they can access and complete the application form for the WE-RISE Open Call – Phase 1.​ - **Application Period:** March 12, 2025 – May 14, 2025 (23:59 CET). - **Selection:** 20 startups will be chosen to enter Phase 1 after signing a Sub-Grant Agreement. - **Phase 2 Eligibility:** Startups completing the 3-month support program and developing their Strategic Action Plan (SAP) can apply for Phase 2. **Phase 1 – Application Requirements – Applicants Must Provide:** - Organization details (contact info, PIC number, etc.). - Project summary and goals. - Startup’s current stage and financial information. - Problem/market opportunity analysis. - Innovation details and IP protection actions. - Market and competition analysis. - Commercial strategy and scalability. - Expected impact (social, environmental, economic). - Team details and pitch deck. Applicants must also complete a self-assessment Investment Readiness Level (IRL) questionnaire to evaluate their startup’s maturity in innovation, team, product/service, market, impact, and finance. **Transition to Phase 2 Criteria:** - Potential of the SAP developed in Phase 1. - Goals and strategy development. - Action plan and performance indicators. - Timeline and milestones. - Budget breakdown for personnel, travel, indirect costs, and subcontracting. Each phase is scored based on alignment with WE-RISE objectives, innovation, market potential, scalability, and investment readiness. March 12, 2025 May 14, 2025 (23:59 CET) 600.000 € Visit the WE-RISE page ## More news about IDConsortium: --- ## BOOSTER project promotes responsible research by ensuring ethical use and fair sharing of genetic resources URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-project-responsible-research-ethical-use-fair-sharing-genetic-resources ### News | BOOSTER > # BOOSTER project promotes responsible research by ensuring ethical use and fair sharing of genetic resources ## The EU-funded BOOSTER project is setting an example in global research collaboration by aligning its scientific work with biodiversity conservation and benefit-sharing principles. IDConsortium #### The BOOSTER project (“Boosting drought tolerance in key cereals in the era of climate change”) is a Horizon Europe-funded initiative bringing together partners from the European Union, the United States, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Switzerland. While its scientific mission focuses on improving drought tolerance in key cereals such as teff, BOOSTER also places strong emphasis on the ethical and legal dimensions of accessing and using genetic resources.​ Central to BOOSTER’s work is the international exchange of plant and soil samples—including teff seeds from Ethiopia, wild Eragrostis species from South Africa, and cultivated varieties from the US and Switzerland. These genetic resources will be studied and shared across borders to foster sustainable agricultural innovation. However, project leaders are clear: no biological material will be moved without full legal and ethical authorization. The project operates within the framework of several international agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Nagoya Protocol, and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). The European Union’s Regulation (EU) No. 511/2014 further defines access and benefit-sharing (ABS) obligations. In line with these frameworks, BOOSTER ensures Prior Informed Consent (PIC) is obtained from provider countries and that Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) specify the terms for use and benefit-sharing. BOOSTER goes further by extending these requirements to all project partners, including those from countries not party to the Nagoya Protocol, such as the United States. This unified approach promotes legal consistency and reinforces the project’s ethical commitment. By addressing complex issues around the sovereignty of states over genetic resources, equitable benefit-sharing, and biodiversity protection, BOOSTER illustrates how research can be both innovative and responsible. The project highlights the need for due diligence in legal compliance, transparency in resource access, and fair treatment of provider countries and communities. Ethical oversight is provided by the partner EUCORE and a dedicated Ethics Advisory Group, which offers templates and guidance to help partners navigate diverse legal systems. Capacity building is also an integral part of the initiative, supporting partners in meeting ABS obligations and fostering a culture of ethical research. In doing so, BOOSTER not only advances agricultural science but also contributes to global efforts toward sustainable development and fair international cooperation. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Subvenciones para el desarrollo de proyectos basados en tecnología blockchain URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/subvenciones-desarrollo-proyectos-basados-tecnologia-blockchain ### Noticias | EDIH > # Subvenciones para el desarrollo de proyectos basados en tecnología blockchain ## El propósito es fomentar la creación de casos de uso que aprovechen la tecnología Blockchain, contribuyendo así a la transformación digital y a la especialización tecnológica en la región. IDConsortium ### La Comunidad de Madrid ha lanzado una convocatoria de subvenciones para el desarrollo de proyectos basados en tecnología Blockchain, en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia financiado por la Unión Europea-Next Generation EU. #### **Beneficiarios** Podrán acceder a estas subvenciones las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) con sede en la Comunidad de Madrid que cumplan con los criterios establecidos en la convocatoria. #### **Líneas de actuación subvencionables** Los proyectos deben aplicar la tecnología Blockchain para abordar necesidades específicas en, al menos, una de las siguientes categorías:​ - **Credenciales verificables**: Implementación de sistemas que permitan la emisión y verificación segura de credenciales digitales.​ - **Trazabilidad**: Desarrollo de soluciones que faciliten el seguimiento y la verificación del origen y recorrido de productos o servicios.​ - **Intercambio seguro de datos**: Creación de plataformas que garanticen el intercambio de información de manera segura y confiable entre diferentes entidades.​ - **Optimización de operaciones**: Aplicación de Blockchain para mejorar procesos internos, aumentando la eficiencia y reduciendo costos operativos.​ Los proyectos deben alcanzar un nivel de madurez tecnológica (TRL) mínimo de 6, correspondiente a “Modelo de sistema o subsistema o demostración de prototipo en un entorno relevante”. #### **Costes elegibles** Son subvencionables los gastos directamente relacionados y necesarios para la realización de los proyectos, incluyendo:​ - Costes de personal.​ - Costes de instrumental y material inventariable.​ - Costes de investigación contractual, conocimientos técnicos y patentes adquiridas u obtenidas por licencia de fuentes externas en condiciones de plena competencia.​ - Gastos generales y otros gastos de explotación adicionales, incluidos costes de material, suministros y productos similares. #### **Financiación y presupuesto** El porcentaje de subvención sobre el presupuesto total del proyecto será del **100% de los gastos subvencionables,** con una **cuantía máxima de 100.000 euros por proyecto y beneficiario**. El **presupuesto total asignado a esta convocatoria es de 2.032.220 euros**, financiados conjuntamente por el Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia de la Unión Europea y la Comunidad de Madrid. #### **Compromisos de los beneficiarios** Las entidades beneficiarias deberán **desplegar el caso de uso en la red ISBE en un plazo máximo de seis meses **desde que esta esté operativa. #### **Presentación de solicitudes** Las solicitudes se presentarán de **forma telemática** a través del sistema habilitado por la Comunidad de Madrid, utilizando firma electrónica válida. El plazo de presentación permanecerá abierto **hasta el 30 de abril de 2025.​** **2.032.220 €** **100.000 €** 30/04/2025 ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium & EDIH Madrid: --- ## ¡Nueva edición! Curso EDIH: Gestión y explotación de la propiedad intelectual URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/nueva-edicion-curso-edih-gestion-explotacion-propiedad-intelectual ### Noticias | EDIH > # ¡Nueva edición! Curso EDIH:**Gestión y explotación de la propiedad intelectual ## Este curso es una oportunidad única para fortalecer la gestión de la propiedad intelectual de tu organización y alinearla estratégicamente con tus objetivos empresariales. IDConsortium ### ¿Sabes cómo gestionar tus activos de propiedad intelectual para obtener el mayor rendimiento posible? Esta formación, organizada en cuatro sesiones, es tu oportunidad para adquirir una visión estratégica y práctica que potenciará tu negocio. IDConsortium, como socio de EDIH Madrid, te invita a una formación donde expertos en Gestión y Explotación de la Propiedad Intelectual te darán las claves para maximizar la rentabilidad de tus activos tecnológicos. Durante las cuatro sesiones, las personas participantes aprenderán conceptos clave relacionados con la Propiedad Intelectual, la relevancia y estrategias para una correcta gestión, conocerás el ciclo de vida de los activos y las actividades clave para maximizar su explotación así como los mecanismos de protección existentes. Finalmente, conocerás las iniciativas existentes que darán lugar a beneficios fiscales para la compañía así como oportunidades de financiación de la Propiedad Intelectual existentes tanto a nivel nacional como europeo. Este curso es una oportunidad única para fortalecer la gestión de la propiedad intelectual de tu organización y alinearla estratégicamente con tus objetivos empresariales. ¡Inscríbete y potencia el valor de tus activos intangibles! #### Organización del curso: - Módulo 1**: Conceptos básicos. Miércoles 7 de Mayo (11:00 – 12:00 CET) - **Módulo 2**: Gestión de activos intangibles. Viernes 9 Mayo (11:00 – 12:30 CET) - **Módulo 3**: Protección de la Propiedad Intelectual (PI). 14 de Mayo (11:00 – 12:30 CET) - **Módulo 4**: Financiación de la Propiedad Intelectual (PI). Viernes 16 de Mayo (11:00 – 12:00 CET)**** Descarga la presentación en PDF Si quieres más información contacta con nuestra responsable: Andrea Mari (amari@idconsortium.es) 07/05/2025 16/05/2025 - Miércoles 7 de Mayo (11:00 – 12:00 CET) - Viernes 9 Mayo (11:00 – 12:30 CET) - Miércoles 14 de Mayo (11:00 – 12:30 CET) - Viernes 16 de Mayo (11:00 – 12:00 CET) ONLINE – GRATUITO ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium & EDIH Madrid: --- ## CBE JU 2025 Call for Proposals Now Open: €172 Million to Boost Bio-based Innovation in Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/cbe-ju-2025-call-open-172-million-boost-biobased-innovation-europe ### News | CBE JU > # CBE JU 2025 Call for Proposals Now Open: €172 Million to Boost Bio-based Innovation in Europe ## The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) will launch its 2025 call for proposals on 3 April 2025, with a total budget of €172 million to fund research and innovation projects that drive the shift towards a sustainable, circular, and bio-based economy. IDConsortium #### The call includes 18 topics across four types of actions: - **Innovation Actions – Flagships (IA-Flagship)** - **Innovation Actions (IA)** - **Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)** - **Coordination and Support Actions (CSA)** The topics address key challenges such as the valorisation of urban biological waste, new bio-based materials and packaging, sustainable macroalgae production systems, alternative proteins, advanced biotechnological processes, biodegradable fertilisers, and sustainable rubber production. Find all the details, topic texts, and application documents on the official CBE JU website: https://www.cbe.europa.eu/open-calls-proposals **If you are interested in applying or need support with your proposal, feel free to contact us at** msanz@idconsortium.es; **we are here to help.** **3rd April 2025** **172 million euros ** **18th September 2025 at 17:00 CET** ## More calls and news about CBE JU:​ --- ## CBE JU – 2025 Call for Proposals URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/cbe-ju-2025-call-proposals ### Calls | CBE JU > # CBE JU 2025 Call for Proposals​ ## The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) will open its 2025 call for proposals on 3 April 2025, with a total budget of 172 million euros to support sustainable and innovative bio-based solutions across Europe. IDConsortium #### The call includes 18 topics under four types of actions: **Innovation Actions – Flagships (IA-Flagship)** - Urban-industrial symbiosis for the valorisation of biological waste - Bio-based platform chemicals from sustainable biomass conversion - Circular fibre-based packaging with enhanced properties - Upgrading (bio)refinery infrastructure for higher-value bio-based products **Innovation Actions (IA)** - Sustainable macroalgae systems for high-value applications - Safe and Sustainable by Design bio-based solutions for textile production - Scaling-up nutritional proteins from alternative sources - Continuous, cost-effective bio-based biotechnological processes - Bio-based polymers and copolymers that enable new market applications **Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)** - Valorisation of underused forest biomass - Bio-based and biodegradable controlled-release fertiliser systems - Alternative biomanufacturing routes for natural and synthetic rubber **Coordination and Support Actions (CSA)** - Development and implementation of new education and knowledge exchange programmes for bio-based systems **3rd April 2025** **172 million euros ** **18th September 2025 at 17:00 CET** ## More calls and news about CBE JU:​ --- ## Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/circular-biobased-europe-joint-undertaking # Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) ## CBE JU is a €2 billion public-private partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) under the Horizon Europe framework. Its mission is to advance competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe by funding research and innovation projects that develop sustainable solutions based on renewable biological resources. IDConsortium #### CBE JU is operating under the rules of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme, for the 2021-2031 period. The partnership is building on the success of its predecessor, the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), while addressing the current challenges facing the industry. #### **What can CBE JU do for Europe?** Shifting from non-renewable fossil raw materials and minerals to circular bio-based production processes is essential to reach the EU’s climate targets as set out in the European Green Deal. Strong, resource-efficient and competitive bio-based industries are important drivers of this change. By producing renewable bio-based products and materials from waste and biomass in an innovative, sustainable and circular way, they can contribute significantly to the climate neutrality target by 2050 while creating green jobs and sustainable economic growth in regions across Europe. The role of Circular Bio-based Europe is to bring together various actors from bio-based industries, ranging from farmers to scientists, to solve the technological, regulatory and market challenges of the sector. Its public-private funding scheme boosts innovation and market deployment and paves the way for future investments. #### **Unlocking the future of circular bioeconomy in Europe** CBE JU is building on BBI JU’s success while enlarging its scope and addressing the remaining challenges of Europe’s bio-based industries. The partnership is focusing on: - Supporting research and innovation for sustainable bio-based solutions - De-risking investments in innovative, circular bio-based production plants - Addressing the technological, regulatory & market challenges of the bioeconomy - Placing sustainability at the heart of its operations - Strengthening the collaboration of all bioeconomy actors - Engaging with more stakeholders along the value chains #### **Public-private collaboration for a greener future of Europe** CBE JU is established under Council regulation (EU) 2021/2085 of 19 November 2021 as an institutionalised European partnership between the European Union, represented by the European Commission, and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). CBE JU is the legal and universal successor of BBI JU in respect of all contracts, grant agreements and liabilities. The CBE JU’s decision-making body is its Governing Board. The role of the CBE JU Programme Office, led by its Executive Director, is to ensure the implementation of the partnership. CBE JU also has two advisory bodies – States’ Representatives Group and Scientific Committee – and Deployment Groups providing advice on specific issues. - Support the **transition from fossil-based to bio-based production systems**. - Promote the **circular economy** through **sustainable biomass use** and **industrial symbiosis**. - Boost **innovation and market uptake** of bio-based products. - Encourage **collaboration between industry, SMEs, research organisations**, and **public authorities**. Since 2014 (under its predecessor BBI JU), the initiative has: - **Funded 192 projects** involving over **1,550 beneficiaries** from **43 countries**. - Attracted **35% SME participation**. - Achieved a **leverage effect of €3.23 private investment for every €1 of public funding**. ## Latest news & calls related to this programme: --- ## The I3 Instrument work program for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 has been published URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/i3-instrument-work-program-years-2025-2026-2027 ### News | I3 > # The I3 Instrument work program for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 has been published ## Calls are expected to be published on May and October 2025. IDConsortium As followed from previous editions, the I3 instrument aims to provide **advisory and financial support to a consortium of innovation actors** from the **quadruple helix ecosystems** among **less developed, transition and more developed regions**, with **shared or complementary** **smart specialization areas**,  to **bring their innovations** to a mature level, **ready for scale-up and commercialisation** (TRL 6 to 9).   I3 projects shall address **digital and green transitions challenges** as well as **smart manufacturing challenges** and must fall under one of the following **calls for proposals**: - **Strand 1:** **Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects in shared smart specialization areas.** *(Call deadline: 13 November 2025)* This call targets consortia of innovation actors aimed at **increasing the competitiveness and resilience of EU value chains by taking new and innovative solutions** towards market maturity, **leading to new or significantly improved products, services, or production processes.** - **Strand 2a: Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects for the development of value chains in less developed regions. ***(Call deadline: 13 November 2025)* The call focuses on **supporting the creation of new value chains in less developed regions** and their better **integration in existing pan-European value chains**.  - **Strand 2b****:** **Capacity building for the development of value chains in less developed regions. ***(Call deadline: 19 March 2026)* This call supports innovation actors from the quadruple helix in less developed regions to **reinforce their regional innovation ecosystems**, including the development of  their institutional capacities to **mobilise companies to move from good investments ideas to mature business plans for (interregional) innovation investments. ** The **activities than can be funded include**: the value chain analysis to identify ecosystem challenges and opportunities; the capacity building for quadruple helix actors to develop business plans; the pre-piloting investment ideas and validating assumptions with stakeholders; among others. The action, with a **budget of 175.352.687**€ is managed by the **European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency **(EISMEA). The participation is open for a **consortia of quadruple helix actors** from EU Member states and Non-EU countries associated to the I3 Instrument. The **participation of ****EU outermost regions** is encouraged. The **co-financing rate is up to 70%** of the eligible costs and up to **100%** **for Financial Support to Third Parties** (FSTP) costs. The indicative duration of projects is **18 – 36 months.** **We can support you in the developing of project proposals for these calls. ** **Reach out for further information!** ## More news about I3 Instrument Programme: --- ## Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/i3-instrument # Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument ## The Interregional innovation investments instrument as part of the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) aims at supporting interregional innovation projects in their commercialisation and scale-up phases giving them the tools to overcome regulatory and other barriers and bring their project to investment level. IDConsortium #### The European Commission has adopted the new Work Programme for the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument for 2025-2027, allocating €176 million. The next calls are planned to open in May and October 2025. The I3 Instrument’s new three-year Work Programme will focus on scaling innovation, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, and supporting interregional collaboration. With a budget of over €176 million, it will help innovation actors turn ideas into investment-ready projects. The I3 Instrument strengthens the EU’s innovation ecosystems and promotes smart specialisation by helping regions develop innovation capacity and better integrate less developed regions into European value chains. It supports consortia of researchers, businesses, public administrations, and civil society, with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as key beneficiaries. Currently, 53 projects are in implementation, and more will be contracted in the coming months from the 2024 calls. Lessons learnt will be shared through the I3 Support Facility, which provides guidance and networking opportunities to stakeholders developing joint interregional investments. The next I3 calls, which will focus on investment projects, are planned for May 2025 and will be followed by a capacity-building call planned for October 2025. Further details on upcoming calls will be available on the EISMEA website. ## Latest news & calls related to this programme: --- ## PRODIGIO delivers Breakthrough in Sustainable Biogas from Microalgae Biomass through Early Failure Detection Systems URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prodigio-breakthrough-sustainable-biogas-microalgae-biomass-early-failure-detection-systems ### NEWS | Prodigio > # PRODIGIO delivers Breakthrough in Sustainable Biogas from Microalgae Biomass through Early Failure Detection Systems ## Using innovative predictive technologies, the PRODIGIO project has developed early-warning systems to enhance the reliability and efficiency of microalgae cultivation and anaerobic digestion for sustainable biogas production. IDConsortium #### Have you ever wondered how we could make **renewable biogas production** from microalgae more reliable and efficient? The PRODIGIO project may just have the answer. Leveraging cutting-edge predictive technologies, PRODIGIO has successfully created early-warning systems to detect and prevent failures in microalgae cultivation and anaerobic digestion processes, paving the way towards a more sustainable bioenergy future​. The PRODIGIO initiative was driven by the ambitious goal of boosting biogas production efficiency from microalgae biomass, tackling the significant challenge of maintaining stable and predictable bioreactor systems. Central to this effort was the **development of advanced analytical tools**—combining chemical fingerprinting, genomic sequencing, and sophisticated bioinformatics—to identify crucial early-warning signals of system disturbances. What’s particularly exciting about PRODIGIO’s innovative approach is its versatility; these methodologies aren’t limited solely to microalgae-based systems but can be adapted broadly to bioreactors reliant on complex microbial communities. As a result, PRODIGIO has not only deepened our understanding of pathogens and microbial stress responses but also significantly enhanced the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of microalgae biogas production. One major hurdle facing large-scale microalgae cultivation has always been its susceptibility to contamination from pathogens such as fungi and bacteria. PRODIGIO tackled this challenge head-on, developing **sophisticated monitoring systems that detect pathogens** **early**, ensuring stable, robust biomass production. Their research demonstrated clearly that environmental factors, especially solar radiation and temperature, are critical in managing these risks—vital insights for establishing reliable microalgae cultivation systems. But what about the biogas production process itself? Industrial-scale anaerobic digestion (AD), essential for converting microalgae into biogas, can face disturbances like sudden organic overloads. Here again, PRODIGIO stepped in, designing **adaptive recovery strategies** informed by real-time data. Their groundbreaking experiments revealed that while microbiomes adapt effectively to variations in algae composition, certain antibiotics can severely compromise AD systems. The predictive model developed by PRODIGIO to detect AD failures early represents a vital tool to sustain stable and efficient biogas production. Beyond cultivation and digestion, PRODIGIO harnessed **advanced modelling techniques** like Empirical Dynamic Modelling (EDM) to optimise large-scale microalgae cultivation. By mapping complex ecological interactions within these systems, researchers could anticipate and address imbalances before they occurred. This proactive approach significantly increased the resilience and productivity of cultivation processes, marking a substantial advancement in biotechnology. Furthermore, PRODIGIO meticulously studied the mechanisms behind biogas production declines in anaerobic reactors, integrating extensive biological, chemical, and operational datasets. Their work unveiled **specific biochemical pathways** vulnerable during organic overload conditions, providing powerful predictive tools to ensure stable methane production and safeguard productivity. Finally, to ensure holistic sustainability, PRODIGIO conducted a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), evaluating **environmental, economic, and social dimensions of microalgal biogas production**. The results highlighted cultivation and pre-treatment phases as major environmental impact contributors, while also affirming the economic viability of commercial-scale biogas plants. Crucially, the project emphasised the importance of dynamic LCA models for accurately reflecting the variability inherent in bioenergy production, equipping decision-makers with essential insights for future biotechnological advances. #### A Collaborative Network of Leading Institutions Driving Biogas Innovation The PRODIGIO project brought together a distinguished consortium of research institutions and industry leaders from across Europe and beyond, each providing specialised expertise critical to the project’s success. France’s Association for Research and Development of Methods and Industrial Processes (ARMINES) made a vital contribution through its proficiency in lifecycle assessment methods, providing rigorous evaluations of environmental and health impacts. From Norway, the prestigious Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) added crucial insights into biotechnology, particularly focusing on microbial consortia within bioreactor systems. The University of Almeria (UAL) in Spain played a pivotal role, bringing extensive experience in biotechnology and innovative bioprocess engineering, notably in optimising photobioreactor designs to enhance biomass production. Additionally, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), through its specialised centres—the Institute of Marine Sciences in Barcelona and the Centre of National Biotechnology in Madrid—enriched the project with advanced research in microbial ecology and eco-genomics. Further strengthening the consortium was the IMDEA Energy Institute (IMDEA-E) in Spain, whose multidisciplinary team brought expertise in renewable energy technologies and anaerobic digestion processes, driving significant innovations in biogas production techniques. Germany’s renowned Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) contributed key ecological chemistry expertise, providing insights into microbial community dynamics through sophisticated chemical analyses. From Asia, Taiwan’s National Taiwan University (NTU) supported the project with advanced analytical methods, focusing on theoretical ecology and EcoInformatics, thereby deepening the understanding of complex microbial interactions. Lastly, IDConsortium from Spain efficiently coordinated the project’s dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities, ensuring the wide-reaching impact and visibility of PRODIGIO’s valuable outcomes. For more insights into PRODIGIO’s innovations and sustainability achievements, explore the project’s official brochure or visit the website at www.prodigio-project.eu. Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## ERASMUS+ URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/erasmus-plus # ERASMUS+ ## Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. IDConsortium #### Erasmus+ mobility has positive effects on educational, social, personal and professional development, in that it enhances knowledge, skills and attitudes, improves employability, helps confidence-building and independence, stimulates curiosity and innovation, fosters the understanding of other people, and builds a sense of European belonging. 30% of the budget will be invested in cooperation projects and policy development activities where organisations gain experience in international cooperation, strengthen their capacities, produce innovative approaches, exchange good practices and network. Through these actions, Erasmus+ will play an important role in strengthening resilience and supporting recovery and innovation in the fields of education, training, youth and sport. The European Year of Skills has highlighted the necessity for continuous skills development among adults to meet evolving labor market demands. Despite this emphasis, adult participation in training remains suboptimal. The 2022 Adult Education Survey indicates that only 39.5% of adults engaged in training over the past year, significantly below the 60% target set for 2030 by the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan. A critical barrier is the limited access to effective career guidance and counseling services, particularly for individuals with low basic skills and employees in small and micro-enterprises. Enhancing these services is essential to empower adults to make informed decisions about upskilling and reskilling opportunities. ### Improving Career Guidance for Adults: **Activities** **to**** be ****funded****: ** - Develop and test integrated career guidance services that combine automated and in-person support. - Implement outreach strategies to engage low-skilled adults and employees in small businesses. - Establish collaborative frameworks where stakeholders share responsibility for adult skills development. **Expected** **Impact****:** - Increased participation of adults in training programs. - Scalable career guidance tools tailored to regional and sectoral needs. - Stronger partnerships between employers, training providers, and policymakers to ensure continuous workforce development.   ### Digital Education: Skills and Competence Assessment: **Activities** **to**** be ****funded****: ** - Develop digital assessment tools to evaluate key competencies and digital skills. - Implement AI-driven tools for personalized learning and adaptive training solutions. - Pilot digital certification frameworks to ensure skills recognition across the EU. **Expected** **Impact****:** - Improved digital literacy and skills certification across different educational and professional sectors. - Stronger alignment between education programs and labor market needs. - Increased accessibility of digital learning solutions for individuals and businesses.   ### Digital Education: Ethical and Effective Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Systems in Education and Training: **Activities** **to**** be ****funded****: ** - Explore the ethical implications of using generative AI in education and training. - Develop guidelines and best practices for AI-driven educational tools. - Pilot AI applications that support personalized learning, assessment automation, and student engagement. **Expected** **Impact****:** - Improved ethical frameworks and policy recommendations for AI use in education. - Development of trusted and effective AI-based learning tools. - Strengthened capacity of educators and institutions to integrate AI responsibly. Proposals must be submitted by a consortium comprising at least three entities from three different Erasmus+ Programme Countries. The EU grant will fund up to 80% of the total eligible project costs Projects should last between 24 and 48 months Lump sum grants A prefinancing payment of 40% of the maximum grant amount will be provided within 30 days from the grant agreement’s entry into force. 27 May 2025 17:00:00 Brussels time ## Latest news & calls related to this programme: --- ## IDConsortium asegura financiación para el proyecto europeo TAURUS en el marco de Erasmus+ URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/financiacion-proyecto-europeo-taurus-erasmus-plus ### Noticias | TAURUS > # IDConsortium asegura financiación para el proyecto europeo TAURUS en el marco de Erasmus+ ## IDConsortium ha conseguido que el proyecto TAURUS obtenga financiación en el marco del programa Erasmus+, gracias a su labor en la preparación de la propuesta. IDConsortium #### El proyecto, coordinado por el Clúster Digital de Cataluña, ha sido financiado con un presupuesto total de 1.006.773,70 euros, de los cuales 805.419 euros han sido otorgados como financiación por la Comisión Europea. ### ¿Qué es TAURUS? El proyecto **TAURUS** (**Talent Accelerator for the Agrifood Manufacturing Industry: Re-skilling and Up-skilling of European Workers, SMEs Counselling and Guidance**) busca acelerar la transformación digital y la adopción de tecnologías emergentes en el sector agroalimentario europeo. Para lograrlo, desarrollará la primera **plataforma europea de aceleración de talento** impulsada por **inteligencia artificial**, que analizará las necesidades de formación y ofrecerá asesoramiento personalizado tanto a empresas como a trabajadores y futuros empleados. El proyecto tiene una duración de **36 meses** y se basa en dos pilares clave: - **Assessment and Guidance Lab**: Enfocado en **pymes**, proporcionando herramientas estratégicas para la transición hacia la Industria 4.0 y 5.0. - **Re-skilling and Up-skilling Lab**: Diseñado para la formación de trabajadores y futuros empleados, fortaleciendo sus competencias digitales y técnicas. TAURUS tiene como objetivo **impactar a más de 50 pymes y 300 estudiantes**, brindándoles un **itinerario formativo adaptado** a sus necesidades y asegurando una integración efectiva de las nuevas tecnologías en sus procesos productivos. ### Socios del Proyecto TAURUS es un esfuerzo conjunto de diversas organizaciones europeas especializadas en formación, digitalización e innovación agroalimentaria. Los socios incluyen: - **Asociación Clúster Digital de Cataluña** (España) – Coordinador del proyecto. Web - **Acceleralia SL** (España) – Consultoría y aceleración de startups y pymes. Web - **MIB Développement – Ecole des Ponts Business School** (Francia) – Formación en gestión y negocios. Web - **EIT Food** (Bélgica) – Comunidad de innovación alimentaria en Europa. Web - **EIT Food CLC South S.L.** (España) – Nodo regional de EIT Food. Web ### Un Proyecto con Gran Impacto **TAURUS** ha recibido una evaluación altamente positiva por parte de la Comisión Europea, destacando su **alineación con las políticas europeas** en educación y digitalización, así como su potencial para generar un impacto **significativo y sostenible** en la industria agroalimentaria. Este éxito refuerza el papel de **IDConsortium** en la preparación y gestión de propuestas europeas, apoyando a consorcios en la obtención de financiación para proyectos estratégicos en sectores clave para el desarrollo económico europeo. Para más información sobre el proyecto y sus avances, visita las webs de los socios o contacta con **IDConsortium**. ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre TAURUS y Erasmus+: --- ## LEVOX obtiene financiación de Women TECH EU con el apoyo de IDConsortium y el EDIH Madrid URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/levox-financiacion-womentecheu-apoyo-idconsortium-edih-madrid ### Noticias | EDIH > # LEVOX obtiene financiación de Women TECH EU con el apoyo de IDConsortium y el EDIH Comunidad de Madrid ## LEVOX, la innovadora startup deeptech en el ámbito de las baterías, energía y sostenibilidad, ha obtenido 75.000 euros de financiación y servicios de aceleración a través del prestigioso programa Women TechEU (womentecheurope.eu). IDConsortium #### Este hito ha sido posible gracias al apoyo de IDConsortium, socio del EDIH Comunidad de Madrid, que ofrece servicios especializados en búsqueda de financiación para startups y empresas innovadoras. A través del EDIH Comunidad de Madrid, IDConsortium proporciona asesoramiento estratégico para acceder a oportunidades de inversión en el ámbito digital y tecnológico. Gracias a esta financiación, **Marta Álvarez Hereda**, CEO de **LEVOX** (LinkedIn), podrá acelerar el desarrollo de su plataforma integral de Inteligencia Artificial y Análisis de Datos para la gestión inteligente de baterías. LEVOX es un proyecto tecnológico que busca optimizar el rendimiento de las baterías de movilidad, automoción y almacenamiento energético durante toda su vida útil, maximizando su valor mediante tecnologías propietarias basadas en Inteligencia Artificial y Análisis avanzado de Datos. Su enfoque se centra en alargar la vida útil de las baterías, fomentar su reutilización y reducir el impacto ambiental, cerrando el círculo en torno a la eficiencia energética y la sostenibilidad. Este éxito refuerza el compromiso de **IDConsortium** y el **EDIH Comunidad de Madrid** con la **innovación y el emprendimiento femenino**, impulsando el crecimiento de startups tecnológicas con alto impacto en la sociedad y la sostenibilidad. Para más información, visita LEVOX en LinkedIn. ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## IDConsortium Secures Funding for the European Project TAURUS under Erasmus+ URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/funding-european-project-taurus-erasmus-plus ### News | TAURUS > # IDConsortium Secures Funding for the European Project TAURUS under Erasmus+ ## IDConsortium has successfully secured funding for the TAURUS project under the Erasmus+ program, thanks to its expertise in proposal preparation. IDConsortium #### The project, coordinated by the Clúster Digital de Cataluña, has received a total budget of €1,006,773.70, with €805,419 awarded as funding by the European Commission. ### What is TAURUS? The **TAURUS** project (**Talent Accelerator for the Agrifood Manufacturing Industry: Re-skilling and Up-skilling of European Workers, SMEs Counselling and Guidance**) aims to accelerate digital transformation and the adoption of emerging technologies in the European agrifood sector. To achieve this, it will develop the first **European Talent Accelerator platform**, powered by **artificial intelligence**, which will assess training needs and provide personalized guidance for companies, workers, and future employees. The project has a **36-month** duration and focuses on two key pillars: - **Assessment and Guidance Lab**: Targeted at **SMEs**, offering strategic tools for transitioning to Industry 4.0 and 5.0. - **Re-skilling and Up-skilling Lab**: Designed to train workers and future employees, strengthening their digital and technical skills. TAURUS aims to **impact over 50 SMEs and 300 students**, providing them with a **tailor-made training roadmap**, ensuring effective integration of new technologies into their production processes. ### Project Partners TAURUS is a joint effort by various European organizations specializing in training, digitalization, and agrifood innovation. The partners include: - **Asociación Clúster Digital de Cataluña** (Spain) – Project Coordinator. Web - **Acceleralia SL** (Spain) – Consulting and acceleration for startups and SMEs. Web - **MIB Développement – Ecole des Ponts Business School** (France) – Business and management training. Web - **EIT Food** (Belgium) – Leading European food innovation community. Web - **EIT Food CLC South S.L.** (Spain) – Regional node of EIT Food. Web ### A Project with Great Impact **TAURUS** has received highly positive feedback from the **European Commission**, highlighting its **alignment with EU policies** on education and digitalization, as well as its potential to create a **significant and sustainable impact** on the agrifood industry. This achievement reinforces **IDConsortium’s** role in preparing and managing European proposals, supporting consortia in securing funding for strategic projects in key sectors for European economic growth. For more information about the project and its progress, visit the partners’ websites or contact **IDConsortium**. ## More news about TAURUS and Erasmus+: --- ## Transformación Digital en Grandes Empresas y PyMEs: Oportunidades con el EDIH Madrid Region URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/transformacion-digital-grandes-empresas-pymes-oportunidades-edih-madrid-region ### Noticias | EDIH > # Transformación Digital en Grandes Empresas y PyMEs: Oportunidades con el EDIH Madrid Region ## La transformación digital es una prioridad estratégica para empresas de todos los tamaños. Con el objetivo de facilitar el acceso a tecnologías avanzadas y oportunidades de financiación, el European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Madrid Region organizó el taller “Transformación Digital en Grandes Empresas y PyMEs: Aprovechando Oportunidades con el EDIH Madrid Region”. IDConsortium #### El evento contó con la participación de Macarena Sanz, directora de IDConsortium, y Micol Beittel, Ecosystem Lead Spain & Portugal de EIT Digital, quienes presentaron las oportunidades que ofrece el EDIH Madrid Region a empresas y administraciones públicas. ### ¿Qué es el EDIH Madrid Region? El European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Madrid Region es un proyecto europeo cofinanciado por la Comisión Europea dentro del programa Europa Digital. Actúa como una ventanilla única para apoyar a empresas y organismos públicos en su transformación digital, combinando un enfoque regional con el acceso a una red paneuropea de innovación. El EDIH Madrid Region ofrece cuatro pilares de apoyo:**✅ Test Before Invest**: Facilita el acceso a tecnologías avanzadas sin necesidad de inversión inicial.**✅ Skills and Training**: Ofrece formación especializada en digitalización.**✅ Support to Find Investment**: Identifica oportunidades de financiación para la innovación.**✅ Innovation Ecosystem & Networking**: Conecta a empresas con socios estratégicos para la colaboración. ### Colaboración entre Grandes Empresas y PyMEs Uno de los temas clave del evento fue cómo las grandes empresas pueden colaborar con PyMEs en el marco del EDIH. Macarena Sanz destacó que esta cooperación permite:**✔️ Compartir experiencia y recursos para facilitar la adopción de nuevas tecnologías.✔️ Impulsar iniciativas de innovación abierta que beneficien a ambas partes.✔️ Generar plataformas que amplíen oportunidades de negocio para las PyMEs. ### Oportunidades de Financiación para la Innovación El evento también abordó las distintas opciones de financiación disponibles para impulsar la digitalización:? Horizonte Europa**: Programas de I+D en digitalización, industria y espacio.**? Interregionales en Innovación (I3)**: Fomenta proyectos de innovación interregional.**? Fondos de Cascada**: Financiación para startups y PyMEs en adopción de tecnologías digitales.**? Eurostars-3**: Apoya proyectos de I+D cercanos al mercado. ### Casos de Éxito y Networking Además de las ponencias, el evento incluyó presentaciones de empresas innovadoras como Lenora, Felwy y Cardee, que compartieron sus experiencias en digitalización. ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## LEVOX Secures Women TECH EU Funding with the Support of IDConsortium and EDIH Madrid URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/levox-womentecheu-funding-support-idconsortium-edih-madrid ### News | EDIH > # LEVOX Secures Women TECH EU Funding with the Support of IDConsortium and EDIH Comunidad de Madrid ## LEVOX, the innovative deeptech startup in the field of batteries, energy, and sustainability, has secured €75,000 in funding and acceleration services through the prestigious Women TechEU programme (womentecheurope.eu). IDConsortium #### This milestone has been made possible thanks to the support of IDConsortium, a partner of EDIH Comunidad de Madrid, which offers specialised services in funding search for startups and innovative companies. Through EDIH Comunidad de Madrid, IDConsortium provides strategic advice to access investment opportunities in the digital and technological sectors. Thanks to this funding, **Marta Álvarez Hereda, CEO of LEVOX** (LinkedIn), will be able to accelerate the **development of her integrated Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics platform for intelligent battery management**. **LEVOX is a tech-driven project aiming to optimise the performance of batteries used in mobility, automotive and energy storage** throughout their entire life cycle, maximising their value through proprietary technologies based on AI and advanced data analytics. Its approach focuses on extending battery lifespan, promoting reuse, and reducing environmental impact—closing the loop on energy efficiency and sustainability. **This success reinforces the commitment of IDConsortium and EDIH Comunidad de Madrid to innovation and female entrepreneurship**, driving the growth of high-impact tech startups that contribute to society and sustainability. For more information, visit LEVOX on LinkedIn. ## More news about EDIH – Madrid Region: --- ## Digital Transformation in Large Companies and SMEs: Opportunities with the EDIH Madrid Region URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/digital-transformation-large-companies-sme-opportunities-edih-madrid-region ### News | EDIH > # Digital Transformation in Large Companies and SMEs: Opportunities with the EDIH Madrid Region ## Digital transformation is a strategic priority for companies of all sizes. To facilitate access to advanced technologies and funding opportunities, the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Madrid Region organized the workshop “Digital Transformation in Large Companies and SMEs: Leveraging Opportunities with the EDIH Madrid Region”. IDConsortium #### The event featured Macarena Sanz, Director of IDConsortium, and Micol Beittel, Ecosystem Lead Spain & Portugal at EIT Digital, who presented the opportunities that the EDIH Madrid Region offers to businesses and public administrations. ### What is the EDIH Madrid Region? The European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Madrid Region is a European project co-financed by the European Commission under the Digital Europe Programme. It serves as a one-stop-shop to support businesses and public organizations in their digital transformation, combining a regional focus with access to a pan-European innovation network. The EDIH Madrid Region provides four key areas of support: ✅ **Test Before Invest**: Enables access to advanced technologies without initial investment.**✅ Skills and Training**: Offers specialized training in digitalization.**✅ Support to Find Investment**: Identifies funding opportunities for innovation.**✅ Innovation Ecosystem & Networking**: Connects companies with strategic partners for collaboration. ### Collaboration Between Large Companies and SMEs One of the key topics of the event was how large companies can collaborate with SMEs within the framework of the EDIH. Macarena Sanz highlighted that this collaboration allows: ✔️ Sharing experience and resources to facilitate the adoption of new technologies.**✔️ Promoting open innovation initiatives that benefit both parties.✔️ Creating platforms that expand business opportunities for SMEs. ### Oportunidades de Financiación para la Innovación The event also covered various funding opportunities available to drive digitalization: ? Horizon Europe**: R&D programs in digitalization, industry, and space.**? Interregional Innovation Investments (I3)**: Supports interregional innovation projects.**? Cascade Funding**: EU funding for startups and SMEs adopting digital technologies.**? Eurostars-3**: Supports market-oriented R&D projects. ### Success Stories and Networking In addition to the presentations, the event featured Lenora, Felwy, and Cardee, three innovative companies that shared their digitalization experiences. ## More news about EDIH – Madrid Region: --- ## Aphea.Bio leads the way to innovative microbial solutions for drought-resilient crops URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-apheabio-way-innovative-microbial-solutions-drought-resilient-crops ### News | BOOSTER > # Aphea.Bio leads the way to innovative microbial solutions for drought-resilient crops ## Through rigorous greenhouse screening and validation protocols, Aphea.Bio has identified promising microbial biostimulants that significantly enhance drought tolerance in maize. IDConsortium #### Aphea.Bio is emerging as a pioneering force within the BOOSTER Project, driving innovative solutions to enhance drought tolerance in essential crops such as maize and with the potential to transfer to teff. The company is deeply involved in a multifaceted initiative that combines rigorous greenhouse experiments with extensive field trials to identify and develop the most effective microbial biostimulants.​ At the heart of Aphea.Bio’s contribution is a comprehensive drought screening process. Diverse soil samples have provided a rich source of microbial isolates, which are now being tested to evaluate their potential in mitigating drought stress. Approximately 200 isolates were received from the other project partner, VIB, and to date, 143 of these have been incorporated into the company’s state-of-the-art greenhouse drought screening program conducted under controlled environmental conditions. The screening process unfolds methodically. Initially, microbe-coated and control maize seeds are cultivated under optimal, non-stress conditions to ensure healthy growth during a predefined period. Following this phase, the plants are carefully transferred into a substrate where water is deliberately withheld, triggering drought stress until visible symptoms emerge. This is then followed by re-watering to allow for a recovery phase. Ultimately, the plants are harvested, and both fresh and dry biomass are measured to assess the impact of the microbial treatments. Early proof-of-concept experiments have yielded a range of outcomes. Some microbial isolates have demonstrated a notable positive effect by significantly increasing dry biomass compared to mock-treated seeds, while others have exhibited lower biomass effects, potentially pointing towards the plant going into a stress survival and water-saving modus. These insights are crucial for refining the selection process and advancing only the most promising candidates. In parallel with the screening efforts, Aphea.Bio is also advancing the formulation of the obtained high-quality microbial biostimulants. During the next phase of the project, the identified biostimulants along with the different seed coating formulations (SWEs) will be rigorously tested in field trials across the Mediterranean and South/East zones of Europe. In preparation for these trials, the company is scaling up production, with plans to produce two maize and two teff microbial biostimulants, in addition to extra batches of two maize and two teff SWEs. These steps follow promising in-house greenhouse experiments, which confirmed increased drought tolerance, paving the way for their real-world evaluation ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## RUSTICA releases exclusive Final Conference footage featuring key stakeholders URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-exclusive-final-conference-footage-key-stakeholders ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA releases exclusive Final Conference footage featuring key stakeholders ## The RUSTICA project has released a series of nine new videos capturing key moments from its Final Conference, held in Leuven, Belgium. IDConsortium ### These videos offer an in-depth look at the discussions, insights, and collaborations that shaped the event, featuring RUSTICA partners and key stakeholders, including representatives from the European Commission and FAO. The newly published footage provides a comprehensive recap of the conference, covering essential topics such as circular bio-based fertilisers, nutrient recycling, waste treatment, market adoption, and policy standardization. Alongside the main conference highlights, the videos also include exclusive interviews with experts from across the project’s network, shedding light on the impact of RUSTICA’s innovations and the path forward for sustainable agriculture. The individual interviews feature leading voices from research, industry, and policy, discussing challenges and opportunities in the bioeconomy, waste management, and agricultural sustainability: ? **SUEZ Group – Dominique Helaine** (Carbon Solution Director) addresses waste and carbon solutions, focusing on standardization, scalability, and education for market adoption. ? **ILVO, Belgium – Fien Amery** highlights the benefits of nutrient recycling and RUSTICA’s circular approach. ? **KU Leuven, Belgium – Tessa Avermaete** discusses the multi-actor approach and the importance of stakeholder involvement in building a bio-based future for Europe. ? **FAO UN – Mohamed Eida** (Plant Nutrition) explores the challenges of fertilizer accessibility, the potential of organic-based fertilisers to create jobs and markets, and the role of regulatory standardization. ? **CIAT, Colombia – Guillermo Peña Chipatecua** highlights the need to better communicate the benefits of organic vs. synthetic fertilisers, and the role of local governments in developing domestic alternatives to reduce import dependency. ? **UGENT, Belgium – Leo Gutierrez** underscores the importance of waste treatment and circularity to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based products. ? **European Commission (DG AGRI, Unit Research and Innovation) – Benjamin Van Doorslaer** highlights the role of bioeconomy and RUSTICA’s contribution to climate, environment, and EU food sovereignty. ? **Particula Group, Croatia – Dominik Jasinski** discusses the environmental, economic, and social impact assessment of RUSTICA, as well as market development strategies to ensure affordability for farmers and acceptance by regional stakeholders. These videos provide valuable insights into the impact of the RUSTICA project and the collaborative efforts driving sustainable agricultural innovations. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, industry expert, or farmer, these interviews offer key perspectives on the future of bio-based fertilisers and circular economy solutions. Watch the full RUSTICA Final Conference recap below and expert interviews on the RUSTICA website and YouTube channel. Stay connected with RUSTICA on LinkedIn and X to keep up with the latest updates on circular bio-based fertilisers and sustainable agriculture solutions. Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## BOOSTER Project and BioAtlantis advance climate-resilient agriculture with cutting-edge research and recognition URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-bioatlantis-climate-resilient-agriculture-cutting-edge-research-recognition ### News | BOOSTER > # BOOSTER Project and BioAtlantis advance climate-resilient agriculture with cutting-edge research and recognition ## BOOSTER project is pioneering molecular priming technologies to enhance climate resilience in maize and teff, receiving industry recognition and expanding large-scale field trials across Europe and Ethiopia to secure future agricultural sustainability. IDConsortium #### The EU-funded BOOSTER project continues to make significant strides in agricultural research and innovation, with project partners at the forefront of developing solutions to enhance the resilience and productivity of crops in the face of climate change.​ Since the launch of BOOSTER’s Work Package 3 (WP3), BioAtlantis has focused on the development of novel, proprietary **molecular priming formulations** designed to improve stress resilience, growth, and productivity in maize. A key figure in this research effort is Dr. Aakansha Kanojia, a postdoctoral researcher from the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) in Bulgaria, who is currently conducting trials at BioAtlantis’ R&D department under the supervision of Dr. Sujeeth Neerakkal, Head of Plant Research at BioAtlantis. The formulations are being tested in controlled growth room trials to assess their efficacy in improving maize performance under stress conditions. In addition to the trials conducted at BioAtlantis, scientists from CPSBB in Bulgaria and Universität Bern in Switzerland have also been screening these formulations to evaluate their potential. These innovative molecular priming agents will be subjected to large-scale field trials at multiple geographic locations across Europe and Ethiopia, with Work Package 4 (WP4) and BioAtlantis taking the lead in coordinating these trials. To better understand the mechanisms underlying their effectiveness, researchers will employ **advanced analytical techniques, including transcriptomics and metabolomics**, which will help **optimize maize growth and yield in the face of extreme climatic challenges**, ensuring that future agricultural production remains stable despite the increasing threat of drought and other climate-related stressors. BOOSTER’s mission aligns with the urgent need to develop sustainable solutions that can support maize and teff production in both Europe and Ethiopia, securing food supply chains against the impacts of climate change. In recognition of its groundbreaking work, BioAtlantis has received **multiple accolades** for its contributions to innovation and research. At the 2024 **Tech Industry Alliance Awards in Ireland**, BioAtlantis was honored with the **‘Smart Technology Innovation Award’**, a prestigious recognition of the company’s dedication to advancing agritech solutions. This award highlighted BioAtlantis’ pioneering work in molecular priming, particularly the development of its widely recognized **SuperFifty® Prime** technology. The achievement was widely covered in Irish media, showcasing the company’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation. BioAtlantis’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology was further acknowledged when it was shortlisted for the **STEM South West Awards 2024** in Ireland in the **Industry (Medium) category**, reflecting its status as a key player in the scientific and technological landscape. Alongside its research and award-winning innovations, BioAtlantis has actively engaged with the media and policymakers to highlight the impact of BOOSTER and its ongoing contributions to agricultural sustainability. The project’s launch received **extensive media coverage in Ireland**, bringing its objectives to a wider audience that includes the general public, industry leaders, and agricultural stakeholders. The company has dedicated a section of its website to showcasing BOOSTER’s media presence, reinforcing its role in transforming agriculture through cutting-edge research. In addition to media outreach, BioAtlantis issued a **BOOSTER newsletter** targeted at policymakers, including elected Irish representatives at local, national, and European levels. The newsletter garnered a **35% open rate**, indicating strong interest in the project’s findings and objectives among decision-makers. BioAtlantis’ influence extends beyond BOOSTER, as demonstrated by its involvement in the **EU4Algae project**, a European Commission initiative aimed at fostering the development of a **regenerative algae industry in Europe**. As a recognized stakeholder in this initiative, BioAtlantis was recently featured in the European Commission’s **Maritime Forum**, where it highlighted its contributions to climate-resilient agriculture and the role of molecular priming in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By participating in EU4Algae, BioAtlantis continues to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications, reinforcing its commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural solutions. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Successful RUSTICA Global Workshop sets the stage for the future of circular Bio-Based Fertilisers URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/successful-rustica-global-workshop-future-circular-biobased-fertilisers ### NEWS | Rustica > # Successful RUSTICA Global Workshop sets the stage for the future of circular Bio-Based Fertilisers ## The RUSTICA global workshop, held on 26th November at the Irish College in Leuven, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the globe to discuss the future of circular bio-based fertilisers. IDConsortium ### With the title “Roadmap for Circular Bio-Based Fertilisers: Bridging Innovation and Market Adoption,” the event aimed to foster constructive dialogue around the key outcomes of the RUSTICA project and explore the bottlenecks and opportunities in the development of bio-based fertilisers.​ The workshop welcomed experts from private companies, knowledge centres, policy-making bodies, and universities, representing a broad range of sectors and regions, including Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The discussions were lively and focused not only on the specific results of the RUSTICA project but also on the broader challenges and opportunities that lie in advancing bio-based fertilisers. One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the recognition of the need for a clear and coherent policy on bio-based fertilisers, including the importance of standardization and harmonization of regulations. The participants agreed that all characteristics of bio-based fertilisers—such as their long-term effects on soil fertility and their contribution to waste reduction—should be considered when comparing them to synthetic fertilisers. This balanced approach will help address the environmental and sustainability aspects of bio-based fertilisers. Additionally, experts emphasized the necessity of considering all facets of sustainability—social, economic, and ecological—when developing the bio-based economy. They stressed that there are inherent trade-offs between these aspects, and these should be carefully considered and quantified in policy and decision-making processes. The RUSTICA consortium looks back on the event as a resounding success, setting the foundation for future collaboration in the field of circular bio-based fertilisers. The valuable contributions of all participants were greatly appreciated, and the consortium is hopeful that this workshop marks the beginning of a broader, continued dialogue aimed at advancing sustainable agricultural practices globally. Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## CPSBB’s strategic contributions drive BOOSTER’s outreach growth in 2024 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/cpsbb-strategic-contributions-drive-booster-outreach-growth-2024 ### News | BOOSTER > # CPSBB’s strategic contributions drive BOOSTER’s outreach growth in 2024 ## The BOOSTER project has made significant strides in 2024, with various activities organized by consortium partner CPSBB that have showcased the project’s impact on sustainable agriculture and innovation. IDConsortium #### From public exhibitions to international collaborations, these events highlight the ongoing commitment to advancing research and fostering global connections. Over the course of 2024, the BOOSTER project has seen a series of dynamic activities that brought together diverse stakeholders from academia, industry, and government institutions.​ These events not only contributed to raising awareness about the project but also played a crucial role in disseminating its goals and outcomes across various sectors​. In **January to March**, the project was featured in an open-air public exhibition at the Central City Garden in Plovdiv as part of the CPSBB’s outreach, attracting public interest in the innovative research underway. This exhibition was followed by a **presentation of the BOOSTER project** on **21 March 2024** to students and academic staff at Sofia University by Dr. Veselin Petrov, emphasizing the project’s importance in advancing agricultural innovation. **May to August 2024** saw the continuation of public exhibitions, with the BOOSTER project being showcased in Trakia District near the CPSBB scientific complex. On **24 May**, Dr. Maria Benina presented the project to over 50 representatives from industry and academia within the Bulgarian agricultural sector during an official CPSBB event. The engagement with industry professionals continues to highlight the project’s relevance in practical applications for the agricultural community. On **11 June 2024**, the BOOSTER project was featured in the CPSBB LinkedIn newsletter, showcasing the consortium meeting that took place in Plovdiv. The project’s visibility also increased on **12 June**, when it was presented as a key element in the **WIDERA Horizon Europe Work Programme** to representatives from the National Contact Points (NCPs) from eight widening countries. The project also engaged students in hands-on experiences, as demonstrated on **2 July 2024**, when the **greenhouse experiment** was showcased to students from the Professional School of Food Technology in Plovdiv. This direct involvement of students helps foster future generations of researchers in sustainable agricultural practices. In **August 2024**, Dr. Aakansha Kanojia was interviewed on **Bulgarian National Television**, highlighting the BOOSTER project’s contributions to sustainable agriculture. **October** saw the project presented to students from **six European countries** visiting CPSBB under the Erasmus+ program, further establishing the project’s importance as a European initiative. The project’s international reach extended further with Dr. Veselin Petrov’s **presentation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing** on **7 November 2024**, where he showcased the project to a global audience of researchers. On **28 November 2024**, **Prof. Dr. Tsanko Gechev** participated in an interview with **Bulgarian National Radio**, underscoring the worldwide significance of the BOOSTER project in advancing sustainable agriculture. Finally, on **4 December 2024**, Dr. Aakansha Kanojia’s interview was featured in the **CPSBB newsletter**, which was sent to over 500 companies, academic organizations, media, and government representatives both in Bulgaria and abroad, further amplifying the project’s visibility and impact. The BOOSTER project continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and global engagement, reflecting the dedication of its partners in achieving the project’s goals and advancing sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Curso EDIH: Gestión y explotación de la propiedad intelectual URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/curso-edih-gestion-explotacion-propiedad-intelectual ### Noticias | EDIH > # Curso EDIH: Gestión y explotación de la propiedad intelectual ## Este curso es una oportunidad única para fortalecer la gestión de la propiedad intelectual de tu organización y alinearla estratégicamente con tus objetivos empresariales. IDConsortium ### ¿Sabes cómo gestionar tus activos de propiedad intelectual para obtener el mayor rendimiento posible? Esta formación, organizada en cuatro sesiones, es tu oportunidad para adquirir una visión estratégica y práctica que potenciará tu negocio. IDConsortium, como socio de EDIH Madrid, te invita a una formación donde expertos en Gestión y Explotación de la Propiedad Intelectual te darán las claves para maximizar la rentabilidad de tus activos tecnológicos. Durante las cuatro sesiones, las personas participantes aprenderán conceptos clave relacionados con la Propiedad Intelectual, la relevancia y estrategias para una correcta gestión, conocerás el ciclo de vida de los activos y las actividades clave para maximizar su explotación así como los mecanismos de protección existentes. Finalmente, conocerás las iniciativas existentes que darán lugar a beneficios fiscales para la compañía así como oportunidades de financiación de la Propiedad Intelectual existentes tanto a nivel nacional como europeo. Este curso es una oportunidad única para fortalecer la gestión de la propiedad intelectual de tu organización y alinearla estratégicamente con tus objetivos empresariales. ¡Inscríbete y potencia el valor de tus activos intangibles! #### Organización del curso: - **Módulo 1**: Conceptos básicos. **Acceso a la sesión (vídeo y presentación)** - **Módulo 2**: Gestión de activos intangibles. **Acceso a la sesión (vídeo y presentación)** - **Módulo 3**: Protección de la Propiedad Intelectual (PI). **Acceso a la sesión (vídeo y presentación)** - **Módulo 4**: Financiación de la Propiedad Intelectual (PI). **Acceso a la sesión (vídeo y presentación)****** 10/12/2024 19/12/2024 - Martes 10 de Diciembre (10:00 – 11:00 CET) - Jueves 12 de Diciembre (12:00 – 13:30 CET) - Martes 17 de Diciembre (10:00 – 11:30 CET) - Jueves 19 de Diciembre (12:00 – 13:00 CET) ONLINE ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium & EDIH Madrid: --- ## Andalucía: IER (Incentivos Económicos Regionales) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/andalucia-incentivos-economicos-regionales # Andalucía: IER – Incentivos Económicos Regionales ## Los incentivos regionales son las ayudas financieras que concede el Estado a la inversión productiva para fomentar la actividad empresarial, orientando su localización hacia zonas previamente determinadas y contribuyendo así a paliar los desequilibrios interterritoriales. IDConsortium #### La comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía colabora con el Ministerio de Hacienda, a través de la Consejería competente, en temas de industria. ## Beneficiarios y tramitación Se encuentran en el apartado de beneficiarios de estos incentivos el sector empresarial, en general industria transformadora, particularmente las de tecnología avanzada; servicios de apoyo a la industria, y los que mejoren significativamente las estructuras comerciales y alojamientos turísticos e instalaciones complementarias de ocio. Las solicitudes se deben presentar telemáticamente a través de la plataforma de presentación electrónica específica para incentivos regionales habilitada y accesible desde la oficina virtual. ## Zona de promoción económica Todo el territorio de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía. Con las siguientes características: Concesión de subvenciones hasta un máximo de: - En las provincias de Almería, Cádiz y Córdoba, del 50 % para grandes empresas, del 60 % para medianas empresas y del 70 % para pequeñas empresas. - En las provincias de Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga y Sevilla, del 40 % para grandes empresas, del 50 % para medianas empresas y del 60 % para pequeñas empresas. En el caso de proyectos con una inversión aprobada superior a 50 millones de euros dicho porcentaje máximo se fijará conforme a lo establecido para los grandes proyectos de inversión en las directrices sobre las ayudas estatales de finalidad regional. - Los proyectos ubicados en los municipios señalados en el Real Decreto 162/2008, de 8 de febrero, por el que se delimita la zona de promoción económica de Andalucía, modificado por el Real Decreto 992/2024, de 1 de octubre, serán considerados prioritarios. ## Sectores y proyectos promocionables ### Tipo de sectores promocionables A los efectos previstos en el artículo 6 del Reglamento aprobado por Real Decreto 899/2007, de 6 de julio, serán sectores promocionables los siguientes: - Industrias transformadoras, **incluida la industria agroalimentaria**, y servicios de apoyo a la producción que, respetando los criterios sectoriales establecidos por los organismos competentes, incluyan tecnología avanzada, presten especial atención a mejoras medioambientales y supongan una mejora significativa en la calidad o innovación de proceso o producto y, en especial, los que favorezcan la introducción de las nuevas tecnologías y la prestación de servicios en los subsectores de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones y los que mejoren significativamente las estructuras comerciales. - Establecimientos turísticos e instalaciones complementarias de ocio que, respetando los criterios sectoriales establecidos por los organismos competentes, posean carácter innovador especialmente en lo relativo a las mejoras medioambientales y que mejoren significativamente el potencial endógeno de la zona. ### Tipo de proyectos incentivables - Proyectos de creación de nuevos establecimientos. - Ampliación de una actividad ya establecida. - Iniciación de una nueva actividad por la empresa solicitante. - Modernización de instalaciones, siempre que no se trate de una mera inversión de reposición. ## Características de los incentivos ### Tipo de ayuda financiera Las ayudas consisten en subvenciones a fondo perdido, expresadas en porcentaje sobre los costes considerados elegibles. ### Inversiones subvencionables Los conceptos de inversión que podrán incentivarse serán los activos fijos de carácter material nuevos o de primer uso, referidos a los siguientes elementos de inversión: - Obra civil. - Bienes de equipo, excluidos los elementos de transporte exterior. - Estudios previos del proyecto: trabajos de planificación e ingeniería o dirección facultativa de los proyectos. - Activos inmateriales que cumplan determinados requisitos regulados en la normativa de incentivos regionales. - Otros conceptos, excepcionalmente. ### Requisitos Los proyectos deberán cumplir, entre otras y principalmente, las condiciones de no inicio de la inversión antes de la presentación de la solicitud, autofinanciación mínima del 25 % y viabilidad económica, técnica y financiera. La dimensión mínima del proyecto será de 900.000 euros en inversión aprobada. **ABIERTO**   ### Latest News: ## Normativa - Ley 50/1985, de 27 de diciembre, para la corrección de desequilibrios económicos interterritoriales (BOE nº 3, de 3 de enero de 1986) - Real Decreto 899/2007, de 6 de julio, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de desarrollo de la Ley de 27 de diciembre de 1985 (BOE nº 172, de 19 de julio de 2007) - Real Decreto 162/2008, de 8 de febrero, por el que se delimita la zona de promoción económica de Andalucía - Ley 39/2015, de 1 de octubre, del Procedimiento Administrativo Común de las Administraciones Públicas. - Orden HAP/2444/2013, de 17 de diciembre, por la que se publica el Acuerdo de la Comisión Delegada del Gobierno para Asuntos Económicos por el que se prorroga el plazo de vigencia de los reales decretos de delimitación de las zonas de promoción económica de la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia, Andalucía, Principado de Asturias, Comunidad Autónoma de Cantabria, Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia, Comunitat Valenciana, Aragón, Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla-La Mancha, Canarias, Comunidad Autónoma de Extremadura, Comunidad de Castilla y León, Ciudad de Ceuta y Ciudad de Melilla, a los efectos de solicitar las ayudas de incentivos regionales (BOE nº 312, de 30 de diciembre de 2013) - Real Decreto 303/2015, de 24 de abril, por el que se modifica el Reglamento de los incentivos regionales, de desarrollo de la Ley 50/1985, de 27 de diciembre, aprobado por el Real Decreto 899/2007, de 6 de julio - Real Decreto 305/2015, de 24 de abril, por el que se modifica el Real Decreto 162/2008, de 8 de febrero, por el que se delimita la zona de promoción económica de Andalucía - Real Decreto-ley 35/2020, de 22 de diciembre, de medidas urgentes de apoyo al sector turístico, la hostelería y el comercio y en materia tributaria - Orden HFP/1479/2021, de 22 de diciembre, por el que se publica el Acuerdo de la Comisión Delegada del Gobierno para Asuntos Económicos, por el que se prorroga el plazo de vigencia de los Reales Decretos de delimitación de las Zonas de Promoción Económica - Real Decreto 614/2022, de 26 de julio, por el que se modifica el Real Decreto 162/2008, de 8 de febrero, por el que se delimita la zona de promoción económica de Andalucía (pdf) - Acuerdo del Consejo Rector de Incentivos regionales para el periodo 2022-2027 (pdf) - Orden HAC/714/2024, de 2 de julio, por la que se aprueban normas complementarias para la tramitación y gestión de los incentivos regionales previstos en la Ley 50/1985, de 27 de diciembre. ## Más información - Incentivos Regionales en la Dirección General de Fondos Comunitarios - Procedimientos de Incentivos Regionales - Descarga de impresos para la solicitud, cobro o prórroga de incentivos - Acuerdo del Consejo Rector de incentivos regionales sobre ordenación y funcionamiento del sistema de incentivos regionales para el periodo 2014-2020, actualizado a 23/11/2021 (pdf) --- ## Andalucía: IER – Ayudas para crecimiento y mejora de las PYMES URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/andalucia-ier-ayudas-crecimiento-mejora-pymes ### Noticias | Andalucía: IER​ > # Ayudas para crecimiento y mejora de las PYMES ## Las entidades beneficiarias son PYMES o autónomos con establecimiento operativo en Andalucía. IDConsortium ### Actuaciones apoyables: Proyectos empresariales que contemplen una inversión subvencionable superior a 30.000 euros destinada a: - La creación de un nuevo establecimiento. - La ampliación de la capacidad de un establecimiento existente. - La diversificación de la producción de un establecimiento en productos o servicios que anteriormente no se producían o prestaban en él. (Los costes subvencionables deberán superar como mínimo el 200% del valor contable de los activos reutilizados registrados en el ejercicio fiscal anterior al inicio de los trabajos. - Transformación fundamental del proceso global de producción del producto o productos o de la prestación global del servicio o servicios. ### Requisitos generales de los proyectos: Requisitos de capacidad económica y financiera: - No estar iniciados los trabajos con anterioridad a la fecha de presentación de la solicitud. - Se pueden presentar varias solicitudes para varios proyectos. - Las inversiones realizadas por el proyecto en activos fijos que hayan sido subvencionados se mantendrán en Andalucía, al menos, durante un período de tres años, a contar desde la fecha de presentación de la justificación de la inversión. - En los supuestos de bienes inmuebles, inscribibles en un registro público, este período será, en todo caso, de cinco años. - La persona o entidad beneficiaria deberá realizar una aportación financiera al proyecto de al menos el 25% de los costes subvencionables, con sus propios recursos o mediante financiación externa sin ningún tipo de ayuda o financiación pública. ### Costes subvencionables: - T**errenos urbanos**: la adquisición de terrenos urbanos necesarios para la implantación del proyecto. Máx. 10% del coste total. - **Naves y construcciones**. Cuando las inversiones subvencionables contengan la adquisición, construcción, rehabilitación o mejora de bienes inmuebles, la persona o entidad beneficiaria deberá destinar los bienes al fin concreto para el que se concede la subvención durante un período de tres años. Si dichos bienes son inscribibles en un registro público, este plazo será de cinco años, y deberá hacerse constar en la escritura tal circunstancia, así como el importe de la subvención concedida, debiendo ser objeto estos extremos de inscripción en el registro público correspondiente, y que el bien queda afecto, en su caso, al pago del reintegro. Se considerarán subvencionables naves y construcciones de segundo uso, siempre y cuando el valor de las mismas se acredite mediante certificado de tasador independiente acreditado e inscrito en el correspondiente registro oficial. Solo será subvencionable cuando no haya recibido anteriormente ningún tipo de ayuda. - **Bienes de equipo de procesos, nuevos o usados** siempre que se adquieran en condiciones de mercado y deduciendo aquellos activos para cuya adquisición el transmitente hubiera recibido ayudas. - **Bienes de equipo auxiliares e instalaciones**. En el caso de los elementos de transporte, solo serán subvencionables los elementos de transporte interior al recinto de la empresa. - **Equipos informáticos** o de infraestructura de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones (TIC). - **Adquisición y tratamiento de software**, a excepción de software que consista en licencias informáticas de sistemas operativos o de aplicaciones de ofimática. ### Características de la ayuda: - Desde el 45% del coste subvencionable, máximo el 70% para pequeñas empresas. - Desde el 35% del coste subvencionable, máximo el 60% para pequeñas medianas. - Hasta 2% más acumulable en casos de empresas con mayoría de mujeres, certificado EFR, proyectos de economía social, de colectivos específicos, creación de empleo, ubicación del proyecto, etc. - El máximo podrá incrementarse 10% para proyectos en las provincias de Almería, Cádiz y Córdoba. Hasta el 30 de diciembre de 2027 Tras la solicitud Máx. 31 diciembre 2029 3 meses tras la finalización del proyecto ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium y Andalucía IER: --- ## Segunda sesión de Formación del proyecto EDIH Región Madrid sobre el Programa I3 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/segunda-sesion-formacion-proyecto-edih-region-madrid-programa-i3 ### Noticias | EDIH > # Segunda sesión de Formación del proyecto EDIH Región Madrid sobre el Programa I3 ## Formación “Claves para el Éxito en las Propuestas del Programa I3 (Strand 1 y Strand 2A)” **Viernes 22 de Noviembre de 2024 | 10:00h – 13:00h | Formación online** ## ¡Envía tus propuestas para revisión antes del 15 de noviembre! IDConsortium El programa **Interregional Innovation Investments (I3)**, como parte del **Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (ERDF)**, tiene como objetivo apoyar proyectos de innovación interregional en sus fases de comercialización y escalado, brindando las herramientas necesarias para superar barreras regulatorias y de otro tipo, con el fin de llevar los proyectos al nivel de inversión. El programa se implementa a través de dos líneas de acción: - **Apoyo financiero y asesoramiento** para inversiones en proyectos de innovación interregional en áreas de especialización inteligente compartidas. - **Apoyo financiero, asesoramiento y desarrollo de capacidades** para el fortalecimiento de cadenas de valor en regiones menos desarrolladas. ### ¿Tienes o te gustaría enviar una propuesta para las convocatorias abiertas de 2024? Como parte de nuestra **sesión de formación** del 22 de noviembre, ofreceremos una revisión detallada de hasta **15 propuestas** para las convocatorias abiertas. Además, abordaremos las **prioridades clave** de cada convocatoria del programa I3, proporcionando **recomendaciones esenciales** para redactar propuestas exitosas. También profundizaremos en el **Financial Support to Third Parties**, destacando los **beneficios de utilizar esta herramienta** y ofreciendo pautas para **gestionar su implementación de forma efectiva**. Si deseas que tu propuesta sea considerada, asegúrate de enviarla a través de nuestro formulario de inscripción y envíanos cualquier duda por correo electrónico **antes del viernes 15 de noviembre de 2024**. ####   #### ¡No pierdas esta oportunidad de mejorar tu propuesta y asegurar una presentación exitosa! ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium & EDIH Madrid: --- ## Sesiones de Formación sobre el Programa I3 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/sesiones-formacion-programa-i3 ### Noticias | EDIH > # Sesiones de Formación sobre el Programa I3 ## Para acceder al contenido de todas las sesiones de formación que estamos realizando sobre el programa I3, completa el formulario a continuación. IDConsortium ### Estas sesiones de formación están impartidas por el proyecto EDIH Madrid Region, de la mano del equipo de IDConsortium. El programa **Interregional Innovation Investments (I3)**, como parte del **Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (ERDF)**, tiene como objetivo apoyar proyectos de innovación interregional en sus fases de comercialización y escalado, brindando las herramientas necesarias para superar barreras regulatorias y de otro tipo, con el fin de llevar los proyectos al nivel de inversión. El programa se implementa a través de dos líneas de acción: - **Apoyo financiero y asesoramiento** para inversiones en proyectos de innovación interregional en áreas de especialización inteligente compartidas. - **Apoyo financiero, asesoramiento y desarrollo de capacidades** para el fortalecimiento de cadenas de valor en regiones menos desarrolladas. #### Quienes ya hayáis completado el formulario recibiréis las instrucciones de acceso a estas sesiones de formación en el correo que habéis asociado al formulario. ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium & EDIH Madrid: --- ## RUSTICA Project Presented at the AnaEE Science Conference 2024 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-project-anaee-science-conference-2024 ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA Project Presented at the AnaEE Science Conference 2024 ## The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for interaction and knowledge sharing with leading environmental scientists from around the world. IDConsortium ### From October 8th to 10th, 2024, the RUSTICA Project was represented at the first AnaEE Science Conference, themed “Ecosystems under pressure: The role of experimentation,” held at the Centre de Conférence et Formation Jean Sarrailh in Paris, France. This prestigious event brought together around 60 participants, including PhD candidates, PostDocs, researchers, and professors, to explore innovative scientific approaches to addressing global environmental challenges. During the event, the RUSTICA team presented research on the “Evaluation of the impact of novel biobased fertilizers on soil carbon sequestration integrating laboratory short-term mineralization and modelling.” The poster, presented by E. Ronchin from CREA Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology (Gorizia, Italy), highlighted critical findings from the RUSTICA Project, which focuses on developing sustainable, biobased fertilizers (BBFs) as part of the EU Horizon 2020 initiative. The research emphasizes the potential of BBFs, produced from organic residues, to support soil carbon sequestration, a key mechanism in mitigating climate change. By examining the decomposition dynamics of organic matter within BBFs, the study integrates both experimental laboratory data and modelling approaches to predict the short- and long-term effects of these fertilizers on soil health and CO2 emissions. The outcomes of this research could significantly inform strategies for improving soil management, promoting sustainable agriculture, and contributing to climate change mitigation. The conference served as an ideal platform to engage with other researchers and policymakers, fostering discussions that could drive future collaborations and advancements in sustainable agriculture. ## More news about this project: --- ## RUSTICA project presented at DeSIRA connect days in Bogotá, Colombia URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-desira-connect-days-bogota-colombia ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA project presented at DeSIRA connect days in Bogotá, Colombia ## The RUSTICA project, which aims to convert organic residues into bio-based fertilisers, was well received, particularly due to the growing emphasis on bioeconomy in Colombia. IDConsortium ### The RUSTICA project was featured at the DeSIRA Connect Days, which took place from 25th to 27th June 2024, in Bogotá, Colombia. This event, organized by the EU Delegation, brought together various EU-funded initiatives to discuss innovations in sustainable agriculture, with a strong focus on bioeconomy and organic fertilizers. The RUSTICA project, which aims to convert organic residues into bio-based fertilisers, was well received, particularly due to the growing emphasis on bioeconomy in Colombia. The event also served as a platform for international cooperation, highlighting the importance of aligning European projects with global agricultural challenges, particularly in regions like Latin America where sustainable farming practices are becoming increasingly critical. The RUSTICA project garnered significant attention during the event, especially among Colombian stakeholders. The EU Delegation, which had previously been informed about the project, is now recognizing its relevance, particularly given the growing emphasis on bioeconomy and organic fertilizers within Colombia. This focus aligns with the national government’s recent priorities in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The event marked an important milestone for the RUSTICA project in Latin America. ## More news about this project: --- ## BOOSTER project advances tef drought resilience URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-project-advances-tef-drought-resilience ### News | BOOSTER > # BOOSTER project advances tef drought resilience ## The BOOSTER project recently held key meetings to review progress, address challenges, and showcase innovative trials to enhance tef’s drought tolerance through genomics and plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria, bringing together researchers, officials, and industry stakeholders. IDConsortium Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) in collaboration with international partners, hosted a series of critical meetings in September and October 2024 to review progress and strategize for future activities. On September 26 and 31, 2024, presentations and discussions were held at the EIAR Headquarters and in Bishoftu. The meetings focused on the project’s objectives and its innovative approaches to improving tef’s resilience to drought conditions. Senior officials from the EIAR, representatives from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, and researchers from EIAR participated in the event. During the sessions, the project team provided updates on work packages WP1 and WP3, highlighted the challenges encountered so far, and outlined the roadmap for the coming months. Further engagement occurred on October 18, 2024, at the Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, where seed quality inspectors from West Oromia and representatives from private seed companies gathered to discuss the project’s impact on the seed sector. A presentation showcased the ongoing tef drought tolerance experiments and their expected outcomes. Participants also had the opportunity to tour the greenhouse, where they observed trials involving bacterial isolates from the University of Cape Town being tested to improve tef’s drought tolerance. These meetings reflect the BOOSTER project’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovations for Ethiopia, with a particular focus on tef, one of the country’s most important staple crops. By integrating genomics and microbial solutions, the project continues to work towards enhancing food security and sustainability in drought-prone regions. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Nuestra directora Macarena Sanz presenta en jornada de Invest in Madrid URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/macarena-sanz-jornada-invest-madrid ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # Nuestra directora Macarena Sanz presenta en jornada de Invest in Madrid ## El pasado 23 de octubre, nuestra directora Macarena Sanz, CEO de IDConsortium, participó en una jornada organizada por Invest in Madrid ante una delegación del Córdoba Cluster de Argentina. IDConsortium #### Durante su intervención, Macarena destacó los principales programas europeos de financiación para la innovación y la colaboración internacional, centrándose en oportunidades clave como Horizon Europe, el Programa Europa Digital, y la Alianza Digital EU-LAC. IDConsortium también compartió su experiencia en la gestión de proyectos de innovación y la importancia de la cooperación empresarial entre Europa y América Latina, enfatizando programas como IBEROEKA para el apoyo a proyectos de I+D en ambas regiones. ### Enlaces relacionados: - https://investinmadrid.com/ - https://cordobacluster.com/ - https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en - https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/es/activities/digital-programme - https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/alianza-digital-ue-am%C3%A9rica-latina-y-el-caribe_es ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora especializada en la gestión de proyectos de I+D y en la búsqueda de financiación pública y privada. Con una amplia experiencia en la preparación y gestión de propuestas exitosas, IDConsortium se posiciona como un socio clave para organizaciones que buscan maximizar sus oportunidades de financiación y llevar sus innovaciones al siguiente nivel. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## EUROCLUSTERS 2024 Call for Europe’s Recovery URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/euroclusters-2024-call-europe-recovery ### News | IDConsortium > # EUROCLUSTERS 2024 Call for Europe’s Recovery ## The EUROCLUSTERS 2024 call aims to support strategic, cross-sectoral, and trans-European projects that promote innovation, strengthen economic resilience, and accelerate the transition to a green and digital economy. The initiative is part of the EU’s broader strategy to foster sustainable growth and enhance the global competitiveness of its industrial ecosystems. IDConsortium ### Importance of Clusters for the Economy Clusters are essential to the European Union’s industrial strategy. They bring together businesses, research institutions, and other economic actors along value chains, fostering collaboration and innovation. By connecting different sectors and regions, clusters enhance the competitiveness of companies, particularly SMEs, and drive the green and digital transitions. Furthermore, they play a critical role in the resilience of Europe’s industrial ecosystems, helping businesses respond to disruptions and build sustainable value chains. As highlighted in Mario Draghi’s report on *The Future of European Competitiveness*, clusters are pivotal in creating networks of innovation, connecting universities, startups, and large companies, which lead to dynamic industrial structures and successful commercialization in high-tech sectors. These synergies within clusters are key to Europe’s competitiveness in the global market. ### Objective of the Call The EUROCLUSTERS 2024 call aims to support strategic, cross-sectoral, and trans-European projects that promote innovation, strengthen economic resilience, and accelerate the transition to a green and digital economy. The initiative is part of the EU’s broader strategy to foster sustainable growth and enhance the global competitiveness of its industrial ecosystems. ### Priorities (Strands) The call is divided into two main strands: - Strand 1: Focuses on value chains related to net-zero technologies and critical raw materials, supporting the manufacturing and scaling-up of technologies that are vital for achieving the EU’s climate goals. - Strand 2: Addresses broader value chains outside of net-zero technologies, focusing on other industrial ecosystems to improve resilience, sustainability, and integration into EU value chains. ### Types of Activities The EUROCLUSTERS 2024 call supports various types of activities aimed at fostering innovation, strengthening value chains, and enhancing the resilience of SMEs through the adoption of advanced technologies. These activities are categorized into two types: Mandatory Activities and Optional Activities. While Mandatory Activities must be included in every project proposal, Optional Activities can be selected to complement and expand the project’s scope based on the specific needs of the consortium. #### Mandatory Activities: These are the core activities that all projects must implement to achieve the objectives of the EUROCLUSTERS 2024 call. They focus on product innovation, business process transformation, and communication strategies to ensure the project’s visibility and success. - Product Innovation:Support the development and introduction of new-to-firm products or services that reduce dependency on critical inputs and technologies within the cluster’s value chain. This aims to enhance the competitive edge of the cluster by driving innovation at the product level. - Business Process Innovation:Foster the implementation of new-to-firm technologies that help SMEs transition to greener and more digital business processes. These innovations will increase resilience and competitiveness by enabling more sustainable and efficient operations. - Communication and Dissemination:Develop and implement a comprehensive Communication and Dissemination Plan to maximize the visibility of Eurocluster activities and outcomes. The plan should use a common brand identity provided by EISMEA to ensure coherence in messaging and leverage various communication channels to reach a wide audience. #### Optional Activities: These activities are not mandatory but can be included to broaden the impact and effectiveness of the project. They offer additional support to SMEs and help strengthen the overall ecosystem. - Facilitate Joint Investments:Promote and support joint investments in critical innovation and production facilities that enhance the development and scaling of advanced technologies within the cluster. - Support Digital Transformation and Green Technology Adoption:Assist SMEs in adopting digital solutions and green technologies, enabling them to modernize their operations, increase resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. - Strengthen Value Chains:Foster partnerships between diverse industrial actors to strengthen value chains, enabling collaboration across sectors and regions, which is essential for improving resilience and sustainability. - Provide Technical Assistance:Offer technical assistance to SMEs to help them adopt sustainable practices, improve resource efficiency, and enhance their overall environmental and economic performance. ### Financial Conditions and Eligible Activities - The call will finance activities directly linked to the innovation and adoption of new processes and advanced technologies for strategic autonomy. - Cascade funding is allowed, where at least 75% of the grant should be directed as financial support to third-party SMEs. - Non-eligible activities include the direct purchase and installation of advanced technologies. ### Funding and Reimbursement Rates The EUROCLUSTERS 2024 call provides financial support with the following reimbursement structure: - 100% reimbursement for costs related to providing financial support to third parties (e.g., cascade funding for SMEs). This means that costs incurred for supporting SMEs through grants or similar mechanisms will be fully covered by the EU. - 90% reimbursement for all other cost categories, including: Personnel costs (salaries of staff working on the project). - Travel and subsistence. - Equipment (related to the project activities). - Subcontracting (external services or expertise required for project implementation). - Other direct operational costs linked to the project. ### Key Points on Funding - Cascade funding: At least 75% of the grant must be allocated to cascade funding for SMEs. Each SME may receive up to EUR 60,000 in financial support. - Eligible costs: All costs must be directly related to project activities and necessary for achieving the project’s objectives. - Co-financing: For cost categories reimbursed at 90%, beneficiaries will need to cover the remaining 10% from other sources, such as their own funds or external capital. This funding structure ensures significant financial support while requiring some level of co-investment from project participants, particularly for non-SME support activities. ### Minimum Consortium Eligibility Requirements To be eligible, a consortium must: - Include at least three legal entities (cluster organizations or innovation actors) from at least three EU Member States or SMP-COSME associated countries. - Represent actors from different sectors and regions, ensuring geographical diversity and cross-sector collaboration. - Ensure that at least 10% of supported SMEs come from regions different from those of the consortium partners. October 15, 2024 February 5, 2025 (17:00 CET) Visit the EUROCLUSTERS 2024 Call for Europe’s Recovery page ## More news about IDConsortium: --- ## Instrumento de Inversiones en Innovación Interregional (I3) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/instrumento-inversiones-innovacion-interregional-i3 ### Noticias | EDIH > # Instrumento de Inversiones en Innovación Interregional (I3) ## El instrumento de Inversiones en Innovación Interregional (I3), como parte del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), tiene como objetivo apoyar proyectos de innovación interregional en sus fases de comercialización y escalado, brindándoles las herramientas para superar barreras regulatorias y de otro tipo, y llevar su proyecto a un nivel de inversión. IDConsortium La agencia implementará dos líneas de convocatoria: - Apoyo financiero y asesoramiento para inversiones en proyectos de innovación interregional en áreas estratégicas de especialización regional. - Apoyo financiero, asesoramiento y fortalecimiento de capacidades para el desarrollo de cadenas de valor en regiones menos desarrolladas. El programa de trabajo del Instrumento I3 tiene como objetivo promover la innovación a través de la especialización inteligente y la colaboración interregional. Este instrumento fomenta una cooperación interregional más fuerte en inversiones y establece conexiones sostenibles al vincular ecosistemas regionales en áreas de especialización inteligente compartidas, lo cual es vital para acelerar la adopción en el mercado de los resultados de la investigación y estimular la innovación. El programa de trabajo 2023-2024 del Instrumento I3 abarca las siguientes áreas clave de intervención y líneas de actuación: - **Línea 1**: Dirigida a consorcios de actores de innovación de regiones (de diferentes niveles de desarrollo y rendimiento en innovación) con áreas de especialización inteligente compartidas o complementarias, que están listas para realizar inversiones en proyectos de innovación interregional. - **Línea 2a**: Se enfoca en apoyar inversiones en innovación interregional destinadas a desarrollar cadenas de valor en regiones menos desarrolladas y reforzar la integración de actores de innovación en las cadenas de valor de la UE. - **Línea 2b**: Tiene como objetivo fortalecer los ecosistemas regionales de innovación y mejorar su capacidad para desarrollar casos de negocio para proyectos de innovación interregional. **Convocatorias** Actualmente hay tres convocatorias abiertas: - **Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 1 (I3-2024-INV1)** - **Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a (I3-2024-INV2a)** - **Capacity Building Strand 2b (I3-2023-CAP2b) ** ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium & EDIH Madrid: --- ## Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/interregional-innovation-investments-i3-instrument ### News | EDIH > # Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument ## The Interregional innovation investments instrument as part of the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) aims at supporting interregional innovation projects in their commercialisation and scale-up phases giving them the tools to overcome regulatory and other barriers and bring their project to investment level. IDConsortium The agency will implement two call strands: - Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects in shared smart specialisation areas; - Financial and advisory support, and capacity building for the development of value chains in less developed regions. The I3 Instrument work programme aims at promoting innovation through Smart Specialisation and interregional collaboration. The I3 Instrument supports stronger interregional cooperation in investments and makes sustainable connections by linking regional ecosystems in shared smart specialisation areas vital to accelerate market uptake of research results and stimulate innovation. The 2023-2024 I3 Instrument work programme covers the following key intervention areas and Strands: - Strand 1 targets consortia of innovation actors from regions (of different levels of development and innovation performance) with shared or complementary smart specialisation areas, which are ready to make investments in interregional innovation projects. - Strand 2a focuses on supporting interregional innovation investments aiming at developing value chains in less developed regions and reinforcing the integration of innovation actors in EU value chains. - Strand 2b aims to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and build their capacity to develop business cases for interregional innovation projects. ### Calls Three calls are currently open: - Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 1 (I3-2024-INV1) - Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a (I3-2024-INV2a) - Capacity Building Strand 2b (I3-2023-CAP2b)  ## More news about IDConsortium & EDIH Madrid: --- ## Booster partner VIB highlights innovations in sustainable agriculture at European Maize Meeting and webinar on Rhizobia biostimulants URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-vib-highlights-innovations-sustainable-agriculture-european-maize-meeting-webinar-rhizobia-biostimulants ### News | BOOSTER > # Booster partner VIB highlights innovations in sustainable agriculture at European Maize Meeting and webinar on Rhizobia biostimulants ## The BOOSTER project consortium has been actively sharing its latest research on maize environmental responses and biostimulants for sustainable agriculture through a poster presentation at the 6th European Maize Meeting and an online seminar showcasing innovations in Europe and Africa. IDConsortium #### The BOOSTER project consortium continues its mission to advance agricultural research, with recent contributions to high-profile scientific events in Europe.​ ### Poster presentation at the 6th European Maize Meeting Yasmine Vanhevel, a postdoctoral researcher at VIB in the Hilde Nelissen lab, presented a BOOSTER project poster at the 6th European Maize Meeting, held at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, held from Wednesday, 18 September to Friday, 20 September 2024. This prestigious conference brings together PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and principal investigators from academia, research centers, and industry. The focus is on maize environmental responses, genomics, bioinformatics, phenotyping, transgene technology, and CRISPR methods. Yasmine’s presentation highlighted BOOSTER’s ongoing research and innovations in maize genomics, contributing to the broader scientific discussion on sustainable maize cultivation. For more information about the event, please visit the conference website. ### Webinar: “Unlocking the power of rhizobia: Biostimulants for sustainable Agriculture in Europe and Africa” In addition, on 27 September 2024, the BOOSTER consortium participated in the PlantB+B online café, featuring Dr. Sofie Goormachtig (VIB) and Dr. Ashenafi Gunnabo (Arba Minch University) in a seminar titled “Unlocking the Power of Rhizobia: Biostimulants for Sustainable Agriculture in Europe and Africa.” Dr. Gunnabo’s work focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture in Southern Ethiopia by improving soil fertility and crop yields through microbial innovations, particularly Rhizobium inoculants. Meanwhile, Dr. Goormachtig’s research investigates how Rhizobia can enhance soybean production in north-western Europe using advanced microbial technologies. Together, their efforts highlight the potential of plant-microbe interactions to address food security challenges, boost crop productivity, and foster agricultural sustainability across diverse regions. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Cheque Innovación Pymes URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/cheque-innovacion-pymes ### Noticias | EDIH > # Cheque Innovación Pymes ## Ayudas para incentivar el uso de servicios de I+D e innovación por las pequeñas y medianas empresas (Programa Cheque Innovación), en el marco de la estrategia regional de investigación e innovación para una especialización inteligente (RIS3). IDConsortium #### Procedimiento de concesión de ayudas destinadas a incentivar el uso de servicios de apoyo a la I+D e innovación por las pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) madrileñas y, en especial, por las pertenecientes a sectores tradicionales, no productoras de tecnología y cuyo modelo de negocio no esté basado en el desarrollo y uso intensivo de tecnología. La finalidad de estas ayudas es fomentar la implementación de la innovación y la transferencia de conocimiento científico y tecnológico por las pequeñas y medianas empresas, como valor añadido y como instrumento para el incremento de su productividad​. ### Requisitos: - **Pequeñas y medianas empresas** válidamente constituidas como tales en el momento de presentación de la solicitud de ayuda que, además de cumplir los requisitos previstos en este Acuerdo, ejerzan de forma habitual una actividad económica dirigida al mercado en el ámbito territorial de la Comunidad de Madrid que dispongan de, al menos, un **centro de trabajo **en la Comunidad de Madrid desde el que tengan previsto desarrollar las actividades subvencionadas. - Los beneficiarios de las ayudas deberán contar con la **capacidad administrativa, financiera y operativa** suficiente para la ejecución de la ayuda que se les conceda, cuyas condiciones se determinarán en el Documento que Establece las Condiciones de la Ayuda (DECA), según lo dispuesto en el artículo 18 del presente Acuerdo. Se entenderá por pequeñas y medianas empresas: - Pequeñas empresas, aquellas que: Ocupen a menos 50 empleados. - Tengan un volumen de negocio anual o un balance general anual inferior a 10 millones de euros. - Medianas empresas, aquellas que: Ocupen a menos 250 empleados. - Tengan un volumen de negocio anual que no exceda de 50 millones de euros o un balance general anual que no exceda de 43 millones de euros. ### Documentación a presentar: - Solicitud. Pulsa el botón TRAMITAR para acceder al espacio de tramitación donde puedes encontrar el formulario en línea. - Documentación. Se indican aquellos documentos que debes aportar y los datos que podrá consultar la Comunidad de Madrid. - Documentos que se aportan junto a la solicitud: -  Memoria general descriptiva del proyecto, con un máximo de 30 páginas, de las cuales, las iniciales con un máximo de 3 páginas, consistirán en un Resumen Ejecutivo del proyecto. La Memoria general descriptiva del proyecto estará firmada por el representante legal de la empresa. -  Certificación actualizada del Registro Mercantil, en la que se especifique, en los supuestos que proceda, fecha de constitución, el objeto social, CNAE, capital y sede social, formación del consejo de administración, junta directiva, o administradores y apoderados y socios que dispongan de más de un 10% de las participaciones, así como poder suficiente a favor del firmante. Excepcionalmente se podrá sustituir dicho Certificado por la presentación de escrituras de constitución de la empresa solicitante y sus modificaciones debidamente registradas. -  Poder suficiente que acredite la representación del representante de la entidad solicitante, salvo que dicho poder se acredite mediante certificación del Registro Mercantil. -  Documentación justificativa de la declaración completa del Impuesto sobre Sociedades del último ejercicio cerrado. -  Balance y cuenta de resultados del último ejercicio cerrado e informe de auditoría financiera, si procede, en el caso de pymes. -  En caso de tratarse de una empresa de nueva creación, sin historial financiero, se presentará cuentas provisionales del año en curso firmadas por el representante de la empresa -  Documentación justificativa a efectos de comprobación del número de empleados de la solicitante, pudiendo ser esta el TC1 o TC2 de cotización a la Seguridad Social del mes de diciembre del ejercicio inmediatamente anterior a la presentación de la solicitud, el informe del número medio anual de trabajadores en situación de alta, o cualquier otro documento acreditativo y que esté emitido por la Seguridad Social. -  En el caso de empresas de nueva creación se aportará último Recibo de Liquidación de Cotizaciones (RLC) y Relación Nominal de Trabajadores (RNT) de cotización a la Seguridad Social presentado. -  En caso de no tener trabajadores dados de alta en régimen general de Seguridad Social se aportará declaración responsable del representante de la entidad de no tener trabajadores -  De la/s empresa/s asociadas o vinculadas: Escritura de constitución debidamente registrada y sus posteriores modificaciones, documentación acreditativa del último impuesto de sociedades liquidado y certificación expedida por la Seguridad Social, acreditativa del número de trabajadores -  Si la/s empresa/s asociadas o vinculadas con la solicitante estuviese/n, a su vez, participada/s por otras empresas o participase/n en otras, se deberá aportar de todas ellas, los documentos señalados en el párrafo anterior (Escritura de constitución debidamente registrada y sus posteriores modificaciones, documentación acreditativa del último impuesto de sociedades liquidado y certificación expedida por la Seguridad Social, acreditativa del número de trabajadores), a efectos de lo establecido en el artículo 6 del Anexo I del citado Reglamento (UE) de la Comisión, de 17 de junio de 2014 -  Mínimo tres ofertas o facturas proformas de diferentes proveedores, de todos los gastos necesarios para la ejecución del proyecto, con carácter previo a la contracción del compromiso cuando el importe del gasto subvencionable supere las cuantías establecidas para el contrato menor (15.000 €, IVA excluido). Para gastos inferiores al importe antes indicado, se deberá aportar como mínimo una oferta o factura proforma del proveedor -  Memoria explicativa de la oferta seleccionada, cuando la elección entre las ofertas presentadas no recaiga en la propuesta más ventajosa conforme a criterios de eficiencia y economía -  Memoria explicativa en el supuesto de no poder aportar las tres ofertas anteriores, si por las especiales características de los gastos subvencionables no existe en el mercado suficiente número de entidades que los realicen, presten o suministren. -  Documento de compromiso de colaboración con los proveedores, según Anexo II debidamente cumplimentado y firmado por el Centro Tecnológico, Universidad u Organismo de Investigación y difusión del conocimiento o por la empresa proveedora de servicios especializados de asistencia técnica en materia de I+D empresarial y apoyo a la innovación. El Centro Tecnológico, Universidad u Organismo de Investigación y difusión del conocimiento deberá especificar dirección completa de la sede en la Comunidad de Madrid. La empresa proveedora deberá especificar su domicilio fiscal y el del centro de trabajo desde el que se prestarán los servicios, ambos en la Comunidad de Madrid -  En el supuesto de tener concedida otra ayuda incompatible para el mismo proyecto se deberá aportar renuncia a una de ellas -  En su caso, solicitud de autorización de la subcontratación, cuando la actividad a subcontratar con terceros exceda del 20 por 100 del importe de la actividad objeto de subvención, y dicho importe sea superior a 60.000 euros - La Comunidad de Madrid consultará, por medios electrónicos, los datos de los siguientes documentos: -  DNI/NIE del solicitante que ostente el poder de representación -  Tarjeta de identificación fiscal de la entidad -  Certificado de estar al corriente de pago con la Seguridad Social (en la fase del procedimiento en que sea exigible según la normativa aplicable) - La Comunidad de Madrid consultará, por medios electrónicos, los datos de los siguientes documentos, si lo autorizas expresamente. De lo contrario, deberás aportarlos: - Certificado de estar al corriente de pago con la Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria (AEAT)(*) - Alta en el Impuesto de Actividades Económicas (IAE) Recuerda que eres responsable de la veracidad de los documentos que presentes. Consejería de Educación, Ciencia y Universidades, Viceconsejería de Universidades, Investigación y Ciencia, Dirección General de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica **No requiere el pago de tasas** ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Region: --- ## PRODIGIO featured in The Conversation journal: Exploring the potential of microalgae URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prodigio-the-conversation-journal-exploring-potential-microalgae ### NEWS | Prodigio > # PRODIGIO featured in The Conversation journal: Exploring the potential of microalgae ## Microalgae, the most efficient photosynthetic organisms, present significant potential for sustainable biofuel and food production, offering a powerful solution to combat climate change and resource scarcity. IDConsortium Climate change and population growth are putting unprecedented pressure on global energy and food systems. The rising cost of food and the scarcity of basic resources like drinking water and energy could trigger conflicts, mass migrations, and political and social instability in the most vulnerable regions. To ensure a secure and equitable future for all, it is crucial to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources and efficient, sustainable food production systems. In this context, the microscopic world has much to offer. Microalgae, including cyanobacteria, are the most efficient photosynthetic organisms on the planet. They can generate up to thirty times more biomass per unit of area than the most productive agricultural crops. This, combined with their ability to thrive in arid lands and saline or wastewater, makes them a promising alternative for the sustainable production of biofuels and foods rich in proteins and fatty acids. However, despite their great potential in sectors such as bioenergy and food, microalgae have yet to conquer the market. To achieve this, it is necessary to exponentially increase current production capacity and reduce costs. Advances in genomics, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence are bringing us closer than ever to making this microscopic revolution a reality. *Complete genome of the filamentous cyanobacterium Limnospira platensis, previously known as Arthrospira platensis or spirulina, obtained through long-read sequencing (PacBio Revio). After DNA sequencing, the genome was assembled using bioinformatics techniques implemented at the Institute of Marine Sciences.* The solution lies in genomes It is estimated that there are between 200,000 and 800,000 species of microalgae, of which only about 50,000 have been described, and just a few are commercially exploited. This vast universe of microorganisms holds enormous biotechnological potential yet to be discovered. However, identifying the possibilities of each species is a slow and costly process, as specific tests and analyses are needed for each one. Fortunately, advanced genomic sequencing technologies allow us to decipher the “instruction manual” of microalgae. Through them, we can reveal key genes involved in the production of bioactive compounds, novel enzymes, and mechanisms of resistance to pests and extreme environmental conditions. This accelerates the prospecting of new species, identifying in record time those with high biotechnological value. Deciphering the genetic code of microalgae, that is, understanding the function of each gene and the metabolic pathways they follow, is essential to harness this potential. Armed with this knowledge, genetic editing tools allow us to design “custom” microalgae. These tools function like “molecular scissors,” enabling us to rewrite the genetic code of species by precisely and controllably inserting, deleting, or modifying specific genes. For example, by modifying the genes responsible for cell wall synthesis, we can make microalgae more resistant to pathogens and predators. Enhancing the efficiency of membrane transport proteins will allow microalgae to absorb nutrients more effectively. Similarly, by boosting the efficiency of antenna complexes, the systems responsible for capturing light, we can increase photosynthetic efficiency and thus biomass production. Microalgae also have a microbiome Understanding the genome of microorganisms that coexist and interact with microalgae is key to comprehending the ecological complexity of cultivation systems. It has been demonstrated that the human gut microbiome plays a crucial role in our health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy microbiome helps prevent diseases and promotes a healthy life. Similarly, the microbiome associated with microalgae contributes to the health of the ecosystem. A healthy and diverse microbiome promotes the growth of microalgae, inhibits the growth of pathogens, and helps maintain water quality in the cultivation system. Monitoring the microbiome’s composition allows for the early detection of stress, diseases, and imbalances in the microbial ecosystem, a phenomenon known as dysbiosis. Additionally, understanding how the microbiome around microalgae functions gives us the opportunity to create tailored consortia that accelerate biomass production and improve its quality. Artificial Intelligence can help too The genetic information of microalgae and their microbiomes enables the generation of advanced predictive models through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). These tools simulate the effects of genetic engineering and microbiome manipulation before their application in real environments. By anticipating how these modifications will impact the performance of biological systems and their environment, AI is accelerating the cycle of biotechnological innovation. Furthermore, AI models, trained with data on microbiome composition, help predict imbalances (dysbiosis) in cultures, allowing for preventive measures to be implemented. Establishing a genetic knowledge base about microalgae and their microbiome is crucial to overcoming the technological challenges that hinder large-scale cultivation. This comprehensive approach, from understanding genes to biomass production, will enable us to harness the full biotechnological potential of these microorganisms. Just as agriculture marked a pivotal milestone in the history of humanity and the planet, the expansion of microalgae cultivation is poised to play a strategic role in the transition to a more sustainable and equitable society. In the near future, microalgae could become an essential source of biofuel and food. The necessary technologies already exist, and their implementation, if society so chooses, could spark a microscopic revolution of global reach. **Source: **TheConversation.com Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## El Ministerio de Industria lanza la segunda edición del PERTE Agroalimentario con 100 millones de euros en subvenciones URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/ministerio-industria-segunda-edicion-perte-agroalimentario-100-millones-euros-subvenciones ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # El Ministerio de Industria lanza la segunda edición del PERTE Agroalimentario con 100 millones de euros en subvenciones ## La segunda edición del PERTE Agroalimentario impulsará la transformación digital y la sostenibilidad, con un nuevo apoyo directo a inversiones para pymes, cuyas solicitudes se podrán presentar a partir del 19 de septiembre. IDConsortium El Ministerio de Industria y Turismo ha anunciado la convocatoria de la segunda edición del Proyecto Estratégico para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica (PERTE) Agroalimentario, que contará con una dotación inicial de 100 millones de euros en subvenciones. Esta iniciativa se enmarca en el Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia y tiene como objetivo promover la digitalización, la sostenibilidad y la competitividad del sector agroalimentario, con un enfoque particular en las pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) del medio rural. A los 100 millones de euros en subvenciones se sumarán otros 200 millones de euros en préstamos, que se publicarán más adelante mediante una adenda. Este segundo PERTE Agro, anunciado por el ministro de Industria, Jordi Hereu, en julio pasado, se estructurará en tres líneas de actuación: una nueva línea de apoyo directo a inversiones en equipos para pymes, otra enfocada en la investigación, desarrollo e innovación, y una tercera dedicada a la innovación en sostenibilidad y eficiencia energética. Los proyectos que aspiren a recibir estas ayudas deberán alinearse con una o más de las siguientes prioridades temáticas: economía circular y ecoinnovación, descarbonización, eficiencia energética, nuevas fuentes de energía renovable y reducción de emisiones contaminantes, materiales y productos avanzados, innovación en procesos de calidad y seguridad, o tecnologías digitales. El proceso de adjudicación de las ayudas se realizará por concurrencia no competitiva, analizando los proyectos por orden de entrada y resolviendo aquellos que cumplan con los requisitos hasta agotar los fondos disponibles. Esto permitirá agilizar el proceso de cobro de las ayudas. **El plazo de presentación de solicitudes abrirá el próximo 19 de septiembre y se extenderá hasta el 21 de octubre de 2024**. Los proyectos seleccionados tendrán un plazo de dos años para su ejecución a partir de la resolución definitiva de las ayudas. La primera edición del PERTE Agro, que adjudicó 182 millones de euros, tuvo un impacto significativo en el sector, alcanzando a 286 proyectos de 224 empresas en 14 comunidades autónomas. Con esta segunda edición, el Ministerio busca continuar fortaleciendo el tejido empresarial agroalimentario en el medio rural, impulsando su competitividad y rentabilidad, y fomentando el empleo de calidad a través de la automatización de procesos. ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora especializada en la gestión de proyectos de I+D y en la búsqueda de financiación pública y privada. Con una amplia experiencia en la preparación y gestión de propuestas exitosas, IDConsortium se posiciona como un socio clave para organizaciones que buscan maximizar sus oportunidades de financiación y llevar sus innovaciones al siguiente nivel. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## Pioneering breakthroughs in crop science through collaboration and innovation URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-pioneering-breakthroughs-crop-science-collaboration-innovation ### News | BOOSTER > # Pioneering breakthroughs in crop science through collaboration and innovation ## By leveraging productive meetings, strategic collaborations, innovative fieldwork in hybrid maize, and upcoming advancements in molecular techniques, the BOOSTER project is driving forward its mission to revolutionise crop improvement strategies across Europe. IDConsortium The project has recently seen significant developments through strategic collaborations and on-the-ground activities. BOOSTER partners, including the University of Düsseldorf (UDUS) in alliance with the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ), and other key institutions, have been actively engaged in driving the project’s objectives forward. In June, BOOSTER partners gathered at the Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) in Ghent for a dynamic networking meeting. Representatives from UDUS, VIB, and MPIPZ met on the 26th and 27th of June to exchange insights and discuss exciting new molecular and bioinformatic technologies that align with BOOSTER’s objectives. This meeting, which built on the ongoing discussions from the 2nd Annual Meeting, provided an opportunity to share hands-on experiences and explore the potential of these innovative techniques, while also maintaining momentum and ensuring ongoing communication among partners. As the field season reaches its peak, the MPIPZ in Cologne has been at the forefront of generating new hybrid maize lines for the BOOSTER project. One of the project’s core goals is to unlock the regulatory potential within European maize germplasm, which has remained largely inaccessible to genetic studies and smart breeding programmes. To overcome the challenges posed by genetic and developmental differences between maize lines, BOOSTER employs a novel F1 hybrid approach. This method enables the analysis of gene regulatory networks in F1 populations, allowing for more accurate comparisons. Sohini Mukherjee of MPIPZ has been overseeing the successful generation of these maize F1 hybrid lines, a critical step in advancing the project’s objectives. Looking ahead, the BOOSTER project continues to push the boundaries of molecular biology with an upcoming workshop focused on improving the MOA-seq protocol. MOA-seq, a novel method developed in 2021, allows for the genome-wide identification of transcription factor footprints across species. Despite its success, the BOOSTER team from UDUS, in collaboration with the Bass and Dennis labs at Florida State University (FSU), aims to further streamline the protocol. The workshop, scheduled to take place from the 9th to 24th of September at FSU, will bring together experts to refine this technique, which is crucial for the project’s ongoing success. The progress made in these recent meetings, fieldwork, and upcoming workshops will undoubtedly contribute to the project’s overarching goal of revolutionizing crop improvement strategies across Europe. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## IDConsortium apoyará a 10 startups en la búsqueda de financiación privada para su rápido escalado URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/apoyo-10-startups-busqueda-financiacion-privada-escalado ### Noticias | EDIH > # IDConsortium apoyará a 10 startups en la búsqueda de financiación privada para su rápido escalado ## IDConsortium, socio de EDIH-Madrid Region, se complace en anunciar su colaboración con Blumorpho para apoyar a 10 startups innovadoras en la obtención de financiación privada para escalar sus empresas. IDConsortium #### Esta iniciativa tiene como objetivo seleccionar y presentar las startups más prometedoras y atractivas en uno de los eventos de inversión más importantes de Europa, el INPHO® Venture Summit. Si tu startup está desarrollando tecnologías relacionadas con: - **IA, Datos e IA Ética** - **Conectividad 5G** - **Ciberseguridad y Riesgos Digitales** - **Semiconductores y Fotónica** - **Quantum 2.0** O si tu solución se basa en tecnologías TIC en sectores como: - **Reciclaje** - **Soberania/ Administraciones publicas** - **AgTech** - **Economía Azul** - **Tecnología de la Salud** - **Salud Digital y Entrega de Salud** - **Descarbonización** - **Nuevo Espacio** - **Sostenibilidad** - **Gestión de Recursos** - **Economía Circular y Reciclaje** - **Producción, Ciclo de Vida y Cadena de Suministro** Podemos ayudarte a participar en el **INPHO® Venture Summit**. Este evento reúne a LPs, inversores y grandes empresas para invertir en soluciones prometedoras diseñadas para moldear el futuro. El evento aborda los desafíos más urgentes del mundo a través de tecnologías disruptivas. #### **Detalles del evento:** **Ubicación:** Burdeos, Francia**Fechas:** 24-25 de octubre de 2024 Todos los principales inversores europeos en DeepTech estarán presentes. Se invita a los emprendedores a presentar sus empresas a los miembros del comité editorial de INPHO, quienes evaluarán la oportunidad de presentarlas a la comunidad de inversores de INPHO. Las empresas seleccionadas tendrán la oportunidad de unirse al INPHO Venture Summit y presentar su empresa al jurado digital durante una introducción de 15 minutos a al menos tres inversores diferentes. #### **Aspectos destacados:** - **Veinte finalistas** serán invitados a presentar y discutir sus innovaciones en gran evento final el INPHO Venture Summit. #### **Fecha límite para la presentación de solicitudes:** **31 de julio de 2024** #### **¿Interesado en participar?** Por favor, contacta a Macarena Sanz en msanz@idconsortium.es para obtener más información y expresar tu interés. Para más detalles, visita: - INPHO Ventures - EDIH Madrid - IDConsortium ¡Esperamos apoyar tu camino hacia el escalado y éxito en el mercado global! **Ubicación:** Burdeos, Francia**Fechas:** 24-25 de octubre de 2024 **31 de julio de 2024** ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Region: --- ## IDConsortium to Support 10 Startups Seeking Private Funding to Scale URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/support-10-startups-seeking-private-funding-scale ### News | EDIH > # IDConsortium to Support 10 Startups Seeking Private Funding to Scale ## IDConsortium, a partner of EDIH-Madrid Region, is excited to announce its collaboration with Blumorpho to support 10 innovative startups in securing private funding to scale their companies. IDConsortium #### This initiative aims to select and present the most promising and attractive startups at one of Europe’s premier investment events, the INPHO® Venture Summit. If your startup is developing technologies related to: - **AI & Data & Ethical AI** - **5G Connectivity** - **Cybersecurity & Digital Risks** - **Semiconductors & Photonics** - **Quantum 2.0** Or if your solution is based on ICT technologies in sectors such as: - **Recycling** - **Sovereignty** - **AgTech** - **Blue Economy** - **Health Tech** - **Digital Health and Health Delivery** - **Decarbonisation** - **New Space** - **Sustainability** - **Resource Management** - **Circular Economy and Recycling** - **Production, Life Cycle & Supply Chain** We can help you participate in the INPHO® Venture Summit. This high-level private gathering brings together LPs, investors, and large companies to invest in promising solutions designed to shape the future. The event addresses our world’s most pressing challenges through disruptive technologies. #### Event Details: **Location:** Bordeaux, France**Dates:** 24-25 October 2024 All major European DeepTech investors will be present. Entrepreneurs are invited to introduce their companies to the INPHO editorial committee members, who will evaluate the opportunity to introduce them to the INPHO investors community. Selected companies will have the opportunity to join the INPHO Venture Summit and present to the digital jury for a 15-minute introduction to at least three different investors. #### Highlights: - **Twenty finalists** will be invited to present and discuss their innovations at the INPHO Venture Summit. #### Application Deadline: **31 July 2024** #### Interested in Participating? Please contact Macarena Sanz at msanz@idconsortium.es for more information and to express your interest. For further details, visit: - INPHO Ventures - EDIH Madrid - IDConsortium We look forward to supporting your journey to scale and succeed in the global market! **Location:** Bordeaux, France**Dates:** 24-25 October 2024 **31 July 2024** ## More news about EDIH – Madrid Region: --- ## Collaboration Agreement between IDConsortium and EIT Food URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/collaboration-agreement-eit-food ### News | IDConsortium > # Collaboration Agreement between IDConsortium and EIT Food ## IDConsortium signs an agreement with EIT Food to provide support in funding processes and preparation of proposals and bids. ### July 10, 2024 IDConsortium #### We are pleased to announce that IDConsortium has signed a collaboration agreement with EIT Food, one of Europe’s leading food innovation initiatives. This collaboration is designed to provide comprehensive support in funding processes and the preparation of proposals and bids, thereby enhancing the development and implementation of innovative projects in the food sector. ### Objectives of the Agreement The main objective of this collaboration is to strengthen EIT Food’s capabilities in securing funds and managing projects, ensuring that initiatives receive the necessary financial backing to thrive. The key services that IDConsortium will offer to EIT Food include: - **Identification of Funding Opportunities**: Analyzing and selecting the best funding opportunities available in the European and global markets. - **Preparation of Proposals and Bids**: Assisting in the drafting and submission of high-quality proposals, ensuring they meet the specific criteria of each call. - **Project Management**: Providing continuous assistance in managing funded projects, ensuring the achievement of objectives and optimization of resources. ### Benefits for the Food Sector This strategic alliance will not only benefit both entities but will also positively impact the entire European food sector. By facilitating access to funding and improving the quality of proposals, it is expected that more innovative projects can be developed and brought to market, thus contributing to a more sustainable, healthy, and trustworthy food system. ### About EIT Food EIT Food is Europe’s food innovation community, working to make the food system more sustainable, healthy, and trustworthy. Through its innovation programs, EIT Food seeks to empower consumers, improve nutrition, and create jobs in the food sector. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy specializing in the management of R&D projects and the search for public and private funding. With extensive experience in the preparation and management of successful proposals, IDConsortium positions itself as a key partner for organizations seeking to maximize their funding opportunities and take their innovations to the next level. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news and press releases about IDConsortium:​ --- ## Acuerdo de Colaboración entre IDConsortium y EIT Food URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/acuerdo-colaboracion-eit-food ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # Acuerdo de Colaboración entre IDConsortium y EIT Food ## IDConsortium firma un acuerdo con EIT Food para proporcionar soporte en procesos de financiación y preparación de propuestas y licitaciones. ### 10 de julio de 2024 IDConsortium #### Nos complace anunciar que IDConsortium ha firmado un acuerdo de colaboración con EIT Food, una de las principales iniciativas europeas de innovación en el sector alimentario. Esta colaboración está diseñada para proporcionar un apoyo integral en los procesos de búsqueda de financiación y la preparación de propuestas y licitaciones, potenciando así el desarrollo y la implementación de proyectos innovadores en el ámbito alimentario. ### Objetivos del Acuerdo El objetivo principal de esta colaboración es fortalecer las capacidades de EIT Food en la obtención de fondos y la gestión de proyectos, asegurando que las iniciativas reciban el respaldo financiero necesario para prosperar. Entre los principales servicios que IDConsortium ofrecerá a EIT Food se incluyen: - **Identificación de Oportunidades de Financiación**: Analizar y seleccionar las mejores oportunidades de financiación disponibles en el mercado europeo y global. - **Preparación de Propuestas y Licitaciones**: Asistir en la redacción y presentación de propuestas de alta calidad, asegurando que cumplan con los criterios específicos de cada convocatoria. - **Gestión de Proyectos**: Proveer asistencia continua en la gestión de los proyectos financiados, asegurando el cumplimiento de los objetivos y la optimización de los recursos. ### Beneficios para el Sector Alimentario Esta alianza estratégica no solo beneficiará a ambas entidades, sino que también tendrá un impacto positivo en todo el sector alimentario europeo. Al facilitar el acceso a financiación y mejorar la calidad de las propuestas, se espera que más proyectos innovadores puedan desarrollarse y llegar al mercado, contribuyendo así a un sistema alimentario más sostenible, saludable y confiable. ### Sobre EIT Food EIT Food es una comunidad de innovación de alimentos de Europa que trabaja para hacer que el sistema alimentario sea más sostenible, saludable y confiable. A través de sus programas de innovación, EIT Food busca empoderar a los consumidores, mejorar la nutrición y crear empleos en el sector alimentario. ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora especializada en la gestión de proyectos de I+D y en la búsqueda de financiación pública y privada. Con una amplia experiencia en la preparación y gestión de propuestas exitosas, IDConsortium se posiciona como un socio clave para organizaciones que buscan maximizar sus oportunidades de financiación y llevar sus innovaciones al siguiente nivel. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## CREA in BOOSTER: A year of progress, collaboration, and outreach URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/crea-booster-year-progress-collaboration-outreach ### News | BOOSTER > # CREA in BOOSTER: A year of progress, collaboration, and outreach ## The BOOSTER project, coordinated by Dr. Vincenzo Rossi, has made significant strides in its first year through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and public outreach. Key activities included expert exchanges, conference presentations, public events, and media engagement, aimed at disseminating the project’s objectives and achievements to various stakeholders. IDConsortium One of the notable highlights was Dr. Rossi’s visit to the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, Germany. From 13 to 15 May 2024, Dr. Rossi and Dr. Hartwig’s staff exchanged expertise on the MOA-seq methodology, which will soon be implemented in Dr. Rossi’s laboratory at the Research Center for Cereals and Industrial Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) in Bergamo, Italy. This visit underscored the importance of international collaboration in advancing agricultural research and innovation. By integrating MOA-seq technology, Dr. Rossi’s lab aims to enhance their research capabilities, contributing to the overarching goals of the BOOSTER project. In addition to this technical exchange, the BOOSTER project has actively sought to raise awareness among stakeholders through various initiatives. Articles and press releases have been published, targeting policymakers, the general public, and academia. The project was prominently featured at the 5th European Maize Meeting, held from 14 to 16 June 2023, in Bologna. This conference provided an ideal platform to introduce BOOSTER to a diverse audience, including PhD students, post-docs, research scientists, and principal investigators interested in maize genetics and related fields. The public engagement efforts continued with the Fascination of Plants Day on 23 May 2024, at the CREA Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics in Fiorenzuola d’Arda. This event showcased the benefits of plant genetics in combating climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture to the general public. Dr. Rossi has also been actively involved in media and public discussions about BOOSTER. On 21 June 2024, he participated in a 40-minute online interview discussing the project’s objectives and strategies. This interview will be published on the xFarm Technologies blog and shared on various social networks, reaching a broad audience including farmers, journalists, and researchers. CREA remains committed to informing stakeholders about BOOSTER’s ongoing and future achievements. Upcoming initiatives include participation in the Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics SIGA annual congress and the European Researchers’ Night in September. Moreover, Dr. Rossi will present an informative seminar during a joint event for Researchers’ Night and SLOW Science on 24 September 2024, in Bologna. The event aims to make science accessible to all through interactive and engaging activities, introduce the BOOSTER project, and facilitate an interactive discussion with attendees. These activities highlight BOOSTER’s dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of its objectives and impacts among various stakeholders. As the project continues to evolve, CREA and its partners remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and public engagement.” ## More news about BOOSTER: ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu --- ## Madrid impulsa la innovación con nuevas subvenciones para eventos tecnológicos y emprendedores URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/madrid-innovacion-subvenciones-eventos-tecnologicos-emprendedores ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # Madrid impulsa la innovación con nuevas subvenciones para eventos tecnológicos y emprendedores ## El Ayuntamiento de Madrid ha lanzado una nueva convocatoria de ayudas destinadas a fomentar la innovación a través del desarrollo de eventos que promuevan la ciencia, la tecnología y el emprendimiento en la ciudad. IDConsortium #### La convocatoria está abierta desde el 25 de junio hasta el 22 de julio de 2024 y busca beneficiar a aquellas empresas que realicen eventos en Madrid, con una subvención del 50% del coste del evento, hasta un máximo de 200.000 euros. El objetivo de esta iniciativa es apoyar la organización de eventos que promuevan la ciencia, la tecnología, el emprendimiento y la innovación en el municipio de Madrid. Los beneficiarios de estas ayudas serán las empresas que cumplan con los requisitos establecidos en el artículo 3 de la convocatoria. Entre estos requisitos se destaca que los eventos deben estar centrados en la innovación, con fines como la promoción del emprendimiento tecnológico, la difusión de avances tecnológicos, la divulgación de la investigación científica y la conexión entre el sector empresarial y los centros académicos. Para ser elegibles, los eventos deben realizarse entre el 1 de noviembre de 2023 y el 31 de octubre de 2024, tener una duración máxima de cinco días consecutivos y un coste sin IVA igual o superior a 150.000 euros. Además, los eventos deben tener un formato presencial o híbrido y cumplir con las obligaciones tributarias y de seguridad social, así como no tener pendientes justificaciones de subvenciones previas con el Ayuntamiento de Madrid. No serán subvencionables aquellos eventos que, aunque utilicen tecnología, no estén centrados en la innovación, los que consistan principalmente en la entrega de premios, la promoción de intereses comerciales de la entidad solicitante o eventos de carácter formativo como seminarios o capacitaciones. También se excluyen como beneficiarios las entidades que no sean sociedades mercantiles. Las solicitudes deben realizarse en línea a través del enlace del Registro Electrónico disponible en la sección “Tramitar en línea” del sitio web del Ayuntamiento. Los interesados deben presentar una memoria descriptiva del evento, una memoria económica detallada, entre otros documentos administrativos necesarios para la tramitación de la ayuda. ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Region: ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## The PRODIGIO project presents its results at the Final Conference URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prodigio-project-results-final-conference ### NEWS | Prodigio > # The PRODIGIO project presents its results at the Final Conference ## The PRODIGIO team presented its findings at the Final Conference on Monday, 17th June 2024. This event took place during the 8th Congress of the International Society of Applied Phycology (ISAP 2024), themed “Algae 2030: Challenges and Opportunities,” in Oporto, Portugal. IDConsortium After three years of searching for the most sustainable and effective way to boost the efficiency of solar energy conversion into biogas by increasing the performance of microalgae production systems and anaerobic digestion systems, thanks to the development of early-warning signals for improved systems monitoring and control, the project has now come to an end. The final conference featured a series of presentations and poster sessions addressing various aspects of microalgae production and anaerobic digestion. In preparation for this significant occasion, PRODIGIO is crafting a special brochure highlighting the project’s results. This brochure will be available on the PRODIGIO website soon, so stay tuned for updates! #### ​ Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## BOOSTER project consortium gathers for second annual meeting URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-consortium-second-annual-meeting ### News | BOOSTER > # BOOSTER project consortium gathers for second annual meeting ## The event, held from 5-7 June 2024, took place at the CPSBB scientific complex in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. IDConsortium #### The Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) recently hosted the Second Annual Meeting for the BOOSTER Project, bringing together consortium members from ten countries, including Bulgaria, France, Italy, South Africa, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Ethiopia During the three-day meeting, consortium members presented their research from the first year of the project, including preliminary results and future plans. The project has gained significant attention in Bulgaria, having been presented to various stakeholders, including government ministries, academic institutions, farmers, and the business sector. After the intensive meetings, the consortium members were treated to a guided tour of the Old Town of Plovdiv, providing them with a glimpse into the cultural richness of the city. Following the tour, they enjoyed a dinner hosted by the local organisers, which provided an opportunity for informal networking and strengthening of professional relationships among the project partners. **Note:** The BOOSTER project, a four-year scientific initiative, is dedicated to enhancing drought tolerance in key cereals such as maize and teff to address the challenges posed by climate change. The project leverages natural genetic variations and biostimulants derived from seaweed extracts and soil microorganisms to develop new drought-tolerant crop varieties. This collaborative effort, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme, aims to make substantial advancements in agricultural biotechnology, contributing to global food security in the face of climate change. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Dr. Erika Ronchin and Dr. Claudio Mondini Represent RUSTICA at IUSS 2024 in Florence URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/erika-ronchin-claudio-mondini-rustica-iuss2024-florence ### NEWS | Rustica > # Dr. Erika Ronchin and Dr. Claudio Mondini Represent RUSTICA at IUSS 2024 in Florence ## From 19-21 May, Dr. Erika Ronchin and Claudio Mondini attended the prestigious “Centennial Celebration and Congress of the International Union of Soil Sciences” (IUSS 2024) in Florence, Italy. This landmark event brought together leading soil scientists from around the globe to discuss advancements and challenges in soil science. IDConsortium ### Dr. Ronchin and Dr. Mondini presented key findings from the RUSTICA project, a collaboration between CREA (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics) and ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food). Their contributions included both an oral communication and a poster presentation, showcasing the innovative research on biobased fertilizers (BBF) derived from fruit and vegetable residues​. The RUSTICA project aims to reduce reliance on mineral fertilizers, improve soil health, and mitigate soil organic matter loss through the use of BBFs. The novel BBFs tested include microbial biomass, insect biomass, insect frass, and biochar, each demonstrating unique impacts on soil functioning and carbon dynamics. Biochar showed remarkable stability, enhancing soil carbon sequestration, while insect biomass required careful management due to its higher degradation rate and impact on CO2 emissions. #### Oral Presentation Highlights The oral presentation, titled “Short Term Effect of Novel Biobased Fertilisers from Fruit and Vegetable Residues on Soil Functioning,” detailed the initial impacts of novel BBFs, including microbial biomass, insect biomass, insect frass, and biochar, on soil health. The research underscored the potential of these fertilizers to enhance soil carbon sequestration and nutrient availability while also highlighting the varying effects of different BBFs on soil quality and greenhouse gas emissions. #### Poster Presentation Highlights The poster, “Modelling Long-Term Impact of Novel Biobased Fertilizers on Soil Organic Matter Storage from Laboratory Short-Term C Mineralization,” focused on the long-term implications of BBF use on soil organic matter dynamics. Utilizing a modified RothC model, the study provided insights into the stability and effectiveness of biochar in promoting soil carbon storage and the nuanced impacts of insect biomass on CO2 flux and organic matter retention. For more detailed information on their presentations, the supporting materials can be found below.   #### Attachments: - Abstract - Presentation - Poster Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Recent advances in tef research unveiled by BOOSTER project partners URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/advances-tef-research-booster-project-partners ### News | BOOSTER > # Recent advances in tef research unveiled by BOOSTER project partners ## Collaborators from the BOOSTER project, led by Bern University, have published a groundbreaking review in Trends in Genetics titled «The role of omics in improving the orphan crop tef». IDConsortium #### The review highlights the application of advanced omics tools in unlocking the potential of tef, an indigenous cereal crop of the Horn of Africa. Tef, also known as teff (Eragrostis tef), has long been considered an orphan crop, overlooked by the global scientific community. However, recent initiatives, such as the BOOSTER project, have focused on leveraging advanced omics tools to explore the untapped potential of this resilient cereal crop. The review discusses how chromosome-scale genome assembly has provided valuable insights into the evolution of tef. By sequencing the genomes of drought-resurrecting Eragrostis nindensis and desiccation-sensitive Eragrostis curvula, researchers have identified key genes involved in drought responses, paving the way for improved resilience in tef varieties. Moreover, studies utilizing omics tools have revealed differentially expressed genes, proteins, and metabolites in tef plants exposed to drought, offering new avenues for enhancing drought tolerance in this vital cereal crop. Molecular marker analyses have also contributed to deciphering the diversity present in tef germplasm collected from diverse agroecologies in Ethiopia, providing valuable resources for breeding programs aimed at improving productivity and resilience. Furthermore, the application of innovative techniques such as targeting induced local lesions in genomes and genome editing has led to the development of mutant tef lines with desirable traits, including semidwarf stature and lodging tolerance, contributing to the development of high-yielding tef varieties. Through the application of advanced omics tools and techniques, tef is emerging from its status as an orphan crop to become a focal point of international research, offering promising prospects for food security and agricultural sustainability in the Horn of Africa and beyond. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Launch of the European Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/launch-european-innovation-centre-industrial-transformation-emissions-incite ### NEWS | IDConsortium > # Launch of the European Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) ## INCITE is a crucial component of the new Industrial Emissions Directive, adding a forward-looking mechanism to the Sevilla process. This initiative aims to foster a circular and more competitive industry across Europe. IDConsortium ### The European Commission is set to launch the European Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE), a pioneering initiative designed to fast-track the adoption of clean industrial technologies. This initiative aims to foster a circular and more competitive industry across Europe. INCITE is a crucial component of the new Industrial Emissions Directive, adding a forward-looking mechanism to the Sevilla process. The Centre, based in Seville, will be inaugurated during an interactive event on 21st June, featuring participation from industry leaders, innovators, financiers, environmental NGOs, think-tanks, Member States, and EU officials. The event will feature key participants including the Acting Director-General of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the Minister of Industry and Tourism of Spain, and several high representatives from the European Commission. INCITE aims to systematically gather global information on innovative industrial environmental techniques. If deemed ready for industrial use, these techniques, providing significant environmental benefits and being cost-effective, could be incorporated into the Sevilla Process for developing environmental norms. This collaborative platform will unite industry, technology providers, Member States, financial institutions, private investors, the public, academia, and the European Commission. It will create unique benefits and opportunities while promoting the uptake of innovative technologies to accelerate energy efficiency, circular economy, depollution, and decarbonisation in industry. INCITE aspires to be the EU’s central point for identifying and evaluating the environmental performance of cutting-edge industrial technologies, informing related policy development and investments. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More press releases and news about IDConsortium:​ --- ## Rustica URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/rustica # Rustica ## Demonstration of circular biofertilisers and implementation of optimized fertiliser strategies and value chains in rural communities. IDConsortium ## What is Rustica? The RUSTICA projects provides a technical solution to convert organic residues from the fruit and vegetable sector into novel bio-based fertiliser products of high quality that address the needs of modern (organic) agriculture. The project’s ambition goes beyond the simple recovery of nutrients, and also includes the developments of economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilisers with the same or improved agronomic value. The technical solution consists of 5 conversion processes (carboxylic acid platform, microbial biomass production, electrodialysis, insect breeding and biochar production) which can be combined depending on the available waste streams, and integrated with state-of-the-art technologies such as composting. Synergies between the individual conversion processes will be sought and optimized to maximize economic and environmental benefits, and the processes will be demonstrated at TRL7. The resulting ingredients (microbial biomass, mineral nutrient concentrates, insect biomass, insect frass, insect chitin, biochar) will be combined to obtain tailor made fertiliser products adapted to specific crop needs. ### Latest News: ### IDConsortium will be involved in the following actions: - Internationalisation of Research and Innovation in Spain, through the creation and dynamization of European Consortia with high visibility in Spain in order to develop Research and Innovation activities. - Collaboration in research, development and innovation project designs and planning, starting at the preparation phases all the way to their execution. - Management of financial lines that are unlike the traditional Financial Entity ones, for company investment projects and all other types of entities. - The management of the dissemination and exploitation of results in R&D projects. - The management of financing lines other than the traditional Funding Agencies, for investment projects in companies and of any kind of entity. - To optimize and demonstrate the suitability of 6 technologies for the recovery of nutrients from fruit and vegetable residues as biofertiliser - To demonstrate the integration of technological solutions adapted to locally available fruit and vegetable waste streams with a combined NPK recovery of >90% - To demonstrate the production of 3 types of biofertilizer blends for circular re-use of nutrients present in fruit/vegetable waste streams, adapted to the local demand - To demonstrate the technical feasibility to replace 5-10% of the current mineral fertisliser use by circular biofertilisers at a regional level by 2040 - Development of 5 regional multi-actor networks, capable of co-creating and exchanging knowledge, as well as co-developing a business model for a successful implementation of multi-valorisation of regional fruit/vegetable waste streams - Pilot scale implementation and demonstration of nutrient value chains in at least 2 study regions and fertiliser validation in 3 test regions - Map the impact of nutrient recovery technologies on the nutrient imbalances in the target regions, and develop a roadmap for a nutrient exchange strategy between regions based on the newly available biofertilisers - Systemic evaluation of the potential of the individual fruit and vegetable waste streams processing technologies and the combinations into multi-valorisation chains - Ensure replicability of the RUSTICA results and approach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL9sT0KE198 ## Our partners of Rustica consortium --- ## Prodigio URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/prodigio # PRODIGIO  ## The solar energy conversion into biogas by increasing the performance of microalgae production systems and anaerobic digestion systems thanks to the development of early-warning signals for improved systems monitoring and control. IDConsortium** ## What is PRODIGIO? PRODIGIO will boost the efficiency of solar energy conversion into biogas by increasing the performance of i)** microalgae production systems and **ii)** anaerobic digestion systems, thanks to the development of early-warning signals for improved systems monitoring and control. The MAIN objective of PRODIGIO is to establish a knowledge base for the development of a system failure prediction technology that increases the performance of microalgae biomass production and anaerobic digestion systems and advance towards more favourable techno-economic, environmental and social performance to achieve more sustainable microalgae biogas. ### Latest News: ## Our partners of PRODIGIO consortium --- ## Convocatoria Transmisiones 2024 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/convocatoria-transmisiones-2024 ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # CDTI Innovación, en colaboración con la AEI, está avanzando en la preparación de la próxima convocatoria de TransMisiones, la cual está programada para finales de mayo de 2024 ## Este programa tiene como objetivo abordar ocho retos prioritarios para la sociedad y la economía españolas en áreas como energía, sostenibilidad, cambio climático y salud humana y animal. IDConsortium #### El Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades abrirá la convocatoria 2024 a finales de mayo. Se destinará un presupuesto de hasta 110 millones de euros en subvenciones para financiar proyectos que aborden estos desafíos. De esta cantidad, el CDTI asignará 70 millones de euros a agrupaciones empresariales y se prevé que la AEI destine 40 millones de euros a agrupaciones de organismos de investigación y difusión de conocimientos. La convocatoria se centra en ocho retos prioritarios: - Impulso del desarrollo de una industria de fusión española: desarrollo de tecnologías para avanzar en el camino hacia la fusión. - Energía para el siglo XXI: impulso a los combustibles avanzados, fuentes de energía de base biológica y combustibles sintéticos desarrollados a partir de CO2 capturado. - Impulso de la economía circular -singularmente reciclaje y valorización- en el ámbito de energías renovables y almacenamiento energético. - Impulso de IoT y edge computing seguros, así como tecnologías profundas de naturaleza transversal vinculadas, para avanzar hacia la fábrica autónoma. - Desarrollos para la preservación y usos sostenibles en costas y océanos en un contexto de cambio climático, coexistentes con usos tradicionales y actividades emergentes. - Impulsar la mejora genética tanto en variedades vegetales como en especies animales y acuícolas para hacerlas más sostenibles, eficientes y resilientes al cambio climático. - Impulso de herramientas inmunológicas -vacunas-, tratamientos farmacológicos innovadores y tecnologías de control, para la prevención y detección de los primeros signos de enfermedad en animales, así como su tratamiento, orientado a maximizar la sanidad y el bienestar animal. - Avanzar en la investigación en enfermedades infecciosas y en la resistencia antimicrobiana, para contar con ecosistemas de investigación y sistemas sanitarios preparados para diagnosticarlas, prevenirlas y tratarlas. El desarrollo de capacidades científico-tecnológicas y de innovación en estos ámbitos va a permitir que la sociedad y la economía españolas avancen hacia modelo más sostenible, seguro y resiliente. #### **Perfil de la actuación conjunta CDTI-AEI:** El CDTI y la AEI lanzarán convocatorias simultáneas a través de sus portales web y sedes electrónicas a finales del mes de mayo. La financiación será en forma de subvención para actuaciones de I+D realizadas por dos agrupaciones de entidades que colaboran entre ellas: #### **Agrupación de empresas (de 3 a 8):** - Liderada por una empresa grande o mediana - incluyendo, al menos, una PYME - con un presupuesto elegible de 3 a 10 millones de euros por agrupación, con un presupuesto mínimo por empresa de 175.000 euros - o, al menos, el 5% del presupuesto deberá estar dedicado a actividades de investigación industrial - subvención hasta el límite de intensidad máximo permitido (65% gran empresa, 75% mediana y 85% pequeña) #### **Agrupación de organismos de investigación y difusión de conocimiento (mínimo 2):** Ambas agrupaciones presentarán una misma memoria técnica conjunta, que será evaluada en paralelo, y para la parte de la agrupación que financia cada una, por las dos entidades, CDTI y AEI. Para que la actuación de I+D pueda ser financiada, las dos agrupaciones de un mismo proyecto deben resultar designadas como beneficiarias en su respectiva convocatoria (empresas en CDTI, organismos investigación en AEI). La duración de los proyectos será de 3 ó 4 años, comenzando el 1 de enero de 2025. #### **Si te interesa participar de esta convocatoria ¡no dudes en contactarnos!** ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## Macarena Sanz presents the progress of European funding in deep tech innovation led by women URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/macarena-sanz-european-funding-tech-innovation-women ### NEWS | IDConsortium > # IDConsortium’s General Director, Macarena Sanz, presents the progress of European funding in deep tech innovation led by women ## The event, organized by Enterprise Europe Network Madrid (EEN Madrid), drew a relevant audience of industry leaders, policymakers and aspiring entrepreneurs. IDConsortium ### IDConsortium’s general director, Macarena Sanz, delivered an insightful presentation yesterday on funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs in deep tech, underlining the company’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology. The event, organized by Enterprise Europe Network Madrid (EEN Madrid), drew a relevant audience of industry leaders, policymakers and aspiring entrepreneurs. In her keynote, Sanz detailed the findings related “Bridging the Gender Gap: Analysis of Horizon Europe Funding to Women-Led Innovations.” She highlighted the progress that has been made in funding women-led innovations in European programmes. Additionally, Sanz introduced the Women Tech EU program, aimed at financing women-led startups in the deep tech sector. This initiative will provide non-diluting finance of up to 75k€ and a personalized business development program to support women at the helm of early-stage startups across the European Union and associated countries. “The Women Tech EU initiative represents a significant step forward in our commitment to fostering an inclusive ecosystem in deep tech,” said Sanz. “By specifically supporting women entrepreneurs, we aim to not only address the funding disparity but also empower women to lead and innovate.” IDConsortium continues to lead the way in supporting women in technology through both advocacy and direct programmatic support, striving for a future where women have equal opportunities to succeed and lead in tech industries. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More press releases and news about IDConsortium:​ --- ## Job Offer: Senior Innovation Consultants URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/job-offer-senior-innovation-consultants ### NEWS | IDConsortium > # Job Offer: Senior Innovation Consultants ## We are looking for experienced Senior Innovation Consultants to strengthen our proposal writing services. Become part of our dynamic team and contribute to our success in securing funding for renowned programmes. IDConsortium ### Join us at IDConsortium and leverage your expertise to make a significant impact in various innovative fields. We look forward to your applications and the opportunity to welcome you aboard our expert team. **We are looking for professionals with:** - **Proven experience: **Show a proven track record in effectively articulating and securing funding through the main EU mechanisms such as Horizon Europe, Life+, Interreg, I3 and Erasmus+. - **Technical Expertise:** Strong background in one or more of the following sectors: ICT, Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Circular Economy, Health, Energy and Environment, Mobility and Smart Cities. - **Flexibility:** Ability to participate in specific projects and on a freelance basis. **What we offer:** - **Robust Client Network:** Access to a diverse network of clients in need of expert proposal writing services. - **Team Support:** Comprehensive support from the IDConsortium team, enhancing your ability to deliver winning proposals. - **Competitive Compensation:** Attractive fees that reflect your valuable contribution to our projects. - **Working Mode: **Fully remote (teleworking), allowing for a flexible work environment. #### If you are interested in working for IDConsortium, do not hesitate to contact us! ## More news about IDConsortium: --- ## CDTI Innovación avanza en la definición de los desafíos para la próxima convocatoria de Misiones Ciencia e Innovación URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/cdti-desafios-convocatoria-misiones-ciencia-innovacion ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # CDTI Innovación avanza en la definición de los desafíos para la próxima convocatoria de Misiones Ciencia e Innovación ## El Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial (CDTI) avanza en la definición de los retos para la próxima convocatoria de Misiones Ciencia e Innovación, programada para junio de 2024. IDConsortium #### Esta iniciativa tiene como propósito fundamental promover la investigación en áreas transversales y estratégicas, mejorando así el panorama tecnológico y de conocimiento de las empresas españolas, y fomentando la colaboración entre el sector público y privado en materia de investigación, desarrollo e innovación (I+D+I). La convocatoria, que se enmarca en el Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, contempla ocho misiones diseñadas para abordar desafíos fundamentales de la economía española: - Sostenibilidad y eficiencia del transporte aéreo - Descontaminación de ecosistemas - Construcciones más eficientes, sostenibles, respetuosas con el medio ambiente y adaptadas al cambio climático - Sostenibilidad y eficiencia en el procesado y envasado para una industria alimentaria de calidad y segura - Conducción segura adaptada a los nuevos modelos de electromovilidad y vehículos autónomos - Desarrollo y fortalecimiento del ecosistema español de fotónica integrada - Salud digital: impulsando el desarrollo de tecnologías biosanitarias basadas en sistemas digitales - Tecnologías habilitadoras para el desarrollo de un entorno logístico flexible, automatizado, seguro e inteligente Para la convocatoria del 2024, el CDTI Innovación está preparando el lanzamiento de este programa, destinado a respaldar proyectos de investigación precompetitiva de gran envergadura. Estos proyectos buscarán ofrecer soluciones a los retos mencionados, mejorar la base tecnológica y de conocimiento de las empresas españolas y fomentar la colaboración público-privada. Los proyectos que se presenten deberán estar liderados por una pequeña o gran empresa y contar con la participación de entre 2 y 6 empresas en total. El presupuesto total asignado oscilará entre 1,5 y 6 millones de euros, con un mínimo de 175.000 euros por empresa participante, y se requerirá que al menos el 5% del presupuesto sea destinado a la subcontratación a organismos de investigación. Las misiones no están priorizadas por lo que se seleccionarán los proyectos con independencia de la misión a la que estén orientados. Los proyectos tendrán un plazo de duración hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2025. Este enfoque en las Misiones Ciencia e Innovación representa un paso significativo hacia el fortalecimiento del tejido empresarial español y su capacidad para abordar desafíos cruciales en diversos ámbitos. La convocatoria de 2024 busca así impulsar la investigación aplicada y la colaboración entre empresas e instituciones de I+D+I en España. #### Si te interesa participar de esta convocatoria ¡no dudes en contactarnos! ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## EPICENTRE URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/epicentre # EPICENTRE – EmPowering Industrial eCosystems to boost clustEr facilitated greeN and digiTal tRansition in Europe. ## Are you a SME or Startup? We invite you to submit project proposals that address a set of challenges provided by corporates. IDConsortium ## What is EPICENTRE? EPICENTRE is a project funded by the Single Market Programme (SMP), call Joint Cluster Initiatives (Euroclusters) for Europe’s recovery, from the European Comission. ### EPICENTRE aims to: **1.**  Create new cross-sectoral value chains from **Digital and Fintech **to** Health and Agri-food**. **2. **Deliver a strong combination of **support instruments and tools for scaling up innovation**, matchmaking and demonstrating innovative market-oriented applications developed by outstanding SMEs that respond to the challenge of a more digitized and green European Industry. **3.** Select and engage 50 innovative concepts with high market and growth potential in a dynamic and challenging business support program aimed at facilitating **the adoption of new processes and technologies by SMEs, and comprising 3-phases:  LAUNCH-SUSTAIN-DRIVE.** **4.** Provide an **end-to-end business support services **program to support the SMEs. **5.** Deliver a “**Go International Programme” **for EPICENTRE clusters. **6.** Take a comprehensive strategy to effectively carry out **communication and dissemination** activities. ### Latest News: ### IDConsortium will be involved in the following actions: - On-farm demonstration and methodology to set up the LIFE AgRemSo3il technology in other locations. - Project performance indicators. - Design and implementation of the Replicability and Transferability Plan. - Public Awareness and Dissemination of results. - Project Management. - Financial and Administrative Management, and - After-Life Plan Ozonation generates hydroxyl radicals with the help of light radiation to attack and destroy any organic molecules to CO2, H2O and mineral salts.   Solarization is based on the placement of a transparent plastic on the floor during the summer months, when temperature and light radiation are more intense.   ## Our partners of EPICENTRE consortium --- ## RUSTICA engages in successful Networking Event at NERM Conference 2024 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-engages-successful-networking-event-nerm-conference-2024 ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA engages in successful Networking Event at NERM Conference 2024 ## The recent networking event organized by the FER-PLAY project at the NERM Conference 2024 was a resounding success. IDConsortium ### Held online on the 15th of April 2024, the event facilitated collaboration, highlighted business opportunities in novel fertilizer value chains, and addressed legislative barriers in circular bio-based fertilizers. In an effort to foster collaboration and explore business opportunities in the realm of sustainable fertilizers, FER-PLAY, a project funded by the European Union, organized a networking event at the NERM Conference 2024. The event brought together key stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the latest developments in the field. RUSTICA partner Adelheid Wiedemann of Wiedemann GmbH, participated in discussions aimed at maximizing impact of sustainable fertilizers. Led by CETENMA, the coordinator of the FER-PLAY project, the event provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share insights, and forge partnerships. The event emphasized collaboration with other projects, such as RUSTICA, and showcased business opportunities in novel fertilizer value chains. Participants explored avenues for dissemination and exploitation, with a focus on leveraging mutual strengths for collective progress. A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Mr. Ludwig Hermann, former president of the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP). Mr. Hermann provided valuable insights into legislative and policy barriers facing circular bio-based fertilizers, underscoring the importance of addressing regulatory challenges to drive innovation and sustainability in the industry. For more information, please visit: - NERM Conference 2024 - FER-PLAY Events Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Nutrient in Europe Research Meeting (NERM) paves the way for sustainable nutrient cycles URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/nerm-way-sustainable-nutrient-cycles ### NEWS | Rustica > # Nutrient in Europe Research Meeting (NERM) paves the way for sustainable nutrient cycles ## The Nutrient in Europe Research Meeting (NERM), a pivotal event uniting the efforts of five project consortia – Fertimanure, Lex4Bio, Rustica, Sea2Land, and Walnut, convened on the 16th and 17th of April in Brussels. IDConsortium ### NERM, organized by ESPP (European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform), serves as a platform to discuss and strategize the development of biobased fertilizers and the closure of nutrient cycles for a sustainable future. The two-day event witnessed robust discussions on both the technological aspects and market-related issues concerning the development of biobased fertilizers. Representatives from each consortium shared insights, highlighting the significance of collaboration in fostering innovation and sustainable practices within the agricultural sector. A pivotal moment of the gathering was the final panel discussion, moderated by Chris Thornton of ESPP, where coordinators from the participating projects elaborated on key outcomes. Notable panelists included Kari Ylivainio from LUKE, Laia Llenas from BETA TC, Francisco Corona from CARTIF, Miriam Pinto from NEIKER, and Tessa Avermaete from KU LEUVEN. One of the crucial findings unveiled during the panel discussion was the significantly lower ammonia emissions observed with the application of biobased fertilizers compared to some mineral fertilizers. The effect was particularly pronounced with decreasing manure inclusion in biobased fertilizers, underscoring their potential in mitigating environmental impacts. NERM not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange but also provided a roadmap for future nutrient recycling research and development needs. The event encompassed discussions on nutrient recovery technologies, recycled fertilizer production, quality assessment, stakeholder acceptance, and the journey from nutrient recovery to market. In addition to the substantive discussions, NERM featured a series of parallel sessions, plenary talks, expert panels, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and synergy among researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. As the global community strives for sustainability, initiatives like NERM play a pivotal role in driving transformative change within the agricultural landscape. For more information about NERM and the participating projects, visit the official websites: - Fertimanure - Lex4bio - Rustica - Sea2land - Walnut Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## EU LIFE Programme Info Days present opportunities for environmental and climate action projects URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eulife-info-days-opportunities-environmental-climate-action-projects ### News | LIFE Programme > # EU LIFE Programme Info Days present opportunities for environmental and climate action projects ## The LIFE Programme Info Days promise to provide invaluable insights and support for organizations seeking funding for environmental and climate action projects in Europe. IDConsortium The European Union’s LIFE Programme Info Days are scheduled to take place virtually from Tuesday, 23rd April, to Friday, 26th April, 2024. During this event, all LIFE Calls for proposals for 2024, which have already been published on the Funding & Tender Opportunities portal, will be revealed. The LIFE Programme, a cornerstone of the EU’s efforts in environmental and climate action, offers a substantial budget of €5.4 billion for the period 2021-2027. Managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), it is divided into four sub-programs: - Nature and biodiversity - Circular economy and quality of life - Climate change mitigation and adaptation, - Clean energy transition. The program for the four-day event will cover a range of topics essential for applicants, offering insights into call topics, application and evaluation processes, and financial aspects, alongside dedicated sessions for each sub-programme and more specific topics in parallel sessions. The final day will include discussions on operating grants for non-profit entities, policy updates, and specific financial considerations related to operating grants. Attendees at the virtual event will have access to networking opportunities, including bilateral virtual meetings with potential applicants and representatives of National Contact Points (NCPs). These meetings will run from 23rd April to 30th September 2024, allowing for in-depth discussions on project proposals and areas of expertise. From Tuesday, 23rd April**to Friday, 26th April, 2024 ### About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More press releases and news about IDConsortium:​ --- ## Análisis Comparativo: Sistemas de Subvenciones (Estados Unidos) vs. Programas de Financiación (Europa) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/analisis-comparativo-subvenciones-estados-unidos-vs-financiacion-europa ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # Análisis Comparativo: Sistemas de Subvenciones en los Estados Unidos vs. Programas de Financiación en Europa ## Los sistemas de subvenciones (EE. UU.) y los programas de financiamiento (UE) son mecanismos vitales para financiar la investigación, la innovación y las iniciativas que abordan desafíos sociales críticos. En este análisis, examinamos el sistema de subvenciones utilizado en los Estados Unidos junto con los programas de financiamiento de Europa, centrándonos en Horizon Europe y Life+. IDConsortium ### Sistema de Subvenciones de los Estados Unidos En los Estados Unidos, el sistema de subvenciones opera a través de varias agencias federales, incluyendo los Institutos Nacionales de Salud (NIH), la Fundación Nacional de Ciencias (NSF), el Departamento de Energía (DOE) y el Departamento de Transporte (DOT), entre otros. Estas agencias asignan fondos a través de programas de subvenciones competitivas, a los cuales investigadores, instituciones y organizaciones solicitan basándose en criterios y prioridades específicas. Por ejemplo, el presupuesto de los EE. UU. para el año 2024 asigna $210 mil millones para iniciativas federales de investigación e innovación, distribuyendo fondos entre estas agencias para impulsar avances científicos y descubrimientos tecnológicos. Las subvenciones y mecanismos de financiación similares abarcan una parte sustancial del gasto discrecional en el presupuesto federal de los Estados Unidos. El gasto discrecional, que se establece anualmente por el Congreso a través de proyectos de asignaciones, incluye fondos para varios programas gubernamentales, agencias y actividades, entre ellas, las subvenciones para investigación y desarrollo. Por ejemplo, agencias como las mencionadas anteriormente asignan partes significativas de sus presupuestos a programas de subvenciones que respaldan la investigación en salud, ciencia, energía y transporte, respectivamente. Sin embargo, es importante tener en cuenta que la asignación precisa a los programas de subvenciones puede variar de un año a otro según las prioridades del Congreso, los cambios en los presupuestos de las agencias y las necesidades nacionales cambiantes. #### Características clave: - **Diversidad de Fuentes de Financiación: **El sistema de subvenciones de los Estados Unidos se beneficia de una amplia gama de fuentes de financiamiento en diferentes agencias federales, lo que permite un amplio apoyo en diversos campos y disciplinas. - **Proceso Competitivo: **Las subvenciones se otorgan a través de un proceso altamente competitivo, donde las propuestas se evalúan rigurosamente en función del mérito científico, la innovación, el impacto potencial y la viabilidad. - **Flexibilidad: **Los investigadores tienen cierto grado de flexibilidad para definir sus agendas de investigación, aunque la alineación con las prioridades de la agencia es crucial para obtener financiamiento. - **Inversiones a Largo Plazo: **Algunas subvenciones apoyan proyectos de investigación a largo plazo, proporcionando estabilidad y continuidad para los esfuerzos científicos. - **Énfasis en la Innovación y el Impacto: **El sistema de subvenciones de los Estados Unidos prioriza la innovación y la traducción de los hallazgos de investigación en beneficios tangibles para la sociedad, fomentando el crecimiento económico y abordando desafíos apremiantes. ### Programas Europeos Las iniciativas europeas, lideradas por el programa insignia Horizonte Europa, invierten en esfuerzos de investigación e innovación diseñados para abordar desafíos globales y mejorar la competitividad industrial mediante la adopción de tecnologías emergentes y disruptivas en toda la Unión Europea (UE) y sus países asociados. #### Características clave: - **Prioridades Estratégicas: **Horizonte Europa, asignado con un presupuesto de €95.5 mil millones para el período 2021-2027, está dedicado a abordar desafíos globales cruciales, incluyendo el cambio climático, el cáncer y el desarrollo sostenible. El programa prioriza la colaboración, la excelencia y los impactos sociales de la investigación y la innovación. - **Marco Estructurado: **En general, los programas de la UE operan dentro de un marco estructurado con prioridades, misiones y asignaciones presupuestarias definidas. Esto permite inversiones dirigidas en áreas clave de preocupación, como la mitigación del cambio climático y la conservación de la biodiversidad. - **Cooperación Internacional: **Los programas europeos fomentan la colaboración internacional, permitiendo la participación de terceros países con fuertes capacidades de investigación e innovación. Esto promueve el intercambio de conocimientos, la movilidad de talentos y la relevancia global de los esfuerzos de investigación europeos. - **Enfoque Inclusivo: **Los criterios de elegibilidad para participar en los programas europeos son inclusivos, abarcando diversos tipos de entidades, incluyendo organizaciones públicas y privadas, así como entidades de terceros países asociados. - **Evaluación de Impacto: **Se realizan evaluaciones regulares del impacto de Horizonte Europa en la sociedad, la industria y el medio ambiente cada dos años. Estas evaluaciones guían el lanzamiento de nuevos programas de trabajo, que se moldean por el progreso en la implementación de políticas europeas como el Pacto Verde Europeo y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, aportes de los interesados y los efectos inmediatos, a medio y largo plazo de los proyectos. Los programas europeos enfatizan la evaluación de los impactos esperados, incluyendo resultados científicos, sociales y económicos. ### Comparando ambos sistemas **Asignación Presupuestaria: **En Europa, la asignación presupuestaria sustancial de Horizonte Europa refleja el compromiso de la UE con la investigación, la innovación y la atención de los desafíos sociales a escala global. En contraste, el presupuesto para otros programas como Life+ es comparativamente menor, pero se enfoca específicamente en iniciativas de acción ambiental y climática. De manera similar, el sistema de subvenciones de los Estados Unidos prioriza la innovación y la traducción de los hallazgos de investigación en beneficios tangibles para la sociedad, fomentando el crecimiento económico y abordando desafíos urgentes. **Áreas de Enfoque: **Mientras que tanto el sistema de subvenciones de EE. UU. como los programas de llamadas europeos priorizan la innovación y el impacto, el sistema estadounidense abarca una amplia gama de disciplinas, por ejemplo proyectos de energía (con una estimación de $15 mil millones en financiamiento para 2024) o transporte (con una estimación de $60.1 mil millones en financiamiento para 2024) dependiendo de la agencia federal, mientras que los programas europeos muestran un enfoque más específico, alineándose estrechamente con las prioridades políticas de la UE y los desafíos globales. Además, es digno de destacar que la financiación de la UE otorga una alta prioridad a fomentar la participación de las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) y los clústeres al asignar fondos directamente a ellos. En contraste, el sistema de financiación de EE. UU. canaliza sus recursos principalmente a través de entidades públicas, a menudo en colaboración con corporaciones bien establecidas. Sin embargo, existen subvenciones federales disponibles en los Estados Unidos específicamente dirigidas a pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs). Estas subvenciones son proporcionadas por diversas agencias federales con el objetivo de apoyar la innovación, la investigación y el desarrollo, la creación de empleo y el crecimiento económico dentro del sector de las PYMEs. Por ejemplo, el Programa de Investigación e Innovación para Pequeñas Empresas (SBIR), que proporciona financiamiento a pequeñas empresas para llevar a cabo proyectos de investigación y desarrollo (I+D) que tienen el potencial de comercialización, y el Programa de Transferencia de Tecnología para Pequeñas Empresas (STTR): Similar al programa SBIR, el programa STTR también proporciona financiamiento a pequeñas empresas para proyectos de I+D, pero en colaboración con instituciones de investigación como universidades o laboratorios federales. Para ambos programas, que se dividen en dos fases consecutivas, el financiamiento promedio por beneficiario generalmente es de $1 millón. **Colaboración Internacional: **Los programas europeos muestran un fuerte énfasis en la colaboración y cooperación internacional, facilitando el intercambio de conocimientos y experiencia a través de las fronteras. En comparación, el principal enfoque del sistema de subvenciones de EE. UU. sigue siendo en las prioridades de investigación nacionales. Sin embargo, más recientemente, la Fundación Nacional de Ciencias de EE. UU. (NSF, por sus siglas en inglés) ha lanzado una nueva Dirección para Tecnología, Innovación y Asociaciones (TIP) con un enfoque en promover el crecimiento y la creación de empleo en EE. UU. a través de la investigación y desarrollo (I+D) “inspirados en el uso”. Esta dirección, liderada por el director Erwin Gianchandani, está abierta a colaborar con socios internacionales, especialmente aquellos países que comparten valores comunes con EE. UU. Los esfuerzos de colaboración de TIP se extienden más allá de las fronteras nacionales, lo que indica una estrategia de compromiso más amplia para fomentar la innovación y abordar los desafíos sociales. **Criterios de Evaluación: **Ambos sistemas emplean criterios de evaluación rigurosos para valorar la calidad, viabilidad y potencial impacto de los proyectos propuestos. Sin embargo, los programas europeos pueden poner un énfasis adicional en la alineación con los objetivos de política de la UE y el logro de impactos sociales específicos. En conclusión, tanto el sistema de subvenciones de los Estados Unidos como los programas de financiación en Europa desempeñan roles cruciales en la financiación de la investigación, la innovación y las iniciativas que abordan los desafíos sociales. Mientras que el sistema estadounidense ofrece diversidad y flexibilidad en diversas disciplinas, los programas europeos muestran un enfoque más estructurado y dirigido, estrechamente alineado con las prioridades políticas de la UE. Al comprender las fortalezas y diferencias de cada sistema, los interesados pueden aprovechar las oportunidades de colaboración y maximizar el impacto de las inversiones en investigación e innovación a escala global. **IDConsortium ha realizado este análisis del panorama de financiamiento en Estados Unidos y Europa, identificando posibles vías de colaboración. Esto tiene como objetivo mostrar a las empresas europeas que existen oportunidades más allá de Europa y fomentar la exploración de estas nuevas oportunidades de colaboración. Para obtener más información, invitamos a las partes interesadas a ponerse en contacto con nosotros.** ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## Interreg SUDOE Program Launches New Funding Call for 2024 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/interreg-sudoe-program-funding-call-2024 ### News | Interreg SUDOE > # Interreg SUDOE Program Launches New Funding Call for 2024 ## In an ambitious move to foster regional development, the Interreg SUDOE program has officially announced its latest funding call, open from February 6, 2024, until May 31, 2024. IDConsortium #### This initiative, backed by a substantial budget of €537 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is set to support projects that enhance natural capital preservation, climate change adaptation, social cohesion, and territorial balance across the Southwestern Europe (SUDOE) region. **Empowering Transnational Collaboration for Sustainable Growth** The program seeks innovative projects that can demonstrate transnational implementation, addressing key challenges faced by the SUDOE area. With a focus on adding value and generating impactful outcomes, the projects must involve a comprehensive range of stakeholders, ensuring that each consortium member brings expertise and contributes significantly to the project’s objectives. **Three Strategic Priorities:** Interreg SUDOE has outlined three critical priorities for this call: - Preserving Natural Capital and Strengthening Climate Adaptation (46% of total call budget): Initiatives under this priority aim to protect the environment while enhancing the region’s resilience to climate change (more information about this priority). - Promoting Social Cohesion and Territorial Balance through Innovation (22% of total call budget): Projects here focus on leveraging innovation to achieve equitable growth and development across sectors (more information about this priority). - Innovation in Social Services, Heritage Valorization, and Services (32% of total call budget): This priority seeks to foster social innovation and enhance the value of cultural and natural heritage (more information about this priority). **Comprehensive Support for Holistic Development:** The Interreg SUDOE program emphasizes not just the importance of transnational partnership but also the sustainability and transferability of project outcomes. It aligns with the EU’s overarching goals of sustainable development, gender equality, non-discrimination, and ensuring projects contribute positively without causing significant harm to the environment or society. **Next Steps:** Following the Phase 1 submission deadline (31 May 2024) , the Monitoring Committee will deliberate on the received applications to decide on the commencement of Phase 2, tentatively scheduled for October 2024. This phased approach ensures thorough evaluation and alignment with the program’s strategic goals and the broader EU policy framework. **Call for Participation: ** Interreg SUDOE invites consortia, comprising both ERDF beneficiaries and associated partners, to bring forward proposals that can catalyze transformative change in the region. Projects should be innovative, impactful, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs and strategies within the SUDOE territory. For more information on application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and project requirements, please visit our specific section in the website to the programme. **About Interreg SUDOE: ** The Interreg SUDOE Program is a key EU initiative aimed at promoting regional development through cross-border cooperation. By supporting projects that address shared challenges and opportunities, Interreg SUDOE contributes to the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of Southwestern Europe. **Contact Information: ** For more information about the Interreg SUDOE program and the current funding call, please contact: **Macarena Sanz****Director+34 619856468msanz@idconsortium.es February 6, 2024** **May 31, 2024** **€537 million ** ## More news about Interreg SUDOE: --- ## El programa Interreg SUDOE anuncia nueva convocatoria de financiación para 2024 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/interreg-sudoe-nueva-convocatoria-financiacion-2024 ### Noticias | Interreg SUDOE > # El programa Interreg SUDOE anuncia nueva convocatoria de financiación para 2024 ## En un ambicioso esfuerzo por fomentar el desarrollo regional, el programa Interreg SUDOE ha anunciado oficialmente su más reciente convocatoria de financiación, abierta desde el 6 de febrero de 2024 hasta el 31 de mayo de 2024. IDConsortium #### Esta iniciativa, respaldada por un considerable presupuesto de 537 millones de euros del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), está destinada a apoyar proyectos que mejoren la preservación del capital natural, la adaptación al cambio climático, la cohesión social y el equilibrio territorial en la región del Suroeste de Europa (SUDOE). **Potenciando la Colaboración Transnacional para el Crecimiento Sostenible: ** El programa busca proyectos innovadores que puedan demostrar implementación transnacional, abordando desafíos clave enfrentados por el área SUDOE. Con un enfoque en agregar valor y generar resultados impactantes, los proyectos deben involucrar una gama completa de partes interesadas, asegurando que cada miembro del consorcio aporte experiencia y contribuya significativamente a los objetivos del proyecto. **Tres Prioridades Estratégicas: ** Interreg SUDOE ha delineado tres prioridades críticas para esta convocatoria: - Preservar el Capital Natural y Fortalecer la Adaptación al Cambio Climático (46% del presupuesto total de la convocatoria): Las iniciativas bajo esta prioridad buscan proteger el medio ambiente al tiempo que mejoran la resiliencia de la región al cambio climático (más información sobre esta prioridad). - Promover la Cohesión Social y el Equilibrio Territorial mediante la Innovación (22% del presupuesto total de la convocatoria): Los proyectos aquí se centran en aprovechar la innovación para lograr un crecimiento y desarrollo equitativo en los sectores (más información sobre esta prioridad). - Innovación en Servicios Sociales, Valorización del Patrimonio y Servicios (32% del presupuesto total de la convocatoria): Esta prioridad busca fomentar la innovación social y realzar el valor del patrimonio cultural y natural (más información sobre esta prioridad). **Apoyo Integral para el desarrollo holístico: ** El programa Interreg SUDOE enfatiza no solo la importancia de la asociación transnacional, sino también la sostenibilidad y transferibilidad de los resultados del proyecto. Se alinea con los objetivos generales de la UE de desarrollo sostenible, igualdad de género, no discriminación y asegura que los proyectos contribuyan positivamente sin causar un daño significativo al medio ambiente o la sociedad. **Próximos Pasos: ** Tras la fecha límite de presentación de la Fase 1 (31 de Mayo de 2024), el Comité de Seguimiento deliberará sobre las solicitudes recibidas para decidir sobre el inicio de la Fase 2, tentativamente programada para octubre de 2024. Este enfoque por fases asegura una evaluación exhaustiva y la alineación con los objetivos estratégicos del programa y el marco de políticas más amplio de la UE. **Llamado a la Participación: ** Interreg SUDOE invita a consorcios, compuestos tanto por beneficiarios del FEDER como por socios asociados, a presentar propuestas que puedan catalizar un cambio transformador en la región. Los proyectos deben ser innovadores, impactantes y demostrar una comprensión clara de las necesidades y estrategias dentro del territorio SUDOE. Para obtener más información sobre las pautas de aplicación, criterios de elegibilidad y requisitos del proyecto, por favor visite nuestro sitio web especifico de Interreg SUDOE. **Acerca de Interreg SUDOE: ** El Programa Interreg SUDOE es una iniciativa clave de la UE destinada a promover el desarrollo regional mediante la cooperación transfronteriza. Al apoyar proyectos que abordan desafíos y oportunidades compartidos, Interreg SUDOE contribuye a la sostenibilidad económica, social y ambiental del Suroeste de Europa. **Información de Contacto: ** Para consultas de los medios y más información sobre el programa Interreg SUDOE y la convocatoria de financiación actual, por favor contacte a: **Macarena Sanz****Directora+34 619856468msanz@idconsortium.es 6 de febrero de 2024** **31 de mayo de 2024** **537 millones de €** ## Más noticias sobre Interreg SUDOE: --- ## Convocatoria 2024 Interreg SUDOE URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/convocatoria-2024-interreg-sudoe ### Noticias | Interreg SUDOE > # Convocatoria 2024 Interreg SUDOE ## El programa Interreg SUDOE se complace en anunciar una nueva convocatoria de proyectos con el objetivo de fomentar la cooperación transnacional y abordar desafíos específicos dentro del área de cooperación del Suroeste de Europa (SUDOE). IDConsortium #### La convocatoria está estructurada en dos fases, con un presupuesto significativo dedicado a apoyar proyectos innovadores e impactantes.   #### Fechas Clave: - **Fase 1**: Abierta desde el 6 de febrero de 2024 y cierra el 31 de mayo de 2024. - **Fase 2**: El calendario para la Fase 2 será determinado por el Comité de Seguimiento basado en los resultados de la Fase 1, anticipándose a finales de octubre de 2024. #### Detalles sobre la financiación: - Presupuesto Total FEDER: 537 millones de € - Financiación Máxima: Hasta el 75% del presupuesto elegible del proyecto - Duración del Proyecto: Hasta 36 meses #### Áreas Prioritarias: - **Capital Natural y Adaptación al Cambio Climático** (46% del Presupuesto Total): Preservar el capital natural y reforzar las medidas de adaptación al cambio climático en la región SUDOE (más info sobre esta prioridad). - **Cohesión Social y Equilibrio Territorial **(22% del Presupuesto Total): Promover la cohesión social y el equilibrio territorial y demográfico a través de la innovación y la transformación de los sectores productivos (más info sobre esta prioridad). - **Innovación y Patrimonio **(32% del Presupuesto Total): Avanzar en la cohesión social y el equilibrio territorial mediante la innovación social, la valorización del patrimonio y los servicios (más info sobre esta prioridad). #### Alcance Geográfico: La convocatoria está dirigida al espacio SUDOE, incentivando proyectos que implementen actividades transnacionales e involucren a todos los actores necesarios para lograr un impacto tangible en el territorio o sector abordado. #### Requisitos Generales: - Los proyectos deben demostrar una implementación transnacional, involucrar a todos los actores relevantes de la cadena de valor y contribuir directamente a los indicadores del programa. - Composición del Consorcio: Los proyectos deben ser llevados a cabo por consorcios de beneficiarios elegibles para la ayuda FEDER y beneficiarios asociados que no reciben ayuda FEDER, con roles claramente definidos. - Los proyectos deben asegurar la transferibilidad y sostenibilidad, alinearse con las necesidades identificadas de los destinatarios y proporcionar un valor agregado al conocimiento existente. - Los resultados deben capitalizar avances recientes y resultados previamente obtenidos en el área temática relevante. - Es necesario que sean compatibles con las estrategias territoriales nacionales/regionales, demostrando cómo los resultados del proyecto se alinean con estas estrategias. #### Consideraciones Transversales: Los proyectos deben adherirse a los principios horizontales de la UE, respetando los derechos fundamentales, promoviendo la igualdad de género, previniendo la discriminación, mejorando la accesibilidad para las personas con discapacidad y apoyando el desarrollo sostenible en línea con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de la ONU, el Acuerdo de París y el principio de “No Causar un Daño Significativo”. **6 de febrero de 2024** **31 de mayo de 2024** **537 millones de €** **Hasta el 75% del presupuesto elegible** **Hasta 36 meses** ## Más noticias sobre Interreg SUDOE: --- ## Interreg SUDOE URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/interreg-sudoe # Interreg SUDOE ## Interreg Sudoe es un programa de financiación de la Unión Europea para apoyar el desarrollo regional y la cohesión en las regiones del sudoeste de Europa. IDConsortium ## ¿Qué es el programa Interreg Sudoe? El programa Interreg Sudoe apoya la cooperación entre las regiones del sudoeste de Europa. Para hacer frente a los retos comunes a los que se enfrentan las regiones Sudoe, como la **adaptación al cambio climático, la cohesión social y el equilibrio territorial**, apoyamos proyectos de cooperación entre entidades de los Estados miembros que conforman esta área. ### El programa Sudoe, cerca de las personas y de los territorios Interreg SUDOE apoya a entidades públicas y privadas que actúan en consorcio para construir soluciones que aborden los desafíos transnacionales de los territorios del Sudoeste de Europa con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos. Los proyectos son cofinanciados hasta el 75% de los mismos a través del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). Para el periodo 2021-2027, el programa Sudoe cuenta con un presupuesto FEDER de 125 millones de euros. El contenido del programa está disponible en el documento Programa de Cooperación, disponible en español, francés y portugués. **Sudoeste de Europa** **3 (con más de 30 regiones)** **€273 million** ### Temáticas de cooperación Los temas de cooperación son las líneas de actuación sobre las que los promotores deben desarrollar su idea de proyecto. **¿Cómo se han definido estos temas de cooperación para el programa Interreg Sudoe?** Los temas de cooperación del programa Interreg Sudoe se han diseñado en consonancia con las directrices de la Política de Cohesión Europea para el periodo de cooperación 2021-2027. Estas directrices se recogen en la normativa europea en una serie de objetivos específicos (OE) que deben apoyar los programas financiados por los fondos de cohesión. Los 9 objetivos específicos apoyados por el programa Interreg Sudoe se basan en las 2 orientaciones estratégicas del programa: - Preservar el capital natural y reforzar la adaptación al cambio climático en el Sudoe - Reforzar la cohesión social y el equilibrio territorial y demográfico del Sudoe a través de la innovación y el desarrollo endógeno ### Prioridades para Interreg SUDOE Estos 9 objetivos específicos se dividen en las siguientes **4 prioridades:** Preservar el capital natural y reforzar la adaptación al cambio climático del Sudoe Promover la cohesión social y el equilibrio territorial y demográfico en el Sudoe mediante la innovación y la transformación de sectores productivos Promover la cohesión social y el equilibrio territorial y demográfico en el Sudoe a través de la innovación social, la valorización del patrimonio y los servicios Reforzar el impacto del SUDOE en los territorios y otras acciones que apoyen una mejor gobernanza de la cooperación ## Últimas noticias y convocatorias relacionadas con este programa: --- ## Convocatoria Eurostars: Impulsando la Innovación de las PYMEs Europeas URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eurostars-innovacion-pymes-europeas ### Noticias | EDIH > # Convocatoria Eurostars: Impulsando la Innovación de las PYMEs Europeas ## Eurostars, parte de la “Asociación Europea de Pymes Innovadoras”, es una iniciativa cofinanciada por la Unión Europea a través de Horizonte Europa. IDConsortium #### Este programa, en vigencia desde 2008, tiene como objetivo principal apoyar a las pymes innovadoras en el desarrollo de proyectos colaborativos transnacionales y orientados al mercado. Actualmente, Eurostars cuenta con la participación de 37 estados miembros de Eureka, ofreciendo un sólido respaldo a las pymes innovadoras. La financiación pública conjunta para el periodo 2021-2027 supera los mil millones de euros, demostrando un compromiso decidido con la innovación y el crecimiento empresarial. En España, el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, a través del Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI), es responsable de la gestión del programa. El CDTI desempeña un papel fundamental en la coordinación y gestión de las actividades, asegurando la representación en el Grupo de Alto Nivel y la gestión del NPC. **Características de Eurostars:** - Creación de un mecanismo europeo sostenible de apoyo a las pymes innovadoras. - Fomento de la actividad económica basada en los resultados de proyectos de I+D. - Promoción del desarrollo tecnológico, empresarial e internacionalización de las empresas. - Garantía de financiación pública para los participantes en los proyectos. Eurostars está diseñado para generar proyectos de I+D liderados por pymes innovadoras, que representen una ruptura significativa con el estado del arte técnico y un desafío comercial importante. Es un programa con una evaluación centralizada e independiente, gestionado por el Secretariado de Eureka, que proporciona financiación descentralizada y coordinada. Con una tasa de éxito del 29%, Eurostars ha demostrado ser una plataforma efectiva para impulsar la colaboración internacional en I+D. Los socios de proyectos aprobados reciben fondos directamente de su organismo financiador nacional, como el CDTI en España. El CDTI también puede facilitar la búsqueda de socios para proyectos contactando con otros organismos de financiación nacional en la red de Eureka. La próxima convocatoria de Eurostars abrirá el 12 de julio de 2024 y cerrará el 12 de septiembre de 2024. Además, el CDTI financia los costes de I+D para las PYMEs participantes en el programa Eurostars, cubriendo hasta el 60% de los costes elegibles para pequeñas empresas y hasta el 50% para medianas empresas. Si hay presupuesto nacional disponible, la subvención podría aumentarse hasta el 70% para todas las PYMEs. Con una financiación máxima de 400.000 € por participante español en un Proyecto. Los proyectos de Eurostars deben ser cercanos al mercado, tener una duración máxima de 3 años y un enfoque exclusivo en aplicaciones civiles. Se requiere la participación de al menos dos países Eurostars con al menos una organización procedente de un país de la Unión Europea o asociado a Horizonte Europa. Con Eurostars, las pymes tienen la oportunidad de liderar la innovación y colaborar en proyectos internacionales que impulsen su crecimiento y competitividad en el mercado global. Si te interesa esta convocatoria y cumples con los requisitos, no dudes en contactarnos para ayudarte en el proceso de aplicación. **Cobertura:** - Pequeña empresa: Hasta 60% de los costes eligibles - Mediana empresa: Hasta 50% de los costes eligibles - Grande empresa: No eligible ** Si hay presupuesto nacional disponible, la subvención podría aumentarse hasta el 70% para todas las PYMEs.* - Financiación máxima de 400.000 € por participante español en un proyecto. **Requisitos:** - El consorcio del proyecto es liderado por una PYME innovadora de un país Eurostars. - El consorcio del proyecto está compuesto por al menos dos entidades independientes entre sí. - El consorcio del proyecto está compuesto por entidades de al menos dos países Eurostars, con al menos una organización proveniente de un país de la UE o asociado a Horizonte Europa. - El presupuesto de las PYMEs de los países participantes (excluyendo cualquier subcontratación) es del 50% o más del costo total del proyecto. - Ningún participante o país es responsable de más del 70% del presupuesto del proyecto. - La duración del proyecto es de 36 meses o menos. - El proyecto tiene un enfoque exclusivo en aplicaciones civiles. **12 de julio de 2024** **12 de septiembre de 2024** **400.000 € por proyecto** ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Region: --- ## A Comparative Analysis: Grants Systems in the United States vs. Funding Programs in Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/comparative-analysis-grants-systems-united-states-vs-funding-programs-europe ### News | IDConsortium > # A Comparative Analysis: Grants Systems in the United States vs. Funding Programs in Europe ## Grants systems (USA) and Funding Programs (EU) are vital mechanisms for funding research, innovation, and initiatives addressing critical societal challenges. In this analysis, we examine the grants system employed in the United States alongside Europe’s funding programs, focusing on Horizon Europe and Life+. IDConsortium ### United States Grants System In the United States, the grants system operates through various federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Transportation (DOT), among others. These agencies allocate funding through competitive grant programs, which researchers, institutions, and organizations apply for based on specific criteria and priorities. For example, the 2024 US budget allocates $210 billion for federal research and innovation initiatives, distributing funds across these agencies to fuel scientific advancements and technological breakthroughs. Grants and similar funding mechanisms encompass a substantial portion of discretionary spending in the U.S. federal budget. Discretionary spending, which is set annually by Congress through appropriations bills, includes funding for various government programs, agencies, and activities, including research and development grants. For instance, agencies like the ones mentioned above, allocate significant portions of their budgets to grants programs supporting research in health, science, energy, and transportation respectively. However, it’s important to note that the precise allocation to grants programs can vary from year to year based on congressional priorities, changes in agency budgets, and shifting national needs. ####   #### Key Characteristics: - **Diverse Funding Sources:** The U.S. grants system benefits from a diverse range of funding sources across different federal agencies, allowing for broad support across various fields and disciplines. - **Competitive Process:** Grants are awarded through a highly competitive process, where proposals are rigorously evaluated based on scientific merit, innovation, potential impact, and feasibility. - **Flexibility:** Researchers have a certain degree of flexibility in defining their research agendas, although alignment with agency priorities is crucial for securing funding. - **Long-Term Investments**: Some grants support long-term research projects, providing stability and continuity for scientific endeavors. - **Emphasis on Innovation and Impact:** The U.S. grants system prioritizes innovation and the translation of research findings into tangible societal benefits, fostering economic growth and addressing pressing challenges. ### European Programs European initiatives, led by the flagship Horizon Europe programme, invest in research and innovation efforts designed to address global challenges and improve industrial competitiveness through the adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies across the European Union (EU) and its partner nations. ####   #### Key Characteristics: - **Strategic Priorities:** Horizon Europe, allocated a budget of €95.5 billion for the period 2021-2027, is dedicated to addressing pivotal global challenges, including climate change, cancer, and sustainable development. The program prioritizes collaboration, excellence, and the societal impacts of research and innovation. - **Structured Framework:** In general EU programs operate within a structured framework with defined priorities, missions, and budget allocations. This allows for targeted investments in key areas of concern, such as climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. - **International Cooperation:** European programs encourage international collaboration, allowing participation from third countries with strong research and innovation capacities. This promotes knowledge exchange, talent mobility, and the global relevance of European research efforts. - **Inclusive Approach:** Eligibility criteria for participation in European programs are inclusive, encompassing various types of entities, including public and private organizations, as well as entities from associated third countries. - **Impact Assessment:** Regular evaluations of Horizon Europe’s influence on society, industry, and the environment occur biennially. These assessments guide the launch of new work programs, which are shaped by the progress in implementing European policies such as the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals, stakeholder input, and the immediate, medium, and long-term effects of the projects. European programs emphasize the assessment of expected impacts, including scientific, societal, and economic outcomes. ### Comparing both systems **Budget Allocation:** In Europe, Horizon Europe’s substantial budget allocation reflects the EU’s commitment to research, innovation, and addressing societal challenges on a global scale. In contrast, the budget for other programs such as Life+ is comparatively smaller but focuses specifically on environmental and climate action initiatives. Similarly, the U.S. grants system prioritizes innovation and the translation of research findings into tangible societal benefits, fostering economic growth, and addressing pressing challenges. **Focus Areas:** While both the U.S. grants system and European calls programs prioritize innovation and impact.The U.S. system encompasses a wide range of disciplines, for example energy ($15 B estimate in funding for 2024) or transportation ($60.1 B estimate in funding for 2024) projects depending on the federal agency, whereas European programs exhibit a more targeted approach, aligning closely with EU policy priorities and global challenges. Moreover, it’s noteworthy that EU funding places a high priority on encouraging the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and clusters by directly allocating funds to them. In contrast, the US funding system channels its resources primarily through public entities, often in collaboration with well-established corporations However, there are federal grants available in the United States specifically targeted towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These grants are often provided by various federal agencies with the aim of supporting innovation, research and development, job creation, and economic growth within the SME sector. For example, the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR), which provides provides funding to small businesses to conduct research and development (R&D) projects that have the potential for commercialization, and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program: Similar to the SBIR program, the STTR program also provides funding to small businesses for R&D projects, but in collaboration with research institutions such as universities or federal laboratories. For both programs, which divide into two consecutive phases, the average funding per awardee is generally $1M. **International Collaboration:** European programs demonstrate a strong emphasis on international collaboration and cooperation, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise across borders. In comparison, the U.S. grants system primary focus remains on domestic research priorities. However, more recently, US National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched a new Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) with a focus on promoting growth and job creation in the US through “use-inspired” research and development (R&D). This directorate, led by director Erwin Gianchandani, is open to collaborating with international partners, particularly those from countries that share common values with the US. TIP’s collaboration efforts extend beyond domestic borders, indicating a broader engagement strategy for fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges. **Evaluation Criteria:** Both systems employ rigorous evaluation criteria to assess the quality, feasibility, and potential impact of proposed projects. However, European programs may place additional emphasis on alignment with EU policy objectives and the achievement of specific societal impacts. In conclusion, both the grants system in the United States and the funding programs in Europe play crucial roles in funding research, innovation, and initiatives addressing societal challenges. While the U.S. system offers diversity and flexibility across disciplines, European programs exhibit a more structured and targeted approach, closely aligned with EU policy priorities. By understanding the strengths and differences of each system, stakeholders can leverage opportunities for collaboration and maximize the impact of research and innovation investments on a global scale. **IDConsortium has conducted an in-depth analysis of the funding landscapes in the United States and Europe, identifying potential avenues for collaboration. This aims to showcase to European companies that opportunities exist beyond Europe and to encourage the exploration of these new collaboration opportunities. For further information, we invite interested parties to contact us**. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More press releases and news about IDConsortium:​ --- ## Proyecto Women TechEU Anuncia Convocatoria Abierta para Financiación en 2024 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/proyecto-women-techeu-anuncia-convocatoria-abierta-para-financiacion-en-2024 ### Noticias | EDIH > # Proyecto Women TechEU Anuncia Convocatoria Abierta para Financiación en 2024 ## Con un enfoque en empoderar a las mujeres en la industria tecnológica, esta convocatoria tiene como objetivo promover la diversidad y la innovación en el sector tecnológico europeo. IDConsortium #### El proyecto Women TechEU ha lanzado oficialmente su Open Call #1 para la iniciativa HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-01, ofreciendo una oportunidad única para que empresas aseguren financiación y apoyo para sus proyectos relacionados con la tecnología. El proyecto Women TechEU, financiado por la Unión Europea, tiene como objetivo apoyar a las mujeres emprendedoras en la industria tecnológica y brindarles acceso a recursos, redes y oportunidades de financiación. Al fomentar un ecosistema de apoyo para las mujeres en la tecnología, el proyecto busca impulsar la innovación y la diversidad en el panorama tecnológico europeo. Para las empresas que buscan marcar la diferencia en el sector tecnológico y promover la igualdad de género en la tecnología, la convocatoria de Women TechEU presenta una oportunidad valiosa para asegurar financiación y apoyo para sus proyectos. ### Criterios de Elegibilidad: - Las organizaciones deben ser startups lideradas por mujeres en etapas tempranas en tecnología profunda. - Los solicitantes deben ser parte de la Unión Europea y países asociados a Horizon Europe. - Proyectos en etapas tempranas de desarrollo, generalmente anteriores al crecimiento rápido. - Proyectos que ofrecen soluciones concretas a problemas sociales mediante una interacción profunda con tecnologías avanzadas. - Startups establecidas y operativas durante no más de 8 años desde la fecha límite de la convocatoria, con financiamiento limitado (hasta 1M € en capital) y antes de alcanzar un Producto Mínimo Viable de alta fidelidad. ### Presupuesto: – Los solicitantes seleccionados recibirán una subvención de 75.000 € y acceso a un programa personalizado de desarrollo empresarial para apoyar su crecimiento. **Si deseas obtener más información sobre cómo podemos colaborar en la presentación de tu propuesta o tienes consultas específicas sobre la convocatoria no dudes en ponerte en contacto con nosotros.** **2 años** **4 convocatorias** **160** **€75.000 / cada una** **20 de mayo de 202417:00 CEST (Hora de Bruselas)** ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Region: --- ## CBE JU Hosts Info Day 2024 to guide potential project applicants URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/cbe-ju-info-day-2024-guide-potential-project-applicants ### News | IDConsortium > # CBE JU Hosts Info Day 2024 to guide potential project applicants ## The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) is set to host its much-anticipated Info Day 2024, offering valuable insights into the upcoming call for project proposals and fostering networking opportunities among potential applicants. IDConsortium #### The event is scheduled to take place on 23rd April 2024, from 8:00 to 17:00 at the Charlemagne building in Brussels, Belgium. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the CBE JU 2024 call, gaining essential knowledge on proposal submission, evaluation processes, and call management rules. Sessions chaired by esteemed figures such as the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) Executive Director, the Head of Programme Unit, and the Call Coordinator, will cover a spectrum of topics including setting the scene for bio-based innovation, outlining the call’s priorities, and elucidating specific call requirements. Moreover, the event promises enriching discussions on how to craft compelling proposals, drawing on lessons learned from previous calls. An interactive Q&A session will provide attendees with the chance to seek clarifications and chart their next steps in the application process. Beyond the informative sessions, participants can capitalize on networking opportunities during one-to-one meetings scheduled throughout the day. Additionally, travel grants are available for participants from select countries, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility to the event. For those unable to attend in person, the Info Day will be streamed online, allowing remote participation and engagement via an online Q&A tool. Furthermore, the event’s recording will be made available for later reference, ensuring wider accessibility and dissemination of valuable insights. **23rd April 2024** **From 8:00 to 17:00** **Charlemagne building****in Brussels, Belgium (Europe) ### About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More press releases and news about IDConsortium:​ --- ## CDTI Innovación lanza nueva convocatoria NEOTEC 2024 para startups tecnológicas innovadoras URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/cdti-innovacion-neotec-2024-startups-tecnologicas-innovadoras ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # CDTI Innovación lanza nueva convocatoria NEOTEC 2024 para startups tecnológicas innovadoras ## La convocatoria Neotec 2024 está reforzada por el Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia financiado con los fondos NextGenerationEU del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia de la Unión Europea. IDConsortium #### El Consejo de Ministros ha aprobado la nueva convocatoria 2024 del Programa NEOTEC con un presupuesto total de 20 millones de euros en modalidades de subvenciones, de los cuales 5 millones quedan reservados en exclusiva para la línea Neotec Mujeres. Esta convocatoria del Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, que se lanzará en los próximos días a través del Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI), tiene como objetivo financiar alrededor de 120 proyectos de pequeñas empresas en cualquier campo tecnológico y sectorial, continuando priorizando aquellos proyectos-empresas que incluyan la contratación de doctores para mejorar sus capacidades de absorción y generación de conocimiento con un aumento del límite superior de financiación (de un máximo del 70% a un máximo del 85%). Las subvenciones estarán dirigidas a financiar proyectos empresariales de pequeñas empresas innovadoras (empresas de base tecnológica, EBTs) con vocación de crecimiento que requieran el uso de tecnologías o conocimientos desarrollados a partir de la actividad investigadora y en los que la estrategia de negocio esté basada en el desarrollo de tecnología propia y en el dominio intensivo del conocimiento científico y tecnológico, contribuyendo así al emprendimiento y acelerando la transferencia de conocimiento desde organismos de investigación públicos y universidades. La convocatoria Neotec 2024 está reforzada por el Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia financiado con los fondos NextGenerationEU del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia de la Unión Europea y, en línea con la acción iniciada en 2022, mantiene la posibilidad de proporcionar acceso a formación especializada impartida por el “Enterprise Innovation Institute” de la Universidad de Georgia (Atlanta, EE. UU.), para reforzar la capacitación de las empresas y sus posibilidades de éxito en el mercado, facilitar el conocimiento de las empresas españolas de base tecnológica del ecosistema emprendedor de los Estados Unidos y aportar conocimiento especializado en áreas como innovación para la sostenibilidad -tanto ambiental como de negocio-, nuevas estrategias de negocio o procesos de internacionalización, entre otras. Los 20 mejores proyectos que soliciten el acceso a esta formación podrán ver incrementada la cuantía de la ayuda concedida en hasta 10.000 euros. ### Perfil del Programa NEOTEC y convocatoria 2024 Los proyectos individuales beneficiarios corresponderán a pequeñas empresas de base tecnológica con menos de tres años de vida, con un capital social mínimo de 20.000 euros y no podrán haber distribuido beneficios ni estar cotizadas en una bolsa de valores, excepto las plataformas de negociación alternativa. Las subvenciones concedidas en esta convocatoria se financiarán con cargo a los fondos NextGenerationEU del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia de la Unión Europea. Las ayudas podrán financiar hasta el 70% del plan de empresa presentado con una duración de los proyectos entre el 1 de enero de 2025 y el 31 de diciembre de 2026, **con un presupuesto mínimo de 175.000 euros y un límite de 250.000 euros por beneficiario.** Sin embargo, los proyectos que contraten doctores en los términos previstos por la convocatoria recibirán hasta el 85% de financiación de su plan de empresa, con un límite de 325.000 euros. Además, la cuantía de la ayuda se incrementará en hasta 10.000 euros si se solicita acceso a la formación especializada ofrecida por la convocatoria. No serán elegibles para recibir ayudas los proyectos empresariales cuyo modelo de negocio se base primordialmente en servicios a terceros, sin desarrollo de tecnología propia. Tampoco podrán ser beneficiarias de las ayudas aquellas iniciativas que no reflejen claramente en su plan de empresa la continuidad. Si te interesa esta oportunidad y cumples con los requisitos, no dudes en contactarnos para que podamos brindarte el apoyo en el proceso de aplicación. ### Para más ayuda e información: 10 de abril de 2024 10 de mayo de 2024 20.000.000 € Mínimo: 175.000 €**Máximo: 250.000 € ### Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## EU Missions Info Days: Empowering Europe’s future URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eu-missions-info-days-2024 ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # EU Missions Info Days: Empowering Europe’s future ## Info Days for EU Missions welcome stakeholders to collaborate on funding solutions for societal challenges, offering online participation to explore new calls and support EU Missions in Horizon Europe implementation. IDConsortium **The European Union is set to host Information Days dedicated to the five EU Missions under Horizon Europe from 25th to 26th April 2024. These sessions will take place on the research and innovation community platform, offering a comprehensive overview of upcoming initiatives.** Participants can expect a series of sessions over the course of two days, focusing on the latest developments included in the Missions’ segment of the main Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-24. These sessions will introduce new mission-specific calls and topics under each mission, aiming to address critical challenges in various areas. The Missions covered during the Info Days include: - Adaptation to Climate Change - Cancer Mission - Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 - 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 - A Soil Deal for Europe These calls seek to create new funding opportunities for projects that align with the ambitious goals of the EU Missions, particularly in health, climate, and environmental sectors. Additionally, sessions will cover Cross-Cutting Activities and Destination New European Bauhaus. ### For more information and registration: **25th and 26th April** ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More press releases and news about IDConsortium:​ --- ## Women TechEU Project Announces Open Call for Funding in 2024 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/women-techeu-open-call-funding-2024 ### News | EDIH > # Women TechEU Project Announces Open Call for Funding in 2024 ## With a focus on empowering women in the tech industry, this call aims to promote diversity and innovation in the European tech sector. IDConsortium #### The Women TechEU project has officially launched its Open Call #1 for the HORIZON-EIE-2023-CONNECT-01 initiative, offering a unique opportunity for organizations to secure funding and support for their tech-related projects. The Women TechEU project, funded by the European Union, aims to support women entrepreneurs in the tech industry and provide them with access to resources, networks, and funding opportunities. By fostering a supportive ecosystem for women in tech, the project seeks to drive innovation and diversity in the European tech landscape. The project consortium, spanning the course of 2 years, will launch 4 calls for applications. Following a rigorous evaluation process, a total of 160 beneficiaries will be selected. Each beneficiary will receive €75.000 grants, which are non-dilutive finance, along with a personalized business development program. This program includes mentoring, coaching, and targeted training, among other tailored support options. For organizations looking to make a difference in the tech sector and advance gender equality in technology, the Women TechEU Open Call #1 presents a valuable opportunity to secure funding and support for their projects. ### Eligibility Criteria: - Organizations must be women-led early-stage start-ups in deep tech. - Applicants must be from the European Union and Horizon Europe associate countries. - Projects in the early stages of development, generally preceding rapid growth. - Projects that offer concrete solutions to societal problems through deep interaction with advanced technologies. ### Budget: Successful applicants will receive a grant of 75.000 € and access to a personalized business development program to support their growth **If you wish to obtain more information on how we can collaborate in the presentation of your proposal or have specific inquiries about this call, do not hesitate to contact us.** **2 years** **4 calls** **160** **€75.000 / each** **May 20, 2024, at 17:00 CEST (Brussels time)** ## More news about EDIH – Madrid Region: --- ## TNO’s Rian Visser pioneers clean carbon solutions URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/tno-rian-visser-pioneers-clean-carbon-solutions ### NEWS | Rustica > # TNO’s Rian Visser pioneers clean carbon solutions ## In a groundbreaking endeavor towards sustainable carbon solutions, Rian Visser has been leading innovative research at TNO, the Dutch organization for applied scientific research. IDConsortium ### Rian Visser from the RUSTICA project partner TNO, aims to revolutionize various industries by introducing biochar as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based carbon. Drawing from her extensive experience and expertise, Visser has spearheaded the development of the EnerChar method, which enables the large-scale production of biochar. This method utilizes biomass, such as wood residues and agricultural waste, to produce biochar through a gasification process. By converting biomass into biochar, Visser and her team have achieved remarkable results in reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. Biochar, a versatile carbon-rich material, has wide-ranging applications across industries. From enhancing soil fertility in agriculture to reducing CO2 emissions in industrial processes, biochar offers a sustainable solution to mitigate climate change and promote circular economy principles. Visser’s efforts have garnered significant attention and recognition, with her research poised to make a substantial impact on the global transition towards clean energy and sustainable practices. Through her collaboration with partners like Tata Steel and Wageningen University & Research, Visser is driving innovation and paving the way for a greener future. In the global pursuit of sustainable alternatives to address climate change, research and innovation play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner, carbon-neutral economy and building a more resilient future. Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## European Research and Innovation Week 2024 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-research-innovation-week-2024 ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # European Research and Innovation Week 2024: Shaping the future of Research and Innovation in Europe ## The European Commission is set to host the Research and Innovation Week (R&I Week) 2024, a cornerstone event in the realm of research and innovation, from 18 to 21 March at Tour & Taxis, Brussels, Belgium. IDConsortium #### This gathering represents a significant milestone in Europe’s research and innovation landscape, commemorating a notable 40-year journey through the Research and Innovation Framework Programmes. Over the course of four days, R&I Week 2024 will offer a platform for in-depth deliberations on the future trajectory of research and innovation. Among the noteworthy events is the European R&I Days 2024, scheduled for 20th and 21st March, which will convene both in-person and online participants, fostering global engagement and accessibility. With a distinguished audience comprising policymakers, researchers, innovators, and stakeholders, R&I Week will facilitate discussions on pertinent policy debates, funding opportunities, and dedicated workshops. Attendees can anticipate insightful exhibitions showcasing EU-funded projects, providing insights into their societal impact and economic implications. Amidst the overarching goal of advancing a more environmentally sustainable, equitable, and competitive Europe, R&I Week provides a platform to emphasize the critical need for continual investment in research and innovation. It is an opportunity for collective reflection and strategic planning to propel Europe towards greater innovation-driven growth and societal progress. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed by following @EUScienceInnov and @HorizonEU on Twitter and engaging in dialogue using #RiDaysEU. #### If you want to know more: 20 and 21 March 2024 Tour and Taxis (Brussels) & Online ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More press releases and news about IDConsortium:​ --- ## La Comisión Europea destina 1.000 millones de euros para infraestructuras de combustibles alternativos en toda Europa URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/comision-europea-1000-millones-infraestructuras-combustibles-alternativos ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # La Comisión Europea destina 1.000 millones de euros para infraestructuras de combustibles alternativos en toda Europa ## El 29 de febrero, la Comisión Europea lanzó una convocatoria de propuestas en el marco del Programa de Transporte del Mecanismo Conectar Europa (CEF), específicamente para el Mecanismo de Infraestructura para Combustibles Alternativos (AFIF). IDConsortium #### Esta convocatoria cuenta con un presupuesto de 1.000 millones de euros y tiene como objetivo respaldar la implementación de infraestructuras de carga eléctrica, hidrógeno y megavatios a lo largo de la Red Transeuropea de Transporte (TEN-T). Esta iniciativa apoya los objetivos establecidos en el Reglamento para la implementación de Infraestructuras de Combustibles Alternativos (AFIR) durante la segunda fase de la AFIF (2024-2025). La convocatoria abarca proyectos relacionados con: - El despliegue de infraestructura de recarga eléctrica para vehículos pesados, equipados con puntos de recarga de al menos 150 kW, 350 kW y 1 MW. - La implementación de infraestructura de repostaje de hidrógeno para vehículos pesados. - La implementación de infraestructura de repostaje de hidrógeno para el transporte público en depósitos de autobuses y para ferrocarriles en secciones de la red TEN-T. - La implementación de infraestructura de repostaje de hidrógeno y recarga eléctrica dedicada a embarcaciones y equipos para operaciones portuarias y aeropuertos en vías navegables interiores y marítimas. - La implementación de infraestructura de suministro de amoníaco para buques y embarcaciones de vías navegables interiores y para operaciones portuarias en puertos marítimos y puertos interiores de la red TEN-T. - La implementación de infraestructura de suministro de metanol para buques y embarcaciones de vías navegables interiores y para operaciones portuarias en puertos marítimos y puertos interiores de la red TEN-T. El objetivo general del CEF 2021-2027 es construir, desarrollar, modernizar y completar las redes transeuropeas, teniendo en cuenta los compromisos de descarbonización a largo plazo de la Unión Europea, y así contribuir al crecimiento inteligente, sostenible e inclusivo y mejorar la cohesión territorial, social y económica. Se establecieron tres fechas límite para la presentación de propuestas: - 24 de septiembre de 2024 - 11 de junio de 2025 - 17 de diciembre de 2025 La convocatoria requiere que el proyecto reciba financiación complementaria por parte de una entidad financiera. Si deseas obtener más información sobre cómo podemos colaborar en la presentación de tu propuesta o tienes consultas específicas sobre las convocatorias disponibles, no dudes en ponerte en contacto con nosotros. #### Convocatorias abiertas: - 24 de septiembre de 2024 - 11 de junio de 2025 - 17 de diciembre de 2025 ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## Perspectives on growth of the agri-food sector in the Western Balkans URL: https://idconsortium.com/publications/perspectives-growth-agrifood-western-balkans # Perspectives on growth of the agri-food sector in the Western Balkans ## Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans revealed that agri-food features as one of the most common priority areas in the region with the strongest potential for growth. IDConsortium** #### Although the Smart Specialisation process revealed many strengths, the agri-food sector in the Western Balkans is still facing some common challenges, including lower levels of productivity and product diversification. On the other hand, agri-food stakeholders from the Western Balkan region have the potential to increase the sector’s capacities for innovation and technological development, and redesign agri-food value chains to make these more efficient, competitive, resilient and environmentally friendly. The business sector is a key driver in the structural transformation of agriculture, but the role of the public sector and academia in this process is equally important. Structural transformation of the agri-food sector should stimulate the production of high value products, and enable modernisation and digitalisation, to increase productivity and encourage cross-sectoral synergies and cooperation at the regional level. ### Executive summary After six years of the implementation of the Smart Specialisation approach in the EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood Region, this exercise revealed the first common priority areas in the Western Balkans. Among these, the agri-food priority domain was identified as one the most important economic and innovation drivers of the sustainable competitiveness in the Western Balkan region. The economies of the region engaged a wide array of stakeholders to discuss the findings from the analysis of economic, innovation and scientific potential of the agri-food area and open the dialogue on the policy mix for this area. The mentioned analysis and dialogue revealed many similarities about the strengths and challenges within the region, which were further discussed during the first thematic Smart Specialisation workshop on the agri-food priority domain organised by the Joint Research Centre in 2021. The findings from the analyses and the thematic workshop served as a basis for conducting a study on the R&I strengths and regional potential for inter- and intra-regional collaboration in the agri-food domain. The implementation of agri-food targeted actions in the Smart Specialisation exercise requires more attention, stronger focus and coherence with overarching goals of sustainable national and regional development. With that in mind, it is recommended to (re-)shape policy measures and actions that will gather all involved parties in different types of fora and events to discuss the Smart Specialisation in the agri-food area and share experiences and ideas. Such policy measures and actions should exploit the research and innovation potential and build on the collaboration possibilities between the regional stakeholders. This study took into account various findings concerning the economic, research and innovation performance of the entire Western Balkan region in the agri-food domain and discussed many of them with the key stakeholders from the region within a targeted survey. The findings of the study point to several actions that should support the transformational perspective of the agri-food domain in the Western Balkan region, aiming at upgrading the regional agri-food value chain for higher value and better integration options. These actions are grouped into the measures focused on inreasing the capacities for innovation and technological development, strengthening R&I resources, increasing productivity by modernisation and digitalisation, and enhancing the integration of local agri-food value chains into global value chains. The Western Balkan’s potential in the agri-food area is vast and has a fertile ground for sustainable growth and strong development perspective. Its research and innovation strengths have been revealed within the Smart Specialisation exercise and discussed among the key stakeholders. The national authorities would need to further build on the proposed actions for the development of this sector and collaboration with other economies in the region in order to utilise its enormous possibilities in the global arena. #### Patent network in the agri-food sector in the Western Balkans Note: size of nodes is represented by the number of patent families, while the edges represent the number of joint occurrences. Source: Economica, patent database 2000-2020 (accessed March 2021), in: Matusiak et al., 2022. Nikola Radovanovic****European Commission – Joint Research Centre, Spain Macarena Sanz Motilva****ID Consortium, Spain Irma Burzic**ID Consortium, Spain --- ## Formación básica para la preparación de propuestas europeas en el marco Horizonte Europa URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/formacion-basica-preparacion-propuestas-europeas-horizonte-europa ### Noticias | EDIH > # Formación básica para la preparación de propuestas europeas en el marco Horizonte Europa ## Esta formación, llevada a cabo el 20 de marzo de 2024, con vídeo disponible, abordó aspectos esenciales para lograr el éxito en este competitivo entorno. IDConsortium #### En un esfuerzo conjunto para fortalecer la participación de las empresas en el programa Horizonte Europa, IDConsortium -en calidad de socio del EDIH Madrid Region- se complace en anunciar la oferta de formaciones especializadas para la preparación de propuestas europeas. Esta formación, dirigida a todas las empresas interesadas en presentar proyectos para las diversas ayudas ofrecidas por la Comisión Europea en el marco de Horizonte Europa, aborda aspectos esenciales para potenciar el éxito en este competitivo entorno. La sesión incide en temas críticos, incluyendo consejos prácticos para la preparación de propuestas, estrategias efectivas de presentación, colaboración exitosa en consorcios internacionales, y una orientación detallada sobre Horizon Europa. IDConsortium se enorgullece de ofrecer a los participantes la oportunidad de acceder a la experiencia de expertos en proyectos europeos, mantenerse actualizados con las últimas tendencias y requisitos, así como recibir herramientas prácticas para optimizar el proceso de propuesta. Esta iniciativa representa una valiosa oportunidad para aquellas empresas que buscan no solo cumplir con los requisitos, sino sobresalir en la presentación de propuestas europeas. Disponible en Youtube ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## Interreg NEXT MED Programme Launches Its First Call for Proposals URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/interreg-next-med-first-call-proposals ### Call | Interreg NEXT MED > # Interreg NEXT MED Programme Launches Its First Call for Proposals ## The European Union is thrilled to announce the initiation of the first call for proposals under the esteemed Interreg NEXT MED Programme. IDConsortium #### This groundbreaking initiative is at the forefront of encouraging transnational cooperation to tackle the common challenges across the Mediterranean region. With an impressive budget allocation of €253 million, the programme is committed to driving forward initiatives that embody smart, sustainable, and equitable development throughout the Mediterranean basin. Interreg NEXT MED stands as a beacon for collaborative projects that unite national, regional, and local stakeholders from various EU Member States, alongside EU entities and neighboring non-EU countries, partner nations, overseas countries, and territories. Its core mission is to fortify the Mediterranean area’s resilience by backing projects that collectively address socio-economic, environmental, and governance challenges. Key focus areas include accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, enhancing SME competitiveness and job creation, promoting energy efficiency, water resource management, climate change adaptation, moving towards a circular economy, and improving education, training, and healthcare services. The current call for proposals is geared towards four main priority areas, along with their corresponding specific objectives, presenting a total EU contribution of €103.633 million for this call. This funding is set to support projects under the auspices of creating a more competitive and smarter Mediterranean, fostering a greener, low-carbon and resilient Mediterranean, building a more social and inclusive Mediterranean, and advancing better cooperation governance within the region. Eligible projects are categorized into three distinct types: thematic projects, youth-oriented projects, and governance projects, each defined by specific features and eligibility criteria. The programme warmly invites applications from entities located within the eligible regions of the 15 participating countries, which now include newcomers Algeria and Türkiye, in addition to 13 previous participants. **Financial Requirements:** - Thematic Projects: Minimum EU co-financing of €1.500.000 and a maximum of €2.500.000, with total eligible costs not exceeding €3.000.000. - Youth Strand: Offers €500.000 to €1.000.000 in EU co-financing, with a cap on total eligible costs at €1.200.000. - Governance Projects: Between €1.000.000 and €1.300.000 in EU co-financing, with a maximum total eligible cost of €1.500.000. The EU contribution will not surpass 89% of the total eligible project costs, requiring a minimum of 11% co-financing from the project. Co-financing can be sourced from the applicants’ own resources or from public/private (national/regional/local) funds outside of the EU Budget and the European Development Fund. Notably, at least 50% of a project’s total eligible costs should be allocated to activities within the territories of the Mediterranean Partner Countries. **Project Duration:** Projects should have a duration of no less than 24 months and not exceed 36 months. **Application Deadline:** Proposals must be submitted by 30th April 2024 via the online application form found on the programme’s official website. This platform also provides access to comprehensive guidelines and reference documents essential for applicants. This call underlines the programme’s dedication to nurturing innovative solutions, enhancing multilevel governance, and fostering inclusive development to effectuate a significant impact on the Mediterranean region’s future. For further details, visit the Interreg NEXT MED Programme Website: https://www.interregnextmed.eu **MEDITERRANEAN** **EUR 253 million** **No less than 24 months and not exceed 36 months** **30th April 2024** ## More calls and news about Interreg NEXT MED: --- ## Interreg NEXT MED URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/interreg-next-med # Interreg NEXT MED ## Programme funded by the European Union (EU) that supports transnational cooperation through the financing of joint projects which aim at making the Mediterranean area more resilient to the shared challenges it faces. IDConsortium ## What is Interreg NEXT MED Programme? Interreg NEXT ‘Mediterranean Sea Basin’ (‘NEXT MED’) programme is the third generation of one of the largest cooperation initiatives funded by the European Union to enhance transnational cooperation in the Mediterranean area. NEXT MED is part of Interreg, a key instrument of the European Union which promotes European territorial cooperation across borders by means of joint programmes, projects and networks among national, regional and local actors from different EU Member States and among EU actors and adjacent non-EU countries, partner countries, overseas countries and territories (OCTs). With a budget of €253 million, Interreg NEXT MED aims at contributing to smart, sustainable, fair development for all across the Mediterranean basin by supporting balanced, long- lasting, far-reaching cooperation and multilevel governance. The programme mission is to finance cooperation projects that address joint socio-economic, environmental and governance challenges at Mediterranean level such as the uptake of advanced technologies, competitiveness of SMEs and job creation, energy efficiency, water management, climate change adaptation, transition to a circular and resource efficient economy, education and training, health care. The cooperation area, home to over 200 million people, covers over 100 eligible territories of 15 countries: 13 of them which already participated in the previous editions of the programme – Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Jordan, Malta, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia – and two new members, namely Algeria and Türkiye. **MEDITERRANEAN** **15 (over 100 eligible territories)** **€253 million** ### Cooperation area Tlemcen, Ain-Temouchent, Oran, Mostaganem, Chlef, Tipaza, Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou, Bejaia, Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, El-Tarf, Alger The whole country Matruh, Al Iskandariyah (Alexandria), Al Buhayrah (Behera), Kafr-el-sheikh, Ash Sharqiyah (Sharkia), Al Daqahliyah (Dakahlia), Dumyat (Damietta), As Ismailiyah (Ismailia), Bur Said (Port Said), Governorate of Cairo Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrénées, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corse Aττική/Attiki, Βόρειο Αιγαίο/Voreio Aigaio, Νότιο Αιγαίο/Notio Aigaio, Κρήτη/Kriti, Aνατολική Μακεδονία, Θράκη/Anatoliki Makedonia, Thraki, Κεντρική Μακεδονία/Kentriki Makedonia, Δυτική Μακεδονία/Dytiki Makedonia, Ήπειρος/Ipeiros, Θεσσαλία/Thessalia, Ιόνια Νησιά/Ionia Nisia, Δυτική Ελλάδα/Dytiki Elláda, Στερεά Ελλάδα/Sterea Elláda, EL65 Πελοπόννησος/Peloponnisos The whole country Liguria, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicilia, Sardegna, Toscana, Lazio The whole country The whole country The whole country The whole country Algarve Cataluña, Comunitat Valenciana, Illes Balears, Andalucía, Región de Murcia, Ciudad de Ceuta, Ciudad de Melilla Zaghouan, Kairouan, Sidi Bouz, Manouba, Siliana, Le Kef, Gafsa, Kebili, Tataouine, Jendouba, Beja, Bizerte, Ariana, Tunis, Ben Arous, Nabeul, Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Sfax, Gabes, Medenine Tekirdağ, Edirne, Kırklareli, Balıkesir, Çanakkale, Izmir, Aydın, Denizli, Muğla, Manisa, Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya, Uşak, Antalya, Isparta, Burdur, Adana, Mersin, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Osmaniye ### Interreg NEXT MED Priorities Discover our vision for a revitalized Mediterranean region: smart, green, inclusive, and efficiently governed, where tradition meets innovation to forge a sustainable future. Interreg NEXT MED thematic strategy is structured around 4 broad priorities and 9 specific objectives, selected by the representatives of the participating countries based on the set of policy objectives contained in the EU Common Provisions Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions) and following a consultation process involving national authorities, key stakeholders and regional actors. The below priorities and specific objectives identified for Interreg NEXT MED have the ambition to reflect the shared challenges of the cooperation area: – Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies**– Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments 29% of the budget** – Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions**– Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience taking into account eco-system based approaches– Promoting access to water and sustainable water management– Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy 42% of the budget** – Improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and on-line education and training**– Ensuring equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems, including primary care, and promoting the transition from institutional to family – and community-based care 21% of the budget** – Fostering local governance models and processes through cross-sectoral, multilevel and cross-border partnerships, encouraging the cooperation and dialogue between citizens, civil society actors and institutions in view of addressing issues of joint interest at local level through transnational exchanges, bottom-up and participatory approaches **8% of the budget** ### Conclusion Interreg NEXT MED stands as a beacon for collaborative projects that unite national, regional, and local stakeholders from various EU Member States, alongside EU entities and neighboring non-EU countries, partner nations, overseas countries, and territories. Its core mission is to fortify the Mediterranean area’s resilience by backing projects that collectively address socio-economic, environmental, and governance challenges. Key focus areas include accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, enhancing SME competitiveness and job creation, promoting energy efficiency, water resource management, climate change adaptation, moving towards a circular economy, and improving education, training, and healthcare services. ## Latest news & calls related to this programme: --- ## PRIMA: Multi-Topics URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prima-multi-topics ### Call | PRIMA > # PRIMA Multi-Topics ## Effective Water Accounting Approaches Under Crisis Conditions.**Revitalizing Agroforestry Practices for Climate Resilience.Leveraging Urban and Local Food Systems for Sustainable Transformation. IDConsortium The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) announces a new call for proposals under Section 2, focusing on multiple thematic areas within the nexus of water management, farming systems, and the agri-food value chain. This Research and Innovation Action (RIA) targets innovative solutions to address pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region. ### Thematic Areas: #### 1. Water Management in the Nexus #### Topic: Effective Water Accounting Approaches Under Crisis Conditions** #### Challenge: Addressing sustainable and equitable water delivery amidst climate change and external shocks, like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, which exacerbate water scarcity and contamination issues. #### Scope: Innovate water accounting approaches for better management and governance, leveraging new technologies and data sources to enhance water security and promote equitable and sustainable use. #### 2. Farming Systems in the Nexus #### Topic: **Revitalizing Agroforestry Practices for Climate Resilience** #### Challenge: Overcoming the abandonment of forest maintenance and promoting sustainable land use through agroforestry, a practice combining trees with crops or livestock, for carbon sequestration and resilience against climate change. #### Scope: Propose innovative strategies for the adoption and scaling up of agroforestry practices, enhancing ecosystem services and improving livelihoods for farmers in the Mediterranean region. #### 3. Food Value Chain in the Nexus #### Topic: **Leveraging Urban and Local Food Systems for Sustainable Transformation** #### Challenge: Addressing the challenges of urbanization and climate change on food systems, emphasizing the role of farmers markets in enhancing food security, sustainability, and economic development. #### Scope: Strengthen regulatory frameworks and infrastructure for urban and peri-urban agriculture, integrating agriculture into urban landscapes, and promoting circular bioeconomy principles for a resilient food system. #### Expected Impacts: - Improved water security, sustainable land use, and climate resilience through innovative water management and agroforestry practices. - Enhanced agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. - Strengthened food systems with reduced food loss and waste, promoting sustainable production and consumption. - Development of comprehensive policies addressing food safety, nutrition requirements, and public health impacts. ### About PRIMA: PRIMA is a long-term partnership aimed at fostering joint research and innovation in the Mediterranean region to address challenges such as water scarcity, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Through collaborative efforts, PRIMA supports the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and healthier Mediterranean societies, contributing to the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. #### Participation and Collaboration: Projects are encouraged to adopt a multi-actor approach, involving a wide range of stakeholders to ensure relevance, applicability, and societal impact. Collaboration with ongoing PRIMA, H2020, and Horizon Europe projects is recommended to leverage synergies and enhance outcomes. #### Submission Guidelines: Proposals must align with the objectives and scope detailed for each thematic area and be submitted in accordance with PRIMA’s guidelines by the specified deadlines. Selected projects are expected to produce tangible outcomes, fostering policy development and stakeholder engagement across the Mediterranean region. This call represents a significant opportunity for researchers, innovators, and practitioners to contribute to addressing the complex challenges faced by the Mediterranean region through collaborative research and innovation efforts. By focusing on water management, farming systems, and the agri-food value chain, PRIMA aims to foster sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience in the face of global challenges. **EUROPE** **PRIMA**Section 2 **Research and Innovation Action (RIA)** **EUR 34.7 million**(Funding Per Project: 1.5M€) **23 projects** **25 January 2024** **04 April 2024 ****(17:00h Central European Time (CET)) 26 September 2024 **(17:00h Central European Time (CET)) ## More calls and news about PRIMA: --- ## Developing Cost-effective and Sustainable Technologies for Mediterranean Food Systems to Decrease Food Loss and Waste URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/technologies-mediterranean-food-systems-decrease-waste ### Call | PRIMA > # Developing Cost-effective and Sustainable Technologies for Mediterranean Food Systems to Decrease Food Loss and Waste ## The objective is to decrease food loss and waste (FLW), a critical challenge amplified by demographic growth, climate change, and global disruptions. This call aligns with the Innovation Action (IA) category. IDConsortium #### The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) is launching a call for proposals focused on developing cost-effective and sustainable technologies adapted to Mediterranean food systems. The objective is to decrease food loss and waste (FLW), a critical challenge amplified by demographic growth, climate change, and global disruptions. This call aligns with the Innovation Action (IA) category. #### Challenge: With FLW reaching up to 250kg per capita annually in the Near East and North Africa, amounting to over USD 60 billion in losses, there’s an urgent need for innovative solutions. Enhancements in cold storage, refrigeration, and the adoption of renewable energy-based solutions are crucial for extending shelf life and maintaining product quality, particularly in the “first mile” from harvesting to processing. #### Scope: The call supports the deployment and demonstration of sustainable solutions to reduce FLW, save energy, and enhance food safety during postharvest activities. Proposals should focus on plant-based food and waste, emphasizing scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions tailored to smallholders with limited access to electricity. The adoption of green technologies for food preservation, innovative packaging solutions, and renewable energy sources for processing and storage is encouraged. #### Objectives: - Implement sustainable practices and technologies adapted to Mediterranean climates to decrease FLW. - Utilize renewable energy sources and biomass by-products from agri-food activities for processing and storage. - Develop innovative packaging and preservation techniques to reduce environmental impact and enhance food safety. - Conduct research and development to identify cost-effective solutions for the Mediterranean region. - Enhance the capacity of smallholders, particularly women, to adopt sustainable solutions. #### Expected Impacts: - Significant reduction in FLW across the entire food value chain, contributing to environmental and climate sustainability. - Creation of value-added products from waste and by-products, promoting resource efficiency. - Improved efficiency and cost reduction in food processing, packaging, and distribution post-harvest. - Enhanced food quality at the nutraceutical and sensorial levels. - Strengthened interaction among stakeholders in the food supply chain to facilitate better management and potential price reductions. ### About PRIMA: PRIMA is a long-term partnership aimed at fostering joint research and innovation in the Mediterranean region to address challenges such as water scarcity, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Through collaborative efforts, PRIMA supports the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and healthier Mediterranean societies, contributing to the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. #### Participation and Collaboration: Proposals should adopt a multi-actor approach, engaging farmers, researchers, policymakers, and communities to ensure relevance and viability. Collaboration with ongoing projects within PRIMA, H2020, Horizon Europe, and Food 2030 R&I policy pathways is encouraged. #### Submission Guidelines: Proposals addressing the call’s objectives and scope should be submitted in accordance with PRIMA’s guidelines by the specified deadlines. Projects are expected to produce tangible outcomes, including a joint policy brief, fostering policy development and stakeholder engagement across the Mediterranean region. This call represents a strategic effort to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region: reducing food loss and waste through innovative, sustainable technologies. By focusing on improving efficiency and sustainability in the agri-food value chain, PRIMA aims to enhance food security, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience in the face of global challenges. **EUROPE** **PRIMA**Section 1**Thematic Area 3:Agri-food Value Chain in Nexus** **1.3.1-2024 (IA)** **EUR 9.1 million****(Intending to fund 2 projects) 25 January 2024** **02 April 2024 ****(17:00h Central European Time (CET)) 25 September 2024 **(17:00h Central European Time (CET)) ## More calls and news about PRIMA: --- ## Transformative Adaptation of Mediterranean Dry Farming Systems Using Water Harvesting Techniques URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/adaptation-mediterranean-dry-farming-systems-water-harvesting-techniques ### Call | PRIMA > # Transformative Adaptation of Mediterranean Dry Farming Systems Using Water Harvesting Techniques ## This call focuses on employing water harvesting techniques to address extreme drought conditions in arid and semi-arid environments, aligning with Innovation Action (IA) guidelines. IDConsortium #### The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) invites innovative proposals under the theme of transformative adaptation of Mediterranean dry farming systems. This call focuses on employing water harvesting techniques to address extreme drought conditions in arid and semi-arid environments, aligning with Innovation Action (IA) guidelines. #### Challenge: In light of the latest IPCC report and the escalating impact of climate change, the Mediterranean basin faces significant agricultural challenges due to water scarcity. The region’s agriculture, predominantly reliant on rainfed systems, is increasingly vulnerable to prolonged droughts and extreme weather, necessitating innovative adaptations for sustainable food production and water management. #### Scope: This call aims to integrate traditional and modern hydro-technologies to develop resilient and sustainable dry-farming systems. Proposals should focus on implementing water harvesting techniques, utilizing drought-resistant species, and adopting circular economy principles to enhance soil health, water efficiency, and carbon sequestration. ####   #### Objectives: - To innovate water harvesting systems inspired by ancestral hydro-technologies. - To create sustainable agricultural models that incorporate underutilized species and improve water use efficiency. - To develop value chains and business models adaptable to environmental and market changes, with a focus on soil health and environmental sustainability. - To ensure solutions are practical, affordable, and tailored to the needs of smallholders, with an emphasis on gender equality and economic opportunities. #### Expected Impacts: - Establishment of large demonstration sites in arid and semi-arid zones to showcase project effectiveness. - Innovation in water harvesting techniques, revitalizing ancestral hydro-technologies for modern applications. - Development of new products and value chains for human consumption and animal feed, emphasizing underutilized species. - Significant improvements in water use efficiency and soil health, contributing to the resilience of dry farming systems in the Mediterranean region. ### About PRIMA: PRIMA is a long-term partnership aimed at fostering joint research and innovation in the Mediterranean region to address challenges such as water scarcity, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Through collaborative efforts, PRIMA supports the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and healthier Mediterranean societies, contributing to the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. #### Participation and Collaboration: Proposals should adopt a multi-actor approach, engaging farmers, researchers, policymakers, and communities to ensure the relevance and viability of proposed solutions. Collaboration with ongoing projects within PRIMA, H2020, Horizon Europe, and the “A Soil Deal for Europe” mission is encouraged to leverage existing knowledge and resources. #### Submission Guidelines: Innovative proposals addressing the call’s objectives and scope should be submitted in accordance with PRIMA’s guidelines by the specified deadlines. Projects are expected to produce tangible outcomes, including a joint policy brief, fostering policy development and stakeholder engagement across the Mediterranean region. This call for proposals represents a critical opportunity for advancing sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean region. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern innovation, the initiative aims to transform dry farming systems, enhancing their resilience to climate change and ensuring sustainable water management and food security for future generations. **EUROPE** **PRIMA**Section 1**Thematic Area 2: Farming Systems in Nexus****** **1.2.1-2024 (IA)** **EUR 9.6 million****(Intending to fund 2 projects) 36 months** **02 April 2024 ****(17:00h Central European Time (CET)) 25 September 2024 **(17:00h Central European Time (CET)) ## More calls and news about PRIMA: --- ## Sustainability of Mediterranean Irrigated Agriculture through the Implementation of WEFE Nexus Approach URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/sustainability-mediterranean-irrigated-agriculture-wefe-nexus-approach ### Call | PRIMA > # Sustainability of Mediterranean Irrigated Agriculture through the Implementation of WEFE Nexus Approach ## This call, categorized as an Innovation Action (IA), aims to foster the development of innovative solutions to enhance the sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the Mediterranean region by applying the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approach. IDConsortium #### The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) announces a call for proposals under the topic “Sustainability of Mediterranean Irrigated Agriculture through the Implementation of WEFE Nexus Approach.” This call, categorized as an Innovation Action (IA), aims to foster the development of innovative solutions to enhance the sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the Mediterranean region by applying the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approach. #### Challenge: Irrigated agriculture is vital for food security and income in the Mediterranean, consuming the largest share of freshwater resources. This sector is confronting severe challenges, including water scarcity, energy insecurity, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change. These challenges threaten the sustainability of irrigated agriculture, demanding a shift towards more sustainable practices. #### Scope: Proposals should leverage the WEFE Nexus approach, promoting cross-sectoral innovations that ensure the sustainability of irrigated regions facing water scarcity. Projects must tackle current obstacles such as data gaps, institutional disconnections, and uneven sectoral power distributions. Demonstrations should be conducted in large sites under water scarcity, aiming to provide scalable and future-proof solutions. ####   #### Objectives: - Develop innovative solutions integrating the WEFE Nexus for sustainable irrigated agriculture. - Address systemic challenges hindering the adoption of efficient irrigation technologies. - Evaluate environmental impacts using comprehensive methods like Life Cycle Assessment. - Explore trade-offs and synergies in farming system optimization. - Formulate business models and policy recommendations to support sustainable practices. #### Expected Impacts: - Efficient and sustainable resource use contributing to sustainable development goals. - Enhanced resilience of irrigated agriculture to environmental and economic stressors. - Improved policies and governance structures for sustainable agricultural development. - Increased awareness and adoption of sustainable practices among end-users. ### About PRIMA: PRIMA is a long-term partnership aimed at fostering joint research and innovation in the Mediterranean region to address challenges such as water scarcity, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Through collaborative efforts, PRIMA supports the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and healthier Mediterranean societies, contributing to the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. #### Submission: Proposals must align with PRIMA’s objectives and address the specific challenges and scope of this call. Applicants are encouraged to engage in multi-actor approaches, ensuring participation from key stakeholders, and to consider gender aspects in all project dimensions. Successful consortia will join the Mediterranean WEFE Nexus Community of Practice, enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing. This call represents an opportunity for researchers, innovators, and practitioners in the field of sustainable agriculture and water management to contribute to the resilience and sustainability of the Mediterranean region’s agricultural sector. Through the implementation of the WEFE Nexus approach, the projects funded under this call will aim to create a significant impact on the sustainability of irrigated agriculture, ensuring a balanced and efficient use of resources. **EUROPE** **PRIMA**Section 1**Thematic Area 1:Water Management in Nexus****** **1.1.1-2024 (IA)** **EUR 9.2 million****(Maximum 2 projects will be funded) EU contribution around 4.6 million** **36 months project** **02 April 2024 ****(17:00h Central European Time (CET)) 25 September 2024 **(17:00h Central European Time (CET)) ## More calls and news about PRIMA: --- ## PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area) URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/prima # PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area) ## Groundbreaking initiative designed to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the Mediterranean region through joint research and innovation efforts. IDConsortium ## What is PRIMA Programme? The PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area) Programme is a groundbreaking initiative designed to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the Mediterranean region through joint research and innovation efforts. Its mission is to enhance water availability, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve sustainable food production in a region that is significantly affected by climate change, urbanization, and population growth. PRIMA endeavors to assist in the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and healthier societies in the Mediterranean, aligning with the European Union’s Green Deal and contributing to the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development. ### PRIMA’s Strategic Focus PRIMA operates under the guidance of the PRIMA Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) and organizes its efforts around three thematic areas: - * “Integrated and Sustainable Management of Water”:* Focusing on arid and semi-arid areas in the Mediterranean, this area addresses the critical challenge of water scarcity. - * “Sustainable Farming Systems”:* It deals with the unique environmental constraints of Mediterranean agriculture, aiming at improving resilience and sustainability. - * “Sustainable Mediterranean Food Value Chain”:* This area promotes regional and local development by enhancing the sustainability of the food value chain. The program acknowledges the complex interplay of natural resource threats, including climate change, demographic shifts, economic growth, and political instability, which are compounded by globalization. These pressures not only strain natural resources but also impact the economic stability of nations within and neighboring the Mediterranean region. PRIMA’s approach is informed by the Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus, offering a clear framework to balance trade-offs and synergies while preserving ecosystem integrity. ### PRIMA’s Organizational Structure and Funding PRIMA is structured around three sections, each with distinct funding and operational frameworks: - Section 1: Managed and funded by PRIMA-IS with EU contributions, it includes transnational calls for proposals and supports program operations. This section adheres to the H2020/ Horizon Europe Rules for participation. - Section 2: Activities in this section are funded by the Participating States, with a focus on supporting the program’s objectives through national contributions. - Section 3:  Managed entirely by the Participating States, this section allows for a tailored approach to addressing the program’s goals within individual countries. ### Funding and Eligibility PRIMA offers funding primarily to entities within its Participating States, including EU Member States like Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and others, as well as associated and third countries like Israel, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, and more. Eligible participants range from legal entities under EU law to international organizations, with funding rates up to 70% for innovation actions, and 100% for non-profit entities. The program is highly competitive, with a funding rate of 5% for projects under Section 1, indicating the high level of competition and the rigorous selection process for proposals. Section 2 experiences a medium level of competition, with a 25% funding rate for submitted projects. ### Conclusion PRIMA represents a strategic and collaborative effort to tackle environmental, agricultural, and food security challenges in the Mediterranean region. By fostering innovation and research, PRIMA not only aims to address immediate challenges but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and resilience of Mediterranean societies. Through its comprehensive approach and commitment to collaboration, PRIMA is poised to make significant contributions to the sustainable development of the Mediterranean region, in line with global sustainability goals. ## Latest news & calls related to this programme: --- ## Webinar clave sobre financiación pública europea en el sector de la movilidad URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/webinar-financiacion-publica-europea-sector-movilidad ### Noticias | EDIH > # IDConsortium lidera webinar clave sobre financiación pública europea en el sector de la movilidad ## IDConsortium actúa como anfitrión destacado en este webinar exclusivo sobre la financiación pública en Europa, específicamente sobre convocatorias europeas dirigidas al sector de movilidad. IDConsortium #### En colaboración con Connected Mobility Hub, este evento se perfila como una oportunidad invaluable para emprendedores y empresas que buscan financiación estratégica. Macarena Sanz y Sebastián Melgar comparten sus conocimientos y estrategias clave durante la sesión. Descubre cómo maximizar las oportunidades de financiación y potenciar el crecimiento de tu startup en un sector tan dinámico como el de la movilidad. Este webinar no solo te brinda información crucial sobre las convocatorias europeas disponibles, sino que también ofrece orientación experta para navegar con éxito por el complejo panorama de la financiación pública europea. **¡No pierdas la oportunidad de estar a la vanguardia en el acceso a financiación pública europea!** #### Accede a la presentación oficial en formato PDF: Convocatorias tratadas: - Advanced battery system integration for next generation vehicles - Advanced digital development tools to accelerate the development of software defined vehicles that enable zero-emission mobility - Integrated flexible multipoint megawatt charging systems for electric truck mass deployment - Integration and testing of next generation post-800V electric powertrains - New designs, shapes, functionalities of Light Commercial Vehicles - Smart, low-cost pervasive stationary slow charging and bi-directional solutions synergic with the grid for EV mass deployment 27 de febrero de 10:30h a 11:00h ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## First Booster-supported paper successfully published URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/first-booster-supported-paper-successfully-published ### News | BOOSTER > # First Booster-supported paper successfully published ## Breakthrough study unveils plant gene regulatory networks (GRNs) with MINI-AC method IDConsortium In a significant stride forward for plant genomics, BOOSTER partners Julia Engelhorn, Hilde Nelissen, and Thomas Hartwig, under the leadership of principal investigator Klaas Vandepoele of the VIB Ghent, in collaboration with other esteemed authors, have successfully published their paper titled “MINI-AC: Inference of Plant Gene Regulatory Networks Using Bulk or Single-Cell Accessible Chromatin Profiles” in The Plant Journal by the Society for Experimental Biology (SEB). The research focuses on understanding gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in plants, which play vital roles in growth, development, and stress responses. Despite challenges in deciphering these networks, the study introduces MINI-AC, a method that combines accessible chromatin (AC) data with transcription factor binding site (TFBS) information to infer GRNs in plants. MINI-AC has been validated using datasets from Arabidopsis thaliana and successfully applied to maize, revealing regulatory interactions in leaf tissues. This demonstrates MINI-AC’s efficacy in identifying both general and cell-type-specific regulators, particularly in the context of C4 metabolism. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## RUSTICA visit to Biobest and the Centre of Expertise Sustainable Biomass and Chemistry URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-biobest-centre-expertise-sustainable-biomass-chemistry ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA visit to Biobest and the Centre of Expertise Sustainable Biomass and Chemistry ## On the 10th and 11th of January 2024, the RUSTICA consortium organized a visit to Biobest and the Centre of Expertise Sustainable Biomass and Chemistry of Thomas More. IDConsortium On the first day, we visited Biobest. Biobest is located in Westerlo, and was found in 1987 by Roland De Jonghe, a veterinarian and bumblebee enthusiast. The mission of the company is to contribute to global sustainable production of high-value crops by being the most reliable partner in biological crop protection and pollination. Karel Bolckmans welcomed us at the company and, after a guided tour, we had a discussion on the challenges of implementing the bioeconomy. On the second day, we visited The Centre of Expertise Sustainable Biomass and Chemistry, at Campus Geel of Thomas More. The Centre conducts research to optimise the production of insects and microalgae. Furthermore, they investigate the practical applications of this biomass, conducting experiments both at laboratory and pilot scales. For this visit, Laurens Broeckx was our guide. From the RUSTICA consortium, partners from Belgium, The Netherlands and Spain were represented: - Tessa Avermaete, Erika De Keyser and Margo Heremans (KU Leuven) - Daan Kuiper (CropEye) - Michael Pil (Avecom) - Nathan Deman (DRANCO) - Juan Cortes (Entomo) ## More news about this project: --- ## Lanzada la Undécima Llamada Bilateral España-Perú para Proyectos de I+D en Diversas Áreas Tecnológicas URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/undecima-llamada-bilateral-espana-peru-proyectos-id-areas-tecnologicas ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # Lanzada la Undécima Llamada Bilateral España-Perú para proyectos de I+D en diversas áreas tecnológicas ## El CDTI Innovación y el Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica (CONCYTEC) de Perú, a través de PROCIENCIA, han anunciado la apertura de la Undécima Llamada Bilateral de Colaboración Tecnológica Empresarial España-Perú. IDConsortium #### Esta iniciativa busca fomentar la cooperación en proyectos de investigación y desarrollo (I+D) entre empresas de ambos países, abarcando sectores clave. Las áreas tecnológicas contempladas incluyen agricultura, agroindustria, minería, turismo, salud, energía y más. Las empresas participantes tendrán la oportunidad de recibir financiamiento descentralizado en dos fases. La fase 1, esencial para avanzar, tiene como fecha límite de presentación el 7 de mayo. En Perú, las empresas cuyos proyectos sean aprobados podrán obtener subvenciones de hasta el 70% del costo financiable y hasta 427,500 soles peruanos (aproximadamente 100,000 euros) a través de PROCIENCIA. Mientras tanto, en España, el CDTI Innovación ofrece una Ayuda Parcialmente Reembolsable que puede llegar hasta el 85% del costo financiable. Además, los proyectos seleccionados recibirán la prestigiosa certificación IBEROEKA, otorgada por el Programa CYTED. **Esta llamada bilateral representa una valiosa oportunidad para impulsar la innovación y la colaboración tecnológica entre España y Perú**, promoviendo el desarrollo conjunto de proyectos que aborden desafíos en diversas áreas estratégicas. #### Accede a toda la información en la web oficial de DCTI: 7 de mayo de 2024 Otorgada por el Programa CYTED ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## Taller sobre convocatorias de financiación pública en España relacionadas con la implantación de tecnologías digitales URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/taller-convocatorias-financiacion-publica-espana-tecnologias-digitales ### Noticias | EDIH > # Taller sobre convocatorias de financiación pública en España relacionadas con la implantación de tecnologías digitales ## IDConsortium, socio del EDIH Madrid Region, arranca el mes de febrero con una nueva formación enfocada en convocatorias nacionales para el sector digital. De esta manera espera brindar un apoyo fundamental a las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) en la búsqueda de financiación. IDConsortium #### La sesión de capacitación tuvo como objetivo principal fortalecer las capacidades empresariales en áreas clave. IDConsortium compartió estrategias y consejos valiosos destinados a maximizar las oportunidades de financiamiento para las PYMEs. Durante la formación, los participantes tuvieron la oportunidad de adquirir conocimientos esenciales y recibir orientación experta sobre cómo abordar de manera efectiva las convocatorias de ayudas. IDConsortium, en su compromiso continuo de respaldar a las empresas en su camino hacia el éxito en la era digital, espera que esta formación se convierta en un recurso esencial para las PYMEs, contribuyendo a impulsar la innovación y el desarrollo en el tejido empresarial. Mantente atento a futuras actualizaciones sobre las próximas formaciones y no dudes en ponerte en contacto con IDConsortium para obtener más información sobre cómo participar en estas iniciativas. #### Accede a la presentación oficial en formato PDF: Convocatorias tratadas: - Apoyo a Ecosistemas de Innovación - Ayudas para proyectos de digitalización de Última Milla en empresas del sector turístico - Ayudas dirigidas a impulsar la transformación digital a través de la iniciativa «Activa Industria 4.0», en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia Viernes 16 de febrero de 10:00h a 12:00h ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## Infodays nacionales sobre EIC Pathfinder 2024 en Madrid y Barcelona URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/infodays-eic-pathfinder-2024-madrid-barcelona ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # Infodays nacionales sobre EIC Pathfinder 2024 en Madrid y Barcelona ## Dos Infodays nacionales dedicados a “EIC Pathfinder 2024” se llevarán a cabo en la UPM (Madrid) y en la UPC (Barcelona) en colaboración con la Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (FECYT) los días 1 y 2 de febrero, respectivamente. IDConsortium Durante estos eventos, se contará con la presencia de Carlos Casorrán Amilburu, Asesor en la Agencia Ejecutiva para las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas del Consejo Europeo de Innovación (EIC), así como la participación virtual de Isabel Obieta Villalonga, Programme Manager EIC para Semiconductores Sostenibles. Además de la participación destacada de un Project Officer y una Programme Manager que explicarán las características y novedades de las convocatorias de 2024, habrá una mesa redonda de experiencias EIC. Para resolver dudas sobre los portfolios EIC y proporcionar consejos prácticos para la preparación de propuestas, los NCPs de Pathfinder y expertos en aspectos legales y financieros también estarán presentes. Todo el evento se llevará a cabo en español. Al finalizar la jornada, se ofrecerá el servicio de revisión de propuestas para entidades que estén coordinando una propuesta EIC Pathfinder OPEN. Este evento se presenta como una oportunidad única para obtener información valiosa y prepararse de manera efectiva para las convocatorias de Pathfinder 2024. #### Accede a toda la información en su web oficial: 01 de febrero de 2024 02 de febrero de 2024 ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## RUSTICA unveils innovative solutions in Vegepolys Valley conference URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-innovative-solutions-vegepolys-valley-conference ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA unveils innovative solutions in Vegepolys Valley conference ## RUSTICA partner Céline Marjolet from the Chamber of Agriculture of Pays de la Loire presented the Rustica project during an online conference in December 2023 with companies and research and technology organizations (RTOs) that are members of the Competitiveness cluster Vegepolys Valley, as part of the event ‘Innovative Plant Production and Processing Solutions for a Successful Environmental Transition’. IDConsortium The H2020 research project RUSTICA aims to assess the feasibility of creating a regional sector for high-quality bio-based fertilizers from plant organic residues. Five different technologies (carboxylic acid platform, microbial biomass production, electrodialysis, insect farming, and biochar production) are generating ingredients (microbial biomass, mineral nutrient concentrates, insect biomass, insect excreta, insect chitin, biochar) that will potentially be combined with compost to produce fertilizers tailored to the needs of crops in four European regions (Pays de la Loire in France, Flanders in Belgium, Almeria in Spain, Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy), and one region in Colombia (Valle del Cauca). The establishment of stakeholder groups in each of these regions enables collaboration on value chains and the development of the most suitable business models for each area. Several non-technical aspects (environmental and social life cycle assessment, legal framework, expected market evolution, etc.) are also being assessed. The Chamber of Agriculture of Pays de la Loire is coordinating this multi-stakeholder effort for the Pays de la Loire region and is conducting field experiments with formulated fertilizers. ## More news about this project: --- ## Urgent scientific advances for Spanish agriculture: Genetic editing proposal under debate in the EU URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/spanish-agriculture-genetic-editing-debate-eu ### News | CHIC & BOOSTER > # Urgent scientific advances for Spanish agriculture: Genetic editing proposal under debate in the EU ## With the clock ticking, the European Union faces a crucial decision on the use of plants developed with New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in agriculture before the upcoming elections. IDConsortium #### The proposal from the Commission, supported by the scientific community, promises significant benefits for the Spanish and European agricultural sector. At the next EU Council of Ministers on January 23, during the Strategic Dialogue on the future of agriculture in the EU, the importance of genetic editing for the sustainability of agriculture and the generation of decent income will be highlighted. The following day, on January 24, the European Parliament’s Environment Committee will vote on crucial amendments, including the well-known CRISPR technique, to advance the adoption of NGTs. The proposal finds support in science, with 35 Nobel laureates and over 1000 scientists asking the European Parliament to support these new genomic techniques. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that they do not present new dangers compared to conventionally developed plants. The European “Farm to Fork” strategy endorses these techniques as safe and beneficial, contributing to the sustainability of agri-food systems and ensuring food security. The regulation of these techniques benefits Spanish agriculture not only by leading the development of crop varieties quickly and affordably but also by driving public-private collaboration to address climate change. In this context, it is relevant to highlight IDC’s participation in two innovative projects, CHIC (Chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fibre and medicinal terpenes) and BOOSTER (Boosting drought tolerance in key cereals in the era of climate change). Both projects are intrinsically linked to advancements in New Genomic Techniques (NGT), as the innovation and progress they seek to achieve largely depend on the effective application of these technologies. Initiatives like these are fundamental to addressing current challenges in agriculture and climate change. IDC’s collaboration in these projects underscores its commitment to the forefront of agricultural innovation. Source: Agroinformacion.com (in Spanish) ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about Chic & Booster: --- ## Avances científicos urgentes para la agricultura española: Propuesta de edición genética en debate en la UE URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/agricultura-espanola-edicion-genetica-debate-ue ### Noticias | CHIC & BOOSTER > # Avances científicos urgentes para la agricultura española: Propuesta de edición genética en debate en la UE ## Con el reloj en marcha, la Unión Europea se enfrenta a la crucial decisión sobre la utilización de plantas obtenidas con Nuevas Técnicas Genómicas (NGT) en la agricultura antes de las próximas elecciones. IDConsortium #### La propuesta de la Comisión, respaldada por la comunidad científica, promete beneficios notables para el sector agrícola español y europeo. En el próximo Consejo de Ministros de la UE el 23 de enero, durante el Diálogo estratégico sobre el futuro de la agricultura en la UE, se buscará destacar la importancia de la edición genética para la sostenibilidad de la agricultura y la generación de ingresos dignos. Al día siguiente, el 24 de enero, la Comisión de Medio Ambiente del Parlamento Europeo votará enmiendas cruciales, incluyendo la conocida técnica CRISPR, para avanzar en la adopción de NGT. La propuesta encuentra respaldo en la ciencia, con 35 premios Nobel y más de 1000 científicos solicitando al Parlamento Europeo que apoye estas nuevas técnicas genómicas. La Agencia Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria (EFSA) concluyó que no presentan peligros nuevos en comparación con las plantas desarrolladas de manera convencional. La estrategia europea “De la granja a la mesa” respalda estas técnicas como seguras y beneficiosas, contribuyendo a la sostenibilidad de los sistemas agroalimentarios y garantizando la seguridad alimentaria. La regulación de estas técnicas no solo beneficia a la agricultura española al liderar el desarrollo de variedades de cultivos de manera rápida y asequible, sino que también impulsa la colaboración público-privada para abordar el cambio climático. En este escenario, es relevante resaltar la participación de IDC en dos proyectos innovadores, CHIC (La achicoria como cultivo multiusos para fibra dietética y terpenos medicinales) y BOOSTER (Aumentar la tolerancia a la sequía en cereales clave en la era del cambio climático). Ambos proyectos están intrínsecamente vinculados a los avances en Nuevas Técnicas Genómicas (NGT), ya que la innovación y los avances que buscan alcanzar dependen en gran medida de la aplicación efectiva de estas tecnologías. Iniciativas como estas son fundamentales para abordar los desafíos actuales en la agricultura y el cambio climático. La colaboración de IDC en estos proyectos subraya su compromiso con la vanguardia de la innovación agrícola. Fuente: Agroinformación.com ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre Chic & Booster: --- ## Europe Invests €213 Million in Circular Bioeconomy to Fuel Innovation URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/europe-circular-bioeconomy-fuel-innovation ### Call | IDConsortium > # Europe Invests €213 Million in Circular Bioeconomy to Fuel Innovation ## The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has unveiled its plan for 2024, allocating a significant €213 million investment towards fostering competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe. IDConsortium #### This ambitious funding initiative will address 18 topics, aiming to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the sector. At the forefront of the Programme are the **Innovation Actions – Flagship projects (IA-flagship)**, with a total allocation of €60 million across three key areas, each receiving a substantial €20 million. These projects aim to revolutionize the industry through sustainable oil crop valorisation, cost-effective biomass conversion for platform chemicals, and the utilisation of natural fibre feedstock, setting a precedent for future bio-based value chains. The CBE JU’s funding extends to a wide array of **Innovation Actions (IA)**, with €15 million dedicated to each initiative. These actions include the development of soil-biodegradable bio-based materials, leveraging microalgae for high-value applications, and expanding the array of commercially available Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) solvents. Notably, there is a focus on circular construction materials, sustainable production of lignin-derived aromatics, novel bio-adhesives, and the conversion of biogenic gases into valuable chemicals. **Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)** will receive targeted funds to address critical areas such as the valorisation of contaminated wood waste, biotechnological alternatives to animal-derived materials, and innovative crop protection solutions. With investments ranging from €7 million to €10 million, these initiatives are designed to address specific challenges and pave the way for new, sustainable bio-based products and technologies. **Coordination and Support Actions (CSA)** will see €4 million directed towards novel agricultural collaborations, while €3 million will be allocated both for inclusive participation in bio-based systems and for supporting the CBE JU Deployment Group. These actions are crafted to encourage a unified approach towards innovation, involving diverse stakeholders such as primary producers, regional authorities, and investors. #### And save the date: CBE JU Info Day 2024 **April 23, 2024** **Brussels**(In-person with face-to-face networking opportunities) Sessions will be streamed online for virtual participation **EUROPE** **Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking**(Operating under the rules of Horizon Europe) **April 24, 2024** **September 18, 2024** ## More calls and news about IDConsortium: --- ## La convocatoria “Activa Startups” entra en sus últimos días en Asturias, Andalucía y Aragón URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/ministerio-industria-comercio-turismo-activa-startups ### Noticias | EDIH > # La convocatoria “Activa Startups” entra en sus últimos días en Asturias, Andalucía y Aragón ## Una iniciativa del Ministerior de Industria, Comercio y Turismo, enmarcada en la Estrategia Nacional de Industria Conectada 4.0 IDConsortium #### Su propósito es potenciar el valor añadido industrial y el empleo cualificado en el sector, promoviendo un modelo propio para la industria del futuro y fortaleciendo la oferta local de soluciones digitales. Con un enfoque en la colaboración, el programa busca impulsar la innovación y el crecimiento de empresas emergentes, fomentando entornos colaborativos y facilitando su digitalización. Las actuaciones susceptibles de financiación serán proyectos de innovación en materia de transformación digital, desarrollo e incorporación de tecnologías emergentes, transformación hacia una economía baja en carbono o incorporación de la economía circular en el modelo de negocio de la pyme. Las tipologías de actuación podrán ser cualquiera de las siguientes: - Proyectos para la generación de innovación a través de la resolución de retos tecnológicos de empresas, sectores, ciudades y/o misiones que sirvan para romper brechas sociales, generacionales, y territoriales. - Actuaciones de asesoramiento en materia de innovación en el ámbito tecnológico, con el objetivo de dar respuesta a retos planteados en empresas que buscan la innovación abierta mediante soluciones basadas en tecnologías disruptivas. - Actuaciones encaminadas a adquirir nuevos conocimientos y aptitudes que puedan ser útiles para desarrollar nuevos productos, procesos o servicios, o permitan mejorar considerablemente los ya existentes. - Actuaciones de demostración, adaptación y personalización de diversas tecnologías, pruebas y experimentación con tecnologías digitales, transferencia de conocimientos y tecnología, test de validación, pruebas de concepto, producción de prototipos etc. #### Cuantía máxima de 40.000 euros a fondo perdido y del 100% de los gastos subvencionables. La iniciativa se implementa mediante diferentes convocatorias, dirigidas a pymes, startups y consorcios pymes-startup. Los retos son planteados por las pymes, mientras las startups trabajan en la resolución. “Activa Startups” abarca todo el territorio nacional, y cada convocatoria regula el ámbito geográfico de aplicación específico, con la participación prevista de las comunidades autónomas para impulsar la ejecución en diversas regiones. Esta convocatoria forma parte del Programa de Capacidades para el Crecimiento de la PYME del Componente 13 del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, con una dotación global de 101 millones de euros hasta diciembre de 2023. Se prevé una inversión de 44 millones de euros en las convocatorias de “Activa Startups”, con el objetivo de apoyar a 11.100 pymes antes de finales de 2023. #### Convocatoria abierta en las siguientes Comunidades: #### Asturias cierra el 19/01/2024**Andalucía cierra el 20/01/2024Aragón cierra el 21/01/2024 #### Accede a toda la información en la web oficial de la Escuela de Organización Industrial: Hasta 40.000 € a fondo perdido.100% de los gastos subvencionables. Asturias hasta el 19/01/2024Andalucía hasta el 20/01/2024Aragón hasta el 21/01/2024 ### Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## Ayudas para la promoción del sector del videojuego, del pódcast y otras formas de creación digital URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/ayudas-promocion-videojuego-podcast-creacion-digital ### Noticias | EDIH > # Ayudas para la promoción del sector del videojuego, del pódcast y otras formas de creación digital ## Se lanzan ayudas en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, destinadas a impulsar el sector del videojuego, pódcast y otras formas de creación digital con un enfoque cultural, para actividades realizadas del 1 de febrero al 31 de diciembre de 2024. IDConsortium #### Estas ayudas buscan respaldar el sector del videojuego, pódcast y creación digital, promoviendo inversiones, generación de empleo, igualdad de género y visibilidad internacional. También se enfocan en el uso responsable de tecnologías, defensa de derechos de propiedad intelectual y cumplimiento de Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, con el objetivo general de estimular innovación y emprendimiento en estas industrias. Modalidades de Apoyo: - Preproducción, producción y distribución de videojuegos. - Preproducción, producción y distribución de pódcast. - Preproducción, producción y distribución de otras formas de creación digital, incluyendo experiencias narrativas en formatos RV, RA, RX, y metaversos, entre otros. - Programas de incubación, mentorización o aceleración de proyectos relacionados con las categorías anteriores, en formato físico, digital o híbrido. - Eventos profesionales y exposiciones culturales relacionadas con el videojuego, pódcast y otras formas de creación digital. Los destinatarios de estas ayudas son profesionales inscritos en el Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos, microempresas y pymes con ánimo de lucro, tanto de nacionalidad española como de Estados miembros de la Unión Europea. #### La financiación por solicitante puede alcanzar hasta 80.000 €. **El plazo para presentar solicitudes comienza el 10 de enero y se extiende hasta el 30 de enero de 2024. ¡Una oportunidad única para impulsar el crecimiento y la innovación en el vibrante mundo digital!** #### Accede a toda la información en la web oficial del Ministerio de Cultura: Hasta 80.000 € Desde el 10 de enero hasta el 30 de enero de 2024 ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## NMBU Presents the PRODIGIO Project at the Nordic Proteomics Society URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/nmbu-prodigio-project-nordic-proteomics-society ### NEWS | Prodigio > # NMBU Presents the PRODIGIO Project at the Nordic Proteomics Society ## Metaproteomics – status, challenges, opportunities, and future directions of the field. IDConsortium #### NMBU made a break through at the Nordic Proteomics Society meeting held in Lund, Sweden, from 15 to 17th November 2023. Presenting the PRODIGIO project, Magnus Arntzen, delivered a talk addressing the status, challenges, opportunities, and future directions of metaproteomics. Utilizing PRODIGIO as a case study, Magnus, along with researchers Tim van Den Bossche, Valerie Schiml, Live H. Hagen, Sabina Leanti La Rosa, Phillip B. Pope, and Vincent G. H. Eijsink, explored the latest developments in the field. For more information, visit the NPS website. Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## IMDEA Energy in the 15th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/imdea-energy-15th-mediterranean-congress-chemical-engineering ### NEWS | Prodigio > # IMDEA Energy is participating in the 15th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering ## IMDEA Energy presents the main findings from the organic loading rate shock experiment conducted within the PRODIGIO project. IDConsortium #### IMDEA Energy participated in the 15th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering (XV-MECCE) in Barcelona, Spain, presenting key findings from the organic loading rate shock experiment conducted in the PRODIGIO project. Silvia Greses, the main contributor to the article, presented the results, and you can read the full article here: S. Greses, J.M. Walter, P.B. Pope, L.H. Hagen, M.Ø. Arntzen and C. González-Fernández. Warning indicators of microalgae anaerobic digestion instability upon system overloading. 15th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering (XV-MECCE) (Barcelona, Spain). 30 May – 02 June, 2023. International (ORAL). 10.48158/MeCCE-15.T3-O-04 IMDEA Energy also coordinates the YAF (Yeast-based solutions for sustainable Aviation Fuels) Project as part of the ‘Horizon-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks.’ YAF aims to train the next generation of researchers in a highly interdisciplinary and intersectoral research environment to address upcoming challenges related to yeast-based Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) production. The research program includes the production of carbon sources from biowastes via modified anaerobic digestion. Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## ARMINES unveils methodological protocol from PRODIGIO framework for Life Cycle Assessment models URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/armines-methodological-protocol-prodigio-life-cycle-assessment-models ### NEWS | Prodigio > # ARMINES unveils methodological protocol from PRODIGIO framework for Life Cycle Assessment models ## ARMINES (OIE) engages in Life Cycle Management discussions at LCM 2023 Conference in Lille, France. IDConsortium #### ARMINES (OIE) participated in the Life Cycle Management 2023 (LCM 2023) Conference in Lille, France, held from 6-8th September 2023, presenting the methodological protocol developed within the PRODIGIO framework for constructing Life Cycle Assessment models. Andriamahefasoa Rajaonison, Rebecca Nordio, Ana Sánchez-Zorano, Raphaël Jolivet, Joanna Schlesinger, Thierry Ranchin, and Paula Pérez-López presented a compelling study titled ‘Dynamic LCA Modeling for Accurate Evaluations of Biobased Energy Systems: Is It Worth It?’ The authors explored the effectiveness and value of employing dynamic Life Cycle Assessment models in the assessment of biobased energy systems. The presentation also covered the comparison of environmental results using both static and dynamic modeling approaches. In addition, ARMINES (OIE) also participated in the Summer School ‘A Sea of Knowledge – Study Abroad,’ held in July 2023 at the University of Almeria. Dr. Paula Pérez-López delivered a lecture on ‘Sustainability assessment of microalgae processes: A Life Cycle Assessment perspective.’ Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## PRODIGIO participated this autumn in PARAQUA workshop URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prodigio-participated-autumn-paraqua-workshop ### NEWS | Prodigio > # PRODIGIO participated this autumn in PARAQUA workshop ## The PRODIGIO project was presented at the meeting of the PARAQUA COST Action. IDConsortium #### The PRODIGIO project was presented at the meeting of the PARAQUA COST Action, held in Almeria in September 2023, which focused on the identification of parasites in microalgae cultures. As part of PRODIGIO activities, the University of Almeria will develop a summer course in June 2024, concentrating on the development of large-scale production systems and involving both academia and industry. The course will be hybrid, offering a comprehensive overview of the sector and addressing major bottlenecks. Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## EU Advances Research and Innovation in Western Balkans and Türkiye with Smart Specialisation Strategy URL: https://idconsortium.com/press-releases/eu-advances-research-innovation-western-balkans-turkiye-smart-specialisation-strategy ### Press Releases | ID Consortium > # EU Advances Research and Innovation in Western Balkans and Türkiye with Smart Specialisation Strategy ## In its unwavering commitment to research and innovation, the European Union has designated Smart Specialisation as a fundamental component of strategic planning over the last decade. ### Madrid, IDConsortium ### This strategy has become a key part of essential EU policy documents, catalyzing regional development and economic growth. The “Smart Specialisation Framework in the EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood Region,” launched in 2019 by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), is poised to enhance the EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood Region through expert methodological guidance and support. The Western Balkans and Türkiye, as the primary beneficiaries, are set to harness customized Smart Specialisation strategies for transformative impact. Embracing the ethos of regional cooperation, the JRC appointed Macarena Sanz in 2022 to lead a pivotal analysis of the agri-food sector’s potential in the Western Balkans. Sanz, who is an agricultural engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid with an Executive MBA from IESE Business School, brings invaluable expertise to the project. **The results of this comprehensive study, conducted under the direction of Macarena Sanz, will be presented at the upcoming online event titled “Smart Specialisation process in the Western Balkans and Türkiye: main achievements and next challenges ahead” scheduled for Monday, 27th November** (full event agenda is available in the **event’s website**.). This event will disclose the study’s conclusions, spotlighting the significant accomplishments and identifying prospects for innovation and collaboration. The online forum is expected to convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including policy makers, industry experts, and academic leaders, to engage in critical discourse about the future trajectory of Smart Specialisation in the region. The dialogue is anticipated to inform and influence the strategies and models of collaboration across the participating countries. Monday, 27th November 10:30h – 14:15h Streaming online WEBEX For more information and to join this pivotal event. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More press releases and news about IDConsortium:​ --- ## Booster partner organize international workshop: “Drought sensing? What do we know from crops to resurrection plants?” URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster-international-workshop-drought-sensing ### News | BOOSTER > # Booster partner organize international workshop: “Drought sensing? What do we know from crops to resurrection plants?” ## Scientists and researchers from across Europe and beyond gathered at the University of Bonn for an international workshop aimed at advancing our understanding of drought tolerance and desiccation signaling in plants. IDConsortium Organized by Prof. Jill Farrant of the University of Cape Town, one of the BOOSTER partners, in collaboration with Prof. Ute Vothknecht of the University of Bonn, this workshop was a part of the conditions set by the Humboldt Foundation, requiring recipients like Prof. Farrant to network with fellow European scientists. The workshop served as a platform for scientists with interests in desiccation and drought tolerance to exchange knowledge, explore innovative approaches and connect with leaders of EU projects focused on investigating aspects of drought tolerance with practical applications. Among the EU projects discussed were “BOOSTER” in which Prof. Farrant is a participant, “ADAPT” in which Prof. Vothknecht is involved, and “RESIST” represented by Prof. Zoran Nicolai from the University of Potsdam, Germany. The event featured presentations by group leaders of these projects, including Dr. Vincenzo Rossi from CREA (Italy) who discussed the BOOSTER project’s dual approach, focusing on harnessing natural genetic variations for drought tolerance and developing microbial and seaweed bio-stimulants to enhance drought tolerance in maize and teff cereals without compromising yield. Prof. Zoran Nicolai from the University of Potsdam (Germany) explained the systems biology approach used in the RESIST project, emphasizing the use of seedling models to screen omics techniques in two Xerophyta species with different strategies for coping with dehydration-induced photosynthetic stress. The RESIST project, now in its fourth year, aims to uncover mechanisms of desiccation tolerance and complex signaling during drying and rehydration in resurrection species. Finally, Prof. Marcus Teige from the University of Vienna (Austria) outlined the ADAPT project’s objectives, particularly focusing on the impact of drought on the Tuber Activation Complex, as part of the broader effort to define novel breeding targets. The workshop also delved into various aspects of vegetative desiccation tolerance and explored potential drought signaling in plants like Arabidopsis, barley, and potato. Other speakers of the workshop involved Dr Luiz Bondi and Dr Danilo Centeno from University of Rostock (Germany), Dr Suzana Alcantara, Departamento de Botânica-CCB-UFSC (Brazil), Dr Francesca Rappini, Institute for BioEconomy in Italian National Research Council (Italy) and Dr Andras Bittner from the University of Bonn (Germany). During the concluding session, there was consensus that although some aspects of drought signaling had been unraveled, a comprehensive understanding of this complex phenomenon still has a long way to go. It was widely acknowledged that sharing data among researchers could significantly advance our knowledge in this area. However, it was also recognized that challenges, such as confidentiality clauses in EU projects, might hinder the implementation of this beneficial practice. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## The PRODIGIO Consortium convenes in Barcelona for concluding meetings URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prodigio-consortium-barcelona-concluding-meetings ### NEWS | Prodigio > # The PRODIGIO Consortium convenes in Barcelona for concluding meetings ## PRODIGIO partners exchange expertise and plan the final conference. IDConsortium #### The PRODIGIO consortium recently concluded its annual consortium meeting on 18th and 19th October at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM) in Barcelona, Spain. The ICM, a leading research institute of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), served as the venue for this collaborative meeting. During the meetings, the partners engaged in informative presentations and productive discussions, further enhancing their collective experience and knowledge concerning the improvement of microalgae production processes and anaerobic digestion for biogas production. These interactions have proven crucial for the project’s results mapping. Looking ahead, the PRODIGIO consortium is now preparing for its final conference, scheduled to take place before the summer of 2024. Stay tuned for upcoming details on this event. Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## Primera formación para ayudas europeas en nuestro programa de formaciones básicas URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/primera-formacion-ayudas-europeas-programa ### Noticias | EDIH > # IDConsortium ofrece Formación en Ayudas Europeas dentro de su programa de formaciones básicas ## Para la búsqueda de financiación pública dirigido a PYMEs del sector movilidad que tengan necesidades de implementar y testear tecnologías digitales. IDConsortium ### En su calidad de socio del EDIH Madrid Region, IDConsortium se enorgullece de ofrecer estas formaciones especializadas en ayudas europeas, especialmente diseñadas para PYMEs del sector de la movilidad que buscan implementar tecnologías digitales. Durante las sesiones virtuales, IDConsortium compartirá estrategias y consejos fundamentales que fortalecerán las capacidades de las PYMEs en la presentación efectiva de convocatorias de ayudas, con un enfoque particular en las otorgadas en el marco de Horizonte Europa. Estas formaciones virtuales brindarán a las empresas recursos valiosos para aprovechar las oportunidades en el ámbito de la digitalización y la movilidad. Los participantes adquirirán conocimientos esenciales y recibirán orientación experta sobre cómo abordar estas oportunidades de financiamiento. La formación inicial constituye el primero de cuatro módulos que impartirá IDConsortium como parte de su compromiso constante de apoyar a las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) en la búsqueda de recursos para impulsar la innovación y el desarrollo. Los siguientes tres módulos estarán enfocados en convocatorias específicas para el sector movilidad bajo el marco Horizonte Europa. **Te invitamos a registrarte en los módulos que te más interesen:** #### Módulo 1: Formación general sobre convocatorias europeas Para apoyar a las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) en la búsqueda de recursos para impulsar la innovación y el desarrollo. Con un enfoque en la digitalización y el sector de la movilidad, donde se analizarán las actuales oportunidades de financiación y estrategias clave para asegurar proyectos ganadores. Viernes 17 de noviembre De 10:00h a 12:00h (España) Streaming online virtual Accede al formulario de registro para la primera sesión de formación especializada en Convocatorias Europeas, que se realizará -de forma online- el próximo viernes 17 de noviembre, de 10:00h a 12:00h. #### Módulo 2: Convocatorias Horizonte Europa – Grupo 1 - Smart, low-cost pervasive stationary slow charging and bi-directional solutions synergic with the grid for EV mass deployment (2ZERO Partnership) - Integration and testing of next generation post-800V electric powertrains (2ZERO Partnership) - Advanced battery system integration for next generation vehicles (2ZERO Partnership) - Integrated flexible multipoint megawatt charging systems for electric truck mass deployment (2ZERO Partnership) (2024) Viernes 24 de noviembre De 10:00h a 12:00h (España) Streaming online virtual Accede al formulario de registro para la sesión de formación especializada en Convocatorias Horizonte Europa (Grupo 1), que se realizará -de forma online- el próximo viernes 24 de noviembre, de 10:00h a 12:00h. #### Módulo 3: Convocatorias Horizonte Europa – Grupo 2 - Advanced digital development tools to accelerate the development of software defined vehicles that enable zero-emission mobility (2ZERO Partnership) - New designs, shapes, functionalities of Light Commercial Vehicles (2ZERO Partnership) - Centralised, reliable, cyber-secure & upgradable invehicle electronic control architectures for CCAM connected to the cloud-edge continuum (CCAM Partnership) - Scenario-based safety assurance of CCAM and related HMI in a dynamically evolving transport system (CCAM Partnership) Viernes 1 de diciembre De 10:00h a 12:00h (España) Streaming online virtual Accede al formulario de registro para la sesión de formación especializada en Convocatorias Horizonte Europa (Grupo 2), que se realizará -de forma online- el próximo viernes 1 de diciembre, de 10:00h a 12:00h. #### Módulo 4: Convocatorias Horizonte Europa – Grupo 3 - Orchestration of heterogeneous actors in mixed traffic within the CCAM ecosystem (CCAM Partnership) - Optimising multimodal network and traffic management, harnessing data from infrastructures, mobility of passengers and freight transport - Scaling up logistics innovations supporting freight transport decarbonisation in an affordable way - Improved transport infrastructure performance – Innovative digital tools and solutions to monitor and improve the management and operation of transport infrastructure Viernes 15 de diciembre De 10:00h a 12:00h (España) Streaming online virtual Accede al formulario de registro para la sesión de formación especializada en Convocatorias Horizonte Europa (Grupo 3), que se realizará -de forma online- el próximo viernes 15 de diciembre, de 10:00h a 12:00h. ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## ¡El Global Mobility Call arranca con el Foro de Innovación este 24 de octubre! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/global-mobility-call-foro-innovacion-24-octubre ### Noticias | EDIH > # ¡El Global Mobility Call arranca con el Foro de Innovación este 24 de octubre! ## La anticipación crece a medida que se acerca la fecha de inicio del Global Mobility Call (24-26 de octubre), que promete ser un evento innovador y transformador. IDConsortium ### Este lunes 24 de octubre, a partir de las 10:30 y hasta las 17:40, los expertos y visionarios de la movilidad se reunirán en un foro de innovación que explorará una amplia gama de temas relevantes. La Directora General de IDConsortium, Macarena Sanz, estará encargada de moderar el **Panel 7 «Ejemplos de inversión pública y privada y financiación de la innovación»**, donde se analizará el papel crucial que desempeñan las inversiones públicas y privadas en el desarrollo de la innovación en la movilidad. En este panel se contará con la participación de personas relevantes del medio como: Julio Dolado, Delegado Área Movilidad Comité de programa de Horizonte Europa en el CDTI, Vicente Parras, Subdirector General de Innovación Tecnológica de la Comunidad de Madrid, Jerónimo Béjar, General partner de EONIQ y Diego de Arístegui, Projects Director de Invest in Madrid. #### ¡No olvides marcar la fecha en tu calendario y unirte a nosotros a partir del 24 de octubre para sumergirte en el emocionante mundo de la innovación en la movilidad global! ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## IDConsortium impartirá un programa de formaciones básicas para la búsqueda de financiación pública nacional dirigido a PyMEs del sector movilidad que tengan necesidades de implementar y testear tecnologías digitales URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/formacion-pymes-movilidad-financiacion-nacional ### Noticias | EDIH > # IDConsortium impartirá un Programa de Formación Básica para la búsqueda de financiación pública nacional ## Dirigido a PYMEs del sector de la movilidad que tengan necesidades de implementar y testear tecnologías digitales. IDConsortium ### IDConsortium, socio del EDIH Madrid Region, se enorgullece de anunciar una serie de formaciones online especializadas diseñadas para brindar un apoyo fundamental a las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) en su búsqueda de ayudas nacionales y europeas, con un enfoque claro en la digitalización y sobre todo el sector de la movilidad. Estas sesiones de capacitación, que tienen como objetivo principal fortalecer las capacidades de las PYMEs en estos ámbitos clave, se llevarán a cabo de manera virtual y comenzarán con la formación en Convocatorias Nacionales el próximo viernes 10 de noviembre, de 10:00h a 12:00h. Durante estas formaciones, **IDConsortium compartirá estrategias y consejos valiosos que añadirán un alto valor a las convocatorias de ayudas** presentadas por las PYMEs, especialmente aquellas que buscan aprovechar las oportunidades en la digitalización y movilidad. Los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de adquirir conocimientos esenciales y recibir orientación experta sobre cómo abordar estas convocatorias de manera efectiva, maximizando sus posibilidades de éxito en la obtención de financiamiento. ** Este evento marca el inicio de una serie de formaciones planificadas por IDConsortium, todas ellas centradas en diferentes aspectos de las convocatorias de ayudas con un énfasis particular en la innovación digital y la movilidad. ** Además de las formaciones para ayudas nacionales, se tienen previstas sesiones dedicadas a las ayudas otorgadas por la Comisión Europea, lo que amplía aún más el acceso de las PYMEs a recursos y financiamiento en estos sectores en constante evolución. IDConsortium, en su **compromiso continuo de respaldar a las empresas en su camino hacia el éxito en la era digital y de movilidad**, espera que estas formaciones especializadas se conviertan en un recurso esencial para las PYMEs, contribuyendo a impulsar la innovación y el desarrollo en el tejido empresarial. Mantente atento a futuras actualizaciones sobre las próximas formaciones y no dudes en ponerte en contacto con IDConsortium para obtener más información sobre cómo participar en estas iniciativas. Viernes 10 de noviembre De 10:00h a 12:00h (España) Streaming online virtual Accede al formulario de registro para la primera sesión de formación, sobre convocatorias nacionales, que se realizará el próximo viernes 10 de noviembre, de 10:00h a 12:00h. ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Madrid Región: --- ## RUSTICA conducts new cross-visits in Madrid URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-conducts-new-cross-visits-madrid ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA conducts new cross-visits in Madrid ## The RUSTICA partners explore Madrid Science Park Foundation and Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL) in cross-visit to Madrid. IDConsortium ### Once again, the Rustica consortium convened, this time in the vibrant city of Madrid, from 9th to 11th October. Marking an important occasion for the project’s progress, consortium members were granted a unique and valuable experience through two cross-visits arranged by ID Consortium. The first destination brought them to the Madrid Science Park Foundation, where RUSTICA partners had the opportunity to foster connections and engage in a dynamic exchange of knowledge with Spanish companies that play a pivotal role for the RUSTICA project. This gathering not only facilitated relationship-building but also allowed for the sharing of insights and expertise that are vital to the project’s success. The second leg of the cross-visit led them to the Food Science Research (CIAL-CSIC) facility, where consortium members explored a semi-industrial supercritical extraction plant and a sophisticated metabolomics platform. This visit offered a deeper understanding of the latest advancements in food science and the potential applications that can benefit the RUSTICA project. For more details, you can review the presentations from this visit. The seventh consecutive round of RUSTICA meetings provided RUSTICA consortium members with an invaluable opportunity to strengthen their partnership and gain practical exposure to cutting-edge research and technology. ### Madrid Science Park Foundation (FPCM) ### Food Science Research (CIAL-CSIC) Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## The RUSTICA partners meet in Madrid for a seventh round of meetings URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-partners-madrid-7th-round-meetings ### NEWS | Rustica > # The RUSTICA partners meet in Madrid for a seventh round of meetings ## RUSTICA consortium has once again come together for an update and exchange of expertise. IDConsortium ### The Rustica consortium recently concluded its seventh round of meetings in Madrid, spanning from 9th to 11th October. This collaborative gathering, hosted by the ID Consortium partner, featured informative presentations and productive interactions among the partners. Moreover, the event facilitated two cross-visits, enabling the partners to explore the Madrid Science Park Foundation (FPCM) and the Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL). Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## RUSTICA perspective on EU Strategies URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-perspective-eu-strategies ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA perspective on EU Strategies ## Will the impact of the RUSTICA project be determined by European policy? IDConsortium ### The technical validation, demonstration and implementation of bio-based fertilisers and soil improvers based on redundant leftovers from the agro-food value chain of the RUSTICA project and its impact perspective will significantly be determined by European Policy.​ Not only the European Green Deal emphasizing economic growth decoupled from resource use but also the Farm-to-fork Strategy and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 provide strong signals towards the shape of agricultural business models of the future. With view on sustainable food production, advanced biorefineries and the circular bio-based economy are highlighted by the former, e.g., for production of bio-fertilisers which are not fully exploited by the agricultural sector at the moment. Policies on recovery, waste management, biodiversity, and bioeconomy to address the problem of food waste are required by the Farm-to-fork-Strategy as well. To tackle the aforementioned issues, RUSTICA research strives for tailored solutions on valorization of food waste and reduction of nutrient pollution. An Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production under the Farm-to-fork-Strategy has been launched by the European Commission to accomplish the objective of 25% organic farming in the EU by 2030. This goal is also reflected in the EU Biodiversity Strategy. If organic agriculture is addressed by a fertiliser or soil improver, specific legal stipulations are laid down, e.g., in the Regulations (EU) 2018/848 and (EU) 2021/1165. Due to its scope, the EU Circular Economy Strategy and EU Bioeconomy Strategy are of particular relevance for the RUSTICA project. From seven “key product value chains” of the Circular Economy Action Plan 2020, “food, water and nutrients” encompasses biological resources and renewable bio-based materials. In this regard, an “Integrated Nutrient Management Plan” aimed at sustainability in terms of nutrient use and markets for recovered nutrients has been announced by the European Commission. From the three areas of the updated strategy on circular bioeconomy from 2018, Area Two involves inter alia “sustainable food and farming systems” and promotes unfolding local bioeconomies in urban, rural, and coastal areas. The concepts of RUSTICA provide a solid basis that can be further evaluated in terms of how to be used for local and regional bioeconomies. * 13.10.2023***Adelheid Wiedemann****www.wiedemann-gmbh.eu Disclaimer:** The views presented in this publication **RUSTICA – perspective on EU strategies **are solely an opinion of the author. The author and the RUSTICA consortium members do not accept any liability for direct or indirect consequences, losses or damages resulting from the use of this publication*, *its content or parts of it. This document is exclusively prepared for general information purposes and represents in no kind a legal or any other advice. Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## “Global Mobility Call 2023” Brokerage Event: Networking for smart mobility companies and institutions URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/global-mobility-call-2023-brokerage-event ### News | EDIH > # “Global Mobility Call 2023” Brokerage Event: Networking for smart mobility companies and institutions ## The Brokerage Event 2023, free of charge, will be held on October 24 in a hybrid format: On-site participation at IFEMA and VIRTUAL on-line sessions. IDConsortium The GMC 2023 Brokerage offers business contacts to industry, science, and technology professionals who are looking for potential partners within the field: Mobility, Energy, Sustainable transportation, Smart and liveable cities, Logistics, Public Transport, IoT, Decarbonization, Circular Economy, Digitalization, Automotive, Universities, Tech and innovation transformation, economic development… technology and research to ensure sustainable business development and growth. **10:00h – 17:30h** **20 minutes** **FREE** **On-site / virtual** ### Topics addressed - Smart Mobility - Micro Mobility - Active Mobility - Energy - Public Transport and Intermodal Mobility - IoT ¬ IA - Aerospace Mobility - Safe and accessible mobility - Land mobility - Maritime Mobility - Logistics and distributions of goods - Automotive - Related sectors: regulations, quality, and production**.** ### Target groups - Companies with mobility solutions - Energy and zero path solutions companies - Public Transport Companies - Logistics and Automotive Companies - Universities, institutes - and other organizations looking for commercial, technological or research partners from Europe and beyond. ### Why participate? - Use the event to initiate new businesses - Meet providers of innovative technologies from throughout Europe and beyond - Enter into contact with potential partners for future co-operation - Establish cross-border contacts for a long-term business relationship ### How can you benefit from this event? - Publish and showcase your products, projects, services or business needs to event participants - Initiate and arrange promising pre-scheduled meetings at the event - Generate fresh leads and meet new contacts in a time and cost-efficient way - Stay one step ahead of your competitors by being seen and visibly present at the event ## More news about EDIH – Madrid Region: --- ## RUSTICA showcases groundbreaking upcycling at RAMIRAN 2023 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-showcases-groundbreaking-upcycling-ramiran-2023 ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA showcases groundbreaking upcycling at RAMIRAN 2023 ## RUSTICA project showcases innovative upcycling of fruit and vegetable waste for bio-based fertilizer blends at RAMIRAN conference. IDConsortium ### The RAMIRAN Conference, held in Cambridge, featured a presentation by the RUSTICA project on 13th September, led by Fien Amery from the Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO). The presentation demonstrated the conversion of fruit and vegetable waste into bio-based fertilizer components, offering a sustainable solution for agriculture.​ The presentation focused on “upscaling from lab to field”, showing the progressive validation of bio-based fertilisers. This process began with the design of the fertilisers based on the chemical characteristics of the building blocks and underwent several lab validations through incubation trials before proceeding to field experiments. In between the validation steps, the composition of the bio-based fertilisers was adjusted to meet the stakeholder needs. The RAMIRAN (Recycling of Agricultural, Municipal and Industrial Residues in Agriculture Network) is a research and expertise network set up to improve nutrient utilisation and minimise the environmental impact of livestock manure and other organic material used in agricultural systems. The conference is attended by experts and stakeholders in agriculture and residue management, and provides a platform to share and further promote innovations in this sector. For more information, have a look at the presentation given by Fien Amery from ILVO: Download the presentation (PDF). Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Programa de innovación en movilidad sostenible: un viaje multimodal URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/programa-innovacion-movilidad-sostenible-viaje-multimodal ### Noticias | EDIH > # Programa de innovación en movilidad sostenible: «un viaje multimodal» ## Únete de manera gratuita al programa que te permitirá formarte en la movilidad de las nuevas ciudades, del 2 de octubre al 30 de noviembre de 2023 IDConsortium ### Un programa diseñado por El Futuro de laMovilidad, de la mano del Connected MobilityHub y cofinanciado por el EDIH Madrid Región. Ocho módulos con los que aprenderás sobre movilidad multimodal, espacio público y gestión del cambio a través de píldoras audiovisuales y contenido exclusivo. Con la participación del Ministerio de Transportes, Movilidad y Agenda Urbana; Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, IDAE, Renfe, Yego, Decathlon, BlaBlaCar, FreeNow, Bird… ¡y muchos más! #### **CONTENIDO:** - **Introducción a la movilidad multimodal: conocimientos previos** Visión general y presentación de programa (Luis Morales, El Futuro de la Movilidad) - Quiz: conceptos previos - **La problemática y la regulación: la visión de las administraciones** Leyes, planes y programas nacionales: estado de la cuestión (Ángeles Marín, MITMA) - Objetivos nacionales de descarbonización: directrices y líneas de actuación (Isabel del Olmo, IDAE) - Políticas municipales: el caso de Elche (Esther Díez, Ayuntamiento de Elche) - Políticas municipales: el caso de Bilbao (Nora Abete, Ayuntamiento de Bilbao) - La perspectiva provincial: Diputación Foral de Bizkaia (Ángel Anero, Diputación Foral de Bizkaia) - **El uso del espacio público: jerarquización y seguridad** Visión general: el espacio público en nuestras ciudades (Silvia Casorrán, Ayuntamiento de Barcelona) - El espacio público para las personas con discapacidad física y orgánica (Juan José Lara, COCEMFE) - El usuario en el centro (Laura Vergara, CONBICI) - La reconversión de espacios privados en desuso o infrautilizados en intercambiadores modales (Esther Rabadán, Aire Mobility) - **Las soluciones de movilidad multimodales** Transporte público como eje vertebrador (Jorge Maroto, Metro de Sevilla) - Movilidad activa y saludable como opción preferente (Blanca Alonso, Decathlon España) - Bike sharing (Javier Aparicio, Bird) - Scooter sharing (Álvaro Rodríguez, Voi) - Suscripción de vehículos (Jaime Sacristán, Wifly Mobility) - Moto sharing (Benjamin Viguier, Yego) - Transporte a la demanda (José María Campos, Celering) - Carpooling para el commuting diario al trabajo y desplazamientos largos (Florent, Bannwarth, Blablacar) - **Interoperabilidad y plataformas multimodales** Visión general: interoperabilidad, plataformas multimodales, datos y pagos (Sergio Díez, Moven) - Plataforma Mobility as a Service DOCO de RENFE (Bruno Espinar, RENFE) - Plataforma MaaS de operadores privados (Isabel García, Freenow) - Convivencia de los diferentes modos, tanto individuales como colectivos, en un contexto de digitalización (Globalvía) - **Datos, integración de pagos y ticketing** Punto de Acceso Nacional de datos de transporte (Rocío Báguena, MITMA) - Pagos integrados digitales (Antonio Babio, Santander) - **Gestión del cambio ciudadano. Incentivos** Visión general: cambio de paradigma y pago por uso - Gamificación con tokens (Boyd Cohen, Wheelcoin) - Combinación de incentivos: económicos y de usabilidad de las plataformas (Danae Vara, Gocleer) - **La movilidad al trabajo** Parque empresarial de Alcobendas (Luis Pérez de Lezo, Asociación de Empresarios de Alcobendas) - Despliegue de plataformas MaaS en combinación con TP (Guillermo Campoamor, Meep) - Rediseño y/o adaptación de espacios de aparcamiento para fomentar la movilidad como servicio (Esther Rabadán, Aire Mobility) - DRT de primera y última milla (Jennifer Azpilicueta, Celering) - Gestión de flotas (Enrique Martínez, Enterprise) Ya puedes inscribirte al programa de innovación en movilidad sostenible. Un viaje multimodal, en el que te formarás de la mano de importantes administraciones públicas y empresas del sector. ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Región de Madrid: --- ## Improved transport infrastructure performance – Innovative digital tools and solutions to monitor and improve the management and operation of transport infrastructure URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/improved-transport-infrastructure-performance ### Call | EDIH > # Improved transport infrastructure performance – Innovative digital tools and solutions to monitor and improve the management and operation of transport infrastructure ## Innovative digital tools and solutions will allow to upgrade transport infrastructure ensuring an improved performance and safety, together with a reduction of emissions and better inclusiveness. IDConsortium #### Increasing the performance of multi-modal transport infrastructure can be achieved through improving the efficiency of the assets and by the cross-modal data management. Digital solutions are key to reduce drastically disruptions in traffic flows, increase transport efficiency and lower its dependency on fossil fuels. Transport infrastructure needs to be capable of harvesting the benefits from digitalisation at management and operations levels, as well as in relation with the user. Digitalisation can support the achievement of sustainability targets and provide a better service to infrastructure end users, including enhanced public transport services. Digital technologies, such as big data, the Internet of Things, Digital Twins, together with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques provide a great potential for developing mobility solutions. The integration between transport infrastructure and digital technologies will help achieve personalised seamless passenger and freight journeys transport across different transport modes. This integration will consider safety and security starting from the design phase, while simultaneously automating and accelerating the decision process at every level from maintenance to traffic management. Special attention should be given to the accessibility of new digital tools from persons with disabilities and older persons, in order to ensure that this segment of the population is also able to participate fully and benefit from digital progress. As set by the Green Deal, priorities should be given for projects allowing modal shift from road to more sustainable mode such rail and inland waterways. Proposals will have to address all of the following points: - Improve performance of transport infrastructure and increase multimodality with the use of, for example: IoT, edge computing and decentralised artificial intelligence, or other digital tools in view of its potential to facilitate real-time decision-making, improve safety and to save bandwidth and energy. Develop solutions for self-monitoring, self-reporting, non-intrusive/non-destructive inspection and testing methods, including advanced predictive modelling and structural safety assessment. - Demonstrate ability to process internal and external raw data, such as sensor data, into smart data and related cloud architecture that can be deployed to optimize infrastructure management processes - Building on the common European mobility data space and the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum (DTLF), facilitate the seamless use and provision of data and information to the end user across the transport infrastructure network and logistic chain, with a view to progress advancing towards smart mobility concepts for passengers and freight. - Enhance prediction of demand from individual behaviours, enabling appropriate modal capacity and demand management. - Propose digital solutions contributing to a more inclusive, comfortable, accessible and flexible infrastructures and multi-modal services. - Include at least three pilot demonstrations of the proposed solutions in operational environment (minimum at TRL7) on land and inland waterways transport infrastructure. - Evaluate the qualitative and quantitative impact of the proposed measures with a clear baseline for each pilot demonstration. For rail infrastructure the solutions will need to be harmonised with the EU-RailRAIL Programme projects implementing the Flagship Area 1, 3 and 5[1]. Proposals should consider results from previous calls on infrastructure maintenance, digitalisation, and on edge-IoT, and focus on validation of innovative solutions (i.e. robotics, IoT, edge computing and AI). If the activities proposed involve the use and/or development of AI-based systems and/or techniques, the technical and social robustness of the proposed systems is to be described in the proposal. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-IA****(HORIZON Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 May 2024** **05 September 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Scaling up logistics innovations supporting freight transport decarbonisation in an affordable way URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/logistics-innovations-freight-transport-decarbonisation ### Call | EDIH > # Scaling up logistics innovations supporting freight transport decarbonisation in an affordable way ## Building on previously funded projects and ongoing activities (e.g. Connecting Europe Facility, Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects), ensuring compliance with the data sharing framework pursued by the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum (DTLF). IDConsortium #### Taking into account the development of the common European mobility data space, proposals will pilot, demonstrate and scale up systemic collaborative solutions regarding logistics nodes, multimodal logistics networks connectivity, business and governance models. The focus will be on both digital and physical interoperability as well as on the adoption of zero-emission vehicles/vessels. Proposals will have to research and demonstrate in a structured and systemic way all of the following points: - Demonstrate at least 10 working open standard processes, procedures and services across several logistics nodes providing seamless access to users. Processes, procedures, and services are expected to have an open access definition and scalability aspects need to be addressed. - Develop and demonstrate further compatibility and interoperability of the full range of standardised multimodal transport units (from containers to boxes), also across transport modes. - To achieve scalable multimodal logistics networks connectivity, demonstrate models and processes, supported by Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, etc., which can increase utilisation of assets and resources in actual logistics service providers’ networks dynamically. These models should also consider how to increase the adoption of automated and zero-emission vehicles/vessels and the use of rail and inland waterways through multimodal solutions. - Demonstrate tools, technologies and processes to achieve different types of flows compatibility (e.g. through shared standard boxes) and synchro-modal solutions over the logistics service providers’ networks, involving shippers and retailers to that purpose. - Demonstrate the benefit (e.g. GHG reductions vs increased operational costs) of decentralised inventory positions in the pooled logistics network allowing low speed multimodal transport for (re-)positioning stock levels and answering short term lead times with closer to consumer inventory positions (e.g. full visibility of inventory positions in retail networks extended to suppliers and logistics service providers). - Test and demonstrate sound business and governance models and rules (including organisational change requirements) for resource-sharing across logistics networks, to ensure operational efficiency of freight movements irrespective of mode, nodal operations and freight characteristics. - Test and demonstrate the functionalities and relevance of the data sharing framework, serving for optimisation of the logistic system, including through the establishment of an appropriate semantic model and its components, such as for instance Digital Twins with specific algorithms allowing for predictive planning of logistic related events. Synergies for rail will need to be sought with the EU-Rail Programme projects implementing the Transversal Topic on Digital enablers and Flagship Area 5[3]. - Develop and demonstrate scalability of the proposed solutions providing open access mechanisms and low thresholds to the system of logistics networks. Consider realising visualisation and simulation models and tools to show the practical use of collaborative models for the various types of stakeholders and the potential benefits based on actual cases. Develop specific actions to encourage, facilitate and ensure the access of SMEs and smaller players. - Measure and demonstrate the benefits in terms of use of resources, affordability of proposed solutions, throughput capacity and environmental impact of the scaled up horizontal collaboration among logistics networks (system of logistics networks). If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries have to describe if and how the use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS are incorporated in the proposed solutions. In addition, if the activities proposed involve the use and/or development of AI-based systems and/or techniques, the technical and social robustness of the proposed systems is to be described in the proposal. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-IA****(HORIZON Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 May 2024** **05 September 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Optimising multimodal network and traffic management, harnessing data from infrastructures, mobility of passengers and freight transport URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/multimodal-network-traffic-management-data-infrastructures-mobility-passengers-freight-transport ### Call | EDIH > # Optimising multimodal network and traffic management, harnessing data from infrastructures, mobility of passengers and freight transport ## Optimised multimodal network and traffic management is essential for an efficient transport network and seamless door-to-door mobility of passengers and freight. IDConsortium #### Such advanced capabilities need to be supported by harnessing data from physical and digital infrastructures, as well as from the mobility of passengers and freight, involving different types of vehicles, rolling stock, aircraft and vessels (including zero-emission, connected and automated), technologies and the use of innovative services. At the same time, novel forms of mobility (e.g. shared, micro-mobility or even hyperloop) and new services (e.g. Mobility as a Service) present new challenges, but also great opportunities for enhanced management and optimisation of the transport network. This includes advances to fully utilise dynamic and interoperable data exchange from multiple actors and transport modes, for well-tested and validated systems and operations, with appropriate governance arrangements in place. In this context, building on best practices (technological, non-technological and socio-economic), ongoing projects on multimodal network and traffic management, as well as other initiatives (e.g. the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum and the common European mobility data space), actions should address at least 6 of the following aspects: - Developing and testing new generation multimodal, flexible, agile and adaptable, secure and resilient transport network and traffic management systems, leveraging state of the art technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, big data, edge computing, internet of things, blockchain). - Assessing and simulating the effects on multimodal network and traffic management of new forms of mobility (e.g. zero-emission, connected and automated vehicles and vessels, car sharing/pooling, active-/micro-mobility, sustainable land/air transport modes and drones), as well as of innovative services (e.g. Mobility/Logistics as a Service), in different urban and rural environments, considering the socio-economic acceptability and different user needs (including vulnerable and gender groups). - Performing simulations for network-wide optimisation of traffic models, aiming towards a “social optimum” and an evaluation of mobility options for multimodal mobility and freight flows (including last-mile), enabling a modal shift to more sustainable modes (leveraging public transport), while addressing planned and unplanned events of mobility and freight systems under disruption. - Demonstrating the collection, aggregation, analysis and use of network-wide data from infrastructures, vehicles/vessels and users (using ICT and EU satellite-based systems), from across transport modes (modal and intermodal data), stakeholders and national borders, while preserving data privacy, security and confidentiality to data providers, thereby enabling effective and intelligent multimodal network and traffic management, and even further data exchanges with other sectors (e.g. energy and telecoms). - Performing early pilot activities on multimodal network and traffic management of limited scale in mobility hubs (e.g. rail nodes, maritime or inland ports), where cross-modal or hinterland inter-connections are present for passenger and freight traffic flows. - Designing and testing innovative multimodal network and traffic management services, offered by public and/or private stakeholders, which can be operated at network centres (e.g. at cities or hubs) and/or at decentralised level (e.g. by users or vehicles/vessels themselves). - Developing and showcasing workable governance and dynamic incentive models, for the effective engagement of public and private stakeholders in interoperable data exchange, in the optimisation of transport network and traffic management and in promoting a better use of (public) transport systems. - Evaluating the qualitative and quantitative impact of the proposed measures and project results, including on reducing travel delay, transport emissions and energy consumption, with a clear baseline for each use case. If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries are expected to describe if and how the use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS are incorporated in the proposed solutions. In addition, proposals should describe the technological and societal readiness of the systems and/or techniques proposed for development and use, particularly in the case of systems based on Artificial Intelligence. The multimodal aspects listed above are complementary and in synergy with actions foreseen in other parts of the Work Programme, such as in the areas of C-ITS (as part of Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility), rail traffic management (as part of EU-Rail Joint Undertaking), air traffic management (as part of SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking) and vessel traffic management (as part of Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport). In line with the Union’s strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation, international cooperation is encouraged. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 May 2024** **05 September 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Orchestration of heterogeneous actors in mixed traffic within the CCAM ecosystem (CCAM Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/orchestration-heterogeneous-actors-mixed-traffic-ccam-ecosystem ### Call | EDIH > # Orchestration of heterogeneous actors in mixed traffic within the CCAM ecosystem (CCAM Partnership) ## Actions should contribute to the transformation of traffic management from managing traffic volumes to the management of vehicles (or even travellers) taking benefit from the advantages of fleet management (groups of vehicles that share the same attributes). IDConsortium #### Proposed actions will develop and demonstrate an orchestration scheme for traffic management energy according to priorities set by traffic authorities (including targets) that will facilitate the coexistence of heterogeneous actors or fleets on the road network (individual vehicles, public transport, Vulnerable Road Users) as well as, at different levels of vehicle automation (including human driven vehicles) in mixed traffic. Vehicles should be considered in their different sizes and usages, as well as by the mobility service they provide (private, public, shared, pooled etc.). Proposed actions should address both the transport of people and goods within automated fleets (commercial/logistics fleets, fleets operated by public or private transport operators) and individual vehicles (CCAM- or conventional vehicles, including micro-mobility) that are well integrated in the entire traffic management system. Proposed actions are expected to develop and demonstrate orchestration schemes for operations in mixed traffic by addressing all of the following aspects: - Defining the comprehensive requirements (including data exchange) for the orchestration schemes with regards to the heterogeneous actors in mixed traffic (automated and non-automated traffic, people and goods and different modes). - Developing traffic management tools that are essential for the coordination of mixed automated and non-automated mobility. These management tools should be robust and able to address uncertainty due to uncertain technological developments, performances, services and business cases that go beyond what is available through current research results. Tools should support orchestration by, among others, integration of ad-hoc and manoeuvre coordination (SAE cooperation classes[7]), efficient route guidance and capacity aware demand management. - Defining and demonstrating business and governance models (including for public actors) for the orchestration of traffic management in real-time CCAM traffic conditions in urban and motorway environment, allowing actors to address their needs on a win-win basis. - Developing measures and KPIs to demonstrate the benefits and added value of orchestration for traffic management actions (in terms of traffic efficiency, energy efficiency, safety etc.). - Demonstrating a process that ensures trust in the traffic orchestration scheme proposed as well as sufficient accessibility to quality data for all traffic actors involved and readiness for large-scale demonstration actions. In order to achieve the expected outcomes, international cooperation is encouraged, in particular with Japan and the United States but also with other relevant strategic partners in third countries. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on results to the European Partnership ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs[8]. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-IA****(HORIZON Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 May 2024** **05 September 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Scenario-based safety assurance of CCAM and related HMI in a dynamically evolving transport system (CCAM Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/scenario-based-safety-assurance-ccam-hmi-dynamically-evolving-transport-system ### Call | EDIH > # Scenario-based safety assurance of CCAM and related HMI in a dynamically evolving transport system (CCAM Partnership) ## To ensure the safety of CCAM, it is essential that vehicles are not only safe during the (first) type approval, but also during their complete lifetime in a fast-changing road transport system. IDConsortium #### Changes can result from the evolution of the CCAM system itself, for example, as a result of increasing connectivity using V2X communication, the use of AI-based systems, and OTA (over-the-air) software updates. The traffic system, in which CCAM systems are being deployed, is changing at a rapid pace as well, with an increased market share of vehicles with higher levels of automation, new (personal) mobility devices and autonomous mobility robots (e.g., for package delivery). At the same time, the way CCAM systems interact with humans in traffic is changing. Until full automation in transport is reached, the human driver will keep on playing an essential role. Also, the interaction with other road users will change, supported by technologies that allow a CCAM system to communicate its intentions to other road users. As a consequence of these innovations and developments, the safe deployment of CCAM systems needs an extension of the safety validation procedures and certification schemes, taking advanced human-machine interaction and a continuous in-service monitoring approach into account. Due to the many different scenarios and variations that can occur realistically and that consequently need to be tested, it should be possible that a large part of the assessment is performed in a virtual simulation environment. The proposed actions are expected to address all of the following aspects: - Developing a validation methodology for scenario-based safety assurance of AI-based CCAM functions. Trustworthiness of the AI-algorithms depends on how well the system responds to scenarios in its Operational Design Domain (ODD) – specificity and how it responds in case it ends-up outside its ODD – robustness. Consequently, methods need to be developed on the use of scenarios to describe the ODD of AI-based systems. - Connectivity. Developing validation procedures for CCAM systems that rely on V2X for safety-critical functions i.e., the inclusion of the connectivity context. Ensuring aspects of reliability, trustworthiness and cyber-security with respect to V2X is essential. The approach to V2X connectivity is technology neutral. - Continuous Safety Assurance approach. Developing an approach for a continuous safety validation methodology, to monitor the safety state of deployed CCAM systems in operation (real traffic) during its service life, following type approval. Performance metrics for the reliability of the monitored data, including cyber-security aspects, and indicators for the safety state should be proposed. Also needed is the development of requirements for the monitoring system for use in future standardisation, regarding the exchange of data and safety performance indicators with service organisations and authorities. - Validating the virtual approach. Developing tools that ensure the relevant degree of detail and the appropriate representation of other road users’ behaviour (incl. Vulnerable Road Users such as pedestrians and/or bicyclists) in virtual scenario-based testing. This includes methods to deal with perception, localisation, and world modelling errors in the validation procedures. - Human Machine Interaction. Developing a safety assurance methodology that incorporates the assessment of Human Machine Interaction (both driver-vehicle and vehicle-road user) concepts for higher levels of automation (conformity checks as well as test set-ups with suitable metrics) ensuring safe communication between driver and vehicle and between vehicle and other road users, making Human Machine Interaction inclusive (i.e. in terms of age, mental and physical ability, cultural aspects, etc.). Proposed actions are expected to develop recommendations for harmonisation and standardisation and to feed into on-going discussions regarding EU type vehicle approval rules as well as in the framework of the UNECE. Actions should be based on the outcomes of previous methodologies developed in HEADSTART[1], as well as research funded under HORIZON-CL5-2021-D6-01-02[2]. Upcoming CCAM projects, in particular in the area of large-scale demonstrations, validation, digital infrastructure and key enabling technologies should be taken into account to ensure compatibility. Links should be established with the Mobility Data Space initiatives from Digital Europe, federated data infrastructure projects (Gaia-X, International Data Spaces, Big Data Value – BDV). In order to achieve the expected outcomes, international cooperation is encouraged, in particular with Japan and the United States but also with other relevant strategic partners in third countries. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on results to the European Partnership ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 May 2024** **05 September 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Centralised, reliable, cyber-secure & upgradable in-vehicle electronic control architectures for CCAM connected to the cloud-edge continuum (CCAM Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/centralised-reliable-cybersecure-upgradable-vehicle-electronic-control-architectures ### Call | EDIH > # Centralised, reliable, cyber-secure & upgradable in-vehicle electronic control architectures for CCAM connected to the cloud-edge continuum (CCAM Partnership) ## Since current on-board electronic systems are assembled from various controllers in a piecemeal fashion, they are not suitable for the complex, combined performance requirements of advanced levels of CCAM applications in terms of bandwidths, latency, flexibility, fail safety and cyber security. IDConsortium #### Therefore, a complete redesign of the in-vehicle control architecture is needed, combining innovations at hardware, software and data levels in the vehicle and in connection with distributed intelligence in the edge-cloud continuity. It should build on a centralised e.g. zonal or domain-based layout using distributed high-performance computing for connecting sensing and actuation systems with software updates over the air, big data flows and AI at the edge, resulting in a novel and upgradable electronic in-vehicle control scheme for safe and efficient automated driving functions and tele-operations. Important building blocks for the in-vehicle control architecture include sensors and sensor data fusion for environment perception with AI “at the edge”, using on-board high-performance computers and generic hard- and software including cyber secure components. At the same time, the new control architecture and its context aware building blocks are expected to enable the following: - reliable, low-latency and high-bandwidth data communication for automated driving systems control to safeguard against cyber-attacks, malfunctions and malicious interactions. - systemic functionality gains in upgradability, efficiency, modularity, compatibility, scalability, fail-operation, reliability and redundancy. - definition of safety and security targets, open-source standard layouts and harmonised validation methods. In order to achieve the expected outcomes, international cooperation is encouraged, in particular with Japan and the United States but also with other relevant strategic partners in third countries. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on results to the European Partnership ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 May 2024** **05 September 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## New designs, shapes, functionalities of Light Commercial Vehicles (2ZERO Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/new-designs-shapes-functionalities-light-vehicles ### Call | EDIH > # New designs, shapes, functionalities of Light Commercial Vehicles (2ZERO Partnership) ## The main objective of this call is to deliver new urban optimized light commercial zero-emission vehicles with a focus on goods transport, that are affordable, safe, sustainable and reliable and with a strong engagement from freight services users and fleet owners in the definition of requirements and testing. IDConsortium #### The focus will be to identify and overcome the main barriers for the development of new LCV concepts for urban and sub-urban logistics and freight mobility. Proposals are expected to address all of the following aspects: - Engage with users of the vehicles, define requirements, expectations and potential developments that may influence future demand for these vehicles as well as considering the integration of vehicles in existing and future charging infrastructures. - Develop and demonstrate new designs, shapes and functionalities of Light Commercial Vehicles to meet current and future needs for commercial delivery of goods, including safety aspects. - Demonstrate the developed vehicles and operational concepts considering current and future demands for these vehicles in a growing e-commerce market for deliveries and returns of parcels, groceries and refrigerated goods and addressing the challenges holistically (i.e. by demonstrating the concepts in actual current or new logistics operations including charging and addressing requirements in cities with extended zero emission zones). - Establish synergies and links with new logistics concepts developed in R&I projects focused on logistics operations and innovative concepts (such as the Physical Internet). - Demonstrated vehicles and operational concepts are expected to target important markets with the potential for the largest environmental impact. - Optionally and additionally, concepts for demonstration of the combined usage of people and freight vehicle operation, fleet utilisation optimisation in dense-urban areas might be included. - Development of appropriate operational and control strategies during acceleration and braking to reduce secondary brake and tyre particle emissions, optimise energy recuperation and further reduce environmental impact in urban environments. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes (2023/24) This Destination addresses activities that improve the climate and environmental footprint, as well as competitiveness, of different transport modes. The transport sector is responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions and remains dependent on oil for 92% of its energy demand. While there has been significant technological progress over past decades, projected GHG emissions are not in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement due to the expected increase in transport demand. Intensified research and innovation activities are therefore needed, across all transport modes and in line with societal needs and preferences, in order for the EU to reach its policy goals towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to reduce significantly air pollutants. The areas of rail and air traffic management will be addressed through dedicated Institutional European Partnerships and are therefore not included in this document. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute *“Towards climate-neutral and environmental friendly mobility through clean solutions across all transport modes while increasing global competitiveness of the EU transport sector*“, notably through: - Transforming **road transport to zero-emission mobility** through a world-class European research and innovation and industrial system, ensuring that Europe remains world leader in innovation, production and services in relation to road transport (more detailed information below). - Accelerating the reduction of all **aviation** impacts and emissions (CO2 and non-CO2, including manufacturing and end-of-life, noise), developing aircraft technologies for deep reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and maintaining European aero-industry’s global leadership position (more detailed information below). - Accelerate the development and prepare the deployment of climate neutral and clean solutions in the inland and marine shipping sector, reduce its environmental impact (on biodiversity, noise, pollution and waste management), improve its system efficiency, leverage digital and EU satellite-navigation solutions and contribute to the competitiveness of the European **waterborne sector **(more detailed information below). - Devising more effective ways for **reducing emissions and their impacts** through improved scientific knowledge (more detailed information below). Several levels of interactions are foreseen with other European initiatives, in particular with the Industrial Battery Value Chain (BATT4EU) partnership, the Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) partnership and the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, in particular: - Joint topic “2ZERO – BATT4EU” *D5-1-4 B – Innovative battery management systems for next generation vehicles (2ZERO & Batteries Partnership) (2023)* - Joint topic “CCAM – 2ZERO – Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities” *D5-1-5 Co-designed smart systems and services for user-centred shared zero-emission mobility of people and goods in urban areas (2ZERO, CCAM and Cities’ Mission) (2023)* **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-IA****(HORIZON Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 December 2023** **18 April 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Advanced digital development tools to accelerate the development of software defined vehicles that enable zero-emission mobility (2ZERO Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/digital-development-tools-software-vehicles-zero-emission ### Call | EDIH > # Advanced digital development tools to accelerate the development of software defined vehicles that enable zero-emission mobility (2ZERO Partnership) ## The data driven development of software-defined functions and systems of EVs (e.g. in context of battery and e-motor control, predictive eco-driving functions or control of vehicle dynamics, as well as comfort) requires the use of improved tools across domains (e.g. mechanical, dynamic, electrical, and acoustical) and scales (from component to vehicle in a mobility scenario) as well as a deep understanding of the vehicle operation in real life. IDConsortium #### However, the current development and design framework does not allow such complex software-defined functions and systems to be addressed in an integrated manner, resulting often in solutions optimised for a specific operating point that is only partially representative of real use conditions and lacking the resource-efficient reuse of these solutions across multiple vehicle platforms. Moreover, the development of vehicles that are constantly capable to adapt during lifetime (e.g. by remote programming capabilities) is also not sufficiently enabled. As such the scope of this call topic is expected to go far beyond today’s product development as addressed in previous Horizon 2020 topics (e.g. H2020-GV-2018 “Virtual product development and production of all types of electrified vehicles and components”). In order to fully exploit the potential of software-defined EV functions and vehicles, an advanced dedicated digital development framework is needed. Proposals under this topic are expected to address all of the following aspects: - Design and validation of robust digital tools to efficiently and effectively develop complex EVs that are increasingly software-defined. - Advanced methods for development of trustworthy (24/7 available, secure, safe) software-defined EV solutions. - Promoting the use and adaption of conceptional tools and demonstrate integration into development frameworks for virtual approval (early demonstrators) that are applicable to all EV types considered in 2ZERO (from L-category to Heavy Duty vehicles). - Concepts enabling the feedback to and use of all types of data (e.g. engineering data, real-life operational data of EVs) in the product development of software-defined vehicle functions including automated update of the applied digital tools and models. Close collaboration is expected between selected projects under this topic and modalities need to be outlines in the proposal. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes (2023/24) This Destination addresses activities that improve the climate and environmental footprint, as well as competitiveness, of different transport modes. The transport sector is responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions and remains dependent on oil for 92% of its energy demand. While there has been significant technological progress over past decades, projected GHG emissions are not in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement due to the expected increase in transport demand. Intensified research and innovation activities are therefore needed, across all transport modes and in line with societal needs and preferences, in order for the EU to reach its policy goals towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to reduce significantly air pollutants. The areas of rail and air traffic management will be addressed through dedicated Institutional European Partnerships and are therefore not included in this document. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute *“Towards climate-neutral and environmental friendly mobility through clean solutions across all transport modes while increasing global competitiveness of the EU transport sector*“, notably through: - Transforming **road transport to zero-emission mobility** through a world-class European research and innovation and industrial system, ensuring that Europe remains world leader in innovation, production and services in relation to road transport (more detailed information below). - Accelerating the reduction of all **aviation** impacts and emissions (CO2 and non-CO2, including manufacturing and end-of-life, noise), developing aircraft technologies for deep reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and maintaining European aero-industry’s global leadership position (more detailed information below). - Accelerate the development and prepare the deployment of climate neutral and clean solutions in the inland and marine shipping sector, reduce its environmental impact (on biodiversity, noise, pollution and waste management), improve its system efficiency, leverage digital and EU satellite-navigation solutions and contribute to the competitiveness of the European **waterborne sector **(more detailed information below). - Devising more effective ways for **reducing emissions and their impacts** through improved scientific knowledge (more detailed information below). Several levels of interactions are foreseen with other European initiatives, in particular with the Industrial Battery Value Chain (BATT4EU) partnership, the Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) partnership and the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, in particular: - Joint topic “2ZERO – BATT4EU” *D5-1-4 B – Innovative battery management systems for next generation vehicles (2ZERO & Batteries Partnership) (2023)* - Joint topic “CCAM – 2ZERO – Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities” *D5-1-5 Co-designed smart systems and services for user-centred shared zero-emission mobility of people and goods in urban areas (2ZERO, CCAM and Cities’ Mission) (2023)* **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 December 2023** **18 April 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Integrated flexible multipoint megawatt charging systems for electric truck mass deployment (2ZERO Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/flexible-multipoint-megawatt-charging-systems-electric-truck ### Call | EDIH > # Integrated flexible multipoint megawatt charging systems for electric truck mass deployment (2ZERO Partnership) ## Next generation battery electric vehicles need to be more energy efficient and affordable, which means to keep battery size to the practical minimum. IDConsortium #### Megawatt charging is then required to meet the demand for long operational range with even shorter charging times. Ultra-high-power charging on-board and off-board sub-systems design is, as a first step, covered in topic HORIZON-CL5-2022-D5-01-08. The present topic covers their evolution towards multi-charger hubs that cater for a widespread deployment of these vehicles on the 2030 horizon. Limited on-board systems optimisation may be included if properly justified. At the same time each charger in these charging hubs will be usable for multiple lighter vehicles with lower power (150-350 kW) during peak times such as weekend or holiday periods, when demand from heavy duty vehicles may be lower. This will also require concepts for topologies capable for accommodating one heavy vehicle or 4-6 light vehicles in each charging spot. Proposals are expected to address all the following aspects: - Consider typical demands along significant TEN-T corridors, including under severe weather and peak conditions, as well as opportunities for sharing and balancing power supply within studied areas, locations of logistics terminals and truck stops with nearby depots for overnight charging of trucks, buses, and construction machines, car-parking etc. - Input from EU Member States/Associated countries’ maps with aggregated charging demands and expected high power charging station localisations as well as input from grid operators on power system local and regional conditions is also expected. Such terminals/ hubs for charging should offer charging on non-discriminatory basis. - Particular attention should be paid to the real needs of end users, including optimised infrastructure locations, its reverse impact on the traffic flow, ease of use and interoperable protocols that do not hinder universal use across different countries; the identification and analysis of potential regulatory aspects and barriers for relevant standardisation activities is encouraged. - The developed tools should have the capability to map the optimal locations for a fast and high-power charging infrastructure (already built-up logistics hubs, truck service centres, truck and bus depots, and for new ones also considering the permitting process), offering planning information including to the developers of the targeted infrastructure. For optimisation of the overall system use, services and tools should be developed keeping into account on-board EV system characteristics. Topic is open to international collaboration, in particular regarding interface specifications (e.g. with the USA). This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes (2023/24) This Destination addresses activities that improve the climate and environmental footprint, as well as competitiveness, of different transport modes. The transport sector is responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions and remains dependent on oil for 92% of its energy demand. While there has been significant technological progress over past decades, projected GHG emissions are not in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement due to the expected increase in transport demand. Intensified research and innovation activities are therefore needed, across all transport modes and in line with societal needs and preferences, in order for the EU to reach its policy goals towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to reduce significantly air pollutants. The areas of rail and air traffic management will be addressed through dedicated Institutional European Partnerships and are therefore not included in this document. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute *“Towards climate-neutral and environmental friendly mobility through clean solutions across all transport modes while increasing global competitiveness of the EU transport sector*“, notably through: - Transforming **road transport to zero-emission mobility** through a world-class European research and innovation and industrial system, ensuring that Europe remains world leader in innovation, production and services in relation to road transport (more detailed information below). - Accelerating the reduction of all **aviation** impacts and emissions (CO2 and non-CO2, including manufacturing and end-of-life, noise), developing aircraft technologies for deep reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and maintaining European aero-industry’s global leadership position (more detailed information below). - Accelerate the development and prepare the deployment of climate neutral and clean solutions in the inland and marine shipping sector, reduce its environmental impact (on biodiversity, noise, pollution and waste management), improve its system efficiency, leverage digital and EU satellite-navigation solutions and contribute to the competitiveness of the European **waterborne sector **(more detailed information below). - Devising more effective ways for **reducing emissions and their impacts** through improved scientific knowledge (more detailed information below). Several levels of interactions are foreseen with other European initiatives, in particular with the Industrial Battery Value Chain (BATT4EU) partnership, the Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) partnership and the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, in particular: - Joint topic “2ZERO – BATT4EU” *D5-1-4 B – Innovative battery management systems for next generation vehicles (2ZERO & Batteries Partnership) (2023)* - Joint topic “CCAM – 2ZERO – Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities” *D5-1-5 Co-designed smart systems and services for user-centred shared zero-emission mobility of people and goods in urban areas (2ZERO, CCAM and Cities’ Mission) (2023)* **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-IA****(HORIZON Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 December 2023** **18 April 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Advanced battery system integration for next generation vehicles (2ZERO Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/advanced-battery-integration-next-generation-vehicles ### Call | EDIH > # Advanced battery system integration for next generation vehicles (2ZERO Partnership) ## In order to reduce the overall cost of electric vehicles modularity, scalability and the development of strategies for their implementation will become increasingly important in the future. IDConsortium #### With the expected introduction of new cell technologies, specific choices for connections, cooling system concepts and materials for housing will play a crucial role in the battery performance improvements and the battery integration in the vehicle structure. The development and integration of structural, thermal and mechanical aspects (at different levels of modularity or integration) will need to be improved, while exploiting the intrinsic advantages of innovative type of cells. Proposals are expected to address all the following aspects: - Structural battery pack design and integration in the vehicle considering trade-offs in all important areas such as energy density, thermal management, maintainability and repairability, crash safety, energy density, production cost, second life, dismantling and recycling processes. - Smart thermal management systems for both heating and cooling, with smart interfaces to the vehicle systems (including energy-efficient preconditioning, using internal or external energy sources whilst charging), contributing to further improvements in the overall battery system efficiency and optimizing the overall battery system, also in consideration of passenger comfort. - Novel cooling system concepts exploiting the reduced thermal constraints of generation-4 cells ensuring minimal impact on system mass and costs, especially taking into account the thermal and electrical interfaces of different possible cell geometries (e.g. pouch, prismatic or cylindrical). - Take into account the development of the technical communication channel for the access and exchange of relevant data types from the battery management system (BMS), such as state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), temperature (T) or voltage (V) that are essential to ensure efficient and secure recharging processes. - Digital twin of thermal behaviour of EV and battery for optimal chemistry / energy management and safety assessment of batteries. - Enhanced communication between battery and vehicle control units for a more efficient battery operation by synchronizing ECUs of the BMS and the EV (links are expected to be established with projects funded under topic HORIZON-CL5-2023-D5-01-02: Innovative battery management systems for next generation vehicles). Projects should take into account the access to battery information as defined in the proposal for the Renewable Energy Directive COM(2021)557 of 14 July 2021. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes (2023/24) This Destination addresses activities that improve the climate and environmental footprint, as well as competitiveness, of different transport modes. The transport sector is responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions and remains dependent on oil for 92% of its energy demand. While there has been significant technological progress over past decades, projected GHG emissions are not in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement due to the expected increase in transport demand. Intensified research and innovation activities are therefore needed, across all transport modes and in line with societal needs and preferences, in order for the EU to reach its policy goals towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to reduce significantly air pollutants. The areas of rail and air traffic management will be addressed through dedicated Institutional European Partnerships and are therefore not included in this document. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute *“Towards climate-neutral and environmental friendly mobility through clean solutions across all transport modes while increasing global competitiveness of the EU transport sector*“, notably through: - Transforming **road transport to zero-emission mobility** through a world-class European research and innovation and industrial system, ensuring that Europe remains world leader in innovation, production and services in relation to road transport (more detailed information below). - Accelerating the reduction of all **aviation** impacts and emissions (CO2 and non-CO2, including manufacturing and end-of-life, noise), developing aircraft technologies for deep reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and maintaining European aero-industry’s global leadership position (more detailed information below). - Accelerate the development and prepare the deployment of climate neutral and clean solutions in the inland and marine shipping sector, reduce its environmental impact (on biodiversity, noise, pollution and waste management), improve its system efficiency, leverage digital and EU satellite-navigation solutions and contribute to the competitiveness of the European **waterborne sector **(more detailed information below). - Devising more effective ways for **reducing emissions and their impacts** through improved scientific knowledge (more detailed information below). Several levels of interactions are foreseen with other European initiatives, in particular with the Industrial Battery Value Chain (BATT4EU) partnership, the Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) partnership and the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, in particular: - Joint topic “2ZERO – BATT4EU” *D5-1-4 B – Innovative battery management systems for next generation vehicles (2ZERO & Batteries Partnership) (2023)* - Joint topic “CCAM – 2ZERO – Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities” *D5-1-5 Co-designed smart systems and services for user-centred shared zero-emission mobility of people and goods in urban areas (2ZERO, CCAM and Cities’ Mission) (2023)* **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 December 2023** **18 April 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Integration and testing of next generation post-800V electric powertrains (2ZERO Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/integration-testing-next-generation-post-800v-electric-powertrains ### Call | EDIH > # Integration and testing of next generation post-800V electric powertrains (2ZERO Partnership) ## In the last decade, the more and more demanding power and application requirements led to an increase of board net HV voltage from an initial 400V level to 800V in the latest electric vehicles, already trickling down to lower categories. IDConsortium #### Significantly higher voltages (indicatively, in the 1200V region) may be the next logical step and become standard in the next decade, providing benefits in terms of efficiency, copper use and weight. If not properly managed, they could have a constraining impact on the overall architecture especially in terms of DC charging and efficiency for low power use. Thus, new challenges for the powertrain arise in the areas of the motor, battery, cabling, couplers etc. as well as in electromagnetic compatibility and the development and integration of new power semiconductors. To successfully address the expected outcomes in the constant drive to improve efficiency and performance while increasing affordability, proposals are expected to address several of the following aspects capable of demonstrating the achievement of the intended objectives at system level: - Assess in a holistic way the positive and negative impacts of higher voltage levels at vehicle and powertrain level, defining the best option for the post-800V EV generation. - Development and integration of power-electronic components with new concepts for component miniaturisation and modularity. Also, solutions that can transition rapidly from modular to integrated systems need to be identified, depending on demand and eco-balance. - Topologies adapted to advanced wide-bandgap semiconductors and new materials, leading to higher power density. - Modular powertrain platforms, with the aim of coming closer to a full mechanical, electrical or thermal integration of the three main systems (electric motor, power electronics systems and battery pack) benefitting from the smaller sizes and cooling demands due to higher voltage. - Defining suitable testing and validation procedures on component, powertrain or vehicle level and demonstrating them on a suitable use case. Furthermore, the projects should identify and analyse potential regulatory aspects and barriers to contribute to a definition of common EU standards for system validations. - Small-sized, ‘ready for integration’ power modules at the best system fitting position (e.g. e-motor or battery) for greater design flexibility while optimizing costs. - Packaging and coupler solutions e.g., substrates, moulding epoxy, electrical interconnections, adapted for higher voltages, increased isolation demands, high-frequency switching, frequent thermal cycling, elevated temperatures etc. - Heat spreading technologies for short power pulses/ heat dissipation approaches for long duration pulses, long acceleration phases. Exploitation of outcomes, and knowledge from ECSEL/KDT partnership[1] projects should be foreseen where applicable, as well as feedback in terms of future needs to achieve the project outcomes should problems be encountered. The development of the needed semiconductors, however, is not part of this topic’s funding, and the proposal is expected to specify the components that the involved semiconductor suppliers guarantee to provide for the research activities. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes (2023/24) This Destination addresses activities that improve the climate and environmental footprint, as well as competitiveness, of different transport modes. The transport sector is responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions and remains dependent on oil for 92% of its energy demand. While there has been significant technological progress over past decades, projected GHG emissions are not in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement due to the expected increase in transport demand. Intensified research and innovation activities are therefore needed, across all transport modes and in line with societal needs and preferences, in order for the EU to reach its policy goals towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to reduce significantly air pollutants. The areas of rail and air traffic management will be addressed through dedicated Institutional European Partnerships and are therefore not included in this document. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute *“Towards climate-neutral and environmental friendly mobility through clean solutions across all transport modes while increasing global competitiveness of the EU transport sector*“, notably through: - Transforming **road transport to zero-emission mobility** through a world-class European research and innovation and industrial system, ensuring that Europe remains world leader in innovation, production and services in relation to road transport (more detailed information below). - Accelerating the reduction of all **aviation** impacts and emissions (CO2 and non-CO2, including manufacturing and end-of-life, noise), developing aircraft technologies for deep reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and maintaining European aero-industry’s global leadership position (more detailed information below). - Accelerate the development and prepare the deployment of climate neutral and clean solutions in the inland and marine shipping sector, reduce its environmental impact (on biodiversity, noise, pollution and waste management), improve its system efficiency, leverage digital and EU satellite-navigation solutions and contribute to the competitiveness of the European **waterborne sector **(more detailed information below). - Devising more effective ways for **reducing emissions and their impacts** through improved scientific knowledge (more detailed information below). Several levels of interactions are foreseen with other European initiatives, in particular with the Industrial Battery Value Chain (BATT4EU) partnership, the Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) partnership and the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, in particular: - Joint topic “2ZERO – BATT4EU” *D5-1-4 B – Innovative battery management systems for next generation vehicles (2ZERO & Batteries Partnership) (2023)* - Joint topic “CCAM – 2ZERO – Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities” *D5-1-5 Co-designed smart systems and services for user-centred shared zero-emission mobility of people and goods in urban areas (2ZERO, CCAM and Cities’ Mission) (2023)* **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 December 2023** **18 April 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Smart, low-cost pervasive stationary slow charging and bi-directional solutions synergic with the grid for EV mass deployment (2ZERO Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/smart-low-cost-pervasive-stationary-slow-charging-bidirectional-solutions-synergic ### Call | EDIH > # Smart, low-cost pervasive stationary slow charging and bi-directional solutions synergic with the grid for EV mass deployment (2ZERO Partnership) ## This topic requires the effective contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities. IDConsortium #### Future charging infrastructure deployment should be ubiquitous, and should parallel, with a certain level of anticipation the growth of EV sales. Associated charging solutions should enable seamless processes that are easy, fully interoperable across European country borders and available at any time. The aim of this topic is to enable and improve massive smart on-street low-cost charging of EVs as well as improving the overall efficiency of power supply to the grid, including a space-and-time-oriented prediction and control of the global charging power demand, also enabling and improving smart home and office charging that could be explored by proposals to complement the on-street charging solutions. Proposals are expected to address all the following aspects: - Guarantee an exhaustive coverage of high-efficiency, low-power, low-cost on-street smart charging points considering grid infrastructure and capacity, optimisation of civil works and grid requirements for services and charging needs, including the parking patterns (charging on long- and short-term parking spaces) to reduce the need for additional buffers to stabilise the grid. - Address users’ needs and requirements in socio-cultural contexts of different communities to incorporate daily habits, practices and ideas into the design and development of people-friendly infrastructure with emphasis on public charging (also considering smart use, while connected, of energy consuming convenience functions like cabin and battery pre-heating and cooling). - Use statistical models of parking, traffic and grid configuration and energy flows to predict and support power supply planning on a larger scale (e.g. at least regional), along with methodologies and demonstrations to derive or calibrate such models on the basis of real traffic and behavioural data. - People centric applications equipped with the analytical capability and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) for friendly access and use, that support the interactions related to the ratio between location, power (and its guaranteed minimum) and price for prompt decision making or pre-allocation of charging stations in line with users’ charging preferences and vehicle state of charge, also allowing charging point operators to predict power demand. - Support and demonstration of smart and bi-directional operation in overnight publicly accessible environments to accommodate demand for long-term charging, and meeting some of the requirements of opportunistic charging types, motivating the people to optimally charge (maximising the use of renewable power) and promoting the development and use of interfaces with customized vehicle charging technology which can be preconditioned and set-up by the driver, including the pre-allocation of charging points. - Development of innovative optimisation functions exploiting real-time access to battery information such as state of health, state of charge, capacity and power set point, which should be provided respecting any GDPR and data disclosure terms to the owners, users or other stakeholders in the value chain, such as building energy system managers, mobility and logistics service providers and electricity stakeholders. - The developed solutions are expected to be provided on non-discriminatory terms between users and classes of users and allow the choice of the e-mobility service providers, so as to avoid consumers lock-in with a single e-mobility service provider, affiliated to specific vehicle manufacturers. - Optimise the use of energy resources and infrastructures to cater not just for private mobility usage but also integrating opportunity use of the same infrastructure by other light duty captive fleets if their needs are compatible with the low power level. This topic requires the effective contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities. Furthermore, in order to achieve the expected outcomes, social innovation should be considered. The selected projects are invited to participate to BRIDGE[3] activities when considered relevant. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on the results to the European Partnership ‘Towards zero emission road transport’ (2ZERO) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Clean and competitive solutions for all transport modes (2023/24) This Destination addresses activities that improve the climate and environmental footprint, as well as competitiveness, of different transport modes. The transport sector is responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions and remains dependent on oil for 92% of its energy demand. While there has been significant technological progress over past decades, projected GHG emissions are not in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement due to the expected increase in transport demand. Intensified research and innovation activities are therefore needed, across all transport modes and in line with societal needs and preferences, in order for the EU to reach its policy goals towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to reduce significantly air pollutants. The areas of rail and air traffic management will be addressed through dedicated Institutional European Partnerships and are therefore not included in this document. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute *“Towards climate-neutral and environmental friendly mobility through clean solutions across all transport modes while increasing global competitiveness of the EU transport sector*“, notably through: - Transforming **road transport to zero-emission mobility** through a world-class European research and innovation and industrial system, ensuring that Europe remains world leader in innovation, production and services in relation to road transport (more detailed information below). - Accelerating the reduction of all **aviation** impacts and emissions (CO2 and non-CO2, including manufacturing and end-of-life, noise), developing aircraft technologies for deep reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and maintaining European aero-industry’s global leadership position (more detailed information below). - Accelerate the development and prepare the deployment of climate neutral and clean solutions in the inland and marine shipping sector, reduce its environmental impact (on biodiversity, noise, pollution and waste management), improve its system efficiency, leverage digital and EU satellite-navigation solutions and contribute to the competitiveness of the European **waterborne sector **(more detailed information below). - Devising more effective ways for **reducing emissions and their impacts** through improved scientific knowledge (more detailed information below). Several levels of interactions are foreseen with other European initiatives, in particular with the Industrial Battery Value Chain (BATT4EU) partnership, the Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) partnership and the Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, in particular: - Joint topic “2ZERO – BATT4EU” *D5-1-4 B – Innovative battery management systems for next generation vehicles (2ZERO & Batteries Partnership) (2023)* - Joint topic “CCAM – 2ZERO – Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities” *D5-1-5 Co-designed smart systems and services for user-centred shared zero-emission mobility of people and goods in urban areas (2ZERO, CCAM and Cities’ Mission) (2023)* **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-IA****(HORIZON Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 07 December 2023** **18 April 2024**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## System approach for grid planning and upgrade in support of a dominant electric mobility (vehicles and vessels) using AI tools URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/grid-planning-upgrade-support-electric-mobility-vehicles-vessels-ai-tools ### Call | EDIH > # System approach for grid planning and upgrade ## In support of a dominant electric mobility (vehicles and vessels) using AI tools IDConsortium #### Project results are expected to contribute of the following expected outcomes: - AI-based prediction of most convenient locations that optimize grid resources and upgrades around recharging pools for EVs and electric HDVs. - Developing of spatial mapping models and software tool for location decision-making with a comprehensive focus, including major highways, industrial zones (depot charging), urban nodes (e.g., for overnight charging) and less-densely populated areas. - Simulation, analysis, design, test and demonstration of smart and bidirectional charging schemes and their integration into flexibility markets that allow to minimise the impact on grid planning and connection of high-power recharging pools for recharging EVs, and especially HDVs on more cost-intensive locations, and that ensure benefits to consumers based on smart charging energy service models. - Exploration of the impact of different charging methods, including cable-charging, wireless charging and electric road systems covering either catenary as inductive coils embedded in the road. - Analysis, design, testing and developing of a cyber security model that can simulate and accurately represent attack propagation from recharging infrastructure entry vectors, informing the development of efficient strategies and lines of defence to mitigate these vulnerabilities for the different relevant stakeholders. #### The activities are expected to include at least the following aspects: - Definition and development of new AI-based tools to predict, estimate and plan the deployment and associated challenge for utilities (from an EV recharging ecosystem viewpoint – CPO, DSO and TSO) on how to deal with the increasing upcoming demand in numerous new locations, particularly during peak periods. - Understanding on how to effectively deploy the required grid connection (and power) in less densely populated areas, exploring the impact of installation of batteries to expand the grid in combination with renewables. - Development of a coherent energy system planning for electric mobility, considering both the needs and impact for recharging of EVs and onshore power supply of vessels in maritime ports and inland waterways. - Development of new services for consumers (EV and HDV owners, leasers, etc.) based on smart charging that valorise the flexibility in the wholesale, home optimisation and/or grid services markets. Integration of smart charging services with flexibility from other devices (e.g. demand response) would be an added value for the project. - There is an increasing risk for the occurrence of a scenario where EVs and/or recharging stations could be hacked simultaneously, causing a disruption to grid operations, propagating rapidly with dire consequences, such as blackouts and overall affection of the frequency stability of the grid. The project should bridge the gap between recharging infrastructure operators, EVs and the grid (DSOs, TSOs), identify existing weaknesses and risks for attack spread. - The developed solutions should assess their environmental impact in particular with regards to their energy consumption. The selected projects are expected to contribute to the BRIDGE initiative[1], actively participate to its activities and allocate up to 2% of their budgets to that end. Additional contributions to the ‘Alliance for Internet of Things Innovation’ (AIOTI) and other relevant activities (e.g. clusters of digital projects and coordinating actions) might be considered, when relevant. ### Destination #### Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply (2023/24) This Destination includes activities targeting a sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply. In line with the scope of cluster 5, this includes activities in the areas of renewable energy; energy system, grids and storage; as well as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). The transition of the energy system will rely on reducing the overall energy demand and making the energy supply side climate neutral, in current and future climate conditions. R&I actions will help to make the energy supply side cleaner, more secure, and competitive by boosting cost performance and reliability of a broad portfolio of renewable energy solutions, in line with societal needs and preferences. Furthermore, R&I activities will underpin the modernisation of the energy networks to support energy system integration, including the progressive electrification of demand side sectors (buildings, mobility, industry) and integration of other climate neutral, renewable energy carriers, such as clean hydrogen. Innovative energy storage solutions (including chemical, mechanical, electrical and thermal storage) are a key element of such energy system and R&I actions will advance their technological readiness for industrial-scale and domestic applications. Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is a CO2 emission abatement option that holds great potential and R&I actions will accelerate the development of CCUS in electricity generation and industry applications. This destination contributes to the activities of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and its implementation working groups. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations;* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Affordable and clean energy. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“More efficient, clean, sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply through new solutions for smart grids and energy systems based on more performant renewable energy solutions”*, notably through - Fostering European global leadership in affordable, secure and sustainable **renewable energy technologies** and services by improving their competitiveness in global value chains and their position in growth markets, notably through the diversification of the renewable services and technology portfolio (more detailed information below). - Ensuring cost-effective uninterrupted and affordable supply of energy to households and industries in a scenario of high penetration of variable renewables and other new low carbon energy supply. This includes more efficient approaches to managing **smart and cyber-secure energy grids** and optimisation the interaction between producers, consumers, networks, infrastructures and vectors (more detailed information below). - Accelerating the development of **Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS)** as a CO2 emission mitigation option in electricity generation and industry applications (including also conversion of CO2 to products) (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-IA****(HORIZON Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 04 May 2023** **10 October 2023**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Science Us: new European project within the Horizon Europe initiative “Widera” proposed for funding URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/science-us-new-project-horizon-europe-widera-funding ### News | ID Consortium > # Science Us: new European project within the Horizon Europe initiative “Widera” proposed for funding ## The main objective of ScienceUs is to create an EU wide network of interconnected citizen science projects IDConsortium #### A combined support program of direct funding and support services will be provided to a group of high potential citizen science initiatives. A strong set of communication, dissemination, and knowledge transfer activities will be implemented to engage all actors in the quadruple helix around the citizen science networks. The proposal is coordinated by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and it count with a strong consortium from the CIVIS HEIs Alliance. The project will receive 1,5M€ and will allocate 220m€ to direct funding activities to citizen science initiatives. IDConsortium has supported the consortium in the definition of the project idea and proposal writing. ## More news about this company: --- ## Convocatorias de financiación pública abiertas para la digitalización del sector de movilidad URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/convocatorias-financiacion-publica-digitalizacion-movilidad ### Noticias | EDIH > # Convocatorias de financiación pública abiertas ## Relacionadas con EDIH – Región de Madrid, para la digitalización del sector de movilidad. IDConsortium Aquí puedes ver todas las convocatorias relacionadas con EDIH – Región de Madrid: ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Región de Madrid: --- ## EDIH Madrid Infoday celebrado el día 14 de Julio de 2023 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/edih-madrid-infoday-14-julio-2023 ### Noticias | EDIH > # EDIH Madrid Infoday celebrado el día 14 de Julio de 2023 ## Los socios responsables del grupo de trabajo de servicios de digitalización en el sector movilidad dieron un infoday sobre el proyecto EDIH – Región de Madrid. IDConsortium Si te lo perdiste puedes verlo en nuestro video: ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Región de Madrid: --- ## No te pierdas la oportunidad de participar en la próxima edición de «Global Mobility Call» URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/global-mobility-call-edih-madrid-2023 ### Noticias | EDIH > # No te pierdas la oportunidad de participar en la próxima edición de “Global Mobility Call” ## Del 24 al 26 de octubre se celebrará la Global Mobility Call en la ciudad de Madrid en IFEMA. IDConsortium El único evento de movilidad sostenible que conecta a todas las industrias y partes interesadas. Como miembros de EDIH Madrid, las PyMes y Start Ups tendrán la posibilidad de tener su propio stand durante los 3 días de la feria (24, 25 y 26 de octubre) a un coste significativamente inferior (350€ por stand para los 3 días de la feria) al coste real de mercado de dichos stands (1.000€). Si estas interesado en esta oportunidad, por favor, escríbenos un email a angeles@connectedmobilityhub.es  Además, nuestro socio en la EDIH y miembro de GMC: **Connected Mobility Hub**, celebrará su evento con inversores el 25 de Octubre. ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Región de Madrid: --- ## ¿Estas interesado en recibir servicios de digitalización? Participa en nuestro proyecto EDIH región de Madrid URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/participa-proyecto-edih-region-madrid ### Noticias | EDIH > # ¿Estas interesado en recibir servicios de digitalización? Participa en nuestro proyecto EDIH para la región de Madrid ## Nuestra misión es la de facilitar la digitalización tanto en el sector público como en las pymes de la Comunidad de Madrid de forma que podrán comprender y experimentar con las tecnologías de software, hardware y modelos comerciales para identificar y aplicar nuevas oportunidades de negocio; y obtendrán las habilidades y la formación necesarias para aprovechar al máximo las innovaciones digitales. IDConsortium También te podemos dar apoyo para poner en marcha estudios de viabilidad, desarrollo de planes de negocio, programas de incubación, etc. tanto con financiación pública como con apoyo de inversión privada. La EDIH región de Madrid se centra en cuatro sectores claves: - **Sector industria** - ** Sector movilidad** - ** Sector servicios** - ** Sector Público** Para comenzar a recibir nuestros servicios, no esperes más y déjanos que te hagamos nuestro **Análisis de Madurez Digital** sin ningún coste. Con este análisis, evaluaremos tu empresa desde las siguientes perspectivas: - Estrategia empresarial: analizaremos las inversiones en activos tecnológicos digitales de tu empresa (tanto ejecutadas como planificadas) y también como de preparada está tu empresa para la digitalización. - Tecnologías digitales avanzadas implementadas en los diferentes procesos. - Capacitación a nivel humano para la adopción de tecnologías digitales. - Estrategias, procedimientos y metodologías para la gestión de los datos de la organización. - Nivel de automatización y uso de IA en los diferentes procesos. - Capacidad para adoptar buenas prácticas con relación a la “digitalización sostenible”. En base a las conclusiones que obtengamos del Análisis de Madurez Digital, te propondremos una serie de servicios para avanzar en la digitalización de tu negocio. Estos servicios serán provistos por nuestros socios o bien por entidades relevantes del sector digital y TIC. Si quieres recibir más información no dudes en ponerte en contacto con nosotros a través de la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico: edih-cm@idconsortium.es Ponte en contacto con EDIH – Región Madrid para que podamos aclararte todas tus dudas y empezar a recibir nuestros servicios. ## Más noticias sobre EDIH – Región de Madrid: --- ## Future-proof GHG and environmental emissions factors for accounting emissions from transport and logistics operations URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/future-proof-ghg-environmental-emissions-transport-logistics-operations ### Call | EDIH > # Future-proof GHG and environmental emissions factors for accounting emissions from transport and logistics operations ## Proposals should develop a comprehensive set of harmonised emission factors for the transport sector (freight and passenger), covering GHG emissions (CO2 equivalent) of transport and logistics operations. Proposals should address values for the entire transport/logistics chain and take up the full energy lifecycle (Well-To-Wheel/Wake). IDConsortium #### Emission factors that relate the amount of GHG emission to the unit of energy consumed (for an energy-based calculation), or to the amount of GHG activity (for an activity-based calculation) are the basis of any GHG calculation. The increased efforts for measuring effects of climate change in various segments of the transport sector resulted in a range of values developed within the organisational structures of different transport modes, research entities and countries. Some of this work led to legitimate testing and development of the methodologies for the calculation and use of emission factors, or the generation of values that represent fuel specifications for given applications. However, much of it has merely resulted in a proliferation of apparently similar values creating confusion in the marketplace and bearing the risk of selection of sources/values purely on the basis of what is beneficial to the individual entity rather than what is correct. This problem becomes more important in conjunction with the development of a wide set of technical solutions combating climate change, particularly the new and increasingly complex zero and low carbon energy mixes, including e- and biofuels. These solutions are deployed in the market very often with the support of dedicated financial mechanisms and programs, based on the estimated GHG emission reduction associated with the specific fuel technologies. Not only is it important for the climate impact that the emission calculations are ‘correct’[1], but when dealing with large amounts of transport energy even a small difference over an emission factor value can lead to a significant difference in the associated financial transaction. Without an agreed and validated set of default emission factors for a wide range of the most common energy sources and a mechanism whereby legitimate variations or new energy carriers can be regularly updated, many actions based on calculating GHG emission reduction can be considered to be a risk of conflict and associated legal dispute. Proposals will have to address all of the following points: - Review the existing emission factors derived from the key global sources, duly reflecting the scientific state of the art and ensuring the coverage of new and conventional fuels. - Perform the gap analysis and develop emission factors for categories not yet covered, both for upstream and downstream emissions, taking into due consideration new production pathways, and addressing in particular the uncertainty and variation in the well to tank factors to be applied to the new fuels. - Establish a clearer set of rules regarding: Methodology – to ensure that the basis and legitimate use of the two fundamental methodology types (consequential and attributional) are properly understood and applied appropriately. - Boundaries of calculation – to ensure that boundaries are not accidentally or deliberately set in order to favour particular outcomes. - Common sets of fuel / energy specifications – to ensure that data labels and associated values are truly aligned between sources. - Assumptions about input parameters that can result in variations in output values based on local circumstances for specific production. - The basis for new energy carriers to be calculated quickly and consistently in order to avoid delaying the deployment of new, beneficial solutions. Establish a simple guidance to the transport sector as to which emission factors are the agreed defaults, and why; under what circumstances an alternative can legitimately be used. The project’s main governance (e.g. Steering Group, Advisory Board) is expected to provide for direct involvement of all relevant stakeholders, as well as relevant European Commission services. The proposal should build on the existing and emerging EU regulatory frameworks (including Commission’s proposal for the Fit-for-55 package and the new initiative on harmonised measurement of transport and logistics emissions – ‘CountEmissions EU’), GHG emissions accounting standardisation activities (such as the future ISO standard 14083) and other relevant initiatives and projects. Given that emission factors are applied in a global transport market, efforts need to be made to ensure that internationally relevant bodies such as IMO or ICAO are involved alongside prominent European stakeholders. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-CSA****(HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions) HORIZON-AG-LS****(HORIZON Lump Sum Grant) 04 May 2023** **05 September 2023**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Zero-emission e-commerce and freight delivery and return choices by retailers, consumers and local authorities URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/zero-emission-ecommerce-delivery-return ### Call | EDIH > # Zero-emission e-commerce and freight delivery and return choices by retailers, consumers and local authorities ## To support changing retailers and customers’ behaviours towards zero-emission freight delivery and return choices, the research actions will have to develop co-created actions able to increase transparency and consumers’ awareness of greenhouse gas emissions and other impacts (considering also socio-economic ones) of e-commerce, deliveries and returns. IDConsortium #### They will have also to propose zero-emission delivery solutions and develop supporting incentive schemes to encourage customers to make sustainable choices, still in accordance with their preferences and in combination with competitive and sustainable retail value propositions. The research actions will have to take into account and build on existing methods and standards to compare the emission in the transport value chain of B2C e-commerce, and to be developed in line with the Commission’s initiative on EU framework for harmonised measurement of transport and logistics emissions – ‘CountEmissions EU’[1]. Proposals will have to address all of the following points: - Taking stock of existing studies, assess which conditions would make zero-emission delivery and return options attractive to consumers and which motivations and options would incentivise consumers to change their behaviour towards greener choices. Integrate an intersectional analysis of consumers’ gender, age, and socioeconomic status to account better for the customers’ variety of expectations and motivations and develop solutions which cater for all social groups. - Co-designing with and engaging consumers and retailers, and taking into account the assessed motivations and incentives, develop a set of zero-emission delivery and return options, which are at least comparable with existing delivery offering and account for the different consumer groups’ needs and motivations to change their behaviour. Identify which options would be more suitable to the customers’ group or groups more motivated to change their behaviours and act as frontrunners, thus leading to a more rapid adoption. - Actively involve consumers (e.g. through consumer organisations) and retailers in the development of guidelines and best practices for retailers to raise awareness and communicate transparently and in an understandable way on the greenhouse gas emission footprint of deliveries and returns’ modes and options. - Define scalable and generic processes and requirements for the retailers to adopt the zero-emission logistics processes in practice. - Develop and analyse different scenarios that implement measures towards both more transparent communication and implementation of cleaner and zero-emission e-commerce last mile deliveries to assess reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. - Test with selected retailers and representative customers, and in collaboration with relevant local authorities, the proposed guidelines to visualise the advanced information on emissions and the zero-emission delivery and return options towards consumers. Assess their attractiveness to consumers, the potential impact on consumers’ behaviours (including e.g. same-day delivery, returns and physical store pick up options) and their possible buy-in into more sustainable offering. In an iterative process develop and implement recommendations for improvement. - Demonstrate solutions and propose recommendations to support and incentivise the uptake of greener choices by consumers and retailers. - Define indicators to measure and evaluate the successful communication and the implementation by the retailers as well as the adoption by the consumers of zero-emission delivery and return options. - Develop recommendations and a toolset with and for local authorities to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission delivery and return options and choices. - Strengthen the coordination and collaboration between e-commerce companies, industrial logistics stakeholders and cities, companies, research and civil society, in Europe and internationally, to give input to the project as well as disseminate and exploit results. - Cooperation with the network of cities CIVITAS[2] should be planned as appropriate. If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries are expected to clearly describe if and how the use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS are incorporated in the proposed solutions. In addition, if the activities proposed involve the use and/or development of AI-based systems and/or techniques, the technical and social robustness of the proposed systems has to be described in the proposal. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 04 May 2023** **05 September 2023**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Integrating European diversity in the design, development and implementation of CCAM solutions to support mobility equity (CCAM Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/integrating-european-diversity-mobility-equity ### Call | EDIH > # Integrating European diversity in the design, development and implementation of CCAM solutions to support mobility equity (CCAM Partnership) ## Research on the societal implications and deployment of CCAM systems and services has mostly been “geography- and culture-agnostic”, focusing instead on mobility behaviours at demographic level and prioritising factors like age and gender. IDConsortium #### However, European countries encompass multiple cultures, historical heritage, administrative structures, and public policy approaches (e.g. on climate change, digitalisation, and road safety) which may influence the uptake and use of CCAM. The range of cultural, geographical and policy diversities need to be integrated into the design, development and deployment of CCAM solutions. Such diversities can include infrastructure (certain regions have dedicated lanes for alternative mobility solutions, strong bike cultures), specific geographical dispositions (mountains, harsh weather conditions leading to car-captivity or a centralisation of mobility services), or cultural norms and working conditions (e.g. remote working or diverging innovation-friendly or privacy-centric cultures). Furthermore, there are also regional regulatory, policy and governance structures that influence the development and implementation of CCAM or other innovative services. Adapting to and building on these European differences and similarities will ensure a more tailored, resilient and sustainable match between CCAM solutions, people and societal needs, thereby leading to higher public buy-in and societal benefits. R&I actions will therefore provide a geographical and cultural understanding of CCAM uptake and use, with the aim of contributing to a more integrated, diverse and people centric approach to the design, development and implementation of CCAM supporting mobility equity. Intersecting social factors, such as gender, age, social origin and income level should nevertheless be taken into account, where relevant. Projects should make use of the CCAM Knowledge Base[1] to support their findings and to share research outputs. This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines including ethics and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities. Projects should also ground their work in participatory processes to support their findings. In order to achieve the expected outcomes, international cooperation is encouraged in particular with Japan and the United States but also with other relevant strategic partners in third countries. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on results to the European Partnership ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 04 May 2023** **05 September 2023**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Generation of scenarios for development, training, virtual testing and validation of CCAM systems (CCAM Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/generation-scenarios-ccam-systems ### Call | EDIH > # Generation of scenarios for development, training, virtual testing and validation of CCAM systems (CCAM Partnership) ## Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. IDConsortium #### Higher levels of CCAM require validation methodologies making use of scenario-based physical and virtual testing, thereby complementing real-world test drives on public roads, audits and in-use reporting. Scenario-based testing is necessary as conventional testing and validation approaches would require driving hundreds of millions of test kilometres before new CCAM systems or system updates can be deployed. The development of common scenario-based validation methodologies is the subject of HORIZON-CL5-2021-D6-01-02[1] and should be based on the results of the HEADSTART project[2]. To enable these common validation methodologies to be widely used, relevant test scenarios need to be provided. These scenarios can partly be defined based on expert knowledge, which, however, needs to be complemented by the extraction of test scenarios from real traffic data[3], from collision data and in the future, from advanced traffic simulations. The aim of this call topic is to generate a wide range of test scenarios for the training, testing and validation of CCAM systems with a focus on urban and rural traffic, for which there is significantly less knowledge on relevant scenarios than for motorway driving. To maximise the outcomes, proposed actions should demonstrate upfront commitment from key stakeholders to the validation methodologies, as developed and used in HEADSTART, in a project to be funded under HORIZON-CL5-2021-D6-01-02[4], in L3Pilot and in Hi-Drive, either by providing significant volumes of raw data or by providing scenarios extracted from such data making use of the automated processing chain. Furthermore, stakeholders should dedicate resources to ensure that the scenarios are developed in a manner that maximises their utility also to other entities and their successful integration in their future (virtual) development and testing processes. Proposed actions are expected to share scenarios in an openly accessible EU wide database, which should be established by a project to be funded under HORIZON-CL5-2021-D6-01-02[4]. Scenarios and other data shared by stakeholders and existing data made available by national and by other EU-funded projects can be complemented by new data recorded in this action, to provide a realistic set of scenarios with EU-wide coverage. The research will require due consideration of cyber security and both personal and non-personal data protection issues, including GDPR. The cyber security of the developed processing chain should be demonstrated for training, virtual testing and validation of CCAM systems. Proposed actions are expected to develop recommendations for harmonisation and standardisation and to feed into on-going discussions regarding EU type vehicle approval rules as well as in the framework of the UNECE. In order to achieve the expected outcomes, international cooperation is encouraged in particular with Japan and the United States but also with other relevant strategic partners in third countries. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on results to the European Partnership ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. This Destination contributes to the following Strategic Plan’s **Key Strategic Orientations (KSO)**: - *C: Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy through the transformation of its mobility, energy, construction and production systems;* - *A: Promoting an open strategic autonomy*[[ *‘Open strategic autonomy’ refers to the term ‘strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy’, as reflected in the conclusions of the European Council 1 – 2 October 2020.*]]* by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains to accelerate and steer the digital and green transitions through human-centred technologies and innovations.* It covers the following **impact areas**: - Industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies that work for people; - Smart and sustainable transport. The **expected impact**, in line with the Strategic Plan, is to contribute to *“Safe, seamless, smart, inclusive, resilient and sustainable mobility systems for people and goods thanks to user-centric technologies and services including digital technologies and advanced satellite navigation services”*, notably through: - Accelerating the implementation of innovative **connected, cooperative and automated mobility (CCAM) **technologies and systems for passengers and goods (more detailed information below). - Further developing a **multimodal transport system** through sustainable and smart long-haul and urban freight transport and **logistics**, upgraded and resilient physical and digital **infrastructures** for smarter vehicles and operations, for optimised system-wide network efficiency (more detailed information below). - Drastically decreasing the number of **transport accidents, incidents and fatalities** towards the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 even in road transportation (Vision Zero) and increase the **resilience** of transport systems (more detailed information below). **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 04 May 2023** **05 September 2023**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## User-centric development of vehicle technologies and solutions to optimise the on-board experience and ensure inclusiveness (CCAM Partnership) URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/user-centric-development-vehicle-technologies ### Call | EDIH > # User-centric development of vehicle technologies and solutions to optimise the on-board experience and ensure inclusiveness (CCAM Partnership) ## In the transition from human-driven to automated vehicles, optimising the on-board experience and overall satisfaction of users is paramount for high social buy-in and widespread adoption of CCAM-based mobility solutions. IDConsortium #### This can be achieved through the development, integration and validation of advanced vehicle technologies and solutions that serve to optimise the usability, perception and experience on-board and when boarding/off-boarding. Such solutions should be designed holistically by adopting a universal design approach from an inclusive, user-centric perspective. All users will demand vehicles that allow and facilitate relaxing, social or work-related activities within a space designed for health and well-being and that are responsive to individual needs (depending on gender, age, disability, size, weight etc.), while ensuring privacy for social interaction. Hence, a wide range of different user groups are expected to be involved early in the development phase to have their specific needs understood, in order to develop technologies and solutions for individual and shared automated vehicles that meet the demands of all. To achieve these objectives, it is expected that activities will focus on the development and validation of a range of new, advanced technologies and solutions that leverage the latest advances in technologies and know-how in terms of ensuring a seamless interaction between the vehicle and its occupants that are also fully aligned with safety requirements (and future standards), including at least the following aspects: - Perception-focused solutions and features (e.g. temperature, lighting, sound/acoustics, vibration, seating, posture), aimed at enhancing the sense of safety, privacy, and well-being while eliminating stress, including personalisation, addressing the specific needs of individuals from diverse user groups (e.g. elderly, disabled, tourists). - Alternative, flexible and automated interior configurations to better suit occupants’ needs. - Solutions that further advance the state-of-the-art with respect to tackling motion sickness. - Adaptive systems that can also transfer preferred personal settings between vehicles to increase the user acceptability of shared vehicles. - New mobility services also for users with special needs (e.g. elderly and disabled), which take into account the heterogeneous requirements and preferences of different target groups. - Technologies to ensure the security of the occupants, which monitor inside and outside the vehicle to reduce the risk of its misuse and counteracting dangerous situations (e.g. assaults, vandalism, thefts, etc.). It will be necessary, also based on feedback from user groups, to assess how the technologies and services developed benefit on-board experience and inclusiveness. This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines including ethics and gender and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities. In order to achieve the expected outcomes, international cooperation is encouraged, in particular with Japan and the United States but also with other relevant strategic partners in third countries. This topic implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM). As such, projects resulting from this topic will be expected to report on results to the European Partnership ‘Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility’ (CCAM) in support of the monitoring of its KPIs. ### Destination #### Safe, Resilient Transport and Smart Mobility services for passengers and goods (2023/24) This Destination includes activities addressing safe and smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Europe needs to manage the transformation of supply-based transport into safe, resilient and sustainable transport and demand-driven, smart mobility services for passengers and goods. Suitable research and innovation will enable significant safety, environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing accidents caused by human error, decreasing traffic congestion, reducing energy consumption and emissions of vehicles, increasing efficiency and productivity of freight transport operations. To succeed in this transformation, Europe’s ageing (and not always sustainable) transport infrastructure needs to be prepared for enabling cleaner and smarter operations. Europe needs also to maintain a high-level of transport safety for its citizens. Resilience should be built in the transport systems to prevent, mitigate and recover from disruptions. Research and innovation will underpin the three safety pillars: technologies, regulations and human factors. **EUROPE** **HORIZON**(Horizon Europe Framework Programme) **HORIZON-RIA****(HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) HORIZON-AG****(HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based) 04 May 2023** **05 September 2023**(17:00h Brussels time) ## More calls and news about EDIH: --- ## Convocatoria Programa Misiones de Ciencia e Innovación URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/convocatoria-programa-misiones-ciencia-innovacion ### Noticias | IDConsortium > # Convocatoria Programa**Misiones de Ciencia e Innovación ## Los proyectos de Misiones Ciencia e Innovación, que son proyectos de investigación precompetitiva, liderados por empresas que persiguen una investigación relevante que proponga soluciones a desafíos transversales y estratégicos de la sociedad española, mejoren la base de conocimiento y tecnología en la que se apoyan las empresas españolas para competir, al tiempo que estimulen la cooperación público-privada. IDConsortium #### Podrán ser beneficiarios de las ayudas contempladas en la presente convocatoria las agrupaciones de personas jurídicas definidas en el artículo 5.1 de la de la Orden CIN/373/2022 de 26 de abril, que puedan llevar a cabo proyectos en cooperación. Las agrupaciones deberán estar constituidas por empresas, según la definición del anexo 1, apartado 8 de la Orden CIN/373/2022 de 26 de abril, siempre que estén válidamente constituidas, tengan personalidad jurídica propia y residencia fiscal en España. Cada agrupación, en función del proyecto presentado (Misiones “Grandes Empresas” o Misiones “PYMES”), deberá cumplir los requisitos de tamaño y composición detallados en el artículo 2 de la presente convocatoria. Asimismo, todos los integrantes de la agrupación deberán cumplir los requisitos exigidos para ser beneficiario. La agrupación resultante no tendrá personalidad jurídica, por lo que uno de los participantes actuará como coordinador o representante de la misma, y tendrá las obligaciones previstas en el artículo 5.7 de la Orden CIN/373/2022, de 26 de abril. Los participantes responderán de las eventuales obligaciones de reintegro en relación con las actividades que se hayan comprometido a realizar. En caso de incumplimiento de dicha obligación todos los integrantes de la agrupación responderán solidariamente, hasta el límite de la ayuda que les hubiera sido concedida por su participación en el proyecto, de acuerdo con el artículo 5.6 de la Orden CIN/373/2022, de 26 de abril. Los miembros de la agrupación deberán suscribir, con carácter previo a la formulación de la solicitud, un acuerdo interno que regule su funcionamiento, con el contenido mínimo previsto en el artículo 5.4 de la Orden CIN/373/2022, de 26 de abril. Las actividades y el presupuesto dentro de la agrupación deberán estar equilibrados, de modo que ninguna de las empresas autónomas de la agrupación ni ningún grupo de empresas vinculadas o asociadas, según las definiciones del artículo 3 del Anexo I del Reglamento (UE) nº651/2014, podrá superar el 60% del presupuesto elegible del proyecto. Las agrupaciones se deberán ajustar a lo dispuesto en los artículos 11 de la Ley 38/2003, de 17 de noviembre, y 67 del Real Decreto-ley 36/2020, de 30 de diciembre, así como a lo señalado en el artículo 5 de la Orden CIN/373/2022, de 26 de abril.   #### Se exigirá que solo puedan seleccionarse aquellas actividades que cumplan la legislación medioambiental nacional y europea pertinente. ### Las misiones identificadas son: - Reforzar capacidades tecnológicas para la autonomía energética segura y sostenible (fusión, hidrógeno y renovables). - Impulsar la industria española en la revolución industrial del siglo XXI. - Impulsar un sector agroalimentario más sostenible y adaptado a las nuevas condiciones asociadas al cambio climático gracias a un uso relevante de herramientas biotecnológicas avanzadas. - Desarrollar tecnologías de aplicación en el sector naval que mejoren su competitividad en el siglo XXI. - Impulsar la sustitución, recuperación y valorización de recursos minerales y materiales estratégicos para la Transición Ecológica. - Desarrollar y fortalecer un ecosistema de fotónica integrada en España. Los proyectos subvencionables deberán tener un presupuesto elegible mínimo de 4 M € y máximo de 15 M €. El presupuesto elegible mínimo por empresa será de 175.000 €. Los proyectos subvencionables deberán tener un presupuesto elegible mínimo de 1,5 M € y máximo de 3 M €. El presupuesto elegible mínimo por empresa será de 175.000 €. ### Actuaciones Financiables: - Reforzar capacidades tecnológicas para la autonomía energética segura y sostenible (fusión, hidrógeno y renovables)**  Fusión nuclear. La energía de fusión será una fuente segura, eficiente y limpia, y una alternativa de largo plazo que puede desempeñar un papel crítico para la independencia energética de fuentes no renovables. Con esta misión se quiere impulsar a la Industria española para su capacitación y participación con éxito en el desarrollo de las grandes infraestructuras científico-tecnológicas que harán posible la energía de fusión, como el Tokamak ITER, la construcción del IFMIFDONES (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-Demo Oriented NEutron Source)4 y de DEMO (primer prototipo de reactor de fusión que entregará energía a la red), así como otras instalaciones recogidas en el roadmap europeo de fusión. Se trata de apoyar iniciativas de investigación y desarrollo de nuevas soluciones en productos (equipamientos), procesos y servicios que faciliten el acceso empresarial a las licitaciones solicitadas por las diversas instalaciones de investigación. - Hidrógeno verde o de fuentes renovables. Este vector energético está llamado a desempeñar un papel protagonista en el mix energético a medio plazo, Con esta misión se pretende impulsar el desarrollo de todo tipo de tecnologías, tanto en lo referido a la optimización en procesos de generación, como en su transformación, distribución y almacenamiento en estado puro o por medio de vectores alternativos (NH3, LOHCs), buscando nuevas soluciones que permitan resolver problemas y mejorar costes y eficiencia en los distintos materiales, procesos y actividades involucradas en los distintos sectores participantes, en comparación con los de obtención del hidrógeno a partir de combustibles fósiles. - Para el conjunto de las diversas energías renovables actuales, incluyendo el biogás y los biocombustibles avanzados con huella de carbono cero, esta misión se quiere estimular el desarrollo de todas aquellas soluciones que permitan disminuir su dependencia de materiales críticos así como el desarrollo de soluciones innovadoras en los diferentes sistemas de energías renovables existentes para la optimización de su producción, transformación, hibridación, almacenamiento e integración segura en redes eléctricas crecientemente digitalizadas y descentralizadas. - **Impulsar la industria española en la revolución industrial del siglo XXI.** Búsqueda de una mayor competitividad mediante el desarrollo de tecnologías que impacten de manera transversal en la cadena de valor industrial facilitando procesos de fabricación inteligentes y flexibles. Estas tecnologías pueden incluir soluciones como la robótica colaborativa y autónoma, visión artificial, sistemas autónomos de decisión, gemelos digitales, realidad extendida, edge computing, fabricación aditiva, procesos multifuncionales, monitorización continua de procesos, funcionalidades predictivas, etc. - Desarrollo de actuaciones y soluciones tecnológicas en la industria enfocadas a la economía circular que permitan una mayor eficiencia en el consumo y reutilización de recursos (energéticos, naturales, etc.); la adecuada monitorización y gestión de subproductos, residuos y emisiones. Se persigue estimular una industria de elevada sostenibilidad orientada hacia la neutralidad climática, mediante la descarbonización y limitación y/o captura de emisiones de CO2, que asume desde el origen el concepto de ecodiseño en sus productos, procesos de fabricación y modelos de uso óptimo acorde con la filosofía de economía circular. - Desarrollo capacidades en ciberseguridad enfocadas a las actividades productivas, operativas y logísticas en el entorno industrial que ofrezcan la necesaria protección a la industria conectada. La inclusión de tecnologías avanzadas de Machine Learning, Big Data y Data Science que implican el manejo masivo de datos de procedencia heterogénea, así como Blockchain como base de datos distribuida puede contribuir al desarrollo de entonos seguros, abordado mediante, entre otros, el desarrollo de seguridad en redes 5G y servicios críticos dependientes; la fiabilidad de sistemas digitales, software y sistemas ciberfísicos seguros en entornos industriales; Inteligencia Artificial para industrias resilientes a ciberataques; Self-Sovereign Identity para la Internet de las Cosas industrial; y protección de sistemas industriales inteligentes. - **Impulso de un sector agroalimentario más sostenible y adaptado a las nuevas condiciones asociadas al cambio climático gracias a un uso relevante de herramientas biotecnológicas avanzadas.** Recuperación de la biodiversidad en la agricultura mediante el estudio de variedades tradicionales en desuso y obtención de nuevas variedades vegetales, más competitivas y resistentes frente a los efectos del cambio global, así como a enfermedades o plagas emergentes, mediante el uso de la biotecnología, incluidas las herramientas moleculares, para mejorar y acelerar los programas de mejora. - Nuevos métodos de nutrición, protección y estimulación vegetal sostenible basados en técnicas biológicas y en el conocimiento y gestión avanzada de la interacción suelo-microbiota-planta. Se considera en este concepto el empleo de bioproductos (biopesticidas, biofertilizantes, bioestimulantes, etc.), sistemas de aplicación que optimicen y racionalicen su uso, y herramientas de control biológico. - Estrategias disruptivas y con un alcance potencial significativo encaminadas a una producción ganadera sostenible y adaptada al cambio climático: selección y mejora genética, alimentación, manejo, sanidad y bienestar animal. Estudio de sistemas productivos que minimicen el impacto de esta actividad en el medio ambiente. - Nuevas fuentes de ingredientes para alimentación humana que aporten valor nutricional, entre otras mejoras, en el marco de modelos de alimentación sostenible en el uso de recursos y generación de residuos. Obtención de bioproductos alimentarios de interés a partir, entre otros, de residuos de la industria agroalimentaria. - **Impulsando tecnologías de aplicación en el sector naval que mejoren su competitividad en el siglo XXI.** Tecnologías de nuevas plataformas y arquitecturas, tanto en embarcaciones como en estructuras flotantes offshore y sistemas de anclaje, que contribuyan a optimizar aerodinámica, seguridad y ligereza estructural, y mejora de propiedades mecánicas y funcionales (auto orientables, menor mantenimiento o mayor y mejor conectividad…), considerando en su concepción criterios de ecodiseño (sostenibilidad y economía circular), contemplando el desarrollo de equipamientos y subsistemas de nueva concepción. - Búsqueda y desarrollo de nuevos sistemas de propulsión eléctrica para el sector marítimo alimentados con fuentes de energía de carácter renovable, como pueden ser las basadas en hidrógeno (pilas de combustible) y/o sistemas de almacenamiento electroquímico de diferentes tecnologías, su optimización sustancial, mejora de prestaciones y reducción de costes para aplicaciones de movilidad marítima. También se contemplan sistemas de propulsión híbridos renovables. Algunas opciones tecnológicas serían el uso directo de amoniaco verde en motores, pila de combustible alimentada con H2 a partir de la disociación del amoniaco verde o pila de combustible SOFC alimentada directamente con amoniaco verde obtenido a partir de la síntesis del hidrogeno verde. Se incluyen también actuaciones conexas como puedan ser tecnologías aplicables al desarrollo de infraestructuras marítimas portuarias de transporte con sistemas inteligentes y sensorizados para sistemas de alimentación de combustibles renovables o de recarga rápida. En este grupo se contemplan las relacionadas con el NH3 como vector energético portador de hidrógeno, dada su facilidad de almacenamiento y transporte en estado líquido. - Desarrollos para nuevos vehículos marinos, tripulados y no tripulados, tanto en superficie como submarinos, que permitan mejorar su operabilidad y realicen funciones específicas, como pueden ser las operaciones a gran profundidad, cableado, mantenimiento de instalaciones, etc. Se incluyen también desarrollos necesarios para asegurar su conectividad en condiciones que se precisen. - Tecnologías para el desarrollo de equipamientos y sistemas automatizados para la optimización de operaciones de trasvase de mercancías entre modos de transporte mediante robotización y automatización, control con IoT, localización precisa e integración de la información en plataformas de compartición de información. Desarrollo de plataformas digitales, aplicaciones de IA, blockchain…, orientadas a la optimización de la gestión del transporte marítimo y los elementos logísticos asociados explotando las oportunidades de mejora que ofrece la disponibilidad de información compartida en los distintos eslabones de la cadena de valor de la actividad. - **Impulso de la sustitución, recuperación y valorización de recursos minerales y materiales estratégicos para la Transición Ecológica.** Tecnologías para la mejora de la gestión, caracterización, clasificación y adecuación de los residuos a los distintos procesos de extracción de los materiales estratégicos. Sistemas automatizados para su ejecución. - Tecnologías avanzadas (piro, hidrometalúrgicas, electrometalúrgicas, etc.) para el reciclado, extracción, separación, purificación, etc. tanto de los residuos mineros y otros procesos industriales, como los contenidos en residuos de baterías eléctricas, (RAEE), catalizadores de automóviles, etc. - Tecnologías para el desarrollo de una minería inteligente que promueva los conceptos de eficiencia, seguridad y sostenibilidad ambiental desde la fase de exploración hasta la de producción final de materias primas, incluyendo los aspectos de planificación y operación de los procesos: Técnicas y modelos inteligentes, sistemas autónomos, automatización, técnicas de Inteligencia artificial, computación avanzada, simulaciones, etc. - **Desarrollo y fortalecimiento de un ecosistema de fotónica integrada en España.** Tecnologías aplicables en el desarrollo de herramientas para el diseño y programación de circuitos fotónicos, con incorporación de mecanismos y modelos de inteligencia artificial en los procesos de diseño y programación. - Tecnologías para Nano/micro-fabricación de chips con base silicio, nitruro de silicio y para semiconductores III-V, entre otros materiales, mediante nuevos procesos tecnológicos para distintas aplicaciones (quantum, telecom, space, etc), y los correspondientes procesos de encapsulamiento y empaquetado de los chips fotónicos para cada sector de aplicación final. Así mismo, se contemplarán nuevas técnicas para la realización de test y medidas de circuitos fotónicos. - Investigación y desarrollo de nuevas soluciones desde nivel de laboratorio a escala de planta piloto tanto de sistemas completos como de componentes o subsistemas incluyendo la integración de tecnologías fotónicas innovadoras basadas en rangos de frecuencia como los teraherzios, las microondas y el NIR que permitan su posterior aplicación en sectores industriales de relevancia. ### Intensidades máximas de las ayudas en cada proyecto: Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia (PRTR) Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación Nacional Subvención ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## Convocatoria Activa StartUps URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/convocatoria-activa-startups ### News | ID Consortium > # Convocatoria Activa StartUps ## Este programa apoya la colaboración entre empresas emergentes/startups y empresas consolidadas con potencial de innovación. Tiene como finalidad el impulso de la innovación y el crecimiento de empresas de nueva generación, a través del desarrollo de entornos colaborativos e impulsando su digitalización. IDConsortium #### Su principal objetivo es el desarrollo de proyectos de colaboración entre pymes y startups, que sirvan para impulsar su crecimiento empresarial. Las ayudas de esta convocatoria van dirigidas a empresas cuya actividad se refiera a cualquier sector (CNAE 2009, aprobada por Real Decreto 475/2007, de 13 de abril), con domicilio fiscal en la Comunidad de Madrid que tengan la condición de PYME y que vayan a desarrollar un proyecto de innovación abierta con el asesoramiento y apoyo de una startup y que cumplan con lo establecido en el artículo 10 de las bases reguladoras de la concesión de ayudas dirigidas a impulsar la innovación a través de la iniciativa «Activa Startups» en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, publicadas mediante Orden ICT/1426/2021, de 14 de diciembre. Quedan excluidos, en aplicación de lo establecido en el artículo 3.2 de la Orden de Bases las empresas vinculadas a los siguientes sectores: • Las empresas que operen en los sectores de la pesca y la acuicultura, regulados por el Reglamento (CE) Nº 104/2000 del Consejo**• Las empresas dedicadas a la producción primaria de productos agrícolas. 28 de julio de 2023 4,2 millones € 40,000 € por pyme ### Actuaciones Financiables: - Proyectos para la generación de innovación a través de la resolución de retos tecnológicos de empresas, sectores, ciudades y/o misiones que sirvan para romper brechas sociales, generacionales, y territoriales. - Actuaciones de asesoramiento en materia de innovación en el ámbito tecnológico, con el objetivo de dar respuesta a retos planteados en empresas que buscan la innovación abierta mediante soluciones basadas en tecnologías disruptivas. - Actuaciones encaminadas a adquirir nuevos conocimientos y aptitudes que puedan ser útiles para desarrollar nuevos productos, procesos o servicios, o permitan mejorar considerablemente los ya existentes. - Actuaciones de demostración, adaptación y personalización de diversas tecnologías, pruebas y experimentación con tecnologías digitales, transferencia de conocimientos y tecnología, tests de validación, pruebas de concepto, producción de prototipos etc. ### Costes subvencionables: - La financiación de dichas ayudas se aplicará a los gastos de contratación de servicios de asesoramiento y apoyo en materia de innovación en la medida en que estén dedicados al proyecto de innovación abierta del programa Activa Startups. Dichos servicios deberán ser realizados por empresas consideradas startups conforme a la definición indicada en el artículo 1.2 de la Orden ICT/1426/2021, de 14 de diciembre. Al inicio de la prestación de estos servicios, la empresa beneficiaria deberá hacer la comprobación prevista en el artículo 5.1.o) de esta convocatoria. - Sólo podrán considerarse financiables aquellos conceptos que de manera indubitada respondan a la naturaleza de la actividad a financiar y resulten estrictamente necesarios, con base en la descripción de las actuaciones aportada en la memoria de solicitud. - El periodo subvencionable, que comprende desde la resolución de la concesión de las ayudas hasta la fecha límite para la ejecución de actividades será de 8 meses desde la fecha de publicación de la misma. - No serán gastos subvencionables los gastos financieros ni amortizaciones, sin perjuicio de lo establecido en el apartado 1 de este artículo. - En ningún caso se considerará subvencionable los impuestos indirectos. - Sólo podrá ser subvencionables aquellos proyectos que respeten plenamente las normas y prioridades de la Unión Europea en materia climática y medioambiental y el principio de «no causar un perjuicio significativo» en el sentido del artículo 17 del Reglamento (UE) 2020/852 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 18 de junio de 2020, relativo al establecimiento de un marco para facilitar las inversiones sostenibles y por el que se modifica el Reglamento (UE) 2019/2088. Se excluyen de la financiación, en la medida en que resulten aplicables a los conceptos en que se realice el gasto al que se destinan las presentes ayudas: a) Las inversiones relacionadas con combustibles fósiles (incluido el uso posterior). - b) Las actividades en el marco del régimen de comercio de derechos de emisión (ETS) con emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero proyectadas que no sean sustancialmente inferiores a los valores de referencia establecidos para la asignación gratuita. - c) El tratamiento de los residuos generados mediante tratamiento mecánicobiológico (TMB), incineración o vertido. - d) Las actividades en las que la eliminación a largo plazo de desechos puede causar daños a largo plazo al medio ambiente (por ejemplo, desechos nucleares). - Asimismo, se exigirá que solo puedan seleccionarse aquellas actividades que cumplan la legislación medioambiental nacional y europea pertinente. - Al estar esta convocatoria financiada con cargo al Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia, y de acuerdo con lo establecido en el artículo 7 de la Ley 31/2022, de 23 de diciembre, de Presupuestos Generales del Estado para el año 2023, y en el artículo 37 del Real Decreto-ley 36/2020, de 30 de diciembre, la financiación correspondiente a estas ayudas estará vinculada al cumplimiento de los objetivos previstos en el Plan de Recuperación, así como a la estimación de costes vinculada al mismo. ### Documentación para presentar: - a) Formulario de solicitud con los datos de la empresa solicitante en el momento de presentación de dicha solicitud. Se incluirá, en todo caso, los números de identificación fiscal de las personas físicas o jurídicas, junto con su nombre y apellidos en el caso de las primeras y razón social en el caso de las segundas. - b) Memoria en la que se describa la propuesta de reto de innovación abierta, incluyendo la información indicada en el apartado 3 del presente artículo. Según modelo del Anexo I de esta convocatoria. - c) Documento previo de compromiso por parte de una startup para su asesoramiento y apoyo a la empresa solicitante en el proceso de resolución del reto, incluyendo la información indicada en el apartado 4 del presente artículo, según modelo del Anexo II de esta convocatoria . Este compromiso deberá estar firmado por ambas empresas. Si resultara beneficiaria la empresa solicitante, no podrá sustituir a la startup comprometida en el proceso de resolución del reto. El cambio de la startup se considerará como incumplimiento de las obligaciones de la ayuda concedida, lo que dará lugar al inicio de procedimiento de reintegro. En aplicación de lo establecido en el artículo 8.7 de la orden de bases, se deberá presentar la justificación, conforme a criterios de eficiencia y economía, de la elección de la startup seleccionada de entre las tres ofertas solicitadas, mediante un informe motivado y el presupuesto de, al menos, tres startups. En el caso de que se trate de una startup exclusiva, el informe deberá motivar dicha exclusividad y acompañarse de un certificado emitido y firmado por la startup. - d) En caso de no existir compromiso previo de ninguna startup, la empresa solicitante deberá aportar una declaración responsable en la que se comprometa a que en el proceso de resolución del reto participará una startup, conforme a los requisitos establecidos en esta convocatoria. En este caso, la documentación a la que hace referencia el apartado 4 de este artículo se deberá presentar en el momento de justificación de la subvención concedida. - e) Certificado de hallarse al corriente en el cumplimiento de las obligaciones tributarias. - f) Certificado de hallarse al corriente en el cumplimiento de las obligaciones con la Seguridad Social. - g) Declaración responsable de que la empresa solicitante no realiza su actividad en los sectores identificados en el artículo 1 de esta convocatoria (empresas que operen en los sectores de la pesca y la acuicultura, regulados por el Reglamento (CE) Nº 104/2000 del Consejo y empresas dedicadas a la producción primaria de productos agrícolas) - h) Declaración responsable de no tener deudas por reintegro de ayudas, préstamos o anticipos con la Administración, ni estar sujeta a una orden de recuperación pendiente tras una Decisión previa de la Comisión Europea que haya declarado una ayuda ilegal e incompatible con el mercado común. - i) Declaración responsable de la entidad de no estar incursos en ninguna de las prohibiciones a las que se refiere el artículo 13.2 de la Ley 38/2003, de 17 de noviembre, en cumplimiento de lo establecido en los artículos 26 y 27 del Reglamento de subvenciones, aprobado por Real Decreto 887/2006 de 21 de julio. - j) Declaración responsable de la empresa de cumplimiento de los requisitos contemplados en esta convocatoria y de aceptación expresa del cumplimiento de sus obligaciones. - k) Declaración responsable de que el solicitante cumplirá toda la normativa nacional y de la Unión Europea que resulte de aplicación, y de que se compromete a presentar, en el momento de disponer de ellas, todas las licencias, autorizaciones y permisos necesarios para el proyecto. - l) Declaración responsable en la que se detallen todas las ayudas de minimis concedidas a la empresa, o al grupo de empresas al que en su caso pertenezca, durante el ejercicio en curso y los dos anteriores, así como comprometerse a informar de las que pudiera solicitar u obtener durante la tramitación de estas subvenciones. En ella deberán constar el órgano concedente, la referencia, la fecha de concesión y el importe. - m) Declaración responsable de las ayudas que hayan solicitado o percibido por parte de otras Administraciones o entidades para la misma finalidad y objeto que la solicitada. Se deberá hacer constar el órgano concedente, el objeto y finalidad, referencia, fecha de concesión y el importe. - n) Para la acreditación de condición de PYME, se deberá presentar cualquier documento reconocido en Derecho que acredite que tienen actividad económica empresarial o profesional y tienen menos de 250 trabajadores, así como un volumen de negocio de menos de 50 M€/año o un balance inferior a 43 M€ (Recomendación 2003/361/CE de la Comisión Europea de 6 de mayo de 2003). - o) Acreditación, en el caso de que la entidad solicitante esté incluida en el ámbito de aplicación de la Ley 3/2004, de 29 de diciembre, por la que se establecen medidas de lucha contra la morosidad en las operaciones comerciales, de que cumple con los plazos de pago previstos en la citada ley, siempre que la ayuda solicitada sea superior a 30.000 euros. En estos casos se acreditará con declaración responsable cuando el solicitante sea una sociedad que, de acuerdo con la normativa contable, pueda presentar cuenta de pérdidas y ganancias abreviada. Para las sociedades que, de acuerdo con la normativa contable, no puedan presentar cuenta de pérdidas y ganancias abreviada se acreditará mediante certificación, emitida por auditor inscrito en el Registro Oficial de Auditores de Cuentas, que atenderá al plazo efectivo de los pagos de la empresa cliente con independencia de cualquier financiación para el cobro anticipado de la empresa proveedora. ### Condiciones: Se entiende por startup a empresas de reciente creación, cuando no hayan transcurrido más de cinco años desde la fecha de inscripción en el Registro Mercantil de la escritura pública de constitución, con carácter general, o de siete en el caso de empresas de biotecnología, energía, o industrial, que cumpla los siguientes requisitos: - a) No haber surgido de una operación de fusión, escisión o transformación. Los términos concentración o segregación se consideran incluidos en las anteriores operaciones. - b) Tener su sede social, domicilio social o establecimiento permanente en España. - c) El 60 % de la plantilla deberá tener un contrato laboral en España o contratos mercantiles en el ámbito de la Unión europea. - d) No distribuir ni haber distribuido dividendos. - e) No cotizar en un mercado regulado ni en un sistema multilateral de negociación. - f) Cualquier otro requisito que se exija legalmente para definir el concepto de startup o empresa emergente, que se incluirá en las correspondientes convocatorias. La categoría de microempresas, pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) está constituida por las empresas que ocupan a menos de 250 personas y cuyo volumen de negocios anual no excede de 50 millones de euros o cuyo balance general anual no excede de 43 millones euros» (Extracto del artículo 2 del anexo de la Recomendación 2003/361/CE). La documentación acreditativa de la condición de PYME, que se puede presentar en el momento de la solicitud, se encuentra definida en la Guía Acreditación de la condición de PYME publicada junto con los demás documentos de las distintas convocatorias. Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo Nacional Subvención ### Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## EDIH URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/edih # EDIH – European Digital Innovation Hub ## EDIH MADRID REGIÓN nace con el objetivo de ser el centro de referencia para mejorar la digitalización tanto del sector público como de las pequeñas y medianas empresas de la región. IDConsortium ## ¿Qué es EDIH? Nuestra misión es la de facilitar la digitalización tanto en el sector público como en las pymes de la Comunidad de Madrid de forma que podrán comprender y experimentar con las tecnologías de software, hardware y modelos comerciales para identificar y aplicar nuevas oportunidades de negocio; y obtendrán las habilidades y la formación necesarias para aprovechar al máximo las innovaciones digitales. También encontrarán apoyo para poner en marcha estudios de viabilidad, desarrollo de planes de negocio, programas de incubación, etc tanto con financiación pública como lograr inversiones privadas. El proyecto de EDIH en la región de Madrid se centra en **cuatro sectores claves**: - Sector industria - Sector movilidad - Sector servicios - Sector Público Estas son las **cuatro componentes** de EDIH Madrid Región: #### La innovación necesita visión tecnológica. Apoyamos todo tu proceso de innovación, desde la idea inicial hasta el producto final, ofreciendo orientación sobre tecnologías de vanguardia y brindando acceso a infraestructuras necesarias para probar nuevos avances sin inversiones sustanciales. #### La innovación necesita conocimiento. Te ofrecemos un portafolio coordinado de capacitaciones básicas y avanzadas: una amplia gama de opciones diseñadas estratégicamente para mejorar los conocimientos profesionales, metodológicos y prácticos en temas específicos de digitalización y tecnologías. #### La innovación necesita financiación. Identificamos opciones de financiación adecuadas para actividades de investigación o desarrollo de alto riesgo en tu empresa o startup, y te ayudamos a solicitar financiación a nivel regional, nacional o europeo. #### La innovación necesita intercambio de información. Ofrecemos diversas oportunidades para que las empresas se conecten e identifiquen socios adecuados en investigación y desarrollo. Nuestro Hub facilita eventos de encuentro y fomenta una red regional dedicada a promover la innovación. ### Últimas noticias y convocatorias EDIH: Ponte en contacto con EDIH – Región Madrid para que podamos aclararte todas tus dudas y empezar a recibir nuestros servicios. ### **IDConsortium coordinará área de movilidad**, **dentro del proyecto European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) de la Comunidad de Madrid**; la empresa liderará el equipo de seis socios integrado por Fundación Madrid I+D, Connected mobility hub, Fundación Ciudad de Alcobendas, EIT Digital, Hewlett Packard España y la Universidad Carlos III. ## Noticias, actividades y eventos relacionados con EDIH – Madrid Región: ## Convocatorias relacionadas con EDIH – Madrid Región: ## Socios del consorcio EDIH Madrid Región --- ## BOOSTER URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/booster # BOOSTER – Boosting drought tolerance in key cereals in the era of climate change ## BOOSTER aims to improve drought tolerance in both maize and teff, while simultaneously exploring the potential for transferring species-specific drought responsive features. IDConsortium ## What is BOOSTER? BOOSTER aims to improve drought tolerance in both maize and teff, while simultaneously exploring the potential for transferring species-specific drought responsive features. By exploiting natural genetic variations to achieve drought-tolerant genotypes, and by developing biostimulants derived from living organisms, BOOSTER will harness the natural resources available to develop new varieties of drought-tolerant agricultural crops.  Two synergistic strategies will be implemented to achieve this goal. Firstly, a new approach will identify genomic variants in regulatory regions functionally associated with drought tolerance. Novel regulatory elements underlying resilience will inform efficient breeding efforts to create new drought-tolerant cereal varieties. Secondly, novel molecular priming technologies from seaweed and microbial-based biostimulants will be developed as an eco-friendly approach for improving drought resilience.  The two strategies will be tested in two cereals with different degrees of responsiveness to drought: European maize and Ethiopian teff – a cereal with a high genetic similarity to the desiccation tolerant sister species Eragrostis nindensis. The BOOSTER consortium comprises a highly qualified team represented by European and international (USA, South Africa, Ethiopia) academics and industry to collectively ensure that the expected impacts are achieved in the near future. ### Latest News: ## Our partners of BOOSTER project consortium --- ## Rustica family farm visits URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-family-farm-visits ### NEWS | Rustica > # Rustica family farm visits ## Last week, we welcomed Guillermo Pena in Leuven. Guillermo is researcher at the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). IDConsortium ### Since 2021, we work together on the H2020 project RUSTICA, which aims at developing biofertilizers based on waste streams from fruit and vegetables. We wanted to show Guillermo some farms in Flanders. Recognizing that it is impossible to show the diversity of Flanders agricultural sector in just one afternoon, we choose to visit some family farms in Tienen, 20 km away from Leuven. Tienen is known for its sugar factory (Tiense Suikerraffinaderij), which is part of Südzucker. In the early ‘50s, Remi Avermaete and Simonne Goossens moved from (Evergem) Ghent to Tienen. They managed a farm and a household of seven children. Over 70 years later, we find the second, third and fourth generation on the land (while a fifth generation is crawling around as well). It concerns now three different farms, on just walking distance from one another. In Belgium standards, these are all large farms, with each over 400 hectares of land that is worked on. They face the same challenges, experience similar bottlenecks, yet there are also interesting differences in the strategies on each of the farms. #### **Farms’ profiles** Stijn Avermaete combines arable crops with fruit production. He has invested heavily in precision farming. He uses GPS technology and advanced software to monitor his land. This way, he is able to reduce inputs and at the same time maintain high yields. He applies no tillage practices. He shows us several prints of data on soil health and explains us the administrative burden that is put on farmers. If you want to stay competitive in the sector, you need to invest in innovation and technology. For his apple orchard, Stijn recently made the conversion from conventional to organic. He has mechanized most of the work in the orchard, from pruning to harvesting. His production is sold for processing. Furthermore, Stijn invested in a vineyard and has processing facilities on his farm. Next stop was just 300 meters away, at the farm where Philippe Avermaete works with his father on the farm. On this farm, four generation live together. Philippe’s wife Nele also takes care of the communication and developed a website  https://beenshoeve.wordpress.com. She regularly posts the activities on the farm on Instagram. It is an arable farm producing among others sugar beets, potatoes and wheat. And although Philippe’s father used to participate – some decades ago – in the international plowing championship, Philippe has successfully introduced no tillage practices on the farm. They invest in modern machinery which has a significant return on investment, both economically and from an ecologic perspective. Also, they have a large shelter to store manure. Philippe hopes to have, someday, animals on the farm as well making the entire farm more circular. A last stop took us again no more than ten minutes walking, where the two brothers Ludo and Wim Avermaete, as well as their parents Etienne and Flora welcomed us. They run a farm with mainly arable crops and a smaller fruit orchard. They grow a considerable amount of potatoes, but also carrots and onions. Also here, we see the investment in modern machinery, though some skepticism towards no tillage practices of their neighbors. #### **Topics discussed** All farmers clearly belief in the need to modernize and invest in precision farming. This is the only way to be able to manage a large-scaled arable farm. Moreover, it also helps to become more sustainable. The increase in sustainability is tangible. It allows for example a reduction in the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Both Stijn and Philippe are very enthusiastic about the no tillage practices, which has increased the soil health significantly. Another topic on the table was labor. Especially for fruit harvesting, labor is an issue. Cost of labor in agriculture has increased dramatically over the last decades, while the productivity of the workers in the orchard has gone down. Loans for the work is very competitive to student jobs, though youngsters are not very keen to do the work in the fields. Stijn explains us that in peak moments, he needed almost 100 people for the harvest. They often come from Eastern Europe, and you need to offer them accommodation as well. Wim and Ludo acknowledge the challenge of finding motivated work force in the orchard. Having seasonal labor from abroad is not evident, and it brings a lot of worries and administration. That is one of the reasons for Stijn to mechanize. We also discussed access to land. In this region, land prices go up to 60.000€ for one hectare. If land is sold, competition is high, not just from farmers but also from people outside the sector. This is an issue we see all across Flanders. Tienen is just a couple of kilometers from the Wallonia, the French speaking part of the country. However, as explained by the farmers, buying or working on that land, implies getting familiar with a completely other administration. Among many other topics raised, we also talked about education. There is an urgent need to improve education for farmers. There are so many opportunities, but farmers are hesitant to apply them. If education already integrates these practices, at least the young generation would get familiar with them and will more easily apply them once taking over the farm. #### **Future proof?** On all three farms, we talked about the future. How do they look ahead? Stijn understands that Flemish farmers move away from Flanders, starting farms elsewhere in Europe. His younger brother moved to Germany where he runs an organic sheep farm https://hofhubertusblick.com . Stijn also mentions the enormous differences in the land market. Even in France, you can easily find plots for less than 10.000€/ha. Wim and Ludo leave the question on the future in the middle. We see two young girls – Wim’s daughters – playing on the farm. Maybe they will one day take over, maybe not. Philippe, the youngest one, is hopeful. Sure, there are many hurdles and challenges for the sector and climate change will certainly continue to impact farming, yet he beliefs that there is a future for farmers in Flanders. We closed the day in De Hoorn, in Leuven, which allowed us to show Guillermo something of the beer culture of our University town. Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## RUSTICA and Product Standards URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-product-standards ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA and Product Standards ## The RUSTICA project awaits a wide range of new bio-based fertiliser components and expects a series of blends developed therefrom. In this regard, the question arise how a potential market could be entered by novel and promising innovations? Among many challenges one is faced are standards ensuring e.g., product safety, compatibility and reliability concerning its composition. IDConsortium ### In principle, two main categories of standards can be mentioned: firstly, those which are mandatory and commonly defined under a legal framework and secondly, standards which can be met voluntarily. A wide range of legally defined standards for the building blocks including but not limited to biochar and compost with their feedstocks are already identified, e.g., in the RUSTICA public report D3.2 presenting results on international agreements and European Union law.​ Another approach to standardization is the consideration of the territorial areas. In the sectors of fertilising products and soil improvers, the aforementioned biochar and compost are prominent examples showing availability of various standards from different continents and countries. The biochar certification program of the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) is focused on the United States and Canada, and it requires, for instance, certain physicochemical properties and safety tests¹. The European Biochar certificate (EBc) is a voluntary instrument defining e.g., quality and control of biochar in Europe while mandatory in Switzerland². At the national level, non-compulsory product standards for biochar can be found inter alia in Italy³. According to compost and the international RUSTICA partner country Colombia: specific norms are available for compost as an organic fertiliser. In the EU, the European Compost Network (ECN) has designed a European Quality Assurance Scheme (ECN-QAS) including requirements for national quality assurance organisations and a quality label⁴. At the national level, e.g., “KEURcompost” represents certified products in the Netherlands⁵ and the “RAL Gütezeichen Kompost” can be obtained in Germany⁶. Contemplating regional requirements, in Flanders “VLACO” defines not only statutory criteria for compost but also awards a label for certified compost indicating properties beyond of the legally defined minimum⁷. * www.wiedemann-gmbh.eu**wiedemann-gmbh@t-online.de [1] https://biochar-international.org/standard-certification-training/certification-program/ (24.06.2023) [2] https://www.european-biochar.org/en/home (24.06.2023) [3] https://ichar.org/ (24.06.2023) [4] https://www.compostnetwork.info/ecn-qas/quality-mark/ (24.06.2023) [5] https://bvor.nl/keurcompost/ (26.06.2023) [6] https://www.ral-guetezeichen.de/gz-einzelansicht/?gz=gz_25 1 (26.06.2023) [7] https://vlaco.be/onafhankelijke-certificering/het-vlaco-label (26.06.2023) Disclaimer:** The views presented in this publication **RUSTICA – Analysis of national and regional legislative frameworks **are solely an opinion of the author. The author and the RUSTICA consortium members do not accept any liability for direct or indirect consequences, losses or damages resulting from the use of this publication, *its content or parts of it. This document is exclusively prepared for general information purposes and represents in no kind a legal or any other advice. Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## New European project to develop innovative and sustainable strategies to create climate-resilient cereals URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/new-project-strategies-climate-resilient-cereals ### News | BOOSTER > # New European project to develop innovative and sustainable strategies to create climate-resilient cereals ## We are pleased to announce the signing of the European project “BOOSTER”, funded by the European Commission within the framework of the Horizon Europe programme. IDConsortium BOOSTER aims to improve drought tolerance in both maize and teff, while simultaneously exploring the potential for transferring species-specific drought responsive features. By exploiting natural genetic variations to achieve drought-tolerant genotypes, and by developing biostimulants derived from living organisms, BOOSTER will harness the natural resources available to develop new varieties of drought-tolerant agricultural crops.  Two synergistic strategies will be implemented to achieve this goal. Firstly, a new approach will identify genomic variants in regulatory regions functionally associated with drought tolerance. Novel regulatory elements underlying resilience will inform efficient breeding efforts to create new drought-tolerant cereal varieties. Secondly, novel molecular priming technologies from seaweed and microbial-based biostimulants will be developed as an eco-friendly approach for improving drought resilience.  The two strategies will be tested in two cereals with different degrees of responsiveness to drought: European maize and Ethiopian teff – a cereal with a high genetic similarity to the desiccation tolerant sister species *Eragrostis nindensis.* The BOOSTER consortium comprises a highly qualified team represented by European and international (USA, South Africa, Ethiopia) academics and industry to collectively ensure that the expected impacts are achieved in the near future. The project started on 1 May 2023 and has a duration of 48 months. The expected funding will amount to €4.9 million from the European Commission’s Horizon Europe framework programme. ### **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy founded in Seville in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and companies to internationalize and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortia to carry out different lines of research, development and innovation. To date, it has successfully managed 22 European and national projects, worth more than €88 million in public funding. Currently, more than 250 European and international partners are part of its network. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More news about BOOSTER: --- ## Exchanging thoughts on business model development for novel agri-food technologies URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/exchanging-thoughts-business-model-novel-agrifood-technologies ### NEWS | Rustica > # Exchanging thoughts on business model development for novel agri-food technologies ## Between the 8th and the 10th of May, the first RUSTICA cross-visit took place in Ghent, Belgium. This not only allowed regional stakeholders to learn more about the RUSTICA pilot plants, but it also provided an opportunity for the project partners to have some additional face-to-face meetings. IDConsortium Federica Cisilino from the Italian Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) visited the colleagues from the KU Leuven, Erika De Keyser and Tessa Avermaete, on Thursday the 11th and Friday the 12th of May. They managed to have some insightful discussions on the progress of our business model development work, and at the same time exchange thoughts on challenges to business model development for novel agri-food technologies. The visit of Federica also allowed to enhance collaboration with other projects. In this context, a meeting was set up with junior researcher and PhD student Lorenzo Giacomella, who is involved in the Food processing in a bOX (FOX) project. The FOX project stimulates short food supply chains for fruit and vegetables by applying innovative mild processing technologies in a mobile setting. The approach creates business opportunities for regional hubs and provides qualitative processed foods to be indulged by the local community. The project will have its final conference in September 2023. Both the FOX and the RUSTICA project aim at developing business models and robustness checks as well as technological developments. This exchange between researchers of different projects helps to share struggles, and identify opportunities to overcome them. And of course, the KU Leuven team also showed Federica some of the most beautiful spots in Leuven and took the time to enjoy a local beer and fine chocolates. ## More news about this project: --- ## Convocatoria de ayudas para la preparación y gestión de proyectos europeos y facilitar la atracción de talento internacional URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/convocatoria-ayudas-proyectos-europeos-atraccion-talento-internacional ### News | ID Consortium > # Convocatoria de ayudas para la preparación y gestión de proyectos europeos y facilitar la atracción de talento internacional ## La convocatoria estará abierta hasta el próximo 8 de Junio de 2023 y financiará actividades para atraer y retener talento internacional y actividades para facilitar la entrada en proyectos de Horizon Europe de entidades españolas. IDConsortium #### La convocatoria de ayudas para la preparación y gestión de proyectos europeos y facilitar la atracción de talento internacional, es una convocatoria abierta en el marco del Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica y Técnica y de Innovación 2021-2023 en España. Esta convocatoria forma parte del Programa Estatal para Afrontar las Prioridades de Nuestro Entorno y se enmarca en el Subprograma Estatal de Internacionalización. El objetivo de la convocatoria abierta es fortalecer las estructuras de las instituciones de investigación en España y proporcionarles los conocimientos necesarios para promover y gestionar proyectos europeos, mejorando así sus posibilidades de participación en el Programa Horizonte Europa. Además, busca facilitar la atracción de talento internacional al reforzar las estructuras administrativas de las instituciones de I+D y apoyar la integración de personal internacional. La convocatoria tiene un presupuesto de 11.900.000,00 €, del cual, se destinará un máximo de 8.900.000,00 € a la modalidad para la preparación y gestión de proyectos europeos y de 3.000.000,00 € a la modalidad para facilitar la atracción de talento internacional. Los beneficiarios elegibles incluyen organismos de investigación y difusión de conocimiento sin ánimo de lucro, universidades públicas y privadas, instituciones sanitarias, centros tecnológicos y otros centros públicos y privados de I+D+i. Las entidades deberán cumplir la definición y condiciones para ser organismos de investigación y difusión de conocimientos, de acuerdo con lo dispuesto en el anexo I de las bases reguladoras y deberán ser desarrolladas de forma individual, por un único beneficiario. El presupuesto será adecuado para las actividades planificadas. El órgano instructor determinará qué presupuesto es financiable. Las ayudas pueden cubrir hasta el cien por cien de los gastos directos relacionados con las tareas propuestas. Para las ayudas destinadas a la preparación y gestión de proyectos europeos, los límites máximos de financiación son los siguientes: - a) 500.000 euros para entidades que comprometan más de 20.000.000 de euros en retornos comunitarios. - b) 300.000 euros para entidades que comprometan más de 10.000.000 de euros y hasta 20.000.000 de euros. - c) 200.000 euros para entidades que comprometan más de 4.000.000 de euros y hasta 10.000.000 de euros. - d) 150.000 euros para entidades que comprometan hasta 4.000.000 de euros. En el caso de las ayudas para atraer talento internacional, el límite máximo de presupuesto financiable es de 150.000 euros. Con respecto a la subcontratación, está permitido subcontratar hasta el 60% del presupuesto elegible siempre y cuando no sean actividades esenciales relacionadas con la propia investigación. ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 25 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 92 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 350 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## Green Gas Mobility Summit abre las puertas de La Nave a Prodigio URL: https://idconsortium.com/press-releases/green-gas-mobility-summit-prodigio ### Press Releases | ID Consortium > # Green Gas Mobility Summit abre las puertas de La Nave a proyectos de innovación relacionados con la cadena de valor de los nuevos combustibles renovables y sintéticos, y Prodigio está entre ellos ## Green Gas Mobility Summit es el evento de referencia sobre transporte sostenible en la Península Ibérica. ### Madrid, mayo de 2023 IDConsortium ### Durante dos días, expertos de primer nivel analizarán el presente y el futuro de las soluciones tecnológicas que ya hay disponibles para alcanzar los objetivos climáticos y mejorar la calidad del aire, como el biometano, el gas sintético y el hidrógeno. #### Exposición de paneles de proyectos de innovación: Administraciones públicas, instituciones, centros de investigación, universidades, asociaciones, empresas y profesionales podrán presentar sus proyectos, de carácter público o privado y de ámbito nacional o internacional, que estén relacionados con la movilidad con combustibles gaseosos renovables y sintéticos. Los proyectos tendrán que estar en ejecución durante 2022 y/o 2023. En el congreso se entregará la 2ª Edición de los premios “Gasnam-Neutral Transport al Emprendimiento y la Innovación”. Estos galardones que buscan reconocer, apoyar y dar visibilidad a las startups y los proyectos innovadores con mayor potencial de crecimiento en la cadena de valor de los gases renovables, desde la producción y la distribución hasta el uso en el transporte. Se puede votar por Prodigio en el siguiente enlace: VOTA POR PRODIGIO ### Vota en los premios “Gasnam”: ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 22 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 88 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 250 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más notas de prensa y noticias sobre IDConsortium:​ --- ## 1st RUSTICA cross-visit held in Flanders URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/1st-rustica-crossvisit-flanders ### NEWS | Rustica > # 1st RUSTICA cross-visit held in Flanders ## During the last 2 years of the project the RUSTICA project will organise a series of cross visits open to regional stakeholders interested in learning more about RUSTICA and its pilots. IDConsortium The first cross-visit took place on the 8th and 9th of May 2023 in the Flanders region. A group of 20 stakeholders from other RUSTICA regions participated in a combined programme of workshops and different visits to RUSTICA locations such as the RUSTICA pilot plant in Flanders or relevant partner´s locations. ## More news about this project: --- ## What is biochar and what are the main parameters affecting its quality? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/biochar-main-parameters-quality ### NEWS | Rustica > # What is biochar and what are the main parameters affecting its quality? ## TNO is the partner responsible in RUSTICA project for producing biochar as a key building block for the production of a biobased fertilizer. In the following Dr. Rian Visser explains the main findings of her activities in the RUSTICA project. IDConsortium Within the H2020 project RUSTICA, a mixture of fertilizer building blocks is made from food waste streams aimed at replacing artificial fertilizers in the near future. TNO was concerned with the production of Biochar as one of the building blocks of the RUSTICA fertilizer mix. The other building blocks are shown in Figure 1. The biochar production process involves the heating of ligno-cellulosic bio-residues to temperatures in the range 350-650 °C, and for a period of 30 to 60 minutes. Heating is under oxygen-deficient concentrations in a gasification process. Approximately 20-30% of the bio-residue is maintained as a very porous, carbon-rich product that is defined as biochar. The gasses released form a burnable gas that can replace natural gas in bioenergy generation. In total 18 biochar were produced from 15 different bio-residue feedstock, to be used as light-weight and structural element in the fertilizer mix as well as a form of carbon sequestration due to its very high carbon stability. However, a large variation exists, based on the feedstock, concerning the potential fertilizer elements brought to the mixture. When biochar is aimed to be part of a fertilizer mixture, biochar quality and the leachable element concentrations must be known to avoid a high salinity. At the same time it can be seen that the desired volumes of biochar, necessary to replace artificial fertilizers, requires a more practical and general approach to the classification of every individual biochar. It is costly and impractical to categorize every feedstock source and biochar made from it separately. Availability over the seasons changes and the economic viability of a biochar installation depends on the amount of operating hours/year. From both literature and many years of experience in making biochar, I conclude that once the knowledge on how to make a good biochar is incorporated and set into the technological procedure, all emphasis shifts to the feedstock as the prime concern for quality. The 18 RUSTICA biochars were grouped based on the main elemental composition in three groups. These were1) the Woody biochars which consisted of biochars made from Apple clippings, Pear clippings, Almond tree clippings, Pistachios clippings, Olive tree clippings, Pinot and Cabernot Sauvignon wine clippings and Kiwi plant clippings; 2) Shells and husks which were made from Cocoa pods, Cocoa shells and Coconut husks and 3) the highly fertigated from fertigated crops which consisted of sweet pepper and egg-plant stems and leaves (residues after harvesting). Only for the highly fertigated feedstock, leaching tests are necessary to avoid high instant salinity in a fertilizer mixture. Based on these, it was concluded to only use 10% of the highly fertigated feedstock in a woody feedstock mix for plant trials. The variation in fertigating elements in the woody feedstock could be neglected and hence gives a high degree of freedom for bulk volumes and easier logistics. Dr. Rian Visser ## More news about this project: --- ## New RUSTICA scientific publication “A typology of sustainable circular business models with applications in the bioeconomy” URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-scientific-publication-sustainable-circular-business-models-bioeconomy ### NEWS | Rustica > # New RUSTICA scientific publication “A typology of sustainable circular business models with applications in the bioeconomy” ## The scientific publication developed by KU Leuven PhD student Erika De Keyser and Dr. Erik Mathijs presents an approach towards sustainable development through the development of circular business models that integrate environmental, social and economic dimensions. IDConsortium #### As an approach to sustainable development, circular business models are increasingly being developed. However, many circular business models focus on environmental or technological contributions to sustainability rather than considering all dimensions of sustainability simultaneously. Based on existing sustainable business model archetypes, a hierarchical business model typology is developed that allows a stepwise exploration of sustainable business model innovation opportunities incorporating an environmental, social and economic dimension. An analysis of business model components generates a closer look on the six newly defined Sustainable Circular Business Models. Finally, a conceptual application for organic waste valorization technologies, supported by examples from literature, allows a practical view on the implementation of the business models in the bio-economy. The typology offers a guide toward sustainable business model design or innovation opportunities centered around technologies creating value from waste. #### Access to this RUSTICA scientific publication: Erika De Keyser and Erik Mathijs Division of Bioeconomics, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences ## More news about this project: --- ## Rustica project meets german bioeconomy URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-project-german-bioeconomy ### NEWS | Rustica > # Rustica project meets german bioeconomy ## A broad spectrum of activities and progress of the Bioeconomy in Germany was presented by high-level experts on the seminar “Industrielle Bioeconomy”, thereby focusing on resource efficient production concepts which will not only be a competitive advantage but also a factor of reliable supply chains in the future. IDConsortium #### Poster Presentation to Industrielle Bioökonomie– Seminar at Chamber of Commerce and Industry The professional audience encompassing 30 participants from policy, science, industry and consultancy has been informed inter alia on the German Bioeconomy Council of the Federal Government, as well as bioeconomy in the context of circularity, energy demand and climate change. Furthermore, the bio-based and biodegradable packaging sector, the enormous potential of microalgae, and recent developments in urban and rural areas were highlighted by the speakers. Since the RUSTICA project is a model par excellence for closed nutrient cycles and the circular bioeconomy, a poster and leaflets were shown by partner WIEDEMANN GMBH on the event. Starting from leftovers of the agri-food chain, the project comprises research on a multitude of technologies and products to address optimal fertilisers and ideal soil composition. Moreover, the project will be validated on its potential to create regional value chains in the EU and worldwide. Adelheid Wiedemannwww.wiedemann-gmbh.eu ## More news about this project: --- ## IMDEA Energy is coordinating two new projects on the theme of anaerobic digestion URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/imdea-energy-two-new-projects-anaerobic-digestion ### NEWS | Prodigio > # IMDEA Energy is coordinating two new projects on the theme of anaerobic digestion ## RAVIOLIC & RESOPLA are projects in the frame of “Strategic projects oriented towards the digital and ecological transition”. IDConsortium The aim of RAVIOLIC (2022-2024) Project is to develop an efficient production of bioethanol through the anaerobic fermentation of organic wastes using an open-mixed culture. The project entitled RESOPLA (2022-2024) is aimed at producing lactic acid from organic wastes via a modified anaerobic digestion process. Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## Microbial indicators of anaerobic digestion failure upon organic loading rates disturbances URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/microbial-indicators-anaerobic-digestion-failure-organic-loading-rates-disturbances ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Microbial indicators of anaerobic digestion failure upon organic loading rates disturbances ## IMDEA Energy has participated in IWA-Young Waters Professionals Conference (Valencia, Spain) to present a poster with the main results found in the first experiments performed within Prodigio project. IDConsortium Authors: **Silvia Greses, Juline M Walter, Live H Hagen, Phillip B Pope, Elia Tomás-Pejó, Magnus Ø Arntzen and Cristina González-Fernández** Conference: **IWA-YWP2022  **|  Date: **16-19 November 2022** Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## University of Almeria is a partner in a new horizon europe project about microalgae URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/university-almeria-horizon-europe-project-microalgae ### NEWS | Prodigio > # University of Almeria is a partner in a new horizon europe project about microalgae ## The project is led by two companies such as Necton and Biorizon Biotech, with up to 12 partners participating in it. IDConsortium The University of Almeria is now involved in the REALM project (H2020 EU 101060991) focused on the reuse of nutrients and water from drainage water from agriculture activities, thus helping to mitigate contamination of water bodies and the impacts of conventional food production systems. The challenge is to install and demonstrate suitable technologies for this purpose at a scaleup of 1 ha in two different locations. Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## What is Algae Culture? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prodigio-algae-culture ### NEWS | Prodigio > # What is Algae Culture? ## Algae are a very diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that include microalgae and seaweeds (or macroalgae). As photosynthetic organisms, they use sunlight energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce biomass. IDConsortium #### Algae and their prokaryotic counterparts, cyanobacteria, are responsible for almost half of the global net primary production (the other half being accounted for by terrestrial plants), sustaining virtually all aquatic life and exerting a fundamental control on global climate through carbon sequestration into the deep ocean. They produce such a massive amount of organic matter despite representing only 1-2% of the planet’s total photosynthetic biomass, which highlights their extraordinary productivity. Microalgae and cyanobacteria are 3 to 4 times more efficient than terrestrial plants at converting sunlight energy into biomass and can achieve up to one order of magnitude higher biomass production yields (i.e. production of biomass per unit of area used for cultivation). Furthermore, they can grow in brackish, marine and sewage waters, which are not suitable for agriculture. In fact, because wastewater contains many of the essential nutrients that microalgae need to grow, the use of microalgae in wastewater treatment, while still under development, would improve the efficiency of the sanitation process by taking up inorganic nutrients and other contaminants from wastewater while providing a source of low-cost biomass. Microalgae cultivation (or algaeculture) is one of the most promising sources of biomass for the future. It is sustainable, does not compete for land with agricultural crops, and does not require freshwater resources. The outstanding yields of microalgae mean that, compared to terrestrial crops, we need much less cultivation area to obtain the same amount of biomass. Furthermore, their nutrient needs can be met through wastewater supplies or by recycling and re-circulating the nutrients making up their biomass. However, the large-scale implementation of algaeculture suffers from the same problems than conventional agriculture has faced for centuries. For a long time, agronomists and farmers have struggled to prevent the collapse of their crops, often ruined by pests and diseases. Decades of agricultural research have enabled the development of highly efficient crop protection measures that have given rise to previously unthinkable crop yields. For example, corn yield (i.e. corn production per unit of land used) has increased five-fold over the last eighty years thanks, among other things, to breakthroughs in pest management. Biological contamination is a widespread and recurrent threat to microalgae mass cultures, where virtually all of the biomass produced by microalgae can be consumed by parasites and predators in a matter of days. The expansion of algaeculture necessarily implies the development of pest prevention and mitigation measures that increase the yields of microalgae and the amount of harvestable biomass. However, these technologies are currently underdeveloped. Within the framework of the research project ‘Developing early warning systems for improved microalgae PROduction and anaerobic DIGgestiOn, PRODIGIO’, we aim to establish a base of knowledge for the development of a system failure prediction technology that increases the performance of microalgae production and biomass-to-biogas conversion systems. We envision that this technology will contribute to advance towards a more favourable techno-economic, environmental, and social performance to achieve a more sustainable source of biogas from microalgae biomass. **Just as agriculture represented a momentous change in the history of humanity and of our planet, the expansion of algaeculture is called to play a crucial role in the evolution of our society towards a more habitable future planet.** Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## Waste or Value? Transforming industrial waste into by-products URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/waste-value-transforming-industrial-waste-products ### NEWS | Rustica > # Waste or Value? Transforming industrial waste into by-products ## Seminar dedicated to companies to illustrate technically how to valorise industrial waste by transforming it into by-products. Conducted in hybrid mode in presence and online, with 190 participants. IDConsortium #### The circular economy teaches us that production waste can in many cases be a value for the company if it is sold as a by-product. However, companies often continue to consider them as waste: out of habit, because of difficulties in finding the technical and regulatory information, or because they cannot find ‘downstream’ companies interested in using those waste materials. The aim of this seminar, which is dedicated to companies and will be held in hybrid mode, is to explain technically how to valorise industrial waste, turning it into by-products. The regulatory requirements that companies must comply with in order to consider production waste a by-product will be analysed, and the necessary documentation that companies must comply with in order to comply with the conditions set out in Article 184-bis of Legislative Decree 152/2006 will be indicated. Special attention will also be paid to the issue of waste from the agro-food sector and how it can be used for the production of biogas and high quality bio-based fertilisers. Federica Cisilino, presented the RUSTICA Project. After introducing the project’s objectives and motivations, she focused on the two pillars that constitute its foundations: the development of innovative technologies for the transformation of residues into bio-based fertilisers and the analysis of market opportunities through circular business models. The multi-actor approach adopted, i.e. the involvement of stakeholders in the five Rustica regions as well as in workshops at international level, will contribute to the proposal of tailor-made solutions. The presentation then focused on what the opportunities might be for companies adopting environmentally friendly innovations such as bio-based fertilisers. The speech concluded with an invitation to participate in the next regional RUSTICA workshops to be held starting in June 2023. During the meeting, participants will have the opportunity to actively dialogue and discuss with the experts and present them with questions, specific requests, or testimonies. The event was organised by Area Science Park and Confindustria Alto Adriatico, as part of the Enterprise Europe Network project, in collaboration with the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. More information about this seminar and the Rustica presentation from Federica Cisilino, both in italian language. ## More news about this project: --- ## IDConsortium abre 2023 con BOOSTER URL: https://idconsortium.com/press-releases/idconsortium-booster-2023 ### Press Releases | ID Consortium > # IDConsortium abre 2023 con BOOSTER, un proyecto impulsor de estrategias innovadoras y sostenibles para crear cereales resistentes al clima y la sequía ## Un nuevo proyecto en el sector agrifood en Europa tras la experiencia con CHIC, Agremsoil y RUSTICA, que cerraron 2022 con grandes resultados. ### Madrid, febrero de 2023 IDConsortium **IDConsortium** participará activamente este año 2023 en el proyecto BOOSTER, una iniciativa sostenible e innovadora que busca crear cereales resistentes al clima y tolerantes a la sequía. El proyecto, que **recibirá 5 millones de euros de la Comisión Europea**, busca aprovechar los recursos naturales ya disponibles para dirigir nuestra agricultura hacia nuevas variedades resistentes a la sequía. Y lo que es más importante, los planteamientos y resultados son transferibles a otros cultivos. BOOSTER está integrado por** 10 socios europeos y africanos**. En este caso, IDConsortium gestionará la comunicación, diseminación y explotación de resultados; y tratará de llegar a diferentes tipos de audiencias como mujeres que se dediquen a la agricultura en África. **El objetivo final es el de producir mayores recursos de biomasa derivados del maíz y el tef en condiciones de sequía extrema, reduciendo las necesidades de riego**, y reforzando la competitividad de la industria agroalimentaria europea y africana, además de proporcionar ejemplos concretos para mejorar la concienciación pública sobre el uso sostenible de las tecnologías de base biológica ** #### *«Estamos muy agradecidos al consorcio de Booster y, sobre todo, al coordinador del proyecto, el centro de investigación italiano “Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria”, por confiar en IDConsortium para liderar la parte de comunicación, diseminación y explotación del proyecto. Estamos convencidos de que entre todos los socios conseguiremos aportar soluciones innovadoras a los retos que nos enfrentamos con el cambio climático además de generar una agricultura de vanguardia donde cualifiquen y formen a los agricultores para que estos busquen la mejora y la innovación constante» ***Macarena Sanz, directora de IDConsortium ### **El futuro pasa por una agricultura sostenible ** BOOSTER es un ejemplo más de los proyectos que se están desarrollando en Europa para apostar por nuevas técnicas en agricultura que produzcan alimentos seguros y más saludables y sostenibles con el medio ambiente. Otro ejemplo ha sido el desarrollo de **CHIC **en 2022, una iniciativa que evalúa el potencial de las nuevas técnicas genómicas (NGT) para cultivos infrautilizados y que, en este caso, ha utilizado la achicoria de raíz. Son numerosos los beneficios que se obtienen de este estudio y que implican a los **consumidores** (salud), los **productores de ingrediente** (procesamiento más eficaz), **agricultores **(flexibilidad en la campaña de recolección y diversificación agrícola), **criadores **(protocolos de edición del genoma como herramienta de mejora de la achicoria de raíz y la secuencia completa del genoma como base de referencia), **medio ambiente** (reducción de gases de efecto invernadero y uso eficiente de las tierras) y **economía** (valor añadido UE y su liderazgo en la producción de achicoria de raíz, así como más empleo). **IDConsortium ha liderado las actividades de Comunicación, Difusión y Explotación en CHIC** con el objetivo de llegar a la sociedad y enseñar que existen nuevas técnicas de edición genética en agricultura y que aportan múltiples beneficios. Con las conclusiones obtenidas se ha realizado un** informe IP Landscape report** donde se refleja una visión general de las tendencias de innovación analizadas para tomar decisiones estratégicas sobre inversiones, direcciones de investigación y desarrollo (I+D) y sobre la libertad de intervenir en la introducción de nuevos productos en la industria. Pero no solo aportan beneficios los productos recién cultivados, los desechos orgánicos también pueden ser útiles. Así lo refleja **RUSTICA**, proyecto que desarrolla una solución técnica para **convertir los residuos orgánicos del sector hortofrutícola en novedosos productos fertilizantes de base biológica** para, así, dejar a un lado los fertilizantes sintéticos y utilizar los naturales. Ya se han hecho realidad varios hitos desde el punto de vista tecnológico y se han realizado pruebas con los seis componentes básicos del fertilizante circular de base biológica. En la parte no técnica también hay grandes progresos con, por ejemplo, la publicación de un informe sobre el marco legislativo de la Unión Europea, además de un esbozo de modelo de negocios preliminares y potenciales, entre otros. En este caso, **IDConsortium** trabaja en la gestión de la propiedad industrial y en los resultados del proyecto, entre otros aspectos. IDConsortium apuesta en todas estas iniciativas por promover la innovación y sostenibilidad a nivel internacional, pero también nacional y regional. Un ejemplo es el proyecto **European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH)** de la Comunidad de Madrid, centrado para ser un referente en la mejora de la digitalización tanto del sector público como de pequeñas y medianas empresas ubicadas en Madrid; además de ser un punto de encuentro entre personas, profesionales, centros de negocio y de I+D donde fomentar las iniciativas y proyectos de innovación, e impulsarlos mediante talleres, charlas o laboratorios. ### Impacto en medios: ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 22 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 88 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 250 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más notas de prensa y noticias sobre IDConsortium:​ --- ## Farming in Flanders: Does size matter? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/farming-flanders-does-size-matter ### NEWS | Rustica > # Farming in Flanders: Does size matter? ## University Press Leuven kicked off the year with the publication of a book on the future of farming in Flanders. As all across Europe and beyond Europe’s borders, there are lively debates in Flanders on how to move towards more sustainable farming systems. IDConsortium #### The book bundles various opinions and aims at facilitating a constructive dialogue. In this sense, the co-authors of the book strive for moving against the stream of polarization in the debate on sustainable farming. Tessa Avermaete contributed to a chapter on farm size. The key question is whether large and efficient farms are the solution or the demise for farming in Flanders. The author emphasizes the need for nuance when debating farm size, arguing that farm size is a vague concept. Moreover, the author pleas for taking the ultimate goals of our food system as a point of departure in the food and farming debate. “We want a system that produces healthy food for all – today and for future generation – and we want farmers that take care of the environment and yet, are flexible and innovative enough to deal with shocks and stresses of the system”. The author is manager of two European projects, COCOREADO and RUSTICA, that both try to contribute to making Europe’s food system more sustainable. For both projects, farmers are key stakeholders, no matter what the size of their farm is. The book is available for free on the website of University Press. A Dutch press release can be found on the website of VILT. ## More news about this project: --- ## IDConsortium participa en un programa de la Comisión Europea para analizar las capacidades y fortalezas de las economías de los Balcanes en el sector agrícola URL: https://idconsortium.com/press-releases/idconsortium-comision-europea-capacidades-fortalezas-economias-balcanes-sector-agricola ### Press Releases | ID Consortium > # IDConsortium participa en un programa de la Comisión Europea para analizar las capacidades y fortalezas de las economías de los Balcanes en el sector agrícola ## La empresa aportará su amplia experiencia y know how en el sector agrifood. ### Madrid, diciembre de 2022 IDConsortium ** #### *«En los Balcanes hay un gran potencial de innovación y mejora de la competitividad en el sector de agricultura y alimentación» ***Macarena Sanz, directora de IDConsortium **IDConsortium** es una de las empresas participantes en el proyecto que la Comisión Europea ha puesto en marcha para analizar y apoyar las capacidades de** gestión estratégica de las economías de los Balcanes Occidentales **en relación con el desarrollo de estrategias de especialización inteligente en el **sector agroalimentario**. El programa de investigación está integrado por un **grupo de expertos de diferentes países** que trabajarán para proporcionar a estas economías orientación, apoyo metodológico y desarrollo de capacidades para la especialización inteligente. A partir de aquí, propondrán **acciones para mejorar el potencial agroalimentario regional en el ámbito mundial**. Para el desarrollo del proyecto, el grupo de expertos trabajará en estrecha colaboración con la Comisión Europea. ### **Oportunidades para la región ** IDConsortium formará parte de este grupo de expertos para aportar su experiencia y *know how* en el sector agrifood. Junto al resto de colaboradores realizarán, inicialmente, un análisis de los datos disponibles relativos a las cadenas de valor y a la economía; así como al potencial científico, de innovación y las capacidades de investigación e innovación de las economías de los Balcanes Occidentales. A partir de aquí, se propondrán una serie de recomendaciones con el fin de mejorar el potencial agroalimentario de la zona. En opinión de **Macarena Sanz**, **fundadora y directora de IDConsortium,** “en los Balcanes Occidentales (Serbia, Bosnia y Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia del Norte, Albania y Kosovo) hay un gran potencial de innovación y mejora de la competitividad en el sector de agricultura y alimentación. Debemos involucrar a las entidades de la academia e industria de estos países en nuestros proyectos, ya que tienen conocimiento y medios para traer valor y conocimiento a la industria europea. Así mismo es importante concienciar a las autoridades públicas locales para que fomenten la innovación en este sector, pues aún hay mucho por recorrer”. Para **Irma Burzic, experta en la economía de los Balcanes**, la región de los Balcanes Occidentales está lejos de ser homogénea, ya que “las estructuras de las economías de Albania, Bosnia y Herzegovina, Kosovo, la República de Macedonia del Norte, Montenegro y Serbia difieren sustancialmente”. Sin embargo, continúa Burzic, “existen ciertas áreas prioritarias, que parecen ser comunes para la región y que pueden estimular la cooperación internacional e interregional. El **sector agroalimentario es un área prioritaria en la estructura económica y social y desempeña un papel importante en la estabilidad de los flujos económicos generales en los Balcanes Occidentales**. La transformación exitosa de la agricultura puede desencadenar el crecimiento económico dentro y fuera de la agricultura, crear empleos, aumentar los ingresos y mejorar la vida de las personas en las zonas rurales de toda la región”. En el desarrollo del programa de investigación, el grupo de expertos tendrá en cuenta, tanto la segmentación sectorial (producción de productos lácteos, frutas y hortalizas, acuicultura y pesca, entre otros) como vertical (producción primaria, logística, procesamiento y distribución al consumidor final) del área agroalimentaria, a la hora de analizar y sacar conclusiones. Además, **identificarán las oportunidades de financiación existentes y futuras de fuentes nacionales e internacionales para avanzar en la competitividad **de los actores agroalimentarios y utilizar el potencial de colaboración en la región en actividades de investigación e innovación. ### Impacto en medios: ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 22 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 88 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 250 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más notas de prensa y noticias sobre IDConsortium:​ --- ## IDConsortium en el EIT Digital Innovation Day 2022 (Madrid) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/idconsortium-eit-digital-innovation-day-2022-madrid ### News | ID Consortium > # IDConsortium en el EIT Digital Innovation Day 2022 (Madrid) ## IDConsortium tiene el placer de participar en el EIT Innovation Day impartiendo una jornada sobre Next Generation Funds. IDConsortium La jornada se enfocara en convocatorias previstas para los próximos meses sobre todo para universidades y centros de investigacion. Al finalizar la jornada tendremos la oportunidad de resolver todas las dudas que podáis tener y ademas conocer a socios potenciales para proyectos de innovación. ### Más información ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 22 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 88 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 250 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## Más noticias sobre IDConsortium: --- ## IDConsortium coordinará el área de movilidad del proyecto European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) de la Comunidad de Madrid URL: https://idconsortium.com/press-releases/area-movilidad-proyecto-european-digital-innovation-hub-edih-comunidad-madrid ### Press Releases | ID Consortium > # IDConsortium coordinará el área de movilidad del proyecto European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) de la Comunidad de Madrid ## EDIH MADRID REGIÓN nace con el objetivo de ser el centro de referencia para mejorar la digitalización tanto del sector público como de las pequeñas y medianas empresas de la Región. ### Madrid, noviembre de 2022 IDConsortium **IDConsortium **coordinará uno de los 7 paquetes de trabajo, en concreto el relativo al **área de movilidad**, dentro proyecto** European Digital Innovation Hub **(EDIH) de la Comunidad de Madrid; la empresa liderará el equipo de seis socios integrado por Fundación Madrid I+D, Connected mobility hub, Fundación Ciudad de Alcobendas, EIT Digital, Hewlett Packard España y la Universidad Carlos III. La misión de las EDIHs es ser un punto de encuentro entre las personas, profesionales, centros de negocio y de I+D, para conseguir fomentar iniciativas y proyectos de innovación e impulsarlos en su avance a través de charlas, talleres o laboratorios de innovación. El consorcio prestará servicios de “testeo antes de invertir”, evaluación de la madurez digital, servicios de integración, **adaptación de tecnologías digitales a determinados retos del sector,** experimentación y testeo de tecnologías digitales y **servicios de IP y transferencia tecnológica**; servicios de formación avanzada o básica de **digitalización en el sector de movilidad**; y servicios de gestión de la financiación para proyectos de digitalización en el sector de la movilidad. Incluirán desde servicios de formación y asesoramiento a escritura de propuestas para programas Europeos como Horizonte Europa. En opinión de **Macarena Sanz**, **fundadora y directora de IDConsortium,** “los socios integrantes del grupo de trabajo disponen de un profundo conocimiento de las necesidades de las entidades a las que van dirigidos los servicios que se van a prestar y cuentan con amplia experiencia en el desarrollo de soluciones basadas en tecnologías digitales clave del programa Europa Digital”; Sanz, junto a otros dos profesionales de IDConsortium, Jesús Izquierdo Rivera y Andrea Mari Sanchis, responsables de proyectos nacionales y de proyectos europeos, respectivamente, prestarán apoyo al proyecto y resto del equipo. ## **En línea con las políticas europeas** Este grupo de trabajo forma parte del proyecto EDIH Región de Madrid, que nace con el objetivo de ser el centro de referencia para mejorar la digitalización tanto del sector público como de las pequeñas y medianas empresas de la Comunidad de Madrid. El proyecto está financiado por el programa marco de la Comisión Europea Horizonte Europa e **integrado por 11 socios **(la propia Comunidad de Madrid, la Asociación de Empresarios del Henares, Hewlett- Packard España, la Asociación HUB Movilidad Conectadas, la Entidad de Gestión de Derechos de los Productores Audiovisuales (EGEDA), la Fundación para el Conocimiento Madri+d, la Fundación Ciudad de Alcobendas, la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, la Asociación de Empresarios del Comercio e Industria del Metal de Madrid, EIT Digital e IDConsortium S.L.). **Recibirá casi 3 millones de euros** por un periodo de tres años para poner en marcha iniciativas de vanguardia dentro de esta red de centros de apoyo a las pymes. En base a los sectores clave identificados en la estrategia de especialización, las políticas regionales en diversas áreas, las prioridades del programa Europa Digital y la experiencia de los socios del consorcio se ha decidido priorizar los siguientes sectores: Pymes en la Industria 4.0; Administración pública regional y municipal; y movilidad, que es el grupo de trabajo que coordina IDConsortium. ### Media impacts ### **Sobre IDConsortium** IDConsortium es una consultora fundada en Sevilla en 2009 con el objetivo de ayudar a investigadores y empresas a internacionalizar y mostrar su Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) mediante la unión de consorcios internacionales para llevar a cabo diferentes líneas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación. Hasta la fecha, ha gestionado de forma exitosa 22 proyectos europeos y nacionales, por valor de más de 88 millones de financiación pública. Actualmente, más de 250 socios europeos e internacionales forman parte de su red. Macarena Sanz press@idconsortium.eu ## More press releases and news about this company: --- ## “Patents for Innovation” International Summit & Expo (P4I 2022) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/patents-for-innovation-international-summit-expo-p4i-2022 ### NEWS | IDConsortium > # “Patents for Innovation”International Summit & Expo (P4I 2022) ## P4I 2022 is born as a forum for technological innovation and also as a patent fair, thus allowing the creation of a market for the transfer of research results and the purchase and sale of scientific patents. IDConsortium #### Macarena Sanz, responsable de IDConsortium, participará como moderadora en el espacio abierto de K·node, dentro de la P4i Expo & Summit. Formará parte de la mesa redonda «Oportunidades de colaboración Empresa-Investigación» con representantes de diferentes sectores del ecosistema, que compartirán las claves y tendencias para la colaboración entre el ámbito empresarial e industrial con la investigación. 27 de octubre de 2022 A partir de las 14:30h La Nave Calle Cifuentes, 528021 Madrid (España) ## More news about our company: --- ## Proyectos de I+D+I en líneas estratégicas (Agencia Estatal de Investigación) URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/proyectos-idi-lineas-estrategicas-aei ### CONVOCATORIA | Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación de España # La Agencia Estatal de Investigación publica la convocatoria del año 2022 de ayudas públicas a Proyectos de I+D+i en líneas estratégicas ## El objetivo de la convocatoria Proyectos de I+D+i en líneas estratégicas es apoyar a proyectos de investigación industrial realizados en cooperación entre empresas y agentes de I+D tanto públicos como privados. IDConsortium** Las ayudas objeto de estas bases están destinadas a financiar proyectos de investigación industrial en colaboración entre empresas y organismos de investigación con la finalidad de dar respuesta a los desafíos identificados en las prioridades temáticas (topics), que se determinen en las convocatorias, y en los que se valore el solapamiento entre disciplinas a nivel metodológico, conceptual o teórico. Se pretende dar impulso a los avances en el campo de aplicación al que se dirigen los proyectos, tanto en el ámbito científico como en el desarrollo tecnológico y la innovación. Asimismo, las ayudas fomentarán la generación de conocimiento científico y tecnológico de calidad a través de la financiación de proyectos de investigación orientados a los desafíos de nuestra sociedad contribuyendo al cumplimiento del objetivo específico 4 (OE4: Potenciar la generación de conocimiento científico-técnico de calidad a través de la financiación tanto de proyectos de investigación no orientados que avancen la frontera de conocimiento como proyectos orientados a los desafíos de nuestra sociedad) del Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica, Técnica y de Innovación para el período 2021-2023. 14 de junio de 2022 5 de julio de 2022a las 14:00 horas (hora peninsular española) Financiadas por el Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia de la Unión Europea. 1. Desarrollo de nuevas estrategias para hacer frente a la resistencia antibiótica. 2. Nanomateriales para aplicaciones tecnológicas y biomédicas. 3. Métodos físicos seguros para diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades. 4. Nuevos enfoques para comprender los mecanismos y establecer nuevas estrategias para la inmunoterapia del cáncer de tumores sólidos. 5. Gerociencia y geroterapéutica; bases moleculares del envejecimiento saludable y prevención de las enfermedades del envejecimiento. 6. Cuidados de largo plazo: mejoras en información, conocimiento y mecanismos de provisión. 7. Promoción del bienestar individual y social a través de nuevas tecnologías y enfoques analíticos. 8. Privacidad en línea, discriminación de precios y revelación de información por parte de los consumidores. 9. Predicción de catástrofes naturales. 10. Captura, almacenamiento y valorización de CO2. 11. Reducir el consumo futuro de energía y las emisiones de GEI en la industria. 12. Nuevos métodos de almacenamiento, transporte y transmisión de energía para sistemas autónomos. 13. Mejora de la sostenibilidad agrícola a escala territorial basada en los principios agroecológicos y en laboratorios vivientes. 14. Desarrollo e integración de aplicaciones fotovoltaicas: agrovoltaica y solar flotante. 15. Desarrollo de nuevos métodos alternativos para reducir la experimentación animal. 16. Desarrollo de tecnologías habilitadoras para la industria 4.0: procesos de fabricación avanzada. 17. Transición digital en el sector agroalimentario. 18. Enseñanza y cultura del español y lenguas cooficiales. a) Organismos públicos de investigación b) Universidades públicas y sus institutos universitarios, c) Institutos de investigación sanitaria acreditados: institutos de investigación biomédica o sanitaria y normas complementarias. d) Otros centros públicos de I+D+i, con personalidad jurídica propia, que en sus estatutos o en la normativa que los regule o en su objeto social tengan la I+D+i como actividad principal. e) Centros Tecnológicos de ámbito estatal y Centros de Apoyo a la Innovación Tecnológica de ámbito estatal f) Universidades privadas con capacidad y actividad demostrada en I+D+i. g) Centros privados de I+D+i, con personalidad jurídica propia y sin ánimo de lucro que tengan definida en sus estatutos o en la normativa que los regule o en su objeto social a la I+D+i como actividad principal. h) Empresas, entendiendo como tales a toda sociedad mercantil, independientemente de su forma jurídica, que de forma habitual ejerza una actividad económica dirigida al mercado. i) Asociaciones empresariales sectoriales. – Subvención en concurrencia competitiva – El presupuesto mínimo **del proyecto será de **400.000 euros **y **máximo de 2.000.000 de euros.** – Los proyectos tendrán una **duración de tres años **y comenzarán su ejecución en la fecha indicada en la solicitud. – Empresas **sector privado ayuda en forma de préstamo **máx 95% de los costes — Tipo de interés: Para el cálculo del tipo de interés al que se concede el préstamo se utilizará como referencia el euríbor a un año publicado por el Banco de España el mismo día del mes anterior al de publicación de la convocatoria, o en su caso el primer día siguiente hábil. Si éste fuera negativo, el interés aplicable será el 0  %. — Plazo fijo de carencia: Tres años. — Plazo máximo de devolución: Siete años. — Plazo máximo de amortización: Diez años. – Empresas del sector público ayuda máxima 65% **Intensidad de las ayudas:** a) Ayuda 65% para grandes empresas b) Ayuda 75% para empresas medianas c) Ayuda 80% para pequeñas empresas **Limites:** Una empresa <= 70% subvención Participación >=  10% presupuesto Al menos una pyme Al menos un organismo de investigación  - Costes de personal - Costes de adquisición y amortización de activos materiales, como instrumental, equipamiento científico-técnico e informático y otros elementos necesarios para la actuación. - Costes de adquisición de material fungible, suministros y productos similares. - El gasto derivado del informe realizado por un auditor de cuentas (max 2.500€) - Costes de patentes - Costes consultoría de gestión de proyectos <=20.000€ - Contratos y asistencia técnicas - Costes de movilidad - Costes indirectos 15% gastos directos. --- ## The algae-eating microbiome that lives inside an anaerobic reactor URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/algae-eating-microbiome-lives-inside-anaerobic-reactor ### NEWS | Prodigio > # The algae-eating microbiome that lives inside an anaerobic reactor ## The world is in desperate need of energy sources beyond today’s fossil fuels. In one of the more promising renewable energy systems, oxygen-free, or so-called anaerobic reactors are used to produce biogas, which can be utilized as bio-based fuel. IDConsortium #### The key component of such reactors is the microbiome – a community of microorganisms that live and work together. They break down organic matter such as algae into a variety of smaller compounds including fatty acids, proteins and lipids, and further convert these degraded products to methane and carbon dioxide. * Fig. Anaerobic reactors fed with microalgal biomass (Scenedesmus sp.)* Despite their potential, anaerobic reactors often undergo process instability over time, making the system vulnerable to outside perturbations, and with potentially huge economic consequences for large-scale industrial production. Thus, optimal performance of the anaerobic reactor needs to be ensured through failure prediction of the system, and we will address this utilizing sophisticated mathematical modelling and strict monitoring of the microbiome and its function over time, and through perturbations. * Fig. Mathematical modelling to detect reactor failure* NMBU’s core expertise is analyzing microbiomes, detecting what types of microorganisms are present and how they collectively work together to drive the necessary metabolic processes, within the reactor. By analyzing the molecules that constitute microorganisms, such as their DNA and proteins, we can determine which microbes that are involved in all the major metabolisms, including fermentation, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis. To accomplish this task, we are using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment, including both DNA sequencers and a recently acquired super-sensitive mass spectrometer (http://www.napi.no/) for analyzing microbial proteins. * Fig. Mass spectrometry and DNA prep* The technology, otherwise known as multi-omics, combines both metagenomics and metaproteomics, and is a fascinating way to draw a comprehensive picture of how the microbiome eats algae and produces methane. The knowledge generated will be sufficient to detect a pre-failure state and would facilitate the development of full-scale anaerobic reactor systems capable of coping with real-life perturbations and producing a stable biogas flow. **NMBU Team****1****:** JM Walter, LH Hagen, PB Pope, MØ Arntzen 1*Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway* **Acknowledgement:*** This work has been funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101007006 (PRODIGIO project). JMW acknowledges funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101007006 (PRODIGIO project).* Magnus Arntzen NORGES MILJO-OG BIOVITENSKAPLIGE UNIVERSITET ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/life # LIFE Programme 2021–2027 ## The LIFE Programme is the European Union’s flagship funding instrument dedicated exclusively to environment, climate action, and the clean energy transition. IDConsortium ## What is LIFE? Since its launch in 1992, it has supported thousands of innovative projects delivering high environmental and climate impact across Europe. For the 2021–2027 period, LIFE has a total budget of approximately €5.4 billion, reinforcing its role in supporting the European Green Deal and sustainability objectives. ### Key Objectives The programme aims to: • Support the transition to a circular, resource-efficient, and climate-neutral economy**• Protect, restore, and improve the environment• Contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation• Halt and reverse biodiversity loss ### Sub-programmes LIFE is structured into four sub-programmes: The aim of the subprogram “Nature and biodiversity“** is to protect species and their habitats by expanding, nurturing and preserving nature for a sustainable and balanced future. The focus of the subprogram **“Circular economy and quality of life” **is on waste as a resource that needs proper management to provide for crucial raw materials and safe environment. Specific topics include air, water, soil, noise, chemicals and the new European Bauhaus. In subprogram “**Climate change mitigation and adaptation” **particular attention is given to ozone-depletion, carbon sinks, nature-based solutions in the management of land, coasts and marine areas by predicting, preventing and mitigating the climate change effects. It also includes adapting cities and regions for extreme weather events. The subprogram **“Clean energy transition” **is dedicated to energy efficiency and renewables with the aim to ease the transition towards an energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and resilient economy. A specific goal is to remove the market barriers that can hamper the socio-economic transition to sustainable energy. ### Types of Projects and Funding LIFE supports: • Pilot, demonstration, and best practice projects**• Strategic integrated and nature projects• Coordination and support actions• Governance and awareness-raising projects Funding typically covers between 60% and 95% of eligible project costs, depending on the type of action. ### Who Can Apply Eligible applicants include: • Companies and SMEs• Public authorities• Universities and research centres• NGOs and non-profit organisations Approximately €5.4 billion** At **IDConsortium**, we provide end-to-end support to organisations applying for the LIFE Programme, ensuring high-quality, competitive proposals aligned with EU priorities. Our services include: - Identification of funding opportunities and project positioning - Consortium building and partner search - Proposal writing and technical development - Impact definition, KPIs, and exploitation strategies - Budget preparation and administrative support - Review and quality assurance prior to submission With extensive experience in EU-funded projects, we help maximise success rates and ensure alignment with LIFE evaluation criteria. Contact us at: 📩 info@idconsortium.es ### Our recommendations in EU project management and public fund raising: ## Latest news & calls related to this programme: --- ## 30 years of bringing green ideas to LIFE URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/30-years-bringing-green-ideas-life ### News | ID Consortium > # 30 years of bringing green ideas to LIFE ## The LIFE program is the EU’s financial instrument supporting the EU’s Green Deal’s objectives through policy driven actions related to environmental, nature conservation and climate projects. IDConsortium #### Since 1992 LIFE funded more than five thousand projects supporting Nature conservation, Circular Economy and Clean Energy future. The LIFE programme 2021-2027 has a budget of **€5.4 billion** and is divided into four subprogrammes as follows: - Nature and biodiversity - Circular economy and quality of life - Climate change mitigation and adaptation - Clean energy transition  The aim of the subprogram **“Nature and biodiversity“** is to protect species and their habitats by expanding, nurturing and preserving nature for a sustainable and balanced future. The focus of the subprogram **“Circular economy and quality of life” **is on waste as a resource that needs proper management to provide for crucial raw materials and safe environment. Specific topics include air, water, soil, noise, chemicals and the new European Bauhaus. In subprogram “**Climate change mitigation and adaptation” **particular attention is given to ozone-depletion, carbon sinks, nature-based solutions in the management of land, coasts and marine areas by predicting, preventing and mitigating the climate change effects. It also includes adapting cities and regions for extreme weather events. The subprogram **“Clean energy transition” **is dedicated to energy efficiency and renewables with the aim to ease the transition towards an energy-efficient, renewable energy-based, climate-neutral and resilient economy. A specific goal is to remove the market barriers that can hamper the socio-economic transition to sustainable energy. The LIFE Calls for proposals for this year have been launched on 17 May 2022 offering the following types of grants: - **Standard Action Projects (SAP).** Projects, other than strategic integrated projects, strategic nature projects or technical assistance projects, that pursue the specific objectives of the LIFE program. - **Strategic Nature Projects (SNAP).** Projects that support the achievement of Union nature and biodiversity objectives by implementing coherent programs of action in Member States in order to mainstream those objectives and priorities into other policies and financing instruments, including through coordinated implementation of the prioritized action frameworks adopted pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC. - **Strategic Integrated Projects (SIP).** Projects that implement, on a regional, multi-regional, national or transnational scale, environmental or climate strategies or action plans developed by Member States’ authorities and required by specific environmental, climate or relevant energy legislation or policy of the Union, while ensuring that stakeholders are involved and promoting coordination with and mobilization of at least one other Union, national or private funding source. - **Technical Assistance Projects (TA).** Projects that support the development of capacity for participation in standard action projects, the preparation of strategic nature projects and strategic integrated projects, the preparation for accessing other Union financial instruments or other measures necessary for preparing the upscaling or replication of results from other projects funded by the LIFE program, its predecessor programs or other Union programs, with a view to pursuing the LIFE program objectives set out in Article 3; such projects can also include capacity-building related to the activities of Member States’ authorities for effective participation in the LIFE program. - **Other Action Grants (OAG).** Actions needed for the purpose of achieving the general objective of the LIFE program, including coordination and support actions aimed at capacity-building, at dissemination of information and of knowledge, and at awareness-raising to support the transition to renewable energy and increased energy efficiency. - **Operating Grants (OG).** Grants that support the functioning of non-profit making entities which are involved in the development, implementation and enforcement of Union legislation and policy, and which are primarily active in the area of the environment or climate action, including energy transition, in line with the objectives of the LIFE program. The level of EU funding for most subprograms is 60% and follows a unique phase, with the exception of the Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) and the Strategic Nature Projects (SNAPs), which are maintained with the habitual procedure of the two phases. - Standard Action Projects (SAPs) for circular economy and quality of life, nature and biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation sub-programmes: **4 October 2022 ** - LIFE Action Grants for clean energy transition sub-programme: **16 November 2022********** - Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) and Strategic Nature Projects (SNAPs): Concept notes: **8 September 2022** - Full proposals: **30 March 2023** - Technical Assistance preparation for SIPs and SNAPs: **8 September 2022** - Specific Operating Grant Agreements (SGA OG) for non-profit making entities: **21 September 2022** ## More news about this company: --- ## Convocatoria NEOTEC 2022 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/convocatoria-neotec-2022 ### NEWS | NEOTEC > # Convocatoria NEOTEC 2022 ## El día 20 de Mayo se abrió la convocatoria NEOTEC 2022, donde se financia la puesta en marcha de nuevos proyectos empresariales desarrollados por pequeñas empresas innovadoras, que requieran el uso de tecnologías o conocimientos desarrollados a partir de la actividad investigadora y en los que la estrategia de negocio se base en el desarrollo de tecnología. IDConsortium #### Los proyectos se deben caracterizar por:   - Se prima la incorporación de personas con grado de doctor a la empresa para reforzar sus capacidades de absorción y generación de conocimiento.   - Las ayudas podrán destinarse a proyectos empresariales en cualquier ámbito tecnológico y/o sectorial. Sin embargo, no se adecúan a esta convocatoria los modelos de negocio que se basen principalmente en servicios a terceros, sin desarrollo de tecnología propia.   - Tampoco serán objeto de ayuda aquellas iniciativas que no reflejen claramente en su plan de empresa la continuidad en el desarrollo de tecnología ni las que, directa o indirectamente, ocasionen un perjuicio significativo al medio ambiente o tengan relación con combustibles fósiles (salvo las excepciones especificadas en la convocatoria).   - Se financiarán los costes derivados de la puesta en marcha de un nuevo proyecto empresarial de empresas innovadoras, siempre que estén incluidos en el plan de empresa y sean necesarios para el desarrollo del mismo.   - Las actuaciones deberán respetar el principio de no causar un perjuicio significativo al medioambiente (principio DNSH) lo que comporta el cumplimiento de condiciones específicas. - Inversiones en equipos, - Gastos de personal, - Materiales, - Colaboraciones externas / asesoría, - Otros costes: alquileres, suministros, cánones y licencias, gastos de solicitud y mantenimiento de patentes y otros derechos de propiedad industrial, seguros y gastos derivados del informe de auditor. Estos últimos tendrán un límite máximo de 2.000 euros por beneficiario y anualidad. - En esta convocatoria también serán subvencionables los gastos de promoción y difusión, así como los gastos de formación, previstos en el Anexo II. a) No estar cotizadas en una bolsa de valores, excepto las plataformas de negociación alternativa. b) Estar constituidas como máximo en los tres años anteriores a la fecha de cierre del plazo de presentación de solicitudes de ayuda a la presente convocatoria, a contar desde la fecha de otorgamiento de la escritura de constitución de la empresa. Asimismo, la fecha de otorgamiento de la escritura de constitución de la empresa deberá ser al menos seis meses antes de la fecha de cierre del plazo de presentación de solicitudes de ayuda. En el caso de empresas subvencionables que no estén obligadas a registrarse, podrá considerarse que el período de tres años empieza a contar desde el momento en que la empresa inicie su actividad económica o desde el que esté sujeta a impuestos por su actividad económica. c) No haber distribuido beneficios. d) No haberse hecho cargo de la actividad de otra empresa ni haber surgido de una operación de concentración, según definición del artículo 7 de la Ley 15/2007, de 3 de julio, de Defensa de la Competencia. No obstante, las empresas formadas mediante concentración de empresas que a su vez cumplan los requisitos para optar a las ayudas, también se considerarán empresas subvencionables hasta un máximo de 3 años a partir de la fecha de registro de la empresa más antigua que participe en la concentración. e) Contar con un capital social mínimo, o capital social más prima de emisión o asunción, de 20.000 euros, desembolsado íntegramente, e inscrito totalmente en el registro correspondiente antes de la presentación de la solicitud. A estos efectos, se atenderá exclusivamente a la fecha del asiento de inscripción registral, de forma que no se tendrá en cuenta, en ningún caso, la fecha del asiento de presentación. En los casos en que esta inscripción se publicite en el Boletín Oficial del Registro Mercantil o diario oficial correspondiente, se atenderá a la fecha de inscripción que figure en estos diarios. f) Hallarse al corriente en el cumplimiento de las obligaciones de depósito de cuentas anuales, tanto individuales como consolidadas, en su caso, en el Registro Mercantil o registro oficial correspondiente. #### IDCONSORTIUM organizará un webinar el próximo viernes 10 de Junio de 2022 de 10:00h a 11:00h. Si estas interesado en asistir regístrate en el siguiente formulario: Cargando… ### Presencial Edificio VICAM Parc. ET-8 Complejo QuitapesaresCtr. CL-601 km,7, 40194 Palazuelos de Eresma (Segovia) ### Online 20 de mayo de 2022 5 de julio de 2022, a las 12:00h Los proyectos deberán iniciarse a partir del 1 de enero de 2023, y podrán finalizar el 31 de diciembre de 2023, en el caso de un año de duración; o bien el 31 de diciembre de 2024, si el proyecto tiene una duración de dos años. ## Más noticias de ID Consortium: --- ## Empirical dynamic modeling for mechanistic understanding and prediction of bioreactors URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/empirical-dynamic-modeling-mechanistic-prediction-bioreactors ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Empirical dynamic modeling for mechanistic understanding and prediction of bioreactors ## The overall goal of WP3 is to analyse the mechanisms underlying the productivity decreases in microalgal PBRs, identify early warning signals and evaluate, from the whole set of identified signals, those that meet the specified criteria of scalability, reliability, and affordability. IDConsortium #### Natural systems are often complex and dynamic (i.e. nonlinear), and are difficult to understand using linear statistical approaches. Linear approaches are fundamentally based on correlation and are ill-posed for nonlinear dynamical systems, because in dynamical systems, not only can correlation occur without causation, but causation can also occur in the absence of correlation. Empirical dynamic modeling is specifically developed for studying nonlinear dynamical systems (such as bioreactors). These nonlinear statistical methods are rooted in State Space Reconstruction (SSR), i.e. lagged coordinate embedding of time series data  (see animation: tinyurl.com/EDM-intro). These methods do not assume any set of equations governing the system but recover the dynamics from time series data, thus called Empirical Dynamic Modeling (EDM). EDM is especially suitable for analyzing time series data collected from reactors in the PRODIGIO project. EDM allows to 1) identify critical environmental variables affecting each target microbial taxon; 2) reconstruct time-varying interaction networks among microbial taxa; and 3) develop Early Warning Signal for anticipating critical transition (e.g., system collapse) in the reactors. As such, EDM can help maintain the stability and sustainability of systems. Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## Innovation Fund Small Scale Projects URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/innovation-fund-small-scale-projects ### CALL | Horizon Europe # Innovation Fund Small Scale Projects ## Call for proposals for EU action grants in the field of demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies under the Innovation Fund. Projects aiming at commercial deployment of innovative low-carbon technologies, with the objective of bringing to the market industrial solutions to decarbonise Europe and support its transition to climate neutrality. IDConsortium** A project may consist of a first-of-a-kind commercialisation or commercial size demonstration of technologies, processes or business models previously proven at pilot or smaller scale demonstration plants. Smaller demonstrations or pilot plants are also eligible for support, especially if this is the right scale at which technology needs to be proven before moving to a larger scale demonstration. European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) 60%. lump sum grant. 31 March 2022 31 August 2022 September – December 2022 Projects normally range between 3 and 10 years.Project financial close within four years after grant signature. Operate at least 3 years after entry into operation. (European Investment Bank – EIB) Only projects with a total capital expenditurebetween 2,5 M€ and 7,5 M€ will be eligible under this call. (a) Support projects demonstrating highly innovative technologies, processes, business models or products/services, which are sufficiently mature and have a significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (b) Offer financial support tailored to market needs and risk profiles of eligible projects, while attracting additional public and private resources. Activities that support innovation in low-carbon technologies and processes in sectors listed in Annex I to the EU ETS Directive 2003/873 , including environmentally safe carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) that contributes substantially to mitigating climate change, as well as products substituting carbon-intensive ones produced in sectors listed in Annex I to the EU ETS Directive. Activities that help stimulate the construction and operation of projects that aim at the environmentally safe capture and geological storage of CO2 (CCS). Activities that help stimulate the construction and operation of innovative renewable energy and energy storage technologies. Legal entities (public or private bodies) established in one of the eligible countries: EU Member States, Norway or Iceland. Projects may also be located in Northern Ireland on the condition that the project concerns the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity. *Financial support to third parties is not allowed. 1) Check for formal requirements (admissibility and eligibility) 2) Evaluation against the operational capacity and award criteria, according to the following cascade: a) ‘Degree of innovation’. If a proposal scores less than the minimum threshold under this criterion, the evaluation is stopped (the remaining criteria are neither evaluated nor scored) b) ‘GHG emission avoidance potential’ and ‘Project maturity’. If a proposal scores less than 50% of total points under any of the Project maturity subcriteria or if it scores less than the minimum threshold under the GHG emission avoidance potential criterion, the evaluation is stopped (the remaining criteria are neither evaluated nor scored) c) ‘Scalability’ and ‘Cost efficiency’ Proposals that fail to reach the threshold for any of the project maturity sub-criteria may be proposed for project development assistance (PDA) support to the European Investment Bank (EIB), if they: − reach at least the minimum threshold for ‘GHG emission avoidance’ and ‘Degree of innovation’ − are awarded at least 50% of points under each of the ‘Project maturity’ subcriteria and  − are considered by the evaluators as having the potential for improving their maturity through specific project development assistance. CINEA will propose up to 40 proposals for the PDA support to the European Investment Bank (EIB). The EIB will examine the proposals and provide a short-list of up to 20 proposals. The awarded proposals will be invited to sign a project development support agreement with the EIB. a) Application Form Part A — contains administrative information about the participants (future coordinator, beneficiaries and affiliated entities) and the summarised budget for the project (to be filled in directly online) b) Application Form Part B — contains the technical description of the project (to be downloaded from the Portal Submission System, completed and then assembled and re-uploaded) Máx. 70 pages. c) Part C (to be filled in directly online) containing additional project data. Mandatory annexes **and supporting documents (to be uploaded): - detailed budget table/relevant cost calculator (‘financial information file’; template available in the Submission System) − participant information (including CVs and previous projects, if any) - timetable/Gantt chart - GHG emissions calculator - feasibility study — including at least: project description (background information, objectives, expected project outputs, innovation); location analysis and strategic overlook (site, site plans, stakeholders involvement and acceptance); technical maturity assessment (technology readiness, feasibility of achieving project outputs; GHG avoidance and key consumptions figures; sustainability of the proposed solution; techno-economic feasibility; risks and mitigation measures (including heat map) Max. 60 pages - business plan — including at least: executive summary; main project counterparties (description of who they are and overview of key financials; diagram showing the relationship between the different project parties and the project including shareholders, lenders, offtakers, other contractors, advisors, and insurers; products and services including assumptions on price, volumes, inflation used to derive project revenues; market analysis (market potential, trends, competitors’ overview, market uptake strategy…)); SWOT /Porter 5 Forces analysis; marketing strategy; financing plan: table with uses and sources, details of financing sources with key terms, projected financial close and main steps to achieve it; allocation of financing including IF grant across the project milestones; budget CAPEX, OPEX underlying assumptions; economical and other assumptions; WACC (with the details) and value creation (comparison WACC with IRR), table of IRR computation; financial Projections (Profit and Loss account, cash flow statement, and ideally balance sheet); risks and mitigation (heat map) including sensitivity analysis; cash flow statements, profit and loss account and balance sheet for the last three years (consolidated or social accounts) of project shareholders Max. 60 pages - detailed financial model sheets — with detailed information on model assumptions and calculations to derive the financial projections - audit statement on relevant costs (during GAP, for projects invited to grant preparation)  Other Annexes: - documents indicating support for the project, including, e.g. heads of terms (if already available), letters of interest, letters of support, letters of approval from funders, shareholders, board of directors, suppliers, off-takers, construction/O&M companies (as available) (if any) - main terms of supply, construction and off-take agreements and other key commercial contracts for construction, operation phase and its state of development (if any) - due diligence reports (if any) --- ## Launch of the first DigiPrime Open Call URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/launch-first-digiprime-open-call ### CALL > # DigiPrime – Launch of the first Open Call ## On May 16th 2022, the EU project DigiPrime will launch its first open call. It is targeted at all the EU SMEs interested in developing prototype applications that will be integrated in the DigiPrime digital manufacturing platform. IDConsortium ### Digital technology plays a big role in our transition to a circular economy, which aims to make optimum use of resources within industries. Investing in innovation is good for the protection of the environment, and it also contributes to Europe’s competitiveness. The EU-funded DigiPrime project will develop the concept of a circular economy digital platform in order to create circular business models based on the data-enhanced recovery and reuse of functions and materials. Specifically, it will create and operate a federated model of digital platforms for cross-sector business in the circular economy. DigiPrime will be validated through several cross-sectoral pilots, further detailed in 20 use cases covering different European industrial sectors (automotive, renewable energy, electronics, textile, construction), and by additional pilots in new sectors, funded through an open call mechanism. --- ## The trademarks URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/the-trademarks Trademarks are signs that allow to distinguish your goods or services from those of your competitors in the market. It is distinguished from a brand by having legal protection and it’s your unique identifier. A brand is your image, what the public sees and thinks about your company. Then, what can be registered as a trademark? A trademark can be a word or a combination of words, letters, and numerals; symbols, three-dimensional features such as the shape and packaging of goods, non-visible signs such as sounds or fragrances, or color shades used as distinguishing features. Some representative examples are available in the European Union Intellectual Property Office – EUIPO –. Trademarks confer the owner the exclusive right to use the registered trademark, preventing others to make commercial use of it without permission. In business terms, it protects your brand value, it builds an asset, it defends against rival marks, it defines your rights and it prevents counterfeiting and fraud. The owner has also the right to license the trademark to third parties  for use in return for payment. The trademark protection can be obtained by filing an application for registration with the corresponding trademark office and paying the required fees. There are four routes for the trademark protection, according to the regions where the owner wants to protect the brand. If you want the protection in one EU Member State, that is protection at ‘national level’, the trademark application is made via the national EU IP offices, as the OEPM- Oficina Española de Patentes y Marcas- in Spain. If the interest is to protect the trademark at ‘EU level’, the registration is made via the EUIPO- the European Union Intellectual Property Office. If the trademark wants to be registered at ‘international level’, the corresponding office is the WIPO- World Intellectual Property Organization. The registration at ‘regional level’ is only available in Belgium, the Netherlands and/or Luxembourg, via BOIP- the Benelux Office por Intellectual Property. The first step to register the trademark is to contact the corresponding office and follow the steps for registration. *Source: EUIPO, OEPM, WIPO * ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Acceso para pymes de Financiación Alternativa y Fondos NextGeneration URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/acceso-pymes-financiacion-alternativa-fondos-nextgeneration ### NEWS | Next Generation EU > # Acceso para pymes de Financiación Alternativa y Fondos NextGeneration ## El acceso a Financiación para cada negocio cada vez resulta más complejo. Por ello, conocer nuevas alternativas de financiación y soluciones para cada negocio hacen que las posibilidades se multipliquen. IDConsortium #### Descubre a través de la Diputación de Segovia diferentes soluciones de Financiación Alternativa y conoce las nuevas líneas de financiación pública de los fondos europeos NextGeneration.   Participa online en la Mesa Redonda, de la mano de Change Capital Spain y IDConsortium y conoce las nuevas posibilidades de financiación, diferentes a las tradicionales, para tu empresa, pyme y startup. **Programa: ** - **Financiación Alternativa para pymes**. Soluciones financieras a LARGO PLAZO para el **crecimiento** empresarial, proyectos de inversión, digitalización e innovación. Descubrimos también soluciones a CORTO PLAZO para mejorar las ratios de **liquidez y solvencia**   - **Fondos NextGeneration 2022.** Préstamos y subvenciones disponibles para apoyar a las empresas y foco en **una recuperación ecológica, digital y resiliente de la economía**. ### Presencial Edificio VICAM Parc. ET-8 Complejo QuitapesaresCtr. CL-601 km,7, 40194 Palazuelos de Eresma (Segovia) ### Online 21 de abril de 2022 18:00h – 19:30h ## More news about this program: --- ## Presentation of Prodigio WP5 Sustainability Assessment URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/presentation-prodigio-wp5-sustainability-assessment ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Presentation of Prodigio WP5 Sustainability Assessment ## The overall goal of WP 5, led by ARMINES, is to evaluate and compare the potential environmental, economic and social impacts of energy production from microalgal biogas with and without the early-warning technologies developed in PRODIGIO and to identify the most sensitive aspects to be considered for future commercial application. IDConsortium #### To do so, global sustainability is assessed following a life cycle perspective to account for the effects over the whole biogas production chain. ### Environmental life cycle assessment. Environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) is being applied according to the 4 phases of ISO 14040 and 14044 standards (2006), namely the goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, life cycle impact assessment and interpretation. The activities conducted to date have mainly focused on the goal and scope definition and the inventory analysis phases. ARMINES started data collection on both cultivation and anaerobic digestion stages to identify the process stages and input and output flows within the system boundaries and to build the life cycle inventories. To do so, ARMINES prepared two models of surveys, for the microalgae production and the anaerobic digestion, respectively. The process was enriched through discussions with external experts such as the BIOCORE research team at Villefranche Oceanographic Observatory, in the South of France. In addition to the quantification of input and output flows, LCA modelling also requires estimates of the biomass and biogas production rates. To assess the improvement of early warning systems compared to systems without this component, a dynamic model is currently under development. To this end, ARMINES has been studying existing models, mainly developed in Matlab, and the adaptations needed to be implemented in a compatible environment with available LCA tools in order to apply them to PRODIGIO case study. Next steps will involve the application of the model to obtain the environmental LCA results for a selection of relevant impact categories. ### Social life cycle assessment. The literature review to define the scope of the Social LCA is also ongoing. Two possible approaches are being considered: a reporting approach based on performance reference points (type I) and an impact pathway approach based on the identification of cause-effect chains (type II). The advantages and drawbacks of each approach are being analysed so as to select of the most suitable approach  for the PRODIGIO context. ### Economic assessment and life cycle sustainability. After completing the environmental and social analysis, an economic assessment will be conducted, using a process simulation tool to complement the experimental data. Finally, results for the three dimensions will be interpreted to provide conclusions and recommendations on the sustainability of the process. #### If you want more information about this presentation: Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## NTU scientist develops a novel method URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/ntu-scientist-develops-novel-method ### NEWS | Prodigio > # NTU scientist develops a novel method ## An international team investigate the link between time-varying interaction networks and community stability in natural systems. IDConsortium #### Professor Chih-hao Hsieh from the Institute of Oceanography and Ph.D. student Chun-Wei Chang from Academia Sinica, together with an international research team, develop a novel analytical method to construct the time-varying interaction networks and examine the causal link between dynamical interaction network and community stability.  This study, published in Nature (02/15/2018), provides empirical evidence supporting long-lasting ecological theory, using data from natural ecosystems. Although there have been experimental backup for the ecological theory explaining the mechanisms underlying community stability, evidence from natural ecosystems was lacking owing to the challenges of tracking rapid changes in interspecific interactions and identifying the effect of such changes on large-scale community dynamics. In order to test the current ecological theory, the team analyze time series of a 12-year-long dataset of fortnightly collected observations on a natural marine fish community in Maizuru Bay, Japan and observe that short-term changes in interaction networks influence overall community dynamics. They show that the strengths, and even types, of interactions change with time; that is, the interaction network is dynamical but not static (Figure 1). Moreover, the dynamical pattern of network critically affects the stability of the community through time. Specifically, the team finds seasonal patterns in dynamic stability for this fish community that broadly support expectations of current ecological theory- the dominance of weak interactions and higher species diversity during summer months are associated with higher dynamic stability and smaller population fluctuations. By the widely applicable nonlinear time series analytical framework developed by the team, it is found that interspecific interactions, community network structure and community stability are dynamic properties, and that linking fluctuating interaction networks to community-level dynamic properties is key to understanding the maintenance of ecological communities in nature. Those understandings have important implications for ecosystem managements and conservation. Most excitingly, relating fluctuating interaction networks to community stability provides a promising approach to comprehend how to maintain natural ecological communities systematically. The research also highlights the importance of long-term time series monitoring for ecosystem managements.   Figure 1. Based on the empirical time series data collected from the natural fish community in the Maizuru Bay, Japan (**a**), empirical dynamic modeling (EDM) was used to reconstruct the interaction network among fish species at each time step (**b**). The structure of the networks is highly dynamical, in which some of the important network properties, including (**c**) mean interaction strength and dynamic stability, fluctuated through time. In particular, the dynamic stability is a critical index measuring the tendency of a dynamical system returning to its original state upon perturbation. Interestingly, the networks with many weak interactions and high diversity usually facilitate dynamic stability. (Fish photo credit: Reiji Masuda) #### If you want to read the reference at Nature publication (554: 360-363. Feb. 15, 2018): Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## El Gobierno aprueba el PERTE de Digitalización del Ciclo del Agua para modernizar el sector y avanzar hacia una gestión más eficiente y sostenible URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/perte-digitalizacion-ciclo-agua-modernizar-sector ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # El Gobierno aprueba el PERTE de Digitalización del Ciclo del Agua para modernizar el sector y avanzar hacia una gestión más eficiente y sostenible ## La línea de actuación más potente del PERTE será la puesta en marcha de ayudas para impulsar la digitalización del ciclo urbano del agua, el regadío y la industria. IDConsortium - El proyecto movilizará más de 3.000 millones de euros, entre fondos públicos y privados, y creará alrededor de 3.500 puestos de trabajo, abriendo nuevos nichos profesionales en el sector. - Para aumentar la gobernanza y transparencia, se creará el Observatorio de la Gestión del Agua en España y se otorgará un sello de calidad a los usuarios con mejores prácticas en el manejo del recurso hídrico. El Consejo de Ministros, a propuesta del Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO), ha aprobado hoy el Proyecto Estratégico para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica (PERTE) de Digitalización del Ciclo del Agua, una herramienta para transformar y modernizar los sistemas de gestión del agua en nuestro país, tanto en el ciclo urbano como en el regadío y la industria. Este proyecto impulsa el uso de las nuevas tecnologías de la información en el ciclo integral del agua, lo que permitirá mejorar su gobernanza y transparencia, aumentar su eficiencia, reducir las pérdidas en las redes de suministro y avanzar en el cumplimiento de los objetivos ambientales marcados por la planificación hidrológica y las normativas internacionales. El PERTE para digitalizar el ciclo del agua, tercero de los impulsados por el MITECO tras el PERTE de Energías Renovables, Hidrógeno Renovable y Almacenamiento (ERHA) y el PERTE de Economía Circular presentado a comienzos de este mismo mes, movilizará en los próximos años 3.060 millones de euros en inversiones públicas y privadas, y activará la creación de cerca de 3.500 empleos de calidad, abriendo nuevos nichos profesionales en la gestión del agua. El Proyecto se aprueba en un momento crucial para el sector, que lleva años trabajando para mejorar la gestión y gobernanza de un recurso cada vez más escaso. España es uno de los países de la Unión Europea con mayor estrés hídrico. El último informe del IPCC resalta algo cada vez más evidente: el agua y el cambio climático están intrínsecamente vinculados. En los próximos años se prevén disminuciones de hasta el 25% del recurso en todo el país y del 40% en el sureste peninsular para finales de siglo. Las mayores variaciones atmosféricas y climatológicas causadas por el cambio climático supondrán una mayor incertidumbre en la disponibilidad del recurso, por lo que conocer con exactitud las reservas, suministros, consumos actuales y demandas futuras resulta necesario para garantizar nuestra seguridad hídrica. En este sentido, “el uso de las nuevas tecnologías para conseguir una información precisa y actualizada en sectores como el ciclo urbano del agua, el regadío y la industria nos permitirán tener una mejor capacidad de control y gestión del recurso”, ha subrayado la vicepresidenta Teresa Ribera. - Mejora de la gobernanza en materia de gestión de los usos del agua - Impulso a la digitalización de los organismos de cuenca - Desarrollo de programas de ayudas a los distintos usuarios del agua - Fomento de la formación e innovación en competencias digitales en la administración y gestión del agua Primer y segundo semestre de 2022 De 2023 a 2026 3.060 millones de € ## More news about this company: --- ## Tips and tricks for the preparation of successful proposals to Horizon Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/tips-tricks-preparation-successful-proposals-horizon-europe --- ## Interesting webinar on tips and tricks for the preparation of successful proposals to Horizon Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/interesting-webinar-tips-tricks-preparation-successful-proposals-horizon-europe ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # Interesting webinar on tips and tricks for the preparation of successful proposals to Horizon Europe IDConsortium #### Our director Macarena Sanz, has given a webinar in collaboration with the Fundación Parque de la Salud de Granada on tips and tricks to design and write a European proposal for Horizon Europe. Each section of a European proposal has been reviewed in detail and each of the most relevant aspects of these have been analysed. With a total of 25 attendees, questions have been asked and interesting discussions have been held on the complexity and the importance of attention to detail of a European proposal. A similar webinar is expected to be held next May. To be announced soon. #### Macarena Sanz #### FOUNDER AND GENERAL DIRECTOR linkedin Macarena Sanz received her Agricultural Engineer degree from University Politécnica in Madrid and her Executive Master in Business Administration from IESE in Madrid. Her working life began at Accenture where she worked as a consultant. After almost 5 years of working in international consulting on projects for clients such as EADS and BP, she joined the IDAction team and founded IDConsortium. The main motivation to take this leap was to bring interesting international projects like the ones she had experienced in Accenture to Andalusia (her homeland). Within the first 3 years, she won 2 relevant European projects for the region, Fertiplus, and Fuel4ME. Now, Macarena is the managing director of IDConsortium. She is a mother of two amazing children of 4 and 6 years old and her family is her passion and number one priority in her spare time. She also has several hobbies such as swimming, Easter week in Seville, skiing, gardening, flamenco dancing, reading, traveling, photography, playing guitar, and going to the cinema. Thursday, March 24th, 2022 9:30h – 11:00h CET Online webinar ## More news about this program: --- ## Primera convocatoria de ayudas para proyectos innovadores de I+D de almacenamiento energético URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/convocatoria-ayudas-proyectos-innovadores-id-almacenamiento-energetico ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Primera convocatoria de ayudas para proyectos innovadores de I+D de almacenamiento energético ## Esta convocatoria forma parte del Proyecto Estratégico para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica de Energías Renovables, Hidrógeno Renovable y Almacenamiento (PERTE ERHA). IDConsortium #### En el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia. Estas ayudas a los proyectos innovadores de I+D relativos al despliegue del almacenamiento, y el consiguiente desarrollo de los sistemas de almacenamiento y la capacidad instalada, redundarán en una mejora de la integración de energías renovables, lo que conllevará una reducción de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. La concesión de estas ayudas se efectuará en régimen de concurrencia competitiva. Podrán ser beneficiarios de las ayudas: organismos públicos de investigación, universidades públicas, sus institutos universitarios, y las universidades privadas con capacidad y actividad demostrada en I+D+i, otros centros públicos de I+D, entidades públicas y privadas sin ánimo de lucro que realicen y/o gestionen actividades de I+D, entre otros recogidos en las bases reguladoras publicadas en el BOE, incluidas en esta ficha. El plazo de presentación de solicitudes se iniciará el día 8 de marzo de 2022 y finalizará a las 12:00 horas del día 10 de mayo de 2022. #### Órgano convocante:** ESTADO > MINISTERIO PARA LA TRANSICIÓN ECOLÓGICA Y EL RETO DEMOGRÁFICO > INSTITUTO PARA LA DIVERSIFICACIÓN Y AHORRO DE LA ENERGÍA (IDAE)** #### Localización: **ES – ESPAÑA** #### Procedimiento: **SUBVENCIÓN Y ENTREGA DINERARIA SIN CONTRAPRESTACIÓN** #### Actividad: **OTROS SERVICIOS** Esta información procede de las convocatorias financiadas por el Mecanismo Europeo de Recuperación y Resiliencia (MRR) publicadas en la Plataforma de Contratación del Sector Público, el Sistema Nacional de Publicidad de Subvenciones y Ayudas Públicas y el Punto de Acceso General. También se incluyen de manera no automatizada convocatorias publicadas en el Boletín Oficial del Estado y en otros boletines oficiales. El contenido de esta página tiene una función informativa. En caso de discrepancia, la versión válida es la que aparece en la fuente original. Las fechas límite señaladas para la presentación de solicitudes tienen carácter orientativo, por lo que los usuarios deben verificarlas consultando las convocatorias oficiales completas, a las que pueden acceder en cada uno de los portales mencionados, o desde esta misma página, a través de ‘Enlace a la convocatoria’ y/o ‘Más información’. El cómputo de plazos está sujeto a lo establecido en el artículo 30 de la Ley 39/2015, de 1 de octubre, del Procedimiento Administrativo Común de las Administraciones Públicas (BOE-A-2015-10565 Ley 39/2015, de 1 de octubre, del Procedimiento Administrativo Común de las Administraciones Públicas). Al tratarse de convocatorias publicadas por ministerios y sus organismos dependientes, solo se han considerado inhábiles las fiestas de ámbito nacional. Nota a 9/2/2022: las convocatorias procedentes del Punto de Acceso General, que contiene las principales subvenciones y ayudas publicadas en España, se recogen a partir de este momento de forma automática. Nota a 22/2/2022: se recogen de forma automática aquellas licitaciones publicadas en la Plataforma de Contratación del Sector Público donde el órgano de contratación indicó de manera explícita que la fuente de financiación es el Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia (opción disponible desde el 20 de octubre de 2021). Esta información procede únicamente de los expedientes publicados en perfiles de contratante alojados en la Plataforma de Contratación del Sector Público. Esta fuente no incluye las comunidades autónomas que tienen su perfil de contratante en la plataforma de su administración autonómica: Cataluña, País Vasco, La Rioja, Madrid, Galicia, Andalucía y Navarra. Hasta el 10 de mayo de 2022 50 millones de € ## More news about this company: --- ## El MITECO abre la convocatoria de ayudas para proyectos pioneros y singulares de hidrógeno renovable, dotada con 150 millones URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/miteco-convocatoria-ayudas-proyectos-pioneros-hidrogeno-renovable ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # El MITECO abre la convocatoria de ayudas para proyectos pioneros y singulares de hidrógeno renovable, dotada con 150 millones ## La línea apoyará proyectos con viabilidad comercial para la producción y consumo local de hidrógeno renovable en sectores de difícil descarbonización, como la industria o el transporte pesado. IDConsortium - Es una de las cuatro primeras convocatorias del PERTE ERHA, que movilizará una inversión superior a los 16.300 millones de euros - Se valorará la participación de Pymes, el impacto positivo en islas, zonas de Transición Justa y de Reto Demográfico, la reducción de emisiones, la creación de empleo y la igualdad de género. El pasado viernes 18 de febrero se publicó en el Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE) la primera convocatoria del programa de incentivos a proyectos pioneros y singulares de hidrógeno renovable, el Programa H2 PIONERO, insertado dentro del marco del Componente 9 del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, financiado por la Unión Europea – Next Generation EU. El objetivo del **Programa H2 PIONEROS** es impulsar el despliegue de aplicaciones comerciales de proyectos integrales que incluyen producción, distribución y consumo de hidrógeno renovable en una misma ubicación territorial. Las **actuaciones** sujetas a subvención son: instalación renovable dedicada y físicamente conectada a la producción de hidrógeno, infraestructura de producción de hidrógeno renovable y logística dedicada, adaptaciones o nuevos equipos de consumo de hidrógeno renovable (uso industrial), hidrogeneras, y aplicaciones estacionarias innovadoras. La intensidad máxima a conceder variará en función de la actuación y de si se trata de una gran, mediana o pequeña empresa. **El plazo de presentación comienza el día 7 de marzo y finalizará el 6 de mayo.** - Se concederá de máximo una ayuda de **15 millones de euros** por proyecto y empresa. - Los proyectos deberán estar ejecutados antes de septiembre de 2025. Las ayudas están destinadas a empresas, consorcios, agrupaciones empresariales y el sector público institucional así como las entidades dependientes de las Administraciones Públicas y las Universidades Públicas y sus centros tecnológicos adscritos. Los **criterios de valoración** para la concesión de las subvenciones serán: - características técnicas - viabilidad económica - viabilidad del proyecto - escalabilidad del tecnológica y potencial del mercado - externalidades tales como el impacto positivo en islas, zonas de Transición Justa y de Reto Demográfico, las emisiones abatidas, la creación de empleo, y la igualdad de género, entre otras **El IDAE es la institución encargada de gestionar las ayudas.** Conoce **aquí** la noticia de la convocatoria y **aquí** la noticia sobre el Programa H2 Pioneros. Descarga la Resolución publicada por el IDAE en el siguiente **enlace **y el anuncio en el BOE en este **enlace.** **Más información** - **Para cualquier duda o aclaración**, tanto la ciudadanía, como cualquier empresa u organismo público, puede dirigir sus consultas al Servicio de Información a la Ciudadanía en Eficiencia Energética y Energías Renovables (SICER) a través de los siguientes canales: formulario de contacto https://www.idae.es/contacto, correo electrónico ciudadano@idae.es, Fax (91 523 04 14), WhatsApp (910 789 894), o llamada telefónica (913 146 673). - **Para consultas sobre temas relacionados con Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, PRTR**, puede dirigir sus consultas al correo electrónico consultas.prtr@idae.es - Recuerde indicar siempre en sus consultas la comunidad autónoma o la provincia de España desde la que contacta, por motivos estadísticos y para poder orientar su consulta hacia la información más adecuada. Del 7 de marzo al 6 de mayo de 2022 Septiembre de 2025 15 millones de € por proyecto y empresa ## More news about this company: --- ## ¿Quieres ser parte del cambio y, además, impulsar tu startup rural? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/parte-cambio-impulsar-startup-rural ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # ¿Quieres ser parte del cambio y, además, impulsar tu startup rural? ## Todavía estás a tiempo hasta el 20 de Marzo. ¡Inscríbete ya en «La Factoría de Empresas»! Tu idea podrá ser seleccionada entre los 30 proyectos finalistas. IDConsortium #### Nuestro reto es acelerar proyectos que ayuden a mejorar la España Rural.   El reto demográfico es uno de los más importantes al que nos enfrentamos como sociedad hoy en día. Gran parte de nuestros pueblos se vacían de personas y de servicios esenciales. Estamos convencidos que la tecnología y los proyectos de emprendimiento puede ser una palanca para cambiar esta situación. Este proyecto está respaldado por instituciones públicas y privadas y por empresas comprometidas en ser parte del cambio. El 21 de Marzo se cierra la convocatoria y se valorarán, a través de todos los colaboradores del proyecto, los 30 proyectos y verticales más diferenciales. El 29 de Marzo tendrá lugar en Segovia la presentación de esos proyectos donde el jurado elegirá los 10 más disruptivos. 21 de Marzo de 2022 ## More news about this company: --- ## Sugerencias para escribir propuestas excelentes para Horizonte Europa URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/sugerencias-escribir-propuestas-excelentes-horizonte-europa ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # Sugerencias para escribir propuestas excelentes para Horizonte Europa ## De la mano de Macarena Sanz directora de la consultora IDConsortium, comenzaremos con unas recomendaciones previas al proceso de escritura de la propuesta. IDConsortium #### ¿Quieres conocer las claves para elaborar una propuesta exitosa? En este meetup, vamos a poner sobre la mesa consejos y sugerencias en las diferentes etapas de una propuesta europea para conseguir una calidad excelente. De la mano de Macarena Sanz directora de la consultora IDConsortium, comenzaremos con unas recomendaciones previas al proceso de escritura de la propuesta. A continuación, entraremos a analizar cada parte de una propuesta europea tipo “RIA” y recomendaciones a tener en cuenta para incluir en las secciones de “Excellence”, “Impacto” e “Implementation”. Cerraremos la jornada revisando todos los aspectos administrativos y principales novedades financieras del Horizonte Europa. Al terminar daremos paso a resolver dudas y consultas de los participantes. Si tienes una propuesta entre manos o estás pensando en presentarte a alguna convocatoria europea, este meetup te interesa. Apúntate, ¡te esperamos! #### Macarena Sanz #### FOUNDER AND GENERAL DIRECTOR linkedin Macarena Sanz recibió su título de Ingeniera Agrónoma en la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid y su Máster Ejecutivo sobre Administración de Empresas en el IESE en Madrid. Su vida laboral comenzó en Accenture donde trabajó como consultora. Tras casi 5 años trabajando en consultoría internacional en proyectos para clientes como EADS y BP, se unió al equipo de IDAction y fundó IDConsortium. La principal motivación para dar este salto fue traer a Andalucía (su tierra natal) proyectos internacionales interesantes como los que había vivido en Accenture. En los primeros 3 años ganó 2 proyectos europeos relevantes para la región, Fertiplus y Fuel4ME. Ahora, Macarena es la directora general de IDConsortium. Es madre de dos maravillosos niños de 4 y 6 años, y su familia es su pasión y prioridad número uno en su tiempo libre. También tiene varias aficiones como la natación, la Semana Santa de Sevilla, el esquí, la jardinería, el baile flamenco, la lectura, viajar, la fotografía, tocar la guitarra e ir al cine. jueves 24 de marzo de 2022 9:30h – 11:00h CET Evento online Fundación PTS(Parque Tecnológico de la Salud) ## More news about this program: --- ## A new greenhouse assay inside LIFE AgRemSO3il URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/new-greenhouse-assay-inside-life-agremso3il ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # A new greenhouse assay ## Sheds light on the effects of irrigation with ozonated water in soil fertility, biodiversity and plant growth. IDConsortium Soil biodiversity is key to maintain ecosystem services and soil fertility. However, the huge soil microbial diversity is affected by agricultural practices such irrigation, fertilizers, pollutants, etc. Among them, the accumulation of pesticides in soil is a threat in global agriculture. The LIFE AGREMSO3IL has suggested the use of ozone in irrigation water as a strategy for fostering pesticide degradation. Ozone is an oxidant and biocide molecule that could potentially affect to soil biodiversity and their key functions related to soil fertility. The recent study lead by CEBAS-CSIC have preliminarily revealed that the irrigation with ozonated water does not decrease the content of soil organic carbon, a key indicator of soil sustainability in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Nevertheless, results suggest that this type of irrigation contributes to the partial degradation of organic matter and the release of bioavailable forms of carbon and nitrogen in soil. These results are in agreement with the observed increases in soil enzyme activities which are intimately linked to nutrient cycles. These increases are also related with the variations in the biomass of the soil microbial community. At plant level, results showed that ozonated water caused a greater photosynthetic rate and fruit quality in tomato crops. These results are preliminary and further research would extent the knowledge on the potential effects of ozonated water in soil-plant systems. ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE AgremSO3il project has been presented at Agroexpo 2022 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-project-presented-agroexpo-2022 ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgremSO3il project has been presented at Agroexpo 2022 ## Novagric attended the Agroexpo 2022 International Fair, which took place in Don Benito, Badajoz from March 2 to 5, as a part of the LIFE AgremSO3il project dissemination plan. IDConsortium The fair is dedicated to agriculture and stands out as one of the key events within the sector for its extensive program of technical workshops. Agroexpo 2022 has been used as an opportunity to present the Agremsoil Project to different potential partners who have expressed very much interest in the topic. ## More news about this project: --- ## Dynamic modeling for the life cycle sustainability assessment of microalgal bioenergy URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/dynamic-modeling-life-cycle-sustainability-assessment-microalgal-bioenergy ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Dynamic modeling for the life cycle sustainability assessment of microalgal bioenergy ## The performance of PRODIGIO developments should be evaluated according to environmental economic and social criteria to ensure the improvement capacity of early-warning systems compared to systems without such technology. IDConsortium ### A methodological framework based on life cycle thinking is used in PRODIGIO to account for these impacts influencing the sustainability of processes with a holistic approach, including from the raw materials extraction and transformation to the final biogas production and exploitation. The level of sustainability of microalgal processes is highly dependent on variable parameters, such as microalgal productivity or composition. Thus, flexible Life Cycle Assessment models are needed to evaluate how variations of such operation parameters linked to the early-warning systems in PRODIGIO can affect the results on sustainability criteria analyzed through environmental impact categories or economic results. To do so, ARMINES/MINES Paris is developing parameterized models, that is, mathematical models based on relationships between a set of input parameters (e.g. productivity, composition, temperature conditions etc) and the impacts of the process on the environment, on the economic costs, etc. These models allow not only the evaluation of fixed steady-state scenarios of algae cultivation, but also a dynamic analysis of the evolution of the algal culture and biogas production over time. To implement these models, we have used the python programming language, together with the related libraries Brightway2 (https://brightway.dev/), developed by Chris Mutel at the group for Ecological Systems Design of ETH Zürich, and lca_algebraic (https://github.com/oie-mines-paristech/lca_algebraic), developed by our own center, O.I.E., of ARMINES/MINES Paris. Figure: Simplified diagram representing the structure of parameterized models for Life Cycle Assessment Dynamic modeling is essential to account for the effect of changes in the culture and, thus, to fully account for the potential of PRODIGIO developments to enhance the performance of systems. Paula Pérez-López, Andriamahefasoa Rajaonison ## More news about this project: --- ## Programa de aceleración de “la factoría de empresas” URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/programa-aceleracion-factoria-empresas ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Programa de aceleración de “la factoría de empresas”, promovido por ID Consortium ## ¿Tienes un proyecto innovador que pueda ayudar a la España rural? Es hora de encontrar proyectos innovadores. ¿Te apuntas al cambio? IDConsortium ? Somos parte del cambio que nuestro mundo rural necesita.  Desde @IdConsortium formamos parte de esta iniciativa clave para fomentar el #desarrollo e impulso de la #EspañaRural. ? Agradecer a La Factoria de Empresas por fomentar este proyecto que ayudará al crecimiento y a impulsar desarrollar las zonas más afectadas por la despoblación, ayudando así, a mejorar los servicios, a generar riqueza y a dar la importancia que merecen que las zonas rurales en España. Convocatoria abierta para #Startups y #empresas que necesiten una aceleración y poder escalar su proyecto. ## More news about this company: --- ## Forensic chemical fingerprinting of bioreactor performance URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/forensic-chemical-fingerprinting-bioreactor-performance ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Forensic chemical fingerprinting of bioreactor performance ## Within PRODIGIO, we use chemical information to detect early-stage changes in the biological processes and prospective failure of the PRODIGIO bioreactors. IDConsortium ### Chemistry plays an important role for the growth of aquatic microalgae. Just as for potted plants at home, the availability of nutrients controls reproduction and growth. Moreover, organic compounds are produced by the microalgae and consumed and recycled by bacteria. Some of these compounds (called metabolites) are released from the living cells and are dissolved in the surrounding water. These molecules represent a chemical smell that can serve for chemical communication, defence and orientation (watch video). By the time an algal cell dies and decays, it also releases a plethora of organic compounds. The entirety of the biological processes in an algal culture result in a highly complex mixture of molecules that can be analysed with a technique called ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry. In every given water sample, the method detects thousands of different molecules (see figure). For the evaluation of these big data sets, we developed open-access software that allows exploitation, visualization and full reproducibility of the results (www.awi.de/en/ume). **Figure.** Ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of a water sample: Every black line represents at least one chemical compound released by biological processes in the reactor (Source: B. Koch; Alfred-Wegener-Institut). By comparing changes in our molecular fingerprints with other information on the state of the PRODIGIO bioreactors, we aim at identifying those compounds that conveniently indicate major shifts in the biological processes that would decrease the yield of the bioreactors. Therefore, chemical information can help increasing the performance of microalgae biomass production. https://prodigio-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Movie_Urban-cortado_Trim.mp4   **Video.** The video shows how important chemistry can be for biomass production. A predator carries out a focussed attack on a prey individual. Since both microalgae are single cell species, they have no optical orientation. Hence, chemical sensing of metabolites allows the precise strike here (Video: U. Tillmann; Alfred-Wegener-Institut). Boris Koch, Alfred Wegener Institute ## More news about this project: --- ## Why electrodialysis is important to design the RUSTICA Bio-based Fertilizer URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/electrodialysis-design-rustica-biobased-fertilizer ### NEWS | Rustica > # Why electrodialysis is important to design the RUSTICA Bio-based fertilizer ## Electrodialysis (ED), as highlighted in Fig.1 is one of the competitive membrane-based technologies for separating NPKs and Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) from fermented food wastes. IDConsortium It applies electric current and ion exchange membranes (IEMs) to separate the NPKs and VFAs into their purer forms (Fig. 2). Because electrodialysis mainly separates the NPKs and VFAs based on their ionic charges, it produces products of higher purity, higher concentration and less water (Fig. 3), which are mainly difficult to be attained simultaneously via Nanofiltration (NF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO). Therefore, UGent, as a partner of the RUSTICA project, targeted at closing the loop of circular economy is applying laboratory and pilot scale ED (Fig. 4 and 5) to produce NPKs and VFAs of higher purity and higher concentrations (Fig. 6). The purer NPKs produced shall be used for bio-based fertilizer applications whereas the VFAs shall be used for fuels, biodegradable plastics, and oils (Fig. 7), as alternative to fossil-based products. Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Why is RUSTICA a multi-actor project? What is the sense of all these efforts in stakeholder engagement? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-multiactor-project-stakeholder-engagement ### NEWS | Rustica > # Why is RUSTICA a multi-actor project? What is the sense of all these efforts in stakeholder engagement? ## RUSTICA project is designed to systematically engage with the regional stakeholders. This engagement is formalized in a series of regional workshops planned every six months starting from month 12 of the project. Knowing that the project is addressing five regions and the duration is about 4 years, 30 workshops in total are planned. IDConsortium These workshops are means not only to engage with the stakeholders but also to create regional networks of interested stakeholders in RUSTICA products and solutions. This will potentially allow the establishment of cooperation and collaboration among interested actors in bio-based solutions even after the project ends. What is even more important is that the RUSTICA project, while offering potential solutions and products, could attract the attention of the stakeholders and put emphasis on the valorisation of agricultural waste, which largely stays on the fields, and show how this can be looped back on the fields in forms of bio-based fertilisers. Moreover, such multi-actor networks could help RUSTICA products and solutions get closer to local needs. Hence, the RUSTICA research process could be more aligned with regional needs, increasing the RUSTICA relevance. In this regard, during the workshops, RUSTICA will present its research processes, frameworks, and results, which could be reflected upon, further modified, and validated by the stakeholders. The participation of the stakeholders will allow RUSTICA to see different facets of the problem, which without them, would have been unobservable. So far, the first round of regional workshops in the five RUSTICA regions – Almeria, Flanders, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Pays de la Loire, Valle del Cauca – has been organized. In these workshops, future scenarios, common visions and needs, stakeholder mapping and the technical characteristics of the end-product (the bio-based fertiliser) were discussed. Taking up the results of the first round of workshops and adding the upcoming RUSTICA research processes, the second round will be organized around May/June 2022. More details of the second round of workshops will be provided in March/April 2022. Siavash Farahbakhsh, ILVO Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Programa de ayudas a entidades del sector turístico para la realización de proyectos tractores de transformación digital URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/ayudas-sector-turistico-proyectos-transformacion-digital ### CALL | Next Generation EU > # Ayudas al turismo – Programa de ayudas a entidades del sector turístico para la realización de proyectos tractores de transformación digital ## Para proyectos que permitan mejorar la competitividad del sector turístico mediante la incorporación de tecnologías emergentes o de nuevo desarrollo en el ámbito del internet de las cosas, 5G, big data, ciberseguridad o aplicaciones móviles. IDConsortium PYMES, microempresa, gran empresa, empresas de nueva creación. Válidamente constituidas, con personalidad jurídica propia y domicilio fiscal en España cuya actividad incluya la gestión, promoción, puesta en valor y difusión de los recursos turísticos (confirmar con listado CNAE). - Desarrollar nuevas actividades y servicios de alto valor añadido basados en los espacios de datos y el fomento de la innovación disruptiva en el sector turístico. - Implementar actuaciones de impulso de la digitalización de los destinos turísticos y de las empresas turísticas y abordar la construcción de un sistema de inteligencia turística basado en la economía del dato y la interoperabilidad. - Modernizar el sector turístico español desde una perspectiva integral. - Apoyar la competitividad de las empresas cuya actividad esté orientada al sector turístico en general y cualquiera de sus subsectores productivos. - Movilizar aquellos proyectos singulares y transformadores que cubran procesos y productos fácilmente escalables y replicables con una clara orientación al usuario final y que contengan, entre otros, mejoras en la digitalización e inteligencia aplicados a la gestión, promoción, sostenibilidad, puesta en valor y difusión para destinos y sector turístico. 12-18 meses, hasta 31 de diciembre de 2023 - Subvención en concurrencia competitiva - Presupuesto 2021: 25M€ – 20M€ Línea 1 ; 5M€ Línea 2. - Presentación de una solicitud por miembro de la agrupación y actuación financiable. - Intensidad máxima de la ayuda: 50% PYMES ; 15% grandes empresas 70 % de los costes subvencionables asignados a PYMES. - La intensidad máxima se referirá individualmente a cada beneficiario. - Plazo de solicitud: un mes desde la publicación de la convocatoria. - Modo de presentación: a través del portal web del Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio - Plazo de resolución: 6 meses desde el cierre de la convocatoria. - Pago de la subvención: anticipo del 100%, limitado por anualidades presupuestarias. ### Gastos subvencionables: - **Gastos de personal **(se requerirá la firma de partes de horas firmados por los empleados) Personal técnico: Grupos de Cotización I, II o III. Máx. 45 €/h (salario + coste empresa) - Personal administrativo: Máx. 30 €/h (salario + coste empresa) - No se podrán superar las 1.800 h/año. - **Costes de instrumental y material inventariable **o su coste de amortización en caso de que su vida útil se extienda más allá del proyecto. - **Gastos generales y otros gastos de explotación **adicionales, incluidos los costes de material, suministros y productos similares. - **Costes de investigación contractual, conocimientos técnicos y patentes **adquiridas u obtenidas por licencia de fuentes externas a precios de mercado. - **Gastos** asociados a **los informes de auditoría externa exigidos.** - **Gastos de subcontratación **(máx. 30 % del importe de la actividad subvencionable de cada beneficiario individual). El solicitante deberá presentar el contrato para autorización con carácter previo a la resolución de concesión. ### Documentación a presentar: a) Formulario de solicitud de ayuda cumplimentado y firmado electrónicamente por el representante o apoderado único de la agrupación, b) Memoria de la actuación con el contenido y estructura definida: - Apartado 1. Memoria técnica: Descripción de la acción propuesta. - Apartado 2. Memoria económica: Coste de realización de la acción y financiación de la misma. c) Acreditación válida del poder de representación del firmante de la solicitud. d) Acreditación del cumplimiento de obligaciones tributarias y frente a la Seguridad Social sólo en el caso en el que el participante no autorice que el órgano concedente obtenga de forma directa dicha acreditación a través de certificados electrónicos. e) Estado de ingresos y gastos del último ejercicio cerrado de cada uno de los participantes firmado electrónicamente por su representante legal. f) Compromiso por escrito de conceder los derechos y los accesos necesarios para garantizar que la Comisión, la Oficina Europea de Lucha contra el Fraude («OLAF»), el Tribunal de Cuentas Europeo, la Fiscalía Europea y las autoridades nacionales competentes ejerzan sus competencias. g) Aceptación de la cesión de datos entre las Administraciones Públicas implicadas para dar cumplimiento a lo previsto en la normativa europea. h) Declaraciones responsables correspondientes, firmadas electrónicamente por su representante legal. **Proyectos de desarrollo tecnológico innovadores que incorporarán tecnologías emergentes o de nuevo desarrollo con riesgo tecnológico medio/bajo.** **** - Proyectos de desarrollo con carácter aplicado, - muy cercanos al mercado (TRL 6-8), - con riesgo tecnológico medio/bajo, - bajo la modalidad de agrupación, - Presupuesto del proyecto: mín. 500.000€, máx. 5.000.000€ - Plazo máx. ejecución 18 meses. #### Criterios de valoración: - **CALIDAD CIENTÍFICO-TÉCNICA **[20 PUNTOS] Calidad técnica del proyecto, adecuación de su propósito, de las necesidades expresadas, la metodología, la descripción de las fases de implementación, las técnicas de gestión utilizadas y herramientas de difusión y comunicación de los resultados, la adecuación de la planificación de las actividades propuestas y el grado de innovación, avanzando el estado del arte de otros productos/servicios, procesos. - **OPORTUNIDAD ESTRATÉGICA **[20 PUNTOS] Alineación de la propuesta con las prioridades objeto de la convocatoria, vinculadas a procesos de innovación de base tecnológica, cuyo resultado beneficie a un número escalable de empresas, que mejoren los procesos de gestión en su relación con clientes, en la gestión de sus beneficios, en su posicionamiento de marca, el impacto en los destinatarios a nivel económico, en el empleo, en competitividad, ganancia de visibilidad en el sector y la contribución efectiva, tanto cualitativa mediante la capacidad de transformación de su sector como cuantitativa mediante el número de empresas involucradas en la iniciativa. - **CAPACIDAD DE GESTIÓN Y CALIDAD DE LOS MEDIOS APORTADOS **[20 PUNTOS] Capacidad de gestión técnica de los solicitantes a partir de las herramientas para la gestión de la agrupación en cuanto a comunicación interna, mecanismos de coordinación, planes de contingencia a la hora de abordar riesgos no previstos y la calidad de los medios materiales y humanos, infraestructuras disponibles, balance de género del equipo humano. - **VIABILIDAD ECONÓMICA Y FINANCIERA DE LA PROPUESTA **[20 PUNTOS] Coherencia de las necesidades financieras de la propuesta, la estructura de financiación, la sostenibilidad en el tiempo, la dimensión económica del proyecto en relación a la adecuación del proyecto a la capacidad financiera de los beneficiarios y la adecuación del presupuesto presentado a las actividades propuestas. Se valorará negativamente el sobredimensionamiento del presupuesto. - **ESTRATEGIA DE EXPLOTACIÓN DE RESULTADOS **[20 PUNTOS] La necesidad del mercado y mercado potencial, el posicionamiento competitivo y estrategia comercial, los mecanismos que garanticen una adecuada gestión la gestión de la propiedad industrial e intelectual y el plan de difusión, explotación e internacionalización de los resultados. **Proyectos de implantación y adopción de nuevas tecnologías que incorporarán tecnologías testadas previamente en el mercado con riesgo tecnológico bajo.** **** - Proyectos demostradores de conocimientos y/o tecnologías - testadas previamente en el mercado (TRL 8-9), - con riesgo tecnológico bajo, - bajo la modalidad de agrupación, - Presupuesto del proyecto: mín. 300.000€, máx. 750.000€, - Plazo máx. ejecución 12 meses. #### Criterios de valoración: - **CALIDAD CIENTÍFICO-TÉCNICA **[20 PUNTOS] Calidad técnica del proyecto, adecuación de su propósito, de las necesidades expresadas, la metodología, la descripción de las fases de implementación, las técnicas de gestión utilizadas y herramientas de difusión y comunicación de los resultados, la adecuación de la planificación de las actividades propuestas y el carácter diferenciador de la propuesta analizando el nivel de originalidad respecto a otras soluciones existentes. - **OPORTUNIDAD ESTRATÉGICA **[20 PUNTOS] Alineación de la propuesta con las prioridades objeto de la convocatoria, vinculadas a procesos de innovación de base tecnológica, cuyo resultado beneficie a un número escalable de empresas, que mejoren los procesos de gestión en su relación con clientes, en la gestión de sus beneficios, en su posicionamiento de marca, el impacto en los destinatarios a nivel económico, en el empleo, en competitividad, ganancia de visibilidad en el sector y la contribución efectiva, tanto cualitativa mediante la capacidad de transformación de su sector como cuantitativa mediante el número de empresas involucradas en la iniciativa. - **CAPACIDAD DE INTEGRACIÓN DE LOS AGENTES DEL ECOSISTEMA **[20 PUNTOS] Grado y número de empresas participantes, la estructura y organización de la actuación propuesta, la integración y representatividad de todos los agentes del sistema, así como las medidas sobre igualdad de género y de generación o mantenimiento del empleo. - **CAPACIDAD DE GESTIÓN Y CALIDAD DE LOS MEDIOS APORTADOS **[20 PUNTOS] Capacidad de gestión técnica de los solicitantes a partir de las herramientas para la gestión de la agrupación en cuanto a comunicación interna, mecanismos de coordinación, planes de contingencia a la hora de abordar riesgos no previstos y la colaboración con terceros mediante un adecuado dimensionamiento de las tareas por cada integrante de la agrupación. - **VIABILIDAD ECONÓMICA Y FINANCIERA DE LA PROPUESTA **[20 PUNTOS] Coherencia de las necesidades financieras de la propuesta, la estructura de financiación, la sostenibilidad en el tiempo, la dimensión económica del proyecto en relación a la adecuación del proyecto a la capacidad financiera de los beneficiarios y la adecuación del presupuesto presentado a las actividades propuestas. Se valorará negativamente el sobredimensionamiento del presupuesto. --- ## SME Fund URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/sme-fund ### CALL >  # SME Fund – A reimbursement program that issues vouchers that can be used to partly cover the fees for Intellectual Property registration ## The SME Fund is a European Commission initiative implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). IDConsortium SMEs established in the EU **Available on a first come, first served basis** From 10 January 2022 to 16 December 2022 The Ideas Powered for business SME Fund is a grant scheme designed to help EU small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) intellectual property (IP) rights. ### Why protecting your intellectual property is necessary. **Protecting your IP** is a must in the digital age. It is the only legal way to avoid having your unique ideas, products, or services copied or used without permission. **IP protection** can cover many different assets, including trade marks, designs, patents, corporate identities, products, services, and processes. ### Who can benefit from the SME Fund. The SME Fund offers financial support to **SMEs** established in the European Union. The application can be filed by an owner, an employee or an authorised representative of an EU SME acting on its behalf. Grants are always transferred directly to the SMEs. **To benefit from the SME Fund**, you need to: -  **Register, log in** to your ‘SME Fund account’ and submit an **application form**. -  Once your application is approved, you will **receive a grant award** notification and your **voucher(s)***. You can then **request the IP activities you require**. -  In order to be reimbursed for your requested IP activities, you need to **apply for reimbursement after you have paid** for the activities using the form available in your SME Fund account. ***Note: **Vouchers are valid for **4 months **from the moment you receive the grant, and can be extended by another 2 months during the last 30 days of the original 4-month period if required.  **During this period,** you can request and pay for IP activities and then request the corresponding reimbursement, thus **activating your voucher(s)**.**‍Make sure that you use your voucher(s) during the validity period!** ‍ **Once you have activated your voucher(s)**, there is an **‘**implementation period’ during which you can request further activities and ask for additional reimbursement. This period lasts: - **6 months** for Voucher 1 - **12 months** for Voucher 2 In each case you have an additional **30 days** maximum **to request reimbursement** **after** the ‘implementation period’. The 2022 edition of the SME Fund covers several **activities** to help you implement your IP asset strategy depending of the needs of your business. Eligible IP activities and reimbursement percentage: - IP pre-diagnostic service (IP scan) 90% - Trade marks and designs (national, regional and EU level) 75% - Trade marks and designs (outside the EU) 50% - Patents (national level) 50% Steps:  - Apply for the grant  - Receive your grant award and voucher - Request and pay for IP activities within 4 months after receiving the voucher.  - Get reimbursed Detailed information on limits and fees can be found in the call for proposals and corresponding annexes. **90% reimbursement for IP pre-diagnostic services (IP Scan)** - Through arranged interviews with an IP expert designated by the national IP office, you collaboratively examine your business model, products or services and growth plans to determine the most appropriate IP strategy for your business. IP Scan does not constitute a legal service. - After the assessment, the IP expert will provide you with a full report on your IP strategy and propose a set of best practices and recommendations on how to manage, protect, and develop your IP rights in the future. - IP Scan covers all intellectual property rights (trade marks, designs, patents, utility models, plant varieties, geographical indications) as well as those that are unregistered/unregistrable (e.g. copyrights, trade secrets, company names, domain names). For more information on IP Scan within the framework of the SME Fund, please consult the IP office website. The level of protection you choose (national, regional, EU, or international) will depend on your business strategy and your growth plans. If you are unsure about what sort of protection to apply for, or at which territorial level, an IP pre-diagnostic service (IP Scan) or a free IP consultation (pro bono service) can help you make the right choice.   - **75% reimbursement of trade mark and design fees at EU level:****You can apply for a 75% reimbursement of trade mark and/or design application fees, additional class fees, and examination, registration, publication and deferment of publication fees at EU level. The registration for this type of protection should be performed through the EUIPO. - 75% reimbursement of trade mark and design fees at national and regional level****You can apply for a 75% reimbursement of trade mark and/or design application fees, additional class fees, and examination, registration, publication and deferment of publication fees at national and regional level. The registration for this type of protection should be performed directly through a national IP office or the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (for protection at regional level covering Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg). - 50% reimbursement of trade mark and design fees outside the EU****You can apply for a 50% reimbursement of trade mark and/or design basic application fees, designation fees, and subsequent designation fees outside the EU. Designation fees for EU countries are excluded as are handling fees charged by the office of origin. The application for this type of protection should be performed through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). - 50% reimbursement of patent fees at national level**You can apply for a 50% reimbursement of patent pre-grant (e.g. filing, search, and examination), grant, and publication fees at national level. The registration for this type of protection should be performed directly through a national IP office or the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (for protection at regional level covering Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). --- ## Organic residues recycling in agriculture URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/organic-residues-recycling-agriculture ### NEWS | Rustica > # Organic residues recycling in agriculture ## Soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the most important components of soil as it influences virtually all the properties of soil that control agricultural and environmental functions. Soil organic matter is difficult to measure directly, so laboratories usually measure and report its largest component, the soil organic carbon (SOC). IDConsortium Despite the acknowledged agronomical and environmental importance of SOM, in the last decades a significant loss of SOC has been recorded worldwide, which has mainly been attributed to the cultivation of new land and the intensification of agricultural practices. The reduction in SOM leads to a decline in soil fertility and the onset of several degradative processes such as erosion, desertification, compaction and nutrient deficiency. It has been estimated that roughly 2 billion ha of land are affected by degradation, which is over 30% of all land on earth. There is considerable concern that, if SOM concentrations in soils are allowed to decrease too much, then the productive capacity of soils will be compromised.  Besides the impact on soil quality and productivity of agricultural ecosystems, SOC losses present a significant impact on atmospheric greenhouse gases levels as 1 Gton (109 ton) C loss is equivalent to an atmospheric enrichment of carbon dioxide (CO2) by 0.47 ppm. SOC represents an important component of the global C cycle and constitutes the largest reservoir of terrestrial C stocks. It is widely acknowledged that land management options aimed at restoring past C losses from agroecosystems can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation, by long-term (i.e. > 100 years) removal of CO2 from the atmosphere into the soil, the so-called soil C sequestration. Therefore, due to the positive impacts of SOM on soil quality, ecosystem functioning and economical sustainability, it is of the utmost importance for the long-term prosperity of society to restore, maintain and increase SOM levels.  There are several soil management options that can be set up to recover and increase SOM and, amongst these, soil amendment with exogenous organic matter (EOM) is considered to be one of the more effective ways of restoring SOC and offsetting climate change. Exogenous organic matter is all organic matter of biological origin that is returned to the soil for the purpose of growing crops, improving soil quality and restoring or reclaiming land for future use. EOM includes organic residues from agricultural, urban and industrial origin as well as the products of their processing. Many activities generate organic wastes, including housing and urban activities (e.g. biowastes, sewage sludges and green wastes), industries (e.g. bioenergy by products), food processors (e.g. pomace) and agriculture (e.g. manures and crop residues). At European level, about 1.600 million tonnes of EOMs are produced each year, yet about 50% of municipal biowaste is not recycled in agriculture as it is disposed through incineration or landfilling. Recently, the utilization of organic amendments is increasing due to legislative and environmental drivers favouring the agricultural recycling of a wider range of organic residues and enhanced social awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. The recycling of EOM on soils is strongly encouraged by the European Union, as a strategy to foster circular economy in agriculture, through different policies: (i) European Soil strategy aimed to the restoration of degraded soils and enhancement of soil fertility, (ii) European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategies which aim to decrease nutrient losses, soil pollution and the use of mineral fertilisers and enhance biodiversity, and (iii) the RED II directive promoting the development of renewable energy sources. Organic residues recycling in agriculture is however only possible if their land application is not harmful for soil, crops and the environment. Generally, direct application to soil of fresh EOM is not possible, especially with high biodegradable residues, as it can lead to adverse effects such as anoxic conditions and production of phytotoxic substances. For this reason, it is advisable that before utilization as amendments, EOMs undergo some transformation processes leading to the stabilization of its organic matter. Furthermore, EOMs must be free from toxic compounds and plant and human pathogens.   #### **Organic residues recycling and RUSTICA** The RUSTICA project will study and demonstrate the viability of 5 innovative conversion processes (carboxylic acid platform, microbial biomass production, electrodialysis, insect breeding and biochar production) to transform the residues from vegetables and fruit sector into effective and safe bio-based fertilisers. The processes can be combined depending on the available waste streams and integrated with state-of-the-art technologies such as composting.  The objectives of the Rustica project perfectly matches current environmental policies fostering EOM recycling in agriculture and the transition towards a circular economy. The bio-based fertilisers produced from the vegetables and fruit wasted represent a valuable resource that is re-entered in the agricultural sector providing benefits to farmers, society and environment. RUSTICA promotes the return of organic residues to the soil, under the form of stable and high-quality organic matter, contrasting SOM losses, soil degradation and climate change. In addition, bio-based fertilisers contain nutrients and their application on soils represent a potential substitution for synthetic and mineral fertilisers coming from fossil (for nitrogen) and non-renewable resources (mining resources for phosphorous and potassium). By increasing the recycling of nutrients, bio-based fertilisers may therefore improve the nutrient use efficiency. Utilization of good quality wastes and application of transformation process will guarantee the stability of the end products and the absence of toxic pollutants and pathogens, making bio-based fertilisers a safe and effective product to be utilized in agriculture. Claudio Mondini, CREA Friuli Venezia Giulia Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Stakeholders workshop in Pays de la Loire on 21st of October of 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/2021-10-21-stakeholders-workshop-pays-loire-france ### NEWS | Rustica > # Stakeholders workshop in Pays de la Loire on 21st of October of 2021 ## On 21st of October of 2021 took place the first regional stakeholders workshop in Pays de la Loire. The workshop was hosted by ESA d’Angers, an agronomic engineer school based in Angers. IDConsortium 17 participants representing a variety of actors attended the workshop. Among them were agronomic and/or engineer schools and scientists, agricultural cooperatives (who are sometimes fertiliser distributors), federations of cooperatives, technical institutes, associations, regional and environmental institutions, one manufacturer of potting soils and a competitiveness cluster. **Introduction to participants** The participants were asked to position themselves with a post-it on an arrow on a poster representing the bio-based fertiliser chain from upstream (production of fruit and vegetable biowaste) to downstream production of bio-based fertilisers. Some could position more than one post-it (waste producer, fertiliser distributor, fertiliser user…) and they were asked to explain their motivations to attend to the regional workshop. **Introduction to RUSTICA project** The participants were introduced to RUSTICA project through the RUSTICA project video and a presentation. **Common goal definition** The participants were asked to write individually on post-its what would be for them the ideal results of RUSTICA project. Then, there was a discussion on what could be possible within the boundaries of the RUSTICA project and the results were clustered using axes (priority and delay).** ** **Validation regional market analysis** A fact sheet was handed out to the participants and it was presented. They were asked to read it and note their remarks and questions. Afterwards, in a plenary session, all the  remarks/interrogations/additions were discussed. **Group exercises** The group was divided in two half groups to get input (a) on RBBF blend and (b) on the regional stakeholders map. In one group were used posters to make the participants work together and in another, a stakeholders map was used to complete it. ** End of the workshop** The workshop ended at about 16.30 and the stakeholders were satisfied to discover RUSTICA project in detail and they were able to share their points of view freely during this workshop. They are waiting for more detailed information in future workshops. Céline Marjolet, Chambre Régionale d’Agriculture des Pays de la Loire Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Social challenges affecting bio-based fertilisers implementation URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/social-challenges-biobased-fertilisers ### NEWS | Rustica > # Social challenges affecting bio-based fertilisers implementation ## Climate change and resources depletion are urging agriculture players to boost a real change, from the grounds, fostering the use of bio-based solutions for crop nutrient management and pest control among others. IDConsortium RUSTICA project is exploring a set of 5 technologies (carboxylic acid platform, microbial biomass production, electrodialysis, insect cultivation and biochar production) to value organic waste streams into bio-based fertilisers to be used in different regions and agricultural systems around Europe and South America. Furthermore, market and future scenarios analysis are being performed in order to identify market opportunities and new trends. In this framework, TECNOVA Technologic Centre has organized a workshop with stakeholders involved actively in the vegetable production industry under greenhouse in South-East of Spain (Almería). During the workshop, discussions about the social factors arises from the participants, highlighting its potential influence as promoters or obstacles on the implementation of bio-based fertilisers (BBFs) use. Main social factors identified during the workshop as promoters to the effective implementation of BBFs in Spanish agriculture were: (1)    Trends in general policies adopted by EU and Spanish government in order to promote sustainable agriculture. (2)    The implemented use of some bio-based products. (3)    The optimization of value chains to promote waste management and the recovery of nutrients. (4)    Social awareness and pressure in the market promoting healthy and sustainable foods. (5)   The dependencies from available resources and logistics to produce inorganic fertilisers has raised the price of inorganic fertilisers for farmers, urging them to search for new inputs and solutions of proximity. On the other side, several factors were considered as obstacles to be solved as a first step for a proper implementation and use of bio-based fertilisers. Challenges were identified at different levels and key actors to be involved.  At farm level, the main challenge is the necessity of training, either for farmers and for technicians in order to carry out the proper management of nutrient balance in the soil. At policy level, there is a lack of regulation harmonization regarding the production and use of the bio-based fertilisers and the existing regulation has been developed from a general perspective, with a lack of adaptation to local conditions. At the industry level, there is a challenge to offer trustable and economic profitable products, with a regular composition and no traces of chemical pesticides coming from waste biomass. Finally, at the general society level, there is a need to promote the environmental awareness regarding preservation of soil and environment health  and this environmental awareness must be created and promoted from schools to adult populations. RUSTICA consortium is working to solve these questions and foster the implementation of local value chains into new bio-based fertilisers solutions made from local vegetable waste streams. The acceptance of the first workshop with stakeholders in the region of Almeria, as well as the other workshops organized in other regions of Europe and South America, shows the interest of the different actors involved in the BBFs production and use in pushing this market as the main alternative to inorganic traditional fertilisation.  Guadalupe López Díaz, Tecnova Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## European Innovation Council has brought its first results URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-innovation-council-has-brought-its-first-results The innovation arena got a major new player when the European Innovation Council (EIC) was launched in March 2021 under Horizon Europe. Being designed to identify, develop and foster scaling up Europe’s breakthrough technologies the EIC has delivered first tangible results. The EIC impact report documents the results and impact of the EIC pilot phase up to 2020. During that period, the EIC supported 5500 start-ups and SMEs which have: - Crowded in EUR 9.6 billion in follow on investments, primarily from Venture Capital, but also from corporates, national promotional banks and others. - Reached a valuation of around EUR 50 billion, including 91 “centaurs” (company valuation over €100m) and 2 “unicorns” (company valuation over EUR 1 billion). - An increasing number of women-led start-ups: of those awarded funding in 2020, over 20 percent have a female CEO, a doubling of the previous level. The EIC Fund entered full operations in the first six months of 2021, which means investment decisions taken on 137 companies worth EUR 600 million. The first 24 direct equity investments of the Fund attracted co-investments by others funds worth € 395 million, which equals 2.7 times of the EIC Fund investment. EIC supported research projects have generated so far over 800 innovations. The majority of these projects include SMEs or other commercial partners. The 218 start-ups awarded EIC funding in 2020, include 72 developing innovative solutions for COVID, at least 64 for Green Deal and at least 40 for digital technologies. European Innovation Council impact report 2021: key numbers from the EIC performance (europa.eu)   ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Stakeholders workshop in Valle del Cauca region (Colombia) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/05-11-2021-stakeholders-workshop-valle-cauca-colombia ### NEWS | Rustica > # Stakeholders workshop in Valle del Cauca region (Colombia) ## On 5th of November took placed an stakeholders workshop in the frame of RUSTICA project in Valle del Cauca region. In the following lines you will see how the workshop was organized. IDConsortium First of all, the participants were welcomed and introduced to the Alliance Bioversity-CIAT and a brief description of the project was shared with them. Afterwards, there was a round of presentation from all the participants and they shared their experience around bio fertilisers and valorisation of harvest residues. **Brainstorming on ideal outcomes from the project** A brainstorming session was conducted by requesting the participants to ask the following question: ‘What would be one or more ideal outcomes of the RUSTICA project from your point of view?’ Everyone wrote down the project goals from their own perspective and then they were ranked according to time and priority. **Validation of regional market analysis** A fact sheet was handed out to everyone and it was presented step by step. Participants were organized in three groups according to their affiliation (research centre/academia, fertilisers companies, producers) to reflect on 3 questions about the fact sheet: - Is there any data that does not match, you don’t understand or surprises you? - Are there more relevant regional waste streams that you are aware of that are not covered on the fact sheet? - Do you think there are any limiting factors? Afterwards, the answers were discussed. **Developing future scenarios in the subgroups** Three tables were stablished. Each table got a question assigned and had a volunteer rapporteur. The rest of the participants rotated through the tables to answer the three questions: - What are the factors (drivers / trends) that positively influence the production and diffusion of bio-based fertilisers from fruit and vegetable wastes? - What are the current obstacles on your region that may limit its development? - What are the opportunities and threats to increase the production or use of bio-based fertilisers? At the end, each rapporteur presented all the results. Guillermo Pena Chipatecua, CIAT Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Definition of Result, Outcomes and Expected Impact URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/definition-result-outcomes-expected-impact It is essential to correctly understand the difference between these concepts in order to apply them when writing a proposal. Coherence is the key to a successful European innovation proposal. Therefore we believe that having tools and methodologies to identify 1) Objectives, 2) Activities, 3) Expected Results, 4) Outcomes and 5) Expected Impacts, can help to clearly improve the quality of our proposal. Below we show you the methodology that we follow in IDConsortium to identify these points in the in our proposals. The graph below shows graphically what would be the exploitation roadmap of an innovation project and temporally situates the results, outcomes and expected impacts. - **Result –**             Output is defined as the “number of products or services produced by a business, industry, or country in a specific time period, whether spent or utilised for further production.” Output is the final result of an economic process that uses inputs to create a product or service that is offered for sale or usage elsewhere. In the context of Horizon Europe, an output are the expected results from the activities implemented from the project. When defining the expected results in a proposal, we recommend to analyze per WP and per partner the expected results at the end of the project and their exploitation strategy per task or if it is not possible per WP.  The following table may help them to identify possible project results and their exploitation strategies:  (for more information on potential exploitation strategies, see the article “IP Exploitation Strategy“). - **Outcome –**             The expected effects, over the medium term, of projects supported under a given topic. The results of a project should contribute to these outcomes, fostered in particular by the dissemination and exploitation measures. This may include the uptake, diffusion, deployment, and/or use of the project’s results by direct target groups. Outcomes generally occur during or shortly after the end of the project. - **Expected Impact –** The expected impacts are the effects, expected to be positive, that the innovation project can have if the results and outcomes of the project are sustained and exploited in industry and society in the long term. These effects can be technological, social, environmental, and economic. We recommend trying to link these expected impacts with initiatives and strategies implemented at a more local or international level. For example, at a regional level we recommend to link the expected impacts with regional policies or initiatives such as the Smart Specialisation Strategies.  At global level it is very interesting to assess the impact in relation with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The table below may help you in your project to identify outcomes and expected impacts. ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Mesa redonda organizada por la Camara de Comercio de Italia sobre oportunidades de financiación para PyMEs URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/mesa-redonda-organizada-por-la-camara-de-comercio-de-italia-sobre-oportunidades-de-financiacion-para-pymes ### NEWS > # WEBINAR OPORTUNIDADES DE FINANCIACIÓN PARA PYMES ## Mesa redonda organizada por la Camara de Comercio de Italia con la participación de IDConsortium y Change Capital Spain. IDConsortium ### El pasado 15 de Diciembre, nuestra directora, Macarena Sanz, participó en una mesa redonda organizada por la Cámara de Comercio de Italia en España sobre acceso para PyMES a financiación alternativa y Fondos Next Generation.   Los participantes de la mesa redonda fueron Silvia Morgano (CEO de Change Capital en España) y Macarena Sanz (Directora General de IDConsortium). Gracias a Silvia descubrimos que puede haber fuentes de financiación no bancarias muy atractivas para financiar el circulante o inversiones de las empresas que les permitan a estas crecer. Por otro lado, Macarena hizo una presentación de las oportunidades para PyMEs en el marco de los fondos Next Generation. Cabe resaltar que en 2022 se espera un aluvión de ayudas y las PyMEs españolas deben estar muy pendientes de las convocatorias para no perder opciones de financiación via subvención o préstamo.   Change Capital Spain es un referente como proveedor de soluciones de financiación alternativa con largo recorrido en Italia y en España. Se caracteriza por la rapidez en la respuesta y en la gestión de estas soluciones financieras.   Recientemente Change Capital Spain e IDConsortium han firmado un acuerdo de colaboración para el impulso del desarrollo empresarial.   código de acceso: **3vGy0$dr** --- ## ICM-CSIC visits Universidad de Almería (UAL) facilities URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/icm-csic-visits-ual-facilities ### NEWS | Prodigio > # ICM-CSIC visits Universidad de Almería (UAL) facilities ## On November the 24th, a team from the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) in Barcelona (Spain) visited the facilities of University of Almería (UAL) in Almería (Spain), where the experimental facilities for microalgal cultivation are located. IDConsortium Two different raceway ponds, fed with wastewater and fertilizers (Fig. 2), have been sampled three times per week for the last 9 months. Samples are sent periodically to ICM-CSIC for specific chemical and molecular analyses. Researchers from both institutions discussed all the practicalities about the raceways design, functioning, algal community sampling and limitations inherent to the technology in order to optimize samplings and produce high quality datasets. The visit was very fruitful for both teams and PRODIGIO project will benefit from the exchange of knowledge from researchers with such diverse range of scientific backgrounds, from bioprocess engineering to theoretical ecology. During the second day of the visit, a meeting was held to design the new experiments that will take place from January onwards. The experiments will be carried out in bench-scale raceways where PH, light and temperature are strictly controlled and sampling can be done at a relatively high frequency. Stepwise increases in temperature and acidity will be forced over time (simulating gradual warming and acidification) in two of the raceways while the others will be held unchanged. The experiments are intended to force and monitor the eventual collapse of the algal biomass production systems. The data generated will serve to understand the mechanisms underlying the failure of the systems and design early-warning signals to anticipate and mitigate these crashes. Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Reconstructing large interaction networks from empirical time series data URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/reconstructing-large-interaction-networks-empirical-time-series-data ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Reconstructing large interaction networks from empirical time series data ## Reconstructing interactions from observational data is a critical need for investigating natural biological networks, wherein network dimensionality is usually high. IDConsortium However, these pose a challenge to existing methods that can quantify only small interaction networks. Here, we proposed a novel approach to reconstruct high-dimensional interaction Jacobian networks using empirical time series without specific model assumptions. This method, named “multiview distance regularised S-map,” generalised the state space reconstruction to accommodate high dimensionality and overcome difficulties in quantifying massive interactions with limited data. When evaluating this method using time series generated from theoretical models involving hundreds of interacting species, estimated strengths of interaction Jacobians were in good agreement with theoretical expectations. Applying this method to a natural bacterial community helped identify important species from the interaction network and revealed mechanisms governing the dynamical stability of a bacterial community. The proposed method overcame the challenge of high dimensionality in large natural dynamical systems. #### If you want more information about this news: Carmen García Comas, ICM-CSIC ## More news about this project: --- ## The first workshop of RUSTICA project in Spain took place in Almería on 10th November of 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/2021-11-10-stakeholders-workshop-almeria-spain ### NEWS | Rustica > # The first workshop of RUSTICA project in Spain took place in Almería on 10th November of 2021 ## Tecnova counts on the presence of 10 stakeholders of the Rustica project to obtain bio-based fertilisers from organic fruit and vegetable waste. IDConsortium The aim of the Rustica project, financed by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme, is to find a solution related to the conversion of organic waste from the fruit and vegetable sector into innovative, high-quality biological fertilisers focused on the needs of modern (organic) agriculture. The goal of this research line not only goes beyond a nutrient recovery, but also involves the development of economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilisers with the same or improved agronomic value. On 10th November of 2021, the Technology Centre Tecnova organised the first Spanish workshop which took place in Almería and assembled ten stakeholders from Spain and different fields of work: research centres, fertilizer industries, waste processing enterprises, agricultural producers’ organisations, technical services centres and public administration agents. The workshop was structured in different parts. At the beginning of the workshop, there was a presentation and a reception of the participants followed by an introduction of the RUSTICA project. Then, each stakeholder presented the main short- and long-term contributions in order to get to know each participant and their organisation. Subsequently, several questionnaires were carried out in order to validate the fact sheet created for the market study of Almeria region. Some of the questions asked were: does the data presented correspond to the reality of the sector and which aspects of the risks do you identify with? Later, main promoters and risks were identified for the implementation of new biofertilizers developed from residues in the agricultural sector of the vegetable industry under greenhouse.  Based on another questionnaire each participant gave their opinion on what they expect from the ideal bio-based fertilizer. At this stage of the workshop, future scenarios were presented where each of the different stakeholders identified the aspect of the targeted factors (social, economic, political, technological and environmental) that could positively or negatively affect the implementation of the production and use of bio-based fertilizers. To conclude this workshop, a debate took place on the ideal future scenario in Almeria for the production of bio-based fertilizers from organic waste.                                        This first workshop of the Rustica project was very enriching for all participants and for the project in general. It was possible to learn first-hand about the current fertiliser problems and the opinions related to possible solutions, thanks to the direct contact of the stakeholders with the agricultural industry. In short, the aim of this workshop has been to show and to collect information and, at the same time, to receive feedback from experts to develop high quality bio-based fertilizers that can be accepted by the whole industry and farmers. Guadalupe López Díaz, Tecnova Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Productive RUSTICA project meeting and inspiring field visits in Almeria URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/productive-rustica-project-meeting-inspiring-field-almeria ### NEWS | Rustica > # Productive RUSTICA project meeting and inspiring field visits in Almeria ## The RUSTICA project started in January 2021, with as key objective research on the processing of fruit and vegetable waste into bio-based fertilizers. Due to the Covid crisis, the consortium could not have any live meeting so far. But last week, finally, a real project meeting took place in Almeria. IDConsortium We look back at an intensive 3-day meeting, which demonstrated the added value of discussion around a table as well as the importance of field visits in understanding regional bottlenecks and challenges for the circular bioeconomy in the food value chain. Despite the pandemic situation, all the necessary safety measures were taken into account and almost all partners were represented in Almeria. Even the Colombian partner, CIAT, managed to attend the project meeting. The consortium chose a mix of live meetings, hybrid meetings and field visits. The choice of Almeria as location for our first real project meeting is grounded on the fact that three RUSTICA partners have their headquarters in this region. Furthermore, the fruit and vegetable sector is the most important economic sector in Almeria. The diverse challenges of the RUSTICA project were on the agenda. Since the start of the project, RUSTICA activities have been developed in the five selected regions located in Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Colombia. During our meeting, we discussed the feedback from the involved stakeholders in the regions. We reflected on how to guarantee the stakeholders’ involvement and hence also on the added value of our project for our target audience. A first field visit took place at Tecnova (Fundación para las Tecnologías Auxiliares de la Agricultura), who also hosted the project meeting. Tecnova is a RUSTICA partner, that is specialized in services for the agricultural sector in the region. They carry out analyses and develop new technologies, such as innovative machines for the selection of fruit and vegetables and the organization of tasting panels for evaluating the quality of new crop varieties. The consortium visited the laboratories and development rooms of Tecnova. The next field visit took place at Cehegín, over 200 km away from Almeria, at Entomo Agroindustrial. Entomo  is specialized in the use of insects for both the valorization of waste streams and the production of insect-based byproducts. Entomo was found in 2009 and well networked with the regional fruit and vegetable sector. Entomo offers services in research and innovation based on the use of insects. The RUSTICA team of Entomo guided us around in their facilities, with even the opportunity to feel the insects at work. Furthermore, we walked through the entotainer, a container with Entomo technology for mobile pilot trials. BioSabor welcomed the RUSTICA team at their production room, where top quality vegetables – including tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants – pass a selection process before being packed and ready for the market. BioSabor also has a processing unit, producing delicious gazpacho. Symbolically, our last stop before heading to the airport, was a greenhouse. Almeria region is characterized by an impressive number of greenhouses. We had the honor to visit one of BioSabor’s greenhouses, where organic tomato production and innovative technology are key values. In summary, it was an enormous challenge to organize an international consortium meeting at a moment the world, including all European member states, suffer from severe covid outbreaks. Yet, more than ever, innovation and sustainability in the food system is needed. We experienced during these 3 days that face-to-face dialogues and field visits remain an undisputable necessity in making progress to develop a more efficient circular bioeconomy. Tessa Avermaete, KU Leuven Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## PERTE del sistema sanitario español. URL: https://idconsortium.com/recomendationsngen/perte-del-sistema-sanitario-espanol Hace unos días se presentó el PERTE denominado “Para la Salud de Vanguardia”. Recordemos que los PERTE (Proyectos Estratégicos para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica) son un nuevo instrumento de colaboración público-privada definida por el Real Decreto-ley 36/2020 de 30 de diciembre. Se trata de proyectos de carácter estratégico, que tengan una influencia relevante en la economía española, donde la colaboración entre administraciones, empresas y centros de investigación es fundamental para conseguir que escalen sus operaciones en el país. En concreto, El PERTE del sector sanitario se centra en el concepto de Salud de Vanguardia. ¿Y qué significa este concepto en este sector? El Gobierno de España utiliza ese concepto para aprovechar esta oportunidad de financiación extraordinaria europea tras la situación de la pandemia del COVID19 para llevar al sistema sanitario al futuro a través de la innovación, la digitalización y, por supuesto, la investigación. Todo este avance se centra en añadir valor a la prevención, diagnóstica y tratamiento a o rehabilitación de los pacientes a través de nuevos retos. Los retos para una salud de vanguardia son: - **Medicina de Precisión** a través de datos, nuevos biomarcadores y herramientas de diagnóstico y predictivas. - **Medicamentos de terapia avanzada** a través de la innovación terapéutica orientada en la necesidad de cada paciente. - **Ciencia del Dato e Inteligencia Artificial** para la digitalización del los procesos clínicos y desarrollo de soluciones tecnológicas que obtener información más precisa e integrada para la toma de decisiones. Con todo ello se pretende que el sistema sanitario esté basado en la **Medicina de Precisión, las terapias avanzadas y la inteligencia artificial**, y para esta transformación será necesario facilitar la transferencia del I+D+I académico al sector industrial a través de herramientas de colaboración público-privada y la promoción de las capacidades industriales mediante la innovación en procesos industriales y de manufactura. Recordemos que el Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia (PRTR) del Gobierno de Españarefuerza la inversión pública y privada para reorientar el modelo productivo, impulsando la transición verde y digital, a través de 10 políticas palancas y 30 componentes. Sin embargo, dado el carácter estratégico del sector salud y su transversalidad, las actuaciones trascienden del ámbito de la I+D+I y se extienden, al ámbito industrial y a la transformación digital. Por ello, son varios los componentes del Plan de Recuperación, que recogen medidas que afectan a esta transformación cualitativa del sector salud que propone el PERTE. ## Objetivos y Líneas transversales El PERTE de Salud se articula en torno a cuatro objetivos estratégicos y cinco líneas que deben aplicarse de forma transversal para garantizar la consecución de estos objetivos y que se identifican como elementos críticos de éxito. **Objetivos Estratégicos ** OE1. Impulsar la implementación equitativa de la Medicina Personalizada de Precisión OE2. Promover el desarrollo de terapias avanzadas y otros fármacos innovadores OE3. Desarrollar un sistema de datos innovador OE4. Impulsar la transformación digital de la asistencia sanitaria **Líneas transversales ** LT1. Fortalecer y desarrollar las capacidades de los centros del Sistema Nacional de Salud LT2. Invertir en el desarrollo, digitalización y modernización de la capacidad industrial. LT3. Diseñar y desplegar instrumentos y estructuras que aseguren la colaboración y la coordinación entre el tejido científico y el tejido empresarial LT4. Reforzar la cohesión territorial LT5. Fortalecer la formación   ## ¿Cómo se va articular y que financiación habrá? El PERTE Salud de Vanguardia prevé una inversión total de más de 1.469,324 millones de euros en el periodo 2021-2023, donde la  contribución del sector público  es de 982,442 millones de euros y una inversión privada inicial de 486,882 millones de euros. La inversión se articulan a través de los siguientes instrumentos: 1) **Convocatorias **orientadas al tejido científico, al tejido industrial y a proyectos de colaboración combinando ambas agendas de inversión. 2) **Creación de una estructura de I+D+i para terapias avanzadas en red **que permita vertebrar las capacidades existentes en todo el Estado. 3) **Creación de un vehículo de inversión público-privada **en terapias avanzadas (sociedad mercantil público-privada) con participación de empresas con capacidad de producción en España. 4) **Elementos de coordinación e identificación temprana de capacidades y necesidades **del Sistema Nacional de Salud. 5) **Compra pública innovadora y pre-comercial**. 6) **Convenios con CCAA y acuerdos **en conferencia sectorial. 7) **Iniciativas privadas y proyectos co-programados **en el seno de la Alianza Salud de Vanguardia con el liderazgo del sector industrial. 8) **Licitaciones públicas**. ## Hitos Con este PERTE y sus objetivos se han establecido unos hitos a cumplir en un período de 5 años. Por todo ello, se abre una ventana de oportunidades en la innovación e investigación dentro del sector sanitario apostando por la transformación digital como motor de este cambio hasta conseguir posicionarlo a la vanguardia. En los próximos meses se publicarán los instrumentos de financiación y desde IDConsortium haremos llegar la información de forma clara y concisa.   ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Carboxilic Acid Platform (CAP) as starting point for a bio-based fertilizer URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/carboxilic-acid-platform-starting-point-biobased-fertilizer ### NEWS | Rustica > # Carboxilic Acid Platform (CAP) as starting point for a bio-based fertilizer ## The current fertilizers are made using exhaustible resources, which have a negative impact on our climate. IDConsortium For example, phosphor and nitrogen are extracted from fossil raw materials or by using a big amount of energy derived from fossil fuels. These raw materials are becoming more and more scarce, highlighting the need for new, renewable resources. The **Carboxylic Acid Platform (CAP)** is a green, biological technology which allows the production of a complex solution. Multiple natural bacteria, found on the agricultural waste, break down the organic matter into nutrients and short carbon chains. Second, these short carbon chains are elongated to longer, more energy rich molecules. **To sum up: the CAP recycles organic, agricultural waste into a nutrient and energy rich solution.** The CAP solution can be used by Avecom as feed source to produce microbial proteins. These microbial proteins are a very nutritious bioavailable nitrogen source for the agricultural crops. They are easily taken up and stimulate growth and increase yield. CAP solution is also rich in micronutrients such as magnesium, calcium, etc. The Paint group from the Ghent University can separate these micronutrients using a specialized membrane technology called **electrodialysis**. These nutrients can be added to the bio-based fertilizer to support the growth of the crops and make nutrient-rich soils. After harvesting, **the newly produced agricultural waste can again be converted into a CAP solution, which in turn is again converted into a bio-based fertilizer** available for the next harvest. Nathan Deman, DRANCO Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## The trade secrets URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/the-trade-secrets A trade secret is defined as any confidential information kept secret, meaning that it has not been disclosed to third parties, that has commercial value and its subject to measures aiming at keeping it secret.  In a wider sense, trade secrets refer to any confidential business information which provides an enterprise with an economic benefit that translates into a competitive advantage.  Examples of trade secrets are: business methods, business relationships, pricing and cost information, customer or supplier lists, process know-how and technology, computer data bases and manufacturing methods, among others.    There is no worldwide harmonization of trade secret protection. In the EU, trade secret protection is harmonized by Directive 2016/943. This Directive provides the basis for managing trade secrets, also in case of infringement and litigation. Holding a trade secret is not always easy to prove.  Unlike patents, trade secrets may be legally protected for an unlimited period of time, are not applied for neither be registered, so no registration cost is required. This fact does not mean that holding a trade secret is less expensive, it can be expensive to maintain high confidentiality levels at all times, in particular make sure that the information is kept secret at all times, e.g. by the use of encryption mechanisms, confidentiality clauses in employees’ contracts, NDAs with third parties. Protection of trade secrets from competitors starts by setting up special procedures for handling such secrets. First, the information needs to be properly identified and it can be further classified and marked as Critical, Maximum, Medium and Minimum, according to the level of confidentiality or the risk of disclosure. Secondly, the trade secret owner should determine who can have access to the information. The use of passwords, locks, badges as well as having a tracing system to identify the access and changes made over the confidential information should be considered.  These protection measures must be framed under a corporate policy that it must be communicated to the employees. This policy should define the way employees should manage confidential information in both, when working in the company facilities and when connecting remotely or through open wireless networks. Accompanying this policy, signing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with employees help to decrease the risk of disclosure of confidential information by establishing contractual obligations, whose breach may be sanctioned by financial penalties contractually agreed, involving  judicial actions. Other agreements such as non-compete agreements specify a period of time during which a former employee is not allowed to work for a competitor or reveal certain information. Non-solicitation agreements are contracts in which an employee agrees not to solicit a company’s clients or customers, for his or her own benefit or for the benefit of a competitor, after leaving a company. Previous contracts are also important when working with contractors, clients or other business partners. It is worth mentioning that having up-to-date operating systems, anti-virus and anti-spyware software and performing regularly back up information stored is essential. Trade secret protection does not prevent competitors from copying and using the same solutions if a trade secret is obtained in a lawful manner, for example, through reverse engineering. On the other hand, it is unlawful to acquire a trade secret by means of unauthorized access, appropriation, or copying of any documents, objects, materials, substances, or electronic files containing trade secrets without the consent of a trade secret holder. Such a breach can lead to court litigation and monetary compensation for the trade secret holder. A way of proving the trade secrets ownership is by having a notary seal on the document.   *Source: European IP Helpdesk* ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## What is a utility model? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/what-is-a-utility-model Similar to patents, utility models protect new technical inventions by grating the holder the exclusive right to prevent third parties from exploiting an invention without authorization in the country where the utility model was registered. To obtain the protection, an application must be filed and the utility model must be granted.   In general terms, utility models can be an interesting protection mechanism for innovations that make small improvements to, and adaptations of, existing products or that have short commercial life or have an important role in a local innovation ecosystem and, that does not fulfill the patentability requirements.   In some countries, utility models are considered ‘weak patents’. In comparison to patents, utility models cannot be obtained at EU level, the right is territorial, being the protection available only in certain countries1 and under certain rules2. Hence, utility models must be filed individually in each country where protection is desired. The protection covers 3-10 years.   In counterpart, the registration process is faster and cheaper than a patent as no substantive examination is needed generally.   So, according to the exploitation strategy, the utility model could be an option but, it is important to consider that, when applying for a utility model, the holder has to disclose the invention to the public putting it in risk in the countries that is it not protected. Individuals or entities in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada can easily access to this information and take advantage of its disclosure to copy, use and exploit the invention in this countries without infringing the law.   *Sources: EUIPO, WIPO.*  ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## A typology of sustainable circular business models URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/typology-sustainable-circular-business-models ### NEWS | Rustica > # A typology of sustainable circular business models ## As an approach to sustainable development, circular business models are increasingly being developed. However, many circular business models focus on environmental or technological contributions to sustainability rather than considering all dimensions of sustainability simultaneously. IDConsortium Based on the well-known **Sustainable Business Model Archetypes** by Nancy Bocken and colleagues (2014), a hierarchical business model typology can be developed that allows a stepwise exploration of sustainable business model innovation opportunities incorporating **an environmental, social and economic dimension**. This typology allows for a distinction of **6 types of business models** within each category of technological innovation: scaled-up sufficiency, purposeful sufficiency, scaled-up functionality, purposeful functionality, scaled-up stewardship and purposeful stewardship. What do these business models entail? **Sufficiency business models** reduce consumption and production or provide high-quality durable products. **Functionality business models**, however, satisfy user needs without users having to own products. Finally, **stewardship business models** intend to proactively engage with stakeholders to ensure their long-term health and wellbeing. The distinction between scaled-up and purposeful business models is as follows: **scaled-up businesses** aim to scale up sustainability solutions to maximize benefits for society and the environment, while a **purposeful** **business** prioritizes the delivery of social and environmental benefits (for example by being embedded in the community).  This is, of course, only a general definition of different types of sustainable and circular business models. It merely provides a direction or a pathway for sustainable business model **innovation**. We can, however, link this typology to **value chains within the bioeconomy**. This gives us some insight in the roles of value chain actors within each sustainable circular business model. For example, we can link the social dimension of sufficiency, functionality or stewardship to the owner of the conversion technology: it can be an end-user (sufficiency), a third party (functionality) or a stakeholder group (stewardship). Additionally, we can associate the organizational level to the land use and biomass production: is it scaled-up or not? The figure below provides a decision tree as practical guidance in the development of sustainable and circular business models based on value chain elements. This typology will be elaborated upon in the soon to be published working paper “A typology of Sustainable Circular Business Models based on a hierarchical model and applications in the Bio-economy”. **References:** Bocken, N. M. P., Short, S. W., Rana, P., & Evans, S. (2014). A literature and practice review to develop sustainable business model archetypes. *Journal of Cleaner Production, 65*, 42–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.11.039 Erika De Keyser, KU Leuven Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## A communication and dissemination plan for the next generation of renewable energy by exploiting microalgae capabilities URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/communication-dissemination-plan-next-generation-renewable-energy-exploiting-microalgae-capabilities ### NEWS | Prodigio > # A communication and dissemination plan for the next generation of renewable energy by exploiting microalgae capabilities ## The COP26 world summit was recently held in Glasgow with the aim of reaching a global agreement on greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating the problem of global warming. IDConsortium One of the priorities of this summit is to ensure that clean power is the most attractive option for new power generation in all the participating countries and to support countries in making an equitable transition away from coal. PRODIGIO project is part of the solution by enhancing the potential of microalgae as source of green and renewable energy. The result derived from the project would be beneficial to the environment and it will contribute to reduce greenhouse emissions. The project partners are committed to producing viable and useful results for this 3-year EU-funded project. We are excited to share with you how essential this project is for our food and feed. **Which are the main goals we have set ourselves?** We, IDConsortium, together with the rest of project partners, are committed to: - reaching the broadest possible public when sharing the benefits of microalgae as source of biomass and biogas; - arousing interest in the project and in its technology; - raising awareness of how to best tackle global warming issues and - highlighting how the technology will be beneficial to the environment. **How do we arouse public’s interest about the project?** This type of project is sometimes hard to communicate to the general public because of its technical nature. However, that’s a big challenge that we are willing to tackle head-on! The project is basically about enhancing the potential of microalgae as a source of clean energy by identifying early warning signals on microalgae communities. We are still in the early stage of this research project, but we would like the public to understand that this project is an innovative solution to the waste management problem. **We plan to…                          ** Our main objective is giving visibility to the project results in research organisations and other stakeholders through communication,  dissemination and exploitation actions, such as: 1. communicating knowledge and results achieved in PRODIGIO through internal and external communication within the consortium partners, the European Commission and the stakeholders and 2. managing the information generated by the project for the consortium in a fair and transparent manner while supporting the adequate knowledge transfer to the stakeholders (e.g. research organisations, private companies, etc.). **To achieve this, we will:** - host workshops addressed to interested stakeholders; - invite policymakers and EU institution officials to events, meetings and conferences; - organize events with our scientists and researchers; - produce attractive and educational videos about our work; - create informative marketing materials and - post exciting social media content to keep you up-to-date about our work. The project consortium is comprised of incredible and talented researchers, scientists and consultants contributing to achieve the project goals and to produce its expected results. Since the project will evolve over the coming months, we will continue sharing exciting updates and results with you. So please follow us to be informed! Álvaro Tamayo, IDConsortium Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## IDConsortium y Change Capital Spain unidos para impulsar el desarrollo empresarial URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/idconsortium-change-capital-spain-unidos-impulsar-desarrollo-empresarial ### NEWS > # ID Consortium y Change Capital Spain unidos para impulsar el desarrollo empresarial ## Change Capital junto a ID Consortium firman una colaboración para facilitar aún más la posibilidad de encontrar vías alternativas de financiación para empresas, pymes y startup. IDConsortium ### Con esta colaboración complementaria, ambas entidades acercarán todavía más a todas las pymes y empresas todas las posibilidades de financiación pública nacional & europea junto a las más de 100 soluciones de Financiación Alternativa. #### Un servicio complementario enfocado en las empresas El objetivo está muy claro, con esto significa seguir creciendo para continuar apostando por el tejido empresarial español, dedicar esfuerzos para fomentar el desarrollo de pequeñas y medianas empresas y poder impulsar todos los sectores. En un momento de concentración en el uso herramientas tradicionales de financiación, un elevado endeudamiento público y privado y la creciente incertidumbre en los mercados, hacen ver que son necesarias vías alternativas para fomentar el emprendimiento en las empresas, incentivar el apartado de innovación, apostar por la sostenibilidad y por las ventajas de la financiación alternativa. #### IDConsortium como puerta a la financiación pública Dentro de esta colaboración IDConsortium es un actor importante para dirigir a la empresa a las diferentes soluciones financieras públicas para proyectos de investigación, desarrollo e innovación tanto a nivel regional, nacional como europeo. Gestionan, entre muchos otros, fondos europeos como la parte de NextGenerationEU y Horizonte Europa. Los fondos NextGenerationEU (Plan de Recuperación, Transformaicón y Resilencia) será mayor paquete de estímulos jamás financiado en Europa, un instrumento de recuperación temporal de más de 750.000.000.000€ para ayudar a reparar el daño económico y social inmediato provocado por la pandemia. Otro ejemplo es el denominado “Horizonte Europa”, un ambicioso programa de financiación europeo para empujar la investigación y la innovación en el ámbito de las empresas. Unido a todo esto, Change Capital Spain complementa esta parte de financiación con la parte más Fintech y sus más de 100 soluciones. Todas ellas focalizadas en el mundo de la financiación alternativa, es decir, en la financiación no bancaria. Esta financiación es complementaria a la bancaria pero también a esta financiación pública. Posee ventajas muy diferenciales a la hora de la financiación empresarial. Desde diversificación, la rapidez y agilidad de los procesos y la mayor visibilidad a la empresa y los proyectos. Change Capital Spain hace así de conector referente de financiación para empresas a través del Marketplace. A un clic de conocer todas las opciones de financiación alternativa para cada negocio, para cada proyecto.   --- ## 1st Regional RUSTICA workshop in Friuli Venezia Giulia on the 28th of October 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/2021-10-28-stakeholders-workshop-friuli-venezia-giulia-italy ### NEWS | Rustica > # 1st Regional RUSTICA workshop in Friuli Venezia Giulia on the 28th of October 2021 ## Friuli Venezia Giulia was the third RUSTICA Region to organise a multi-stakeholder’s workshop with about 15 attendees involved in different parts of the BBF (bio-based fertiliser) value chain including farmers associations, professional orders, policymakers, technical and environmental agencies, and research organisations. IDConsortium The workshop was hosted by the University of Udine and it was coordinated by CREA. The workshop day started at 9.00 and ended at 15.30 as scheduled. The first step after the welcome was an **introduction to the goals of the Horizon 2020 RUSTICA project** by using a PPT presentation and the video of the project. Next, attendees introduced themselves to each other during an icebreaking and round-table exercise. The following step was about **aims and expectations**. Stakeholders were asked which were their ideal outcomes of the RUSTICA project in the short and long term. In the **short term**, answers were related to the required amount of biomass/fruit and vegetable waste needed to produce and use the BBF (availability) and the technological knowledge required for this typology of fertilizers. Furthermore, enhanced transformation opportunities throughout the value chain and the economic sustainability of the process, costs and revenues, and legal constraints were also highlighted as very important. These are strategies that could integrate and reduce the production costs to help the BBF to be competitive. In the **long term**, the stakeholders mentioned that some aims and expectations about the project were: (a) enhancing a positive perception of urban organic wastes, both among farmers and citizens; (b) highlighting the need of specific data on fruit and vegetables waste – they are not currently recorded/available as separate data from the other types of wastes by the agencies in charge (the organic quantity is only available as a total); (c) increasing the networking actions between the actors of the supply chain; (d) obtaining easily products to use that could replace or even integrate the ones already available and, furthermore, become much more efficient in the long run; (e) how the sustainability of the RUSTICA BBF approaches will be assessed, that is; how much does it cost to move biomass and treat them? Then, attendees were asked to **review a summarised market analysis** of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region with respect to waste-streams, BBF potential, existing actors, competition and the agricultural sector’s innovation orientation. Attendees thought that there is a potential for BFF development at regional level, but they also believe that several hurdles can limit such a development, in particular the limited amount of waste and the lack of fertilizer producers. Stakeholders were then asked to **join a group**. One group made up of six stakeholders was asked to give **input on the characteristics of a possible new BBF blend**, while the others were asked to **validate or integrate the BBF stakeholders’ map**. Regarding the characteristics of the new BFF bend, controlled release of the nutrients and the capacity to recover degraded soils were deemed among the more desirable traits of the blend. The step forward was related to the **future analysis scenario**. To achieve this objective, stakeholders were divided into two groups again, but with a different composition. At this stage they were asked to discuss **factors that could influence the future of BBF** by importance and uncertainty. Afterwards, they had to find out relationships between factors, combining them by positive, negative, or neutral linkages. This session was split into two sub-phases before and after lunch. The **last scenario exercise** was about **preferable scenarios** for the future of BBF. Each participant had the chance to express her/his own opinion by writing down their thoughts. To conclude the workshop, stakeholders were invited to fill in the **questionnaire to evaluate** the day spent together. Most of the stakeholders considered the workshop interesting for them and gave some organizational and practical input to be considered for future workshops, such as to be held only in the morning or to have more space in the room. The CREA RUSTICA-partners are very **grateful for all the contributions and suggestions** made by the stakeholders during this first workshop!  CREA (Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi dell’Economia Agraria) Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Fomento de la cultura científica, tecnológica y de la innovación 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/fomento-cultura-cientifica-tecnologica-innovacion-2021 ### CALL >  # FECYT – Fomento de la cultura científica, tecnológica y de la innovación 2021 ## Para incrementar la cultura científica y tecnológica de la sociedad, la difusión de los resultados de investigación y de la innovación. IDConsortium Subvención anual 3 de diciembre de 2021 - Cultura científica, tecnológica y de la innovación - Educación y vocaciones científicas - Ciencia ciudadana - Redes de comunicación y divulgación de ciencia e innovación - Fomento del pensamiento crítico ### Convocatoria de ayudas para el fomento de la cultura científica, tecnológica y de la innovación 2021. La Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología F.S.P. (FECYT), dependiente del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, ha abierto la Convocatoria de ayudas para el fomento de la cultura científica, tecnológica y de la innovación 2021, que cuenta con un presupuesto de 3.940.000 euros. Esta Convocatoria pública, la única de estas características a nivel nacional, financiará proyectos de divulgación y comunicación de la ciencia que empresas, universidades, fundaciones y centros públicos de investigación, entre otros, realicen entre el 1 de julio de 2022 y el 30 de junio de 2023. Con ello se pretende incrementar la cultura científica, tecnológica e innovadora de la sociedad española; incrementar la difusión de los resultados de investigación científico-técnica y de la innovación financiados con fondos públicos; fomentar e incentivar el acercamiento de la ciencia, la tecnología y la innovación a los ciudadanos acortando distancias entre el mundo científico y tecnológico y la sociedad en general; mejorar la educación científico–técnica de la sociedad en todos los niveles e impulsar la participación activa de la sociedad en actividades de divulgación científica. Mediante la presente convocatoria se regula el procedimiento de concesión, con sujeción a los principios de publicidad, transparencia, concurrencia, objetividad, igualdad, eficiencia y eficacia en su gestión y no discriminación, de conformidad con lo dispuesto por la Ley 38/2003 de 17 de noviembre, de ayudas al fomento de la cultura científica, tecnológica y de la innovación. Con la financiación de las actuaciones objeto de estas ayudas, se persiguen los siguientes objetivos: a. Incrementar la cultura científica, tecnológica e innovadora de la sociedad española.**b. Incrementar la difusión de los resultados de investigación científico-técnica y de la innovación financiados con fondos públicos.c. Acercar a la sociedad temas de relevancia e impacto social a través de la ciencia y la tecnología.d. Mejorar la educación científico–técnica de la sociedad en todos los niveles.e. Impulsar la participación activa de la sociedad en actividades de divulgación científica y en la generación de conocimiento a través de proyectos de ciencia ciudadana que involucren a los ciudadanos en la generación de dicho conocimiento.f. Colaborar en la profesionalización de la divulgación científica y apoyar a través del trabajo en red el establecimiento de sinergias y aprovechamiento de recursos de los agentes del Sistema de divulgación de la I+D+i. En resumen, la finalidad de las actuaciones objeto de las ayudas es incrementar la cultura científica y tecnológica de la sociedad, la difusión de los resultados de investigación y de la innovación financiados con fondos públicos, la participación ciudadana en las actividades de investigación, la mejora de la educación científico–técnica de la sociedad en todos los niveles, y la profesionalización de la comunicación científica. Los proyectos objeto de las ayudas se agrupan en torno a cinco líneas de actuación: 1.    Cultura científica, tecnológica y de la innovación.** Se financian proyectos de divulgación y comunicación sobre cualquier temática científica y tecnológica dirigidos a público no especializado. También tienen cabida estudios sobre ciencia, tecnología y sociedad cuyo objetivo sea conocer mejor el estado de la cultura científica en España, así como el impacto de las actividades de divulgación y comunicación de la ciencia española. **2.    Educación y vocaciones científicas.** Está orientada a financiar proyectos que promuevan la alfabetización científica entre escolares y jóvenes no universitarios y su interés por las carreras científico-tecnológicas mediante el contacto directo con el método y la práctica investigadora. También se financian actividades dirigidas a la formación del profesorado siempre que en el proyecto se incluya una aplicación práctica de dicha formación para el público objetivo de esta línea de actuación. **3.    Ciencia ciudadana.** Se financian proyectos cuya investigación está realizada en parte o en su totalidad por personas que no se dedican profesionalmente a la ciencia, mediante actividades que pueden ser, entre otras, la recogida de datos o el análisis de los mismos. **4.    Redes de comunicación y divulgación de la ciencia y la innovación.** Da apoyo al programa de actividades de las Unidades de Cultura Científica (UCC+i) y financia ferias de la ciencia dirigidas a jóvenes estudiantes no universitarios, y abierta al público, en las que los propios estudiantes presentan los resultados de un proyecto experimental de ciencia y tecnología que han llevado a cabo con el apoyo de sus profesores. **5.    Fomento del pensamiento crítico.** Apoya acciones de divulgación para formar a los ciudadanos en el proceso de generación del conocimiento científico y dotarles de las herramientas necesarias para favorecer el pensamiento crítico y la toma de decisiones informadas. Podrán tener la condición de beneficiarios de las ayudas objeto de esta convocatoria, en los términos y condiciones establecidas en las bases reguladoras, las siguientes entidades con personalidad jurídica propia, siempre que estén válidamente constituidas y tengan residencia fiscal o establecimiento permanente en España: a. Organismos públicos de investigación definidos en el artículo 47 de la Ley 14/2011, de 1 de junio, de la Ciencia, la Tecnología y la Innovación.b. Universidades públicas, sus Institutos universitarios, y las Universidades privadas con capacidad y actividad demostrada en I+D+i, de acuerdo con lo previsto en la Ley Orgánica 6/2001, de 21 de diciembre, de Universidades, que estén inscritas en el Registro de Universidades, Centros y Títulos, creado por el Real Decreto 1509/2008, de 12 de septiembre, por el que se regula el Registro de Universidades, Centros y Títulos.c. Entidades e instituciones sanitarias públicas y privadas vinculadas o concertadas con el Sistema Nacional de Salud, que desarrollen actividad investigadora.d. Institutos de investigación sanitaria acreditados conforme a lo establecido en el Real Decreto 339/2004, de 27 de febrero, y normas complementarias.e. Centros tecnológicos de ámbito estatal y centros de apoyo a la innovación tecnológica de ámbito estatal que estén inscritos en el Registro de centros creado por el Real Decreto 2093/2008, de 19 de diciembre, por el que se regulan los centros tecnológicos y los centros de apoyo a la innovación tecnológica de ámbito estatal y se crea el Registro de tales centros.f. Centros públicos de I+D que en sus Estatutos o en la normativa que los regule o en su objeto social tengan a la I+D+i como actividad principal.g. Centros públicos de I+D que realicen transferencia tecnológica o difusión y divulgación tecnológica y científica. Estas funciones deberán estar definidas en sus Estatutos o en la normativa que losregule o en su objeto social.h. Centros privados de I+D que tengan definida en sus Estatutos o en la normativa que los regule o en su objeto social a la I+D+i como actividad principal.i. Centros privados de I+D que realicen transferencia tecnológica o difusión y divulgación tecnológica y científica. Estas funciones deberán estar definidas en sus Estatutos o en la normativa que los regule o en su objeto social.j. Cualesquiera otras personas jurídicas, públicas o privadas, mercantiles o sin ánimo de lucro, que realicen actividades de I+D+i, o generen conocimiento científico o tecnológico, o faciliten su aplicación y transferencia, o contribuyan a la educación, difusión y divulgación científicas. Estas funciones deberán estar definidas en sus Estatutos o en la normativa que los regule o en su objeto social. Se acreditará el cumplimiento de los requisitos para ser entidad beneficiaria conforme a lo dispuesto en los párrafos anteriores, mediante declaración responsable. Estas formarán parte de la documentación exigida en la solicitud, así como de la documentación exigida en cualquier otro momento que la convocatoria estime necesario, a efectos de verificación del cumplimiento de los requisitos durante todo el periodo de ejecución de la ayuda. En el caso de que las entidades no presenten dichas declaraciones se considerará que no reúnen los requisitos para ser beneficiarios de las ayudas. No podrán asumir la condición de beneficiarios de ayudas de la FECYT, las personas o entidades en quienes concurran alguna de las circunstancias previstas en el artículo 13 de la Ley 38/2003, de 17 de noviembre. No podrán obtener la condición de beneficiarios de las ayudas de la FECYT quienes no se hallen al corriente del pago de las obligaciones por reintegro de ayudas concedidas por la misma. En el caso de que el beneficiario actuara en colaboración con otras entidades que se comprometan a efectuar la totalidad o parte de las actividades que fundamenten la concesión de la ayuda, en nombre y por cuenta del beneficiario, este asumirá su representación ante la FECYT, así como la responsabilidad de la ejecución y distribución de la ayuda concedida al resto de las entidades colaboradoras, debiendo hacer constar expresamente en la solicitud los compromisos de ejecución de las distintas entidades. Las entidades colaboradoras deberán pertenecer a alguna de las categorías enumeradas en este artículo y cumplir los requisitos y obligaciones exigidos a los beneficiarios en las bases reguladoras y en la presente convocatoria, así como los requisitos y obligaciones exigidos en los artículos 13 y 14 de la Ley 38/2003, de 17 de noviembre. En el caso de que el beneficiario concurra a esta convocatoria de ayudas como unidad de cultura científica y de la innovación (UCC+i), deberá estar previamente registrado en la red de UCC+i o haber solicitado el registro antes de la finalización del plazo de presentación de solicitudes, y que este haya sido aprobado antes de iniciarse el procedimiento de evaluación de solicitudes. El objetivo de esteregistro es acreditar los requisitos mínimos que debe cumplir una UCC+i para poder ser considera como tal y, de este modo, pasar a formar parte de la red UCC+i, coordinada por la FECYT. Toda la información sobre el proceso de registro y los requisitos para formar parte de la red se pueden consultar en la página web de la FECYT (www.fecyt.es). --- ## Insects, food waste and fertilizers URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/insects-food-waste-fertilizers ### NEWS | Rustica > # Insects, food waste and fertilizers ## The use of insects in bio-factories is making it possible to convert organic matter into high quality products, such as proteins for animal and human food. In the case of the agri-food industry, we see how their use is being consolidated both in the treatment of water purification and in the generation of substrates for crop fertilisation. IDConsortium Among the insect families, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is becoming increasingly important. We have seen this in the many – most, we can say – of the papers presented at the German Insecta fair in early September, and at the regulatory level with the approval on 17 August of the new EU regulation on the use of processed animal proteins derived from this species for poultry and pig feed. Chitosan, which acts as a flocculant in water treatment, is extracted from the black soldier fly. Among its properties, it reduces turbidity and removes unwanted pollutants such as heavy metal ions, pesticides, fats and oils, among others. Being fully biodegradable, chitosan replaces the use of traditional synthetic polymers, such as petroleum-derived polyacrylamide. In the agri-food industry, chitosan is used as a preservative, for encapsulation and transport of nutrients or as an agent in beverages such as fruit juices and beers. In agriculture, also the chitosan of the black soldier fly amends the soil for plant disease control due to its ability to control the population of micro-organisms and nematodes; as well as a casing to improve seed resistance. As a biopesticide, this insect has proven to have valuable effects in terms of its properties against nematodes affecting plant roots, especially as certain soil fumigants cannot be used against nematodes according to European legislation. The same applies to livestock farming, since this insect increases the immunity of farm animals due to its bactericidal value. Protein hydrolysates, in the form of amino acids and peptides, are also often used in agriculture, especially in intensive and fruit crops. They are often classified as bio-stimulants, because with a relatively low dose they achieve a positive reaction in crops. And we are seeing that their use is becoming more and more widespread for those parts of the crop cycle where an extra supply of energy is of interest for higher profitability. Bioconversion of the black soldier fly into bio-residue generates a fertiliser or compost which is the result of complete or partial digestion of the larval feeding substrate. If the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to carbon ratio is high, it is considered fertiliser; if the ratio is low and well digested, it is considered compost. European regulations have yet to address more extensive use of these larvae, but few researchers doubt that the black soldier fly will soon be a strategic factor in the agri-food industry. Diego Amores de Gea, Entomo AgroIndustrial Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Progress and challenges in microalgal large-scale production URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/progress-challenges-microalgal-largescale-production ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Progress and challenges in microalgal large-scale production ## Microalgae have been proposed as an alternative to conventional processes for the supply of foods and feeds, biomaterials and biofuels, and including for wastewater treatment and capture of CO2 from flue gases. IDConsortium In this sense, the worldwide production of microalgae is growing very fast although still, the overall production capacity is quite limited, in the range of 50 kt per year. To enlarge the contribution of microalgae to the bioeconomy large efforts must be devoted to the enlargement of current production facilities, especially by better understanding the biological phenomena taking place on these systems. Thus, microalgae are photosynthetic organisms capable of using sunlight as an energy source to produce valuable biomass, and at the same time release the oxygen produced into the environment (Figure 1). These organisms are characterized by having a simple nutritional demand, they can grow in water ponds with nitrogen, phosphorus, light and atmospheric CO2 as a carbon source. Unlike plants, which also photosynthesize, microalgae are more efficient at converting solar energy, grow faster, and can be produced on non-arable land. These characteristics have made microalgae a valuable and sustainable source of biomass. The technology to produce microalgae has been in use for decades. Currently, specific equipment, called photobioreactors, are used for its production on an industrial scale. Although there are different types of photobioreactors, raceway reactors are the most widely used (Figure 2). These systems are open channels with a depth of 15-30 centimetres, through which the microalgae culture is in continuous movement due to the action of paddle wheels. In microalgae culture systems, the decisive parameters for their growth such as temperature, pH or dissolved oxygen are continuously monitored. Although control strategies have been developed to optimize these systems and technology has been improved over the years, they still have several drawbacks. The main challenge in the production of microalgae is to achieve stable cultures that are maintained over long periods despite the environmental or operational disturbances that occur daily. During the development of the PRODIGIO project, in-depth monitoring of the microalgae cultures is being carried out to understand what causes the collapse of the cultures and the failure of these biological systems. Quite a challenge that is already beginning to give its first results. Ana Sánchez Zurano, researcher at Almería University Belén Benito García ## More news about this project: --- ## Conservación de las especies amenazadas de fauna y flora silvestres por su comercio ilegal URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/conservacion-especies-amenazadas-fauna-flora-silvestres-comercio-ilegal ### CALL >  # CONVENIO CITES – Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 2021 ## Conservación de las especies amenazadas de fauna y flora silvestres por su comercio ilegal. IDConsortium 25 de noviembre de 2021 Biodiversidad Terrestre ### Convocatoria de subvenciones para apoyar a los centros de rescate depositarios de especímenes vivos decomisados que contribuyan a la conservación de las especies amenazadas de fauna y flora silvestres por su comercio ilegal incluidas en el Convenio CITES Convocatoria para proyectos de apoyo a los centros de rescate depositarios de especímenes vivos decomisados incluidos en el convenio CITES, que contribuyan a la conservación de las especies amenazadas de fauna y flora silvestres por su comercio ilegal. --- ## Renaturalización y resiliencia de ciudades españolas URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/renaturalizacion-resiliencia-ciudades-espanolas ### CALL >  # FUNDACIÓN BIODIVERSIDAD – Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 2021 ## Renaturalización y resiliencia de ciudades españolas. IDConsortium 3 de enero de 2022 Biodiversidad Terrestre ### Convocatoria de subvenciones para fomentar actuaciones dirigidas a la renaturalización y resiliencia de ciudades españolas en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 2021 Convocatoria para el fomento de actividades que contribuyan a la renaturalización urbana, incrementando la infraestructura verde y la conectividad de los espacios verdes y azules, con el objetivo de incrementar la biodiversidad y su conservación y la adaptación al cambio global y de mejorar la habitabilidad de las capitales de provincia y otras ciudades españolas de más de 50.000 habitantes. --- ## Grandes proyectos transformadores de índole científico-técnica para la promoción de la bioeconomía y la contribución a la transición ecológica URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/grandes-proyectos-bioeconomia-transicion-ecologica ### CALL >  # FUNDACIÓN BIODIVERSIDAD – Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 2021 ## Grandes proyectos transformadores de índole científico-técnica para la promoción de la bioeconomía y la contribución a la transición ecológica. IDConsortium 3 de enero de 2022 Biodiversidad Terrestre y Marina ### Convocatoria de subvenciones a grandes proyectos transformadores de índole científico-técnica para la promoción de la bioeconomía y la contribución a la transición ecológica, en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 2021 Convocatoria para grandes proyectos transformadores de naturaleza científico-técnica que contribuyan a la promoción de la bioeconomía, la transición ecológica, al reto demográfico y al fortalecimiento de capacidades, fomentando la participación, la igualdad de género y la generación de empleo verde.   --- ## Refuerzo de redes de varamientos y rescate de especies marinas URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/refuerzo-redes-varamientos-rescate-especies-marinas ### CALL >  # FUNDACIÓN BIODIVERSIDAD – Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 2021 ## Refuerzo de redes de varamientos y rescate de especies marinas. IDConsortium 24 de noviembre de 2021 Biodiversidad Terrestre y Marina ### Convocatoria de subvenciones para el refuerzo de redes de varamientos y rescate de especies marinas, en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 2021 Convocatoria para proyectos vinculados con la generación y refuerzo de redes de varamientos y rescate de especies marinas, que permitan una atención adecuada a los animales varados vivos para su recuperación y/o posterior liberación, o mantenimiento, en caso de no poder ser liberados, en centros adecuados que aseguren su supervivencia y bienestar, y realizar la toma de datos necesarios con el objeto de ampliar el conocimiento científico-técnico sobre el estado en el que se encuentran las poblaciones de las distintas especies con el fin de implementar una correcta y fundamentada gestión y protección de las mismas. --- ## Apoyo a programas y proyectos de investigación en materia de gestión de la biodiversidad URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/apoyo-programas-proyectos-investigacion-gestion-biodiversidad ### CALL >  # FUNDACIÓN BIODIVERSIDAD – Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 2021 ## Apoyo a programas y proyectos de investigación en materia de gestión de la biodiversidad.  IDConsortium 3 de enero de 2022 Biodiversidad Terrestre y Marina ### Convocatoria de subvenciones para apoyo a programas y proyectos de investigación en materia de gestión de la biodiversidad, en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 2021 Convocatoria de proyectos de investigación que promuevan la aplicación del conocimiento científico para la toma de decisiones en la planificación y gestión de la biodiversidad. --- ## 1st Regional RUSTICA workshop in Flanders on the 18th of October 2021! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/2021-10-18-stakeholders-workshop-flanders-belgium ### NEWS | Rustica > # 1st Regional RUSTICA workshop in Flanders on the 18th of October 2021! ## Flanders was the first RUSTICA region to organise a multi-stakeholder workshop with about 20 attendees involved in different parts of the bio-based fertiliser (BBF) value chain including farmers association, fertiliser companies, technology providers, policymakers and research organisations. IDConsortium The workshop was hosted by Eigen Vermogen van het Instituut voor Landbouw- en Visserijonderzoek (EV ILVO). The workshop day started at 9 o’clock with an introduction to the goals of the Horizon 2020 RUSTICA project. Next, attendees could network for the first time with each other during a speed dating exercise. After being warmed up to the project, stakeholders were asked what ideal outcomes of the RUSTICA project in the short or long term could be for them. In the short term, answers related to enhanced networking opportunities throughout the value chain, solutions for technical and legal issues related to the production and use of BBF and expanding scientific and technological knowledge on the topic. In the long term, more circularity in the agricultural sector, increased soil quality, BBF commercialisation opportunities, enhanced public awareness on bio-based alternatives and broadening the scope of the results beyond the fruit and vegetable waste streams were mentioned as ideal outcomes. Then, attendees were asked to review a summarised market analysis of the Flemish region with respect to waste-streams, BBF potential, existing actors, competition and the agricultural sector’s innovation orientation. Some interesting points were raised, for example, on regulations and certification that complicates the use of waste streams, the feasibility of the transportation of waste streams and on leaving the waste (partly) on the field as a practice. Stakeholders seemed mostly concerned about the economic benefit for potential waste stream suppliers. However, most thought there is definitely room to further explore the possibilities of revalorising fruit and vegetable waste streams in Flanders. Stakeholders were then asked to give input on the characteristics of a possible new BBF blend or the BBF stakeholder network drafted beforehand for Flanders by Flemish RUSTICA partners. Taking it a step further, stakeholders were divided into three groups to discuss factors that influence the future of BBF in Flanders. After lunch, many took it as another opportunity to network, we combined these factors, which resulted in the formulation of three main drivers for the future of BBF: 1) Public sustainability awareness; 2) The price of BBF compared to the price of current fertilisers on the market; 3) Development of affordable and innovative technologies to develop BBF. Most stakeholders evaluated the workshop as interesting for them and gave specific and practical input to take into account for further steps in the project and for future workshops. To conclude the workshop, stakeholders were invited to visit the ILVO laboratory that will measure BBF (ingredients) and an organic field experiment on the use of fertiliser on leek. The Flemish RUSTICA-partners are grateful for all the rich contributions made by external stakeholders during the workshop! Hanne Cooreman Álvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## What are the Different Sections in a Horizon Europe Proposal? URL: https://idconsortium.com/uncategorized/what-are-the-different-sections-in-a-horizon-europe-proposal Horizon Europe, like any other large global initiative, requires a comprehensive application form to be properly filled out if you want to finance your study or innovation project. Among others, Part A, Part B, and art C are comprised of this application form. After an applicant completes this form, it is evaluated by different experts and, soon after, a decision is made whether or not it is accepted. While filling out this form might be time-consuming, it is critical that the applicant or the coordinator thoroughly look over it and fill out all data requested. Each part of this application form is further divided into different sections, which are very important and crucial to the application process. *Part A:* This part of the application form is comprised of all the information that is important to the project, from the get-go. It includes your information, along with the administrative data, your budget for the project, and your plans for it. For more info, please visit the section in our website (Main sections of Part A of a European Proposal) *Part B:* This part includes downloading and completing annex forms and, once completed, followed it up by uploading the completed annex forms online. Make sure to read all the instructions given in order to avoid all conflicts. This document is sent in a pdf format which is created from a word document, whose template is downloadable through the “Submission System” of the specific call. You should always make sure that you use the right template, as there are often small variations in Horizon Europe calls for proposals. Part B is comprised of the following sections[1]: - In this section, it should define: The objectives of the project and how they are aligned with the objectives of the topic. - Ambition: where we will defend the innovation we bring and how our solution is positioned with respect to the state of the art. - The concept and methodology to be followed but from a strategic point of view. - Impact: This section will explain: How we will achieve the expected impacts mentioned in the topic and what KPIs we will set in the short, medium and long term with regard to these impacts. - Our targeted stakeholders (customers and clients, providers, policy makers, public authorities, end users…) - Other expected impacts. It is very important to link these impacts to the “Sustainable Development Goals” proposed by the UN[2]. - Barriers we may face in achieving these expected impacts. - What communication and dissemination measures will we rely on to achieve these impacts? - Exploitation plan of the project results. - CANVAS diagram to link needs, with expected results, outcomes, impacts, target groups and dissemination, communication and exploitation measures. - Implementation: - Detailed work plan with tasks and deliverables per WP. - Expected milestones to be achieved during the project. - Risks management plan with contingency measures that may affect to the project implementation. - Gantt and PERT Diagram of the project - Brief explanation on how you will use the project budget. #### Part C: It contains related annexes such as ethics documents, letters of support or any other document which may be relevant for the EC and the evaluators.         [1] Please check the EC standard application form: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf [2] https://sdgs.un.org/es/goals ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## We are open to gender balance URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/we-are-open-to-gender-balance With Ursula von der Leyen’s new presidency of the European Commission, gender equality has gained relevance in the Commission’s equality policies. As stated by Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, “I am committed to ensuring that the gender dimension is fully integrated into research and innovation supported by Horizon Europe”. Gender equality is a central European value. It is a value that underlies EU democracies, responsibility to the world and the environment. It is also a value that contributes to innovation. Yet, *Women were  accounted for only 36 percent of researchers working on Horizon 2020 projects**. * Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is not just an additional section in European proposals, it is an objective of the European Commission to eliminate gender inequality and socio-economic inequalities that intersect in research and innovation systems, including by addressing unconscious bias and systemic structural barriers.    **How to address gender dimension on EU Projects.** In European projects, gender dimension is not just a description of the male/female individuals on the project or a review of female participation in the field in which the project will be developed. Neither is a sentence describing the good willingness of participants to bring more female individuals to the project. To succeed on how to address gender balance on European projects, it is not only necessary to highlight the participation of women in your team but set an ambitious GEP to better represent the participation of women in a relevant position in research and innovation. Gender Equality Plan is a set of actions aiming at:  - Conducting impact assessment / audits of procedures and practices to identify gender bias;  - Identifying and implementing innovative strategies to correct any bias;  - Setting targets and monitoring progress via indicators. Gender Equality Plan may vary from project to project depending on the field in which the project will be developed, type of participating organisations, and identifying gender biases. GEP should be addressed by covering different aspects:             -Identify gender biases in our field. A thorough description of the aspects where gender biases are             -Describe the targets and objectives for our GEP with concrete actions to remedy the inequalities identified.             -Implementation of the plan. A Gender Advisory Board will ensure the plan is well executed during project execution and afterward.   It should be noted that in Horizon Europe it is already mandatory in the proposal to include information on the GEP. Specifically in the following areas: - Part A. It must be described if the entity has a GEP. This is one of the new eligibility criteria for participation in Horizon Europe projects. - Part B. It must describe the actions to be implemented during the project based on the gender dimension. In this case, we recommend the creation of an advisory board on gender balance. - It must consider that the more convincing your GEP is in the proposal, the better chances you have to score additional points in the project.   ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Read how PRODIGIO project is ready to contribute to net-zero emission target by 2050 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prodigio-contribute-net-zero-emission-target-2050 ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Read how PRODIGIO project is ready to contribute to net-zero emission target by 2050 ## There is a long way before the world fully adopts, if possible, to net-zero emission. IDConsortium The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently published its report (*click here to view the report or download from the link below*) of a pathway to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, no matter how narrow the path, it is expected to bring huge benefits. According to the IEA press release, the report is “the world’s first comprehensive study of how to transition to a net-zero energy system by 2050 while ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies, providing universal energy access, and enabling robust economic growth.” Dr. Fatih Birol, the IEA Executive Director, said that the roadmap shows actions that are being prioritized to ensure that the net-zero emissions by 2050 are front and center. The PRODIGIO project is doing its part to contribute to the success of this global target. It aims to contribute to the challenge of bringing renewable energy technologies faster to commercialization by establishing a base of knowledge for the development of a system failure prediction technology that will boost the sustainable and cost-effective production of biogas and from microalgae biomass. Microalgae biomethanisation represents an exciting new avenue of biotechnology, which is strongly advocated in the EU recently as a truly sustainable renewable fuel technology and a circular bioeconomy. The project will contribute to efficiency-enhancing technologies and feedstock diversification, boosting the economic, environmental, and social benefits of this renewable energy technology, while contributing to the EU’s leadership in bioenergy. Dr. Birol has said that “the clean energy transition is for and about people,” and this roadmap shows a huge opportunity for the global economies is upon us even with the challenges of transitioning to a net-zero energy system. Once the PRODIGIO project shares its results, we believe we will be one step ahead in achieving the goal. To learn more about the PRODIGIO project, please visit our website at prodigioproject.eu. To view the International Energy Agency press release, click here. To read more about the IEA report, please click here. Álvaro Tamayo, IDConsortium Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## NEXT GENERATION EU & HORIZON EUROPE: WORKING HAND IN HAND TO FACILITATE THE EU’S FAST RECOVERY URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/next-generation-eu-horizon-europe-relationship To amortise the pandemic aftermath in 2020, the European Union provided a stimulus package worth EUR 2 trillion. The package consists of the **EU’s long-term budget for 2021 – 2027 **of EUR 1.2 trillion, enhanced by **NextGenerationEU** at a value of EUR 807 billion. This budget is split into two types of fundings: grants and loans, some EUR 338 billion will be provided in the form of grants, while EUR 386 billion will be used to provide loans from the EU to individual Member States with favourable conditions. **NextGenerationEU** is a European instrument specifically designed to help repair the immediate economic and social damage caused by the coronavirus. Its long-term goal is to make the EU greener, more digital, more resilient and better prepared for the forthcoming challenges. The cornerstone of NextGenerationEU is the **Recovery and Resilience Facility** – an instrument that provides grants and loans to support necessary reforms and investments within EU Member States. The funds from the instrument will be distributed according to national recovery and resilience plans set up by individual member states, in cooperation with the European Commission and in line with an agreed allocation key. The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) has released its first collective report** “****A Guide to Next Generation EU for industry to better understand and seize its opportunities****.” **The guide currently covers 21 countries, however, EAIC intends to regularly update this guide and incorporate new sections to facilitate the identification of opportunities for industry. The purpose of the guide is to help EU industry, present in multiple EU countries, identify the priorities to facilitate the recovery of each member state. Although national plans are usually available in each local language, the guide summarises the plans in English and allows for more transparency. One of the traditional programmes, funded under the multiannual financial framework for the next 7 years, is **Horizon Europe 2021-2027**. It is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of over EUR 95 billion. Its main goal is to tackle climate change and accomplish the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, while boosting the EU’s competitiveness and growth. The main research and innovation missions are Adaptation to climate change mission;, Cancer mission, Climate-neutral and Smart Cities mission, Soil deal for Europe mission and Restore our oceans and waters mission. Horizon Europe views digital transformation and green transition as priority objectives, which can be identified as the most important cross-cutting priority areas, along with NextGenerationEU. While Horizon Europe (2021-2027) is is framed within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), NextGenerationEU (2021-2023) is a temporary recovery instrument put in place to boost, through investment and reform financing, the recovery of Member States’ economies in the wake of the pandemic. NextGenerationEU has a temporary investment role and it covers a wider field of priorities such as the green transition, digital transformation, smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, social and territorial cohesion, health and economic, social and institutional resilience and policies for the next generation, children and the youth, such as education. Its focus is placed on seven key features: **Power up, Renovate, Recharge and Refuel, Connect, Modernise, Scale-up, Reskill and upskill.** Furthermore, NextGenerationEU will strengthen several existing EU programmes and policies: - **REACT-EU**, Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe; - **Just Transition Fund**, directed to guarantee that the transition to climate neutrality works well for all; - **European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development**, aimed to further support farmers; - **InvestEU**, designed to support the investments; - **rescEU**, safeguards for the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to respond to comprehensive emergencies; - **Horizon Europe**, aimed to make sure the EU has the capacity to fund excellence in research. ## Financing To avoid immediate pressure on member states’ national finances, the EU will borrow from the markets to finance NextGenerationEU, with the repayment period taking place until 2058.  Approximately 50% of NextGenerationEU’s budget will be spent on research and innovation via **Horizon Europe**, **the Just Transition Fund, the Digital Europe programme**, the **Recovery and Resilience Facility**, **RescEU**, and **EU4Health**. Below, a detailed breakdown of the Next Generation EU 2021-2023 and the regular Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 is shown: Around 30% of the long-term budget and NextGenerationEU will be spent on fighting climate change. These funds are part of a major investment plan that the EU will put in place for a sustainable green economy. It will combine EU and national public funds, but also public and private investments to support the EU on its path to climate neutrality by 2050. The remaining 20% of the Recovery and Resilience Facility funds will be invested in the digitalisation of the EU. These funds support investments in supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills and the wider use of digital technologies across the socioeconomic spectrum. Horizon Europe (HE) has a budget of EUR 95.5 billion from 2021 to 2027. This amount includes EUR 5.4 billion from the Next Generation EU instrument. HE’s budget is divided among four pillars and 15 components, creating a programme that will support all the areas of Research and Innovation: excellent science (ERC, MSCA…); global challenges & industrial competitiveness (health, creative, digital, space,…); innovative Europe (EIC, EIT,…) and widening participation & strengthening the European Research Area. In conclusion, the two funding programmes are closely interlinked. First, they have similar objectives and challenges that are urgent in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 virus situation. Second, they are financially related, since NextGenerationEU’s extraordinary funds will reinforce the regular Horizon Europe funds for the period 2021-2023. ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Manipulation of the anaerobic fermentation process to produce carboxylates and biogas URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/manipulation-anaerobic-fermentation-process-produce-carboxylates-biogas ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Manipulation of the anaerobic fermentation process to produce carboxylates and biogas ## Energy in the form of biogas can be obtained via anaerobic degradation of organic wastes. This process is carried out by a mixture of microorganisms that work synergistically. IDConsortium However, when applying the appropriate operational conditions, this bioprocess can be altered and the activity of these microorganisms can be directed towards the generation of other alternative products. An example of this is the carboxylates. These compounds are intermediate products of anaerobic digestion and are currently considered value-added products in the chemical industry. By tuning the process, an imbalance in the synergistic activity of microorganisms can be caused and carboxylates can accumulate instead of reaching biogas as a final product. When applying mild conditions (35 °C and neutral pH), the residue will be transformed mainly into biogas. However, under more restrictive conditions (25 °C and acid pH), the activity of biogas-producing microorganisms can be minimized, achieving the accumulation of a greater quantity of carboxylates. The residue generated after the production of carboxylates can still be valorized in the form of biogas. Aiming at generating multiple bioproducts from a single residue, this work implemented an innovative strategy by splitting the anaerobic degradation process into two steps: i) in a first reactor, restrictive conditions for methanogenic microorganisms were applied and thus, a carboxylate rich effluent was generated and ii) in a second reactor, the solid residue from the first reactor could still be transformed into biogas. In this way, organic residues can be revalorized for the production of bioproducts of great interest to the chemical industry while generating an energy source such as biogas. The Biotechnological Processes Unit at IMDEA Energy has recently published these results in the Journal “Bioresource Technology” (*). This scientific article proved the efficient multi-product generation (carboxylates and biogas) by applying two sequential bioprocesses. Additionally, operational conditions imposed in each reactor mediated a microbial specialization that allowed efficient products output. This work was conducted in the framework of the projects ENE 2017-86864-C2-2-R and RYC-2014-16823 funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, and the financial support from Comunidad de Madrid provided through the project ALGATEC-CM (P2018/BAA-4532), co-financed by the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. (*) Llamas, M., Greses, S., Tomás-Pejó, E., & González-Fernández, C. (2021). Tuning Microbial Community in Non-Conventional Two-Stage Anaerobic Bioprocess for Microalgae Biomass Valorization into Targeted Bioproducts. *Bioresource Technology*, 125387. Cristina González-Fernández, Senior Researcher and Head of the Biotechnological Processes Unit Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Circular bioeconomy and how this will benefit the RUSTICA project URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/circular-bioeconomy-how-will-benefit-rustica ### NEWS | Rustica > # Circular bioeconomy and how this will benefit the RUSTICA project ## The circular bioeconomy covers many sectors with different interests and goals – agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food production, pulp, and paper production, as well as parts of the chemical, biotechnological, and energy industries, policy domains, and stakeholders with different interests and goals. IDConsortium Due to this complexity, developing a sustainable, inclusive, and balanced circular bioeconomy requires a holistic approach with broad multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral collaboration. Opportunities for such collaboration can be found especially at the regional level, around areas where biorefinery plants or bio-based products manufacturing plants are located. Regional policies play a crucial role in providing such collaboration opportunities. Circular bioeconomy development depends strongly on the capacity of relevant actors from different domains and sectors to engage with each other to build new different bio-based value chains. Since available biomass is often crucial for bioeconomy development, related clusters often need to integrate producers of biological resources (e.g., farmers) as well as their associations and other relevant stakeholders. The ability of the stakeholders to create these new networks or adapt existing ones varies among regions. Therefore, the dissemination of good practices of multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral collaboration and of instruments that support this as well as facilitation of knowledge sharing across European regions is crucial. The RUSTICA project will help to set up the cascading of resources in the bioeconomy. This impedes the development of cross-sectoral bio-based value chains which will be eventually integrated with value networks. New cross-sectoral development of the bio-based value chains requires synergies and cooperation between various sectors, both along and across the value-chains, bringing all actors together, mobilizing the innovations, and pulling the market by bringing new innovative products. RUSTICA project is a clear example of bringing novel circular bioeconomy value chains to life. The project provides technical solutions to convert organic residues from the fruit and vegetable sector into novel bio-based fertiliser products of high quality that address the needs of modern (organic) agriculture. The crucial priority in the project is to define locally available biomass in five different regions in Europe with a goal to empower farmers and develop high-end value carbon-negative products. Particula Group Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## RUSTICA in the context of natural renewable resources URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-context-natural-renewable-resources ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA in the context of natural renewable resources ## Currently, the international and European economy is mainly based on resources of fossil origin. These resources are subject to debate not only because of their finiteness but also with regard to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. IDConsortium The question of resources also comes into play if fertilisers are addressed. Mining and chemical synthesis based on crude oil and natural gas are still important pathways for gaining compounds suitable for plant nutrition. In this respect, the questions raise: how could be responded to these challenges and how could the alternatives look like? By exploring the appropriateness of waste and side streams from the agri-food chain and converting them into plant nutrients to be used as tailor-made and high-level solutions for various agricultural and horticultural purposes, the RUSTICA project addresses such challenges. To validate the results of its research, the specific approach of RUSTICA comprises five regions of which four are located in Europe and one in Colombia. Hence, the project provides unique options to demonstrate how natural renewable resources by means of locally available waste and left-over materials from agriculture can serve as valuable input materials for various plant nutrition concepts. In the course of individually adapting these plant nutrition concepts to regional requirements, the RUSTICA project paves the way for highly innovative and bio-based fertilisers and, at the same time, fosters the idea of circularity for the natural renewable resources deployed to this end. Starting from redundant organic matter, the project creates new value chains, votes for cost-effective and affordable fertiliser products, as well as ecologically sound solutions through returning natural resources to the earth. – thus, enabling nutrition and growth of new plants by closing the loop for renewables. Adelheid Wiedemann, Wiedemann GmbH Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## SME Avecom, one of the technology providers for the RUSTICA project URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/sme-avecom-technology-provider-for-rustica ### NEWS | Rustica > # SME Avecom, one of the technology providers for the RUSTICA project ## Within the Rustica project, the SME Avecom is one of the technology providers, responsible for the production of microbial protein (MP) from CAP waters. The protein-rich dried biomass is used as a building block for organic fertilizers. IDConsortium To assess microbial protein production from several CAP fermentation media as source of carbon source, N, P, K and micronutrients, Avecom is mainly involved in RUSTICA’s WP5 for lab-scale testing and in WP6 for pilot-scale testing at the region of Pays de la Loire. Avecom was founded 25 years ago by professor Willy Verstraete as a spin-out of the University of Ghent (Belgium). Nowadays, Avecom is an independent and experienced SME, active in process development. Avecom holds several patents and is an experienced and reliable partner that has successfully marketed several products and processes. The company has been focusing on the development of microbial protein for more than 10 years, mainly for feed applications. In this context, a process called VALPROMIC for the sustainable production of animal feed was even scaled up to a demo plant. The staff in charge of the lab-scale and pilot-scale tests are Kim Windey (Operations Director of Avecom, holding a Master in Bioscience Engineering and having more than 17 years of experience), Mariane Van Wambeke (Project Manager, holding a Master in Agricultural Engineering and having more than 36 years of experience) and Nele Driesen (Junior Project Engineer, holding a Master in Bioscience Engineering, graduated in 2021). The staff in charge of the lab-scale and pilot-scale tests are Kim Windey (Operations Director of Avecom, holding a Master in Bioscience Engineering and having more than 17 years of experience), Mariane Van Wambeke (Project Manager, holding a Master in Agricultural Engineering and having more than 36 years of experience) and Nele Driesen (Junior Project Engineer, holding a Master in Bioscience Engineering, graduated in 2021). In preparation of the pilot-scale tests, the 3 Belgian technology providers of the Rustica project, OWS, UGent and Avecom, closely work together and frequently have meetings to discuss optimal integration of their technologies. Adelheid Wiedemann, Wiedemann GmbH Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Bundling forces across projects to develop an online course on business models in farming URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/bundling-forces-projects-develop-online-course-business-models-farming ### NEWS | Rustica > # Bundling forces across projects to develop an online course on business models in farming ## KU Leuven, ILVO, Rikolto, Odissee Hogeschool and the Fachhochschule Südwestfalen bundle their forces in the development of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Business Models for Sustainable Farming. IDConsortium With this initiative, they also provide output that is highly relevant in the framework of several ongoing European projects: Newbie, COCOREADO and RUSTICA. The development of the course started in January 2021, with the support of KU Leuven Global Minds. Hindered by the Covid-19 crisis, the course team was not able to meet so far. On the 8th of September, finally, representatives from all the involved institutes met in Leuven. Strengthening the position of farmers has been recognized as one of the key factors for the transition towards more sustainable food systems. Educational material on Business Models for Sustainable Farming is needed to support farmers in strengthening their position in the food chain. This holds true for all farmers in the North, as well as, in the South. The attention on business models in the farming sector has dramatically increased over the last decade. As a result, we find the position of the farmers, noteworthy, as well as societal issues such as climate change. From the farmers’ position, we can observe that they are most often price takers. Worldwide, prices are being set by large operators, both upstream and downstream in the food chain. Simultaneously, there is growing consumer demand for high-quality food and a rising concern about how food is produced. Consumers increasingly search for food that is not only nutritious but also produced in an environmentally friendly and fair way. This brings us to the issue of climate change. While agriculture is part of the problem, it can also be part of the solution. There is an overall consensus that farming needs to become more sustainable. While economic and environmental sustainability does not always go hand in hand, it leaves no doubt that sustainable farming implies an economically viable business model for the farm. The European Commission recognizes the need for the development of sustainable business models and encourages actions to enhance the position of the farmers in Europe. The Agricultural Knowledge Innovation Systems (AKIS) characterizes the European context where farmers take their decisions and share their expertise. The AKIS concept was also the cornerstone to develop agricultural innovation policies, particularly, the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI). Strategic decisions related to innovations have a big impact on farms and are, therefore, typically related to the start-up of a new farm or the succession of farms to the next generation. The European Commission has financed several European projects under its Horizon 2020 Program to strengthen the position of European farmers. KU Leuven is a partner to several of these past and ongoing projects. However, the outcomes of such projects are often dispersed and although joint events are encouraged, time and means are the limiting factors to bundle forces. In this context, several valuable opportunities are missed out. Moreover, most of the consortia focused on the business models for sustainable farming are exclusively European teams. Yet, we noticed that more stakeholders in the Global South are interested in joining our project events. Indeed, the issue of the weak position of the farmers is not unique for Europe. In this sense, Rikolto’s involvement as an international partner in the course team is a real added value. The course team is still working hard on the MOOC modules. The MOOC will cover several topics, ranging from the components of a modern farming business to situation analysis and strategy development. Students will have the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and managerial skills. At the same time, they will learn about sustainable value propositions and business model configurations. The MOOC will not only introduce theoretical frameworks to analyze and improve the success of a business model but will also provide interesting examples from all over the world. By mid-November, the promotion campaign will be launched. From January 2022 onwards, students can enroll for this Massive Open Online Course on Business Models for Sustainable Farming. Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Who is BioSabor? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/who-is-biosabor ### NEWS | Rustica > # Who is BioSabor? ## BioSabor S.A.T. is an ecological fruit and vegetable company located in the southeast of Spain. We are in the province of Almería next to Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. IDConsortium In BioSabor we are aware of the environmental impact of agricultural activity. Even so, our **ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE** is one of the most sustainable methods on the planet, by which we keep the nutritional properties of our organic fruits and vegetables intact while preventing environmental damage. We accomplish this by avoiding synthetic chemicals in cultivation, in coherence with our business culture and practice of “Creating Shared Value”. We reinforced our commitment to food sustainability in 2017 by joining the **RedSostal** network of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which promotes the integral sustainability of the Spanish food industry. In 2019 we committed ourselves **to the United Nations Global Compact** and aligned BioSabor’s Strategic and Sustainability Plan with the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Our ecological agricultural activity involves the solar greenhouses of our partners on more than 315 hectares of land, with which we achieve a positive reduction of **CO2 emissions.** There is a much higher density of plants inside the greenhouses than there would be outdoors, and with so much foliage the plants absorb a significant amount of atmospheric CO2 and use it to carry out the photosynthetic processes of growth and fruit production. We estimate that the 40,000 hectares of Solar **Greenhouses** that comprise the protected agriculture of the Almeria agricultural sector are capable of neutralizing the amount of CO2 produced daily by 250,000 cars. The 315 hectares of BioSabor cultivation can therefore counteract the gases emitted daily by an estimated 2,625 vehicles. If there is one thing we do well in Almeria, it is optimizing water resources. Almeria is considered one of the driest provinces in Spain, where water scarcity is a limiting factor for agricultural activity. That is why in the BioSabor packaging warehouse and in our partners’ farms, various techniques are used to optimize the use of water and to make the most of rainwater. In addition, BioSabor has a **Waste Management System** included in our Quality Management System, both in the packaging plant and in production facilities. We minimize food waste so as to do our part to eradicate hunger in society. In 2017 BioSabor was selected by AECOC (the Spanish Association of Manufacturers and Distributors) as a **“Zero Food Waste Company”.** BioSabor is committed to the mission to conserve resources and use them efficiently. Given the activity of the company, food waste is not a trivial matter. We position ourselves as a Zero Food Waste Company by ensuring that food waste does not occur in any production process. Our objective is to optimize the planning and execution of the value chain so that waste does not occur in any phass or link of the chain. In this way, 100% of the food waste is reused, which contributes to a **circular economy.** As an ecological company, we utilize the most advanced technologies on the market, thus avoiding in our facilities the need to treat crops with chemicals. Moreover, we take preventive steps to make the greenhouses as aseptic as possible. Maximum care is taken at the moment of harvesting and monitoring products, so that there are no losses due to pests or disease, which also maximizes the yield of each plantation. Other farm wastage, such as plastics and auxiliary materials, is collected from the farms and taken to authorized recycling centers when its useful life has ended. We recycle 100% of the plastics that shelter our crops, insofar as their material quality makes it possible to reuse them to build new greenhouses, and also to transform them into other plastic products. In the field, significant amounts of vegetable waste are generated from pruning and harvesting. Once cultivation is finished, all plant residue and auxiliary elements such as biodegradable twine are immediately removed and transported in containers to a composting center to be transformed into fertilizer that maintains the sustainability of the soil in the greenhouses. Our goal is to reuse plant residue and biodegradable auxiliary elements as fertilizer on farms. All waste from organic farms is managed responsibly, without causing any harm to the environment. Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Ayudas Red.ES URL: https://idconsortium.com/uncategorized/ayudas-red-es ### CALL # red.es ## AYUDAS 2021 DESTINADAS A PROYECTOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN Y DESARROLLO EN INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL Y OTRAS TECNOLOGÍAS DIGITALES Y SU INTEGRACIÓN EN LAS CADENAS DE VALOR IDConsortium** 8th October 2021 #### Proyectos de investigación y desarrollo en inteligencia artificial (IA) y otras tecnologías digitales, y su integración en las cadenas de valor, tal como se describen en la Estrategia Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial, en la Agenda España Digital 2025 y en la Componente 16 del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia de la economía española Los proyectos subvencionables deberán consistir en actuaciones relacionadas con alguna de las siguientes tecnologías digitales: 1.Inteligencia artificial: machine learning; deep learning; neural networks. 2.Internet de las Cosas (IoT). 3.Tecnologías de procesamiento masivo de datos e información (Open/Linked/Big Data). 4.Computación de alto rendimiento (high performance computing). 5.Computación en la nube. 6.Procesamiento de lenguaje natural. 7.Ciberseguridad; biometría e identidad digital. 8.Blockchain (Cadena de Bloques). 9.Robótica. 10.Realidad virtual y aumentada, efectos especiales y simulación. 11.Impresión 3D y fabricación aditiva. - El presupuesto mínimo de los proyectos de investigación industrial será de 500.000 € y el máximo de 10.000.000** €. - En el caso de los proyectos de desarrollo experimental, el presupuesto mínimo de los proyectos será de **300.000 € y el máximo de 5.000.000 €**  ** * extra information #### La documentación necesaria para solicitar la ayuda se deberá presentar en dos momentos diferenciados: ** - ** Documentación a presentar en el momento de formalizar la solicitud**: incluye la**solicitud electrónica**y la documentación que servirá para la aplicación de los criterios de valoración establecidos en el artículo decimoprimero de las Bases Reguladoras: - Memoria de proyecto. - Acuerdos con terceros. - Información económica. - Memoria del efecto incentivador. - ******Documentación a presentar tras la valoración de los criterios, a requerimiento de Red.es:**incluye la documentación acreditativa de los requisitos de los beneficiarios: - Acreditación de la representación firmante. - Acreditación del tamaño de empresa. - Acreditación de no haber recibido ayudas o subvenciones para el mismo gasto subvencionable procedentes de cualquier Administración o ente público. - Acreditación de los requisitos establecidos en el artículo 6 de las Bases Reguladoras. --- ## How their expertise will be beneficial to the project! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/how-expertise-beneficial-project ### NEWS | Rustica > # How their expertise will be beneficial to the project! ## The expertise of the Particle and Interfacial Technology (PaInT) research group at Ghent University is related to the selective separation of these nutrients from the carboxylic-rich solution. IDConsortium The product of the Carboxyl Acid Platform (CAP, a critical process in converting organic residues from the fruit and vegetable sector into novel bio-based fertilizer products of high quality) is a complex solution containing small carboxyl acids and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium-based compounds). The presence of these small carboxyl acids in the solution would considerably hamper the production of fertilizers. Therefore, a high-quality and carboxyl-free nutrient solution is highly desired. This separation is performed using a membrane-based process called electrodialysis. The advantage of this process, as compared to others, is the capacity to separate different compounds as a function of their unique physicochemical properties (charge, size, hydrophobicity, etc.) by the use of tailored ion-exchange membranes and an external potential (voltage). Remarkably, electrodialysis is regarded as a sustainable “green chemistry” process of low impact on the environment compared to other industrial processes. Thus, the target of the PaInT research group is to design an efficient and environmentally friendly electrodialysis-based process to produce high-quality and concentrated nutrients-containing solutions for synthesizing tailored fertilizers for agricultural purposes. Currently, researchers from the PaInT group are performing extensive lab-scale experiments to attain the aforementioned goal at the CAPTURE center in Gent, where different conditions are being tested for lower energy demands and provide pure nutrients solutions. Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## GEN4OLIVE URL: https://idconsortium.com/othercalls/gen4olive ### CALL >  # GEN4OLIVE ## The GEN4OLIVE project has launched its 1st Open call for proposals in the fields of  ## **olive pre-breeding** and **new breeding technologies. ** IDConsortium 1st December 2021 17:00 CEST (Brussels time) May 2022 **SMEs from **France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Turkey #### Two different types of project activities will be supported: - Pre-breeding activities: based on the use of olive genetic resources extracted from Germplasm Bank collections to characterize/test new traits that can be bred into new olive tree varieties. - Enabling technologies development activities: based on the development of a technological solution aiming at supporting the implementation of pre-breeding activities for olive tree varieties. Technology to be developed will held a minimum TRL of 6 (see TRL definition) #### Eligible costs - **Direct staff costs** - **Other direct costs **(travel costs for project team meetings, equipment, consumables) - **Indirect costs **(room rent, energy costs or general administration costs. A flat rate of 25% of the direct eligible costs shall be applied) - **Subcontracting costs** * extra information GEN4OLIVE is an European funded project that aims at accelerating the mobilisation of Olive GenRes and enhance olive pre-breeding activities through a multi-actor approach, by: 1. Developing easy-to-use tools to leverage the information collected through a smart user-friendly interface that will implement big data and machine learning utilities; 2. Involving SMEs through the launching of specific calls and financial support. 16 partners from 7 different countries are involved in the GEN4OLIVE project:  https://gen4olive.eu/project-consortium/ --- ## The RUSTICA project continues its outreach in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, one of the 5 focal regions of this international project URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-continues-outreach-valle-del-cauca ### NEWS | Rustica > # The RUSTICA project continues its outreach in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, one of the 5 focal regions of this international project ## Using a multisectoral approach, this initiative is moving forward in the formation of its multi-stakeholder platform, conceived as a collaborative space for co-creation and knowledge exchange in the regional context. IDConsortium To this end, we count on the participation of agricultural producers, waste generators, fertilizer companies, government entities, and research centers interested to co-create and validate technological solutions and business models to convert agri-food waste into innovative, high-quality bio-based fertilizers that meet the needs of local small farmers and agribusiness. The RUSTICA project will thus contribute to the transition of the Valle del Cauca towards a circular and more climate-friendly rural economy.  During this first phase, the project has been presented to public and private universities, farmers associations, local and departmental governments, private fertilizer, and waste management companies. The response has been very positive. Ongoing agri-food waste valorization initiatives in the region in relevant sectors have been identified, such as the sugar industry, where some sugar mills use the waste from sugar and ethanol production in composting plants and the product is applied to crops. The department’s central supply center also transforms fruit and vegetable waste in its own composting plant and is developing a pilot project for the valorization of this waste using the black soldier fly. Local universities are already investigating mainly in anaerobic digestion of local biomass residues.  The RUSTICA partners are also characterizing different feedstocks that could be valorized for the production of novel bio-based fertilizers. In Valle del Cauca, residues from the processing of major crops such as sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, and coconut were prioritized, as well as fruit and vegetable residues from supermarkets. Easily biodegradable residues such as coffee and cocoa mucilage, vinasse from ethanol production, and supermarket fruit and vegetable residues are being evaluated in the anaerobic digestion platform. More fibrous wastes such as coconut husks and cocoa shells are being tested for biochar production. With its important agri-food sector, the presence of key research institutions, and the strong interests among different actors, the Valle del Cauca region has great potential for biobased innovations, which will be supported by the RUSTICA project. The role of each of the local stakeholders is key to support the region. Soon we hope to announce the first multi-actor workshop of the Valle del Cauca regional platform! Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Socio-economic aspects of agriculture and the food sector and how they will be able to help the project advance in its research URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/socio-economic-agriculture-food-sector ### NEWS | Rustica > # Socio-economic aspects of agriculture and the food sector and how they will be able to help the project advance in its research ## In the coming years, humanity will have to face one of the most demanding challenges in history which are to slow down and possibly reverse the process of ecosystem deterioration caused by anthropogenic activities. IDConsortium Agriculture will play a very important role in fostering this transition towards greater sustainability, both because it is a relevant activity in the socio-economic systems, especially in developing and emerging countries, and it is often a direct cause of negative effects on the ecosystem (externalities), such as the greenhouse effect, water pollution, and soil deterioration. According to Eurostat, the agricultural sector contributed EUR 176.4 billion towards the EU’s overall GDP in 2019 (1.3 % to the EU’s GDP). The gross value added by the EU’s agricultural industry (AI) was an estimated EUR 181.5 billion in 2019. About one-half (52.8 %) of the value of the total output of the EU’s agricultural industry in 2019 came from crops (EUR 220.5 billion), within which vegetables and horticultural plants and cereals were the most valuable crops. Today there is a considerable emphasis on the recovery, recycling, and upgrading of wastes. This is particularly relevant for the fruit and vegetable wastes (FVWs) representing a very important category of biomasses because they are produced in considerable quantities at the end of all agricultural, supermarket, and wholesale market activities. According to FAO, the waste generated by the fruit and vegetable sector is estimated up to 60% of the food waste generated yearly in the world. EU policy aims to limit organic waste landfilling and fruit and vegetable residues have a significant potential for recycling as raw materials for other industries or for conversion into useful products of higher value (e.g. bio-product). Social awareness of the need to offset ecosystem deterioration is growing, and consumers are paying increasing attention to the choice of more sustainable products and services. This behaviour is affecting the entire economy and therefore also the agri-food systems are evolving in this direction, also stimulated by-laws and rules that establish and encourage adequate changes. However, there are also trends contrasting these changes towards greater sustainability, such as the low and decreasing profitability of agricultural productions or the strong trade power of organized distribution companies. The future will therefore depend on the combined effect of these factors, so it is important to identify and analyse them to outline possible scenarios. From this analysis, it will also emerge which actors are those having a role in favouring one trend or another. Farmers are certainly crucial as they can contribute to improving the sustainability of the agricultural sector, for example by using biofertilizers. RUSTICA Project will analyse 5 different case studies related to four European regions and one located in South America to highlight the main issues to consider for developing and supporting the use of such bio-based fertilizers. Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## How to protect the know-how URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/how-to-protect-the-know-how The** know-how** means a package of non-patented practical information (of a technical, commercial, administrative, financial or other nature), resulting from experience and testing, which is secret, substantial and identifiable and it can be protected by trade secret. The** trade secret **is a type of intellectual property (IP) that refers to information that is secret, meaning that is only known by a limited group of persons, that is has commercial value because is secret, and, it has been subject to reasonable steps taken by the rightful holder of the information to keep it secret, including the use of confidentiality agreements for business partners and employees. The trade secret is a good instrument for any confidential business information that provides an enterprise a competitive advantage unknown to others. Secret information could include both,  technical and commercial information, such as manufacturing processes, tests data, lists of suppliers and clients.  A trade secret may be also made up of a combination of elements, being individually of public domain, keeping its combination secret. Unlike the protection mechanisms provided by patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks and copyrights, described in the article ‘IP protection mechanisms’, trade secrets do not provide ‘defensive protection’, meaning that, the trade secret owner cannot stop others from using the same technical or commercial information, if they acquired or developed it through their own R&D, reverse engineering or marketing analysis. The trade secret protections then provides the owner the right to prevent the information lawfully within their control from being disclosed, acquired or used by others without their consent and, as other intellectual property protection mechanisms, trade secrets are property rights and can be assigned or licensed to other persons or entities. To be granted with trade secret, no registration is required and it can be protected for an unlimited period of time, unless it is discovered or legally acquired by others and disclosed to the public. Unfair practices regarding secret information include industrial or commercial espionage, breach of contract, breach of confidence and inducement to breach. The trade secret could be an instrument to protect an IP although it meets the patentability criteria. Increasingly, companies are turning to use the trade secret rather than the patent, as it offers greater flexibility at lower costs. This fact could be turned into a disadvantage when authorizing a third party to access and use the trade secret information through a license or assignment. A trade secret is more difficult to enforce than a patent and its often difficult to prove its violation. Furthermore, the level of protection granted varies from country to country, being considered ‘weak’ in some. To be considered ‘secret information’ some security measures need to be implemented. Examples of actions to perform could be: implementing an information encryption system such as computer passwords and firewalls; limiting access to the information only to the necessary people, signing non-disclosure agreements with employees, suppliers, and partners, training employees on trade secret policies and practical measures. *Source: WIPO* ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## What is a patent? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/what-is-a-patent The patent is the most common protection mechanism used for technical invention. The patent provides the patent holder the exclusive right to commercially make, sell, distribute, import and use their patented inventions within the territory covered by the patent during the period of protection. Patent holders may choose to make, sell or use the invention themselves, let someone else make or use it for a fee (known as licensing), or sell the patent outright to someone else who then becomes the patent owner (known as ownership transfer or assignment). Or they may decide not to use the patented invention themselves, but to stop their competitors from using it during the patent period. If other party uses a patented invention without the patent owner’s permission, the patent owner can seek to enforce the rights by suing for patent infringement in the relevant national court. The patent is a type of Intellectual Property under the Industrial Property category. It is defined as the exclusive right granted to an invention to prevent third parties from commercially exploiting – making, using, offering for sale, selling or importing the invention, which is protected by patent for a limited period of time (generally 20 years). An invention can be defined as a product or process that offers a new way of doing something, or a new technical solution to a problem. An invention could be patented if the following patentability conditions are satisfied: - The invention must show some new characteristic not included in the state of the art. - Inventive step (non-obviousness). The invention must show an inventive step that could not be deduced by a person with average knowledge of the technical field. - Industrial applicability (utility). The invention must be of practical use, or capable of some kind of industrial application. - Disclosure of the invention. The invention must be disclosed in a clear and complete manner in the patent application to be carried out by a person skilled in the art. - Patentable subject matter. The invention must fall within the scope of patentable subject matter as defined by national law. Patent laws in many countries exclude scientific theories, mathematical methods, plant or animal varieties, methods of medical treatment as not generally patentable. To obtain a patent, the inventor or firm will need to file an application with a patent office describing the invention clearly and in sufficient detail to allow someone with an average knowledge of the technical field to use or reproduce it. Such descriptions may include drawings, plans or diagrams. Patents are territorial, that means that the protection is granted within a country under its national law. In this regard, inventors and firms must decide in which territories they want to the patent protection. There are three routes for the patent protection. - National patent system: single patent application in the patent office of every country of interest. This requires to fill in the patent in the national language and pay the fee accordingly. - European patent system: it makes it possible to obtain patent protection in all the member countries desired (38 countries in 2017) using a single patent application. Once granted, the European patent has the same effect in each of the countries for which it is granted as a national patent subject to the legislation of the respective country. It is processed by the European Patent Office (EPO). - International patent system: Patent application, processed in accordance with the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), that enables protection for an invention to be applied for simultaneously in a large number of countries (152 countries in 2017) through the submission of an “international” patent application. The WIPO – World Intellectual Property Organization- administers the PCT System. At this stage it is important to highlight the right of priority.  The right of priority, is regulated by the Paris Convention and it means that, having filed an application in one member country of the Paris Convention, the same applicant (or their successor in title) may, within a specified time period (12 months), apply for protection for the same invention in any of the other member countries, maintaining the priority date ( the filing date of the earlier application) as the current patent filling date, having priority over other patent applications for the same invention. * * *Source: WIPO, EPO * ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## What is the Page Limit in Horizon Europe Proposals? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/page-limit-horizon-europe-proposal Horizon Europe proposal template brings one of the most significant adjustments in comparison to Horizon 2020, which is the number of pages in the application form. Previously, during the implementation of the Horizon 2020 from 2014 to 2020, the application form in Research and Innovation actions or in Innovation Actions was 70 pages long. However, in Horizon Europe the page limit has been decreased to 45 pages. As a result, certain elements of the plan have been combined to make it shorter. The sections “Objectives” and “Ambition,” for example, have been merged into a single 4-page part. ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## The Intellectual Property protection mechanisms URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/the-intellectual-property-protection-mechanisms Intellectual Property (IP) is classified in 2 categories, Industrial Property and Copyright. **Industrial property** includes patents for inventions, industrial designs, utility model, trademarks and geographical indications. **Copyright** or authors’ right, is a legal term used to describe the rights that creators have in their literary, artistic and scientific works. It is important to know the scope of each protection mechanism as well as their conditions and obligations. Not all inventions can be protected. The **Patent** is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides, in general, a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. The patent protection prevents the invention to be commercially made, used, distributed, imported or sold by others without the patent holder consent. The rights are only applicable in the country or region in which the patent has been filed and granted, in accordance with the law of that country or region. The protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years from the filing date of the application. The **Utility model **is one of the intellectual property rights that protects technical solutions with a lower level of inventiveness required than for a patent or for protecting inventions that make small improvements to, and adaptations of, existing products or that have a short commercial life. In some regions they are sometimes referred to as “short-term patents”, “utility innovations” or “innovation patents. In some cases and territories, the utility model could be considered a ‘weak IP’, as it is the mechanism used when the invention does not fulfill the patentability requirements. The protection period is 6 to 10 years. The **Industrial design** covers those elements of a product that are aesthetic or ornamental – the way it looks and feels. It may consist of three dimensional features, such as the shape of an article, or two dimensional features, such as patterns, lines or color. The owner of a registered industrial design or of a design patent has the right to prevent third parties from making, selling or importing articles bearing or embodying a design which is a copy, or substantially a copy, of the protected design, when such acts are undertaken for commercial purposes. Depending on the particular national law and the kind of design, industrial designs may also be protected as works of art under copyright law. A **trademark** is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. It can be a word or a combination of words, letters, and numerals, drawings, symbols, three-dimensional features, non-visible signs such as sounds or fragrances, or color shades used as distinguishing features. The protection period is usually 10 years. A **geographical indication (GI)** is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products. A geographical indication right enables the right holders to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards. However, a protected geographical indication does not enable the holder to prevent someone from making a product using the same techniques as those set out in the standards for that indication. The **Copyright** relates to literary and artistic creations, such as books, music, paintings and sculptures, films and technology-based works (such as computer programs and electronic databases). The expression copyright refers to the act of copying an original work which, in respect of literary and artistic creations, may be done only by the author or with the author’s permission. The copyright protects two types of rights: The Economic rights allow right owners to derive financial reward from the use of their works by others. The Moral rights allow authors and creators to take certain actions to preserve and protect their link with their work. * * *Source: WIPO* ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Intellectual Property definitions URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/intellectual-property-definitions Dealing with Intellectual Property aspects for the first time could be difficult if you are not familiar with the basic concepts. Below there is a list of the most commonly used terms. **‘Intellectual property (IP)’** refers to creations of the human mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. **‘IP background’** means intellectual property owned or controlled by either of the parties at the date of a given agreement or which shall at any time thereafter become so owned or controlled otherwise than as a result of the project under the agreement. **‘IP foreground’** is defined as all intellectual property conceived, created, acquired or initially reduced to practice as result of the project outputs. **‘Intellectual property management (IPM)’** is a term used for describing the oversight of intangible assets. **‘Intellectual property right (IPR)’** is defined as patents, inventions, trademarks, service marks, logos, design rights (whether registerable or otherwise), applications for any of the foregoing, copyright, database rights, domain names, trade or business names, moral rights and other similar rights or obligations whether registerable or not in any country and the right to sue for passing off. **‘Intellectual property exploitation’** is defined as everything related to the use, sale, marketing, advertising, technology transfer, licensing and other activities that may generate an economic return for the organisation, based on intellectual property rights. **‘Ownership of IP rights’** refers to the state or quality of being an owner of a proprietary right.  It enables its holder to exercise exclusive rights of use in relation to the subject matter of the IP and to restrict others from using these IP rights. **‘Access rights’** means rights to use results or background under the terms and conditions agreed between the parties. **‘Results’** means any (tangible or intangible) output of the action such as data, knowledge or information — whatever its form or nature, whether it can be protected or not — that is generated in the action, as well as any rights attached to it, including intellectual property rights. **‘IP licensing’** refers to the grant of rights of use to another party when you own intellectual property. **‘License Agreement’** refers to the contract under which the owner of an intellectual property right (‘licensor’) gives permission to another individual or entity (‘licensee’) to use this right for a period of time and within a defined territory. Without such permission, this use would infringe patent or trademark rights.  **‘Exclusive License Agreement’** is a contract licensing intellectual property to another party for its exclusive use and/or economic benefit. **‘Royalty’** is a payment made to a right holder for the use of the intellectual property which it owns, such as a patent, trade mark, or copyrighted work. **‘Assignment of IPR’** means the transfer of rights and obligations of an IPR to another individual or legal entity. **‘Freedom to operate search’** refers to searches on intellectual property rights databases (such as patent databases) aimed at determining whether a product’s commercialisation could infringe third parties’ rights. **‘IP due diligence’** refers to the exercise to gather as much information as possible on the value and the risks of a company’s intangible assets, with a view to acquiring IP, raising capital and seeking financial assistance (e.g. bank loans). **‘IP Valuation’** is an assessment of the value of a particular IP asset. IP valuation may be quantitative or qualitative in nature. There are a variety of methods to value IP. **‘Technology transfer’** can be described as the successful application and/or adaptation of a technology developed in one organisation to meet the needs of one or more other organisations, belonging to the same or different industrial sector. The transferred technology shall be innovative for the recipient and being implemented by a licensing agreement, a joint venture agreement, a manufacturing agreement, and/or a commercial agreement with technical assistance. ** ** *Sources: WIPO, European Comission, Lawinsider, Ghbintellect, Mondaq. * ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Horizon Europe – What Type of Cost Categories Can be Included in Personnel Costs? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/horizon-europe-personnel-costs Like any other worldwide funding organisation, Horizon Europe has a set of qualifying criteria for getting money for your study and/or innovation. The organisation or programme receives hundreds of applications on a regular basis. Horizon Europe focuses on certain critical concerns and offers to finance research and innovation related to those topics alone while also serving as an effective support structure for new and innovative ideas and projects. ### Personnel Costs are Covered for Different Categories Eligibility conditions cover the costs for hiring all employees and any natural persons working under a direct contract. Any employees seconded by a third party against payment, volunteers, and any other overheads are also eligible. Beneficiaries who are natural persons but not receiving a salary and any Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners who are not receiving a salary can also present their costs in the eligibility category. #### Employees Costs Personnel costs for employees include the salaries and other benefits of workers and other staff members of a research team. You can also include social security contributions, applicable taxes, and any other costs associated with providing remuneration to the employees for the services they render. Salary is calculated as the daily hourly rate for each person multiplied by the number of days they work on the given action. The resulting figure is rounded off to the nearest half day. Parental leave is not deducted from the total salary paid out. Any bonuses and supplementary payments made to employees under national law and benefits schemes, collective labour agreements, and internal regulations of the beneficiary’s organisation can also be considered eligible as employee salary. Beneficiaries can also add overheads like lunch money or the costs of providing a car for company use. #### Temporary or Part-Time Employees Any employees hired on a part-time contract and not working for the full calendar year will also receive salary and benefits similar to a full-time worker. However, any parental, maternal, long-term sick leave, breastfeeding, or long-term childcare leave cannot be paid under the grant regulations. Beneficiaries can charge supplementary payments for personnel hired to work on specific projects. #### Natural Persons Under Direct Contract or Seconded Contract Grant regulations require you to clearly make the distinction between self-employed natural persons working under a contract which is not an employment contract and seconded employees. The latter are determined as employees that are transferred from third parties on a temporary assignment to work at the disposal of the beneficiary. These personnel work on the beneficiary’s premises under their control and directions. You can claim the salaries and remuneration paid to these personnel as eligible costs as long as you declare them as actual costs. Further, these personnel must work under a contract similar to any other employees within the organisation. Also, they must work under conditions and time schedules similar to the other members of the beneficiary’s workforce. Telecommunting is permitted under the eligibility criteria as long as the employee works for at least three days out of every five working days at the physical premises of the beneficiary. Salaries paid to remote employees working out of foreign countries and locations are not eligible costs if the remaining workforce is working at the physical premises of the beneficiary. #### Employees Hired Through Third-Party Agencies Payments made to the staff hired through a temporary work agency cannot be included in personnel costs. They can, however, be calculated and entered as “subcontracting” and “purchase of other goods and services.” Draft your application and your budget for your research grant while keeping these factors in mind. Information like this comes in handy at the beginning of your application when you are going through the eligibility criteria for filling the application. ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Horizon Europe – What Type of Direct Costs is Eligible for funding in Horizon Europe? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/direct-costs-in-horizon-europe Horizon Europe is the European Union’s (EU) primary funding programme for research and innovation, with a budget of €95.5 billion. In keeping with their objectives to develop, support, and implement European Union policies, Horizon Europe has instituted specific eligibility criterion for receiving Horizon Europe funding, similar to any other global funding organisation. Applicants must comply with specific parameters to get their applications approved. All proposals must clearly indicate why their costs are eligible for funding. ### What is Cost Eligibility? Eligible costs are directly related to the project and for which financial assistance funds may be used. These costs must be paid out directly from the beneficiary’s accounts and should be reconciled and supported by adequate documentation. Costs can be either direct or indirect. Let’s find out what types of costs are eligible. #### A.     Personal costs The staff costs category covers actual salaries, social security contributions, and other statutory expenditures included in the payroll of people working under an employment contract. These contracts are with the beneficiary or an equivalent appointing act and allocated to the action, on condition that these expenses are consistent with the beneficiary’s usual compensation system. Employees can also be granted parental leave, taxes, and other remuneration related to the country’s laws. The grant also allows for the costs associated with hiring temporary staff, which can be calculated according to the project or the number of days for which they are employed. Provisions for recognizing and compensating the contributions of volunteers have also been made. #### B.     Costs of Equipment and Consumable Supplies All purchases made should be declared as actual or unit costs and should be essential for the project’s progress. Beneficiaries must acquire supplies after carefully assessing the best price to quality ratio and most economical pricing structure. After evaluating the best offers, they should show that they checked, reviewed, and audited each bid before placing orders. The prices paid should be the best market value. Further, to eliminate the risk of the grant monies being used for charging commercial profit margins, beneficiaries must exercise caution when purchasing supplies from other beneficiaries. #### C.     Travel, Accommodation, and Subsistence Allowances Travel expenditures and accompanying subsistence allowances are admissible if consistent with the beneficiary’s regular travel patterns. However, keep in mind that they must not exceed the Commission’s permitted scales on a regular basis. Criteria for declaring travel costs will depend on factors such as the actual distance covered and whether the journey was made to a Member state or third country. All travel should be duly justified, and the essential mode of transport should be considered. Accommodation costs are calculated according to the number of days spent traveling, and the costs of subsistence can include meals and any other incidental expenses. #### D.     Equipment, Infrastructure, & Other Assets Purchases of equipment, infrastructure, and any other assets are to be declared as capitalised costs and calculated according to global accounting standards and the beneficiary’s typical accounting practices. Depreciation will also be calculated and written off per usual standards. The costs of renting any assets can also be included and are eligible under grant regulations. #### E.      Costs of Services The implementation of a project may entail the purchase of products or services to complete specialized activities that beneficiaries are unable to complete on their own. This does not imply that elements of the activity directly connected to the action’s core goals are externalised. After going through the eligibility criteria for the application form, if your proposal is eligible considering all the factors and all the types, fill the required form, receive the funding, and you can get a little closer to your dream!   ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Why Keywords in Part A are Important? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/why-keywords-in-part-a-are-important   When you are filling a form for something as important as obtaining funding for your research or innovation projects, every aspect or every small detail of your application form, is very important. The application that you submit decides whether or not your research or innovation project will get the necessary funding in order to forge ahead and get the green light to proceed.                 In addition to filling an excellent proposal, the ideal situation would be to have the proposal be evaluated by the optimal evaluators. The European Commission selects evaluators based on the keywords you include in your proposal. The keywords match with what the experts list in the Funding & Tenders portal. Therefore, your key points must be very clear and in which sectors or technologies are the most innovative aspects of your proposal in order to identify the keywords and allow the EC to select the most appropriate evaluators for your proposal. Keywords are completed in the part A of this first form. They are completed in the same section as the proposal name and acronym, project duration and abstract. ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## The RUSTICA European Project, what interests for farmers? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/what-interests-for-farmers ### NEWS | Rustica > # The RUSTICA European Project, what interests for farmers? ## In Pays de la Loire region, RUSTICA project will take place in one of the 17 National Gross Market infrastructures (Marché d’Intérêt National or “MIN”), in the city of Angers. Here, tons of waste are generated each year by unsold fruits and vegetables. IDConsortium After giving a part of these fruits and vegetables to a local charity association, wholesalers still have a huge amount of waste which will end up in the trash. #### Then, the current situation is to send this waste to be composted. At the regional level, there is a real interest in the bioeconomy business development and the region has great opportunities with cooperatives and producers in the plant sector, who could be both producers of this waste and users of biofertilizers. The Chamber of Agriculture of Pays de la Loire is the French partner of RUSTICA project and will work on a pilot site to produce and experiment innovative bio-based fertilisers promoted in RUSTICA project. With the idea of studying the technical and economic feasibility of bio-based fertilisers’ production, the European project RUSTICA opens new markets and new perspectives of valorisation of fruits and vegetables wastes for farmers. The main objective of the project is to transform this waste into highly added value products. This could be helpful for farmers to diversify their activities and enhance their waste for selling to other farmers, companies or cooperatives. Farmers could be integrated in a circular economy with benefits for all. Likewise, bio-based fertilisers from technologies tested in RUSTICA aim to be efficient and to become an alternative. It could be a great opportunity for organic farmers of the region who generally use compost and manures. It could be also very attractive for conventional farmers reducing minerals fertilisers, which can damage water and soil quality through years. Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Researchers make chicory plants without bitter compounds using CRISPR/Cas method URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/research-chicory-plants-without-bitter-compounds-crisprcas-method ### NEWS | Chic > # Researchers make chicory plants without bitter compounds using CRISPR/Cas method ## Researchers have used new breeding techniques to develop a chicory variety that no longer contains bitter compounds. IDConsortium Katarina Cankar, plant researcher at Wageningen University & Research: “In the European CHIC project, we are working on improved industrial chicory varieties (related to witloof) that contain dietary fibre and compounds that have potential medicinal properties.” The research consortium published their results in the Plant Biotechnology Journal. Chicory is a beautiful plant with blue flowers, but the interesting part is in the ground: the chicory taproots are a source of inulin, a natural sweetener that is used in bread and dairy products and as dietary fibre for healthy intestinal function. “Inulin has a positive effect on the digestive health,” says Katarina Cankar. “Normally, inulin must be separated from the bitter compounds (that are also in the root) as they cause a bitter taste. With new breeding techniques such as CRISPR-Cas, we have been able to develop a plant that no longer contains those bitter compounds. This will make the processing cheaper and easier, and in turn more sustainable, and will make a broader application of inulin possible.” #### For the complete press release, please click here. #### Check out the list of publications from our recent press release! #### Akkerbouwbedrijf – Check it out! #### Food + Agri Business – Check it out! #### Fresh Plaza – Check it out! #### Food Ingredients – Check it out! #### AgroLink – Check it out! #### India Education Diary – Check it out! #### Groenten & Fruit – Check it out! #### Innovation Origins – Check it out! #### ISAAA – Check it out! #### Nieuwe Oogst – Check it out! #### RDM Rural Brasil – Check it out! #### Seed Today – Check it out! Hanne Cooreman Álvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## Get involved! Different ways to be part of RUSTICA Project… URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/different-ways-to-be-part-of-rustica-project ### NEWS | Rustica > # Get involved! Different ways to be part of RUSTICA Project… ## The main method of involvement will be through workshops. For each region, at least six workshops with a minimum of 10 participants will be organised in the course of the coming four years (2021-2024). IDConsortium EVILVO (Flanders), as multi-disciplinary independent research institute focussing on sustainable agriculture and fisheries from an economic, ecological and social perspective, designs the multi-actor plan for the project, in consultation with the other RUSTICA partners. The main aim is to consult different types of stakeholders apart from the project partners, to ensure the development of biobased fertilisers that are relevant to the involved regions where RUSTICA plans to establish knowledge exchange networks (Flanders (BE), Almeria (ES), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (IT), Pays de la Loire (FR) and Valle del Cauca (CO)). All stakeholders along the value chain, from waste producers, over technology providers, farmer associations, biobased fertiliser producers & users, experts in legal/safety & sustainability analysis, business developers, etc., will be asked to be involved in these workshops. This way, apart from rich knowledge exchange opportunities, also different networking opportunities will be created. Moreover, at least two international workshops (one in Brussels and one in South America) will be organised to discuss with the relevant stakeholders the technical, market, and business solutions RUSTICA proposes. Stakeholders located in the different regions, but also operating on EU and global level, interested in participating in the RUSTICA project are kindly invited to fill out the expression of interest with their contact information on the RUSTICA website (https://rusticaproject.eu/multi-actor-approach-network/ ). This way, RUSTICA partners can contact these stakeholders to invite them to take part in workshops or other knowledge exchange activities. Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## The waiving of Intellectual Property protections for COVID-19 vaccines URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/ipcovid19vaccines The coronavirus crisis has led to the implementation of extraordinary measures never seen before at all levels and worldwide.  Although vaccines were developed in record time, there is still a population without the first inoculated dose in developed countries. When we enter the vaccination of developing countries the situation is much worse. The current pandemic scenario and the distribution of vaccines favor developed countries, since the main vaccine manufacturers are located in these regions. Faced with this situation, is the release of patents a solution?   According to the IP law, the patent holders have the exclusive right to manufacture, sell, and use the vaccine for the entire term of patent protection of 20 years from the date of the filing of the patent. It is said that such protection could impede wider accessibility of vaccines and prolong the pandemic.   According to the claim for liberalizing the Covid-19 vaccines patents, WTO member countries will not be under an obligation, for a temporary period, to either grant or enforce patents and other IP-related rights to Covid-19 vaccines. Contrary to what is generally considered, suspending these rights will not lead to a surge in the vaccines availability.    What is the advantage of liberalizing patents if then there are no manufacturers or those have insufficient or no manufacturing capability to manufacture the required product (or drug) in the quantities expected?  What if we have the vaccines but the distributions capabilities does not satisfied the conditions required?  The European manufacturing capacity led to the current model of producing the vaccine in those countries with manufacturing and distribution capabilities and export them to those nations that lack the production capacity. This model has shown that there’s a national vaccine overproduction for the manufacturing countries and a dependency for those needing to import the vaccines.   In the case of exporting vaccines to developing countries,   What if the vaccines are available but there is a lack of health conditions and resources to inoculate them? Also, how do you ensure that those vaccines are distributed and get where they need to go?   Considering previously named aspects, some references point out that perhaps, the patent license under favorable conditions during a period of time could be a good mechanism. For instance, if a country issues a compulsory license to export vaccines to another nation that lacks manufacturing capability, the exporting country has to ensure that the vaccines are exported to that nation only; that they are easily identifiable through different colour, or shape; only the amount necessary to meet the requirements of the eligible importing country are manufactured; and the importing country has to notify the WTO.   In the case of India, the major vaccine production country, waiving the Intellectual Property Rights for COVID-19 vaccines could be a solution, although the legal instruments seem to leave important aspects uncovered. Voluntary licenses given by patent holders to generic companies on mutually agreed terms could be an interesting mechanism.  The voluntary licenses are often shrouded in secrecy where the patent holder controls important decisions such as who would be the ultimate beneficiaries of the vaccine and how the third-party sellers are to be selected.   ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## What is the technology behind the RUSTICA project? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/technology-behind-rustica-project ### NEWS | Rustica > # What is the technology behind the RUSTICA project? ## Inge De Bo and Jef Van de Poel are responsible for the project technical management of RUSTICA. IDConsortium Inge holds a Ph.D in Applied Biological Sciences and does research related to the biological optimization of the carboxylic acid platform (CAP). Jef is involved in the CAP research with a focus on downstream processing, holding a Master in Bioscience Engineering with a specialization in Chemistry and Bioprocess technology. For the past 30 years, our company OWS has developed several innovative and patented designs for biogas plants, with a pre-treatment, digester concept and post-treatment adapted to each type of feedstock. As we are historically a biogas building plant company we extract a lot of stuff out of biowaste but in the end, we have a waste stream or residuals that has no value for chemical extraction. With the carboxylic acid production platform research, we want to anticipate in a trend that we are producing some chemicals ourselves prior to anaerobic digestion (AD). And that is where RUSTICA is about: we are releasing nutrients and producing carboxylic acids from the easily biodegradable agri-waste streams. The remaining materials after CAP will be treated in AD, and so biogas and compost can still be produced. In the first stage of the RUSTICA project, we are screening up to 20 different fruit and vegetable waste streams from the 5 RUSTICA test regions (4 European regions and Columbia), in order to quantify their potential for NPK release and production of carboxylic acids. In these lab tests, the liquid fraction is separated from the solid fraction. The liquid phase will be further converted to microbial biomass (by partner Avecom) and nutrient concentrate (by partner UGent), as ingredients for the bio-based fertiliser blends. In the next stage of the RUSTICA project, we will run a pilot plant on TRL7 by integrating 3 technologies for the treatment of 50 tonnes of agri-waste from Pays de la Loire. The goal is to demonstrate the value chain on a pilot scale and to produce large amounts of fertilizer ingredients for field tests. We recently visited the partners of the Chambre d’Agriculture de Pays de la Loire in Angers. We were excited to have a sightseeing walk in Paris while transferring from one high-speed railway station to another. We hope to escape the lab very soon and really make a process that has a market.  We started the CAP research, not to have some fun in the lab, but really have a future-proof technology alongside our AD technology that we can use for the treatment of organic waste. And the RUSTICA challenges help us to work on this realisation :). Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## The Main Sections of Part A of a European Proposal URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/mainsectionseuropeanproposal With a budget of €95.5 billion, Horizon Europe is the European Union’s (EU’s) primary funding programme for research and innovation. They concentrate on important pressing issues such as climate change, thereby contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosting the EU’s competitiveness and growth. They also contribute to increasing the impact of research and innovation, as well as developing, supporting, and implementing European Union policies. They aim to accomplish all of these while also addressing other global issues. **Application Form in Horizon Europe:** Like any other major global program, Horizon Europe also requires an application form to be properly and timely filled for your research or innovation funding. The application form is comprised of three different parts: Part A, Part B and Part C. Once an applicant filled out and submitted the form, the authorities will perform a preliminary review of the application and soon after the long process review process for approval is carried out. While filling out this form can be tedious, it is imperative that the applicant or the coordinator go through it very carefully with a keen eye and ensure all questions are answered and every lines are filled out. **Main Sections of Part A of a European Proposal:** Part A consists of mandatory information fields, checklists, and declarations that must be completed immediately using the online submission mechanism. *Section 1 – General information* You should include the **acronym**, **proposal full title**, **duration in months of the proposed project**, **free keywords related to your proposal content**, and an English abstract of your proposal in this section. The abstract must have a maximum length of 2000 characters (including spaces, full stops and commas) *Section 2- Declarations* *In this section, you must answer a series of questions and statements related to the content of the proposal, the obligations of the coordinator and the partners in regard to the project activities as well as the financial aspects. * *Section 3 – Administrative data on proposing organisation(s)* The coordinator will encrypt the PIC code of his or her organisation, as well as the PIC codes of all other applicants. Following the encoding of the PIC code, a portion of the administrative data will be automatically filled in. In Horizon Europe, you should complete new sections. These are: - Table listing the researchers who will be involved in the proposal. It will include their gender, phase of their research career, and whether or not the researcher is leading the proposal. - Table defining the role of the participating organisation in the proposal. There are a number of pre-defined fields and you should select those that apply to your organisation. - List of the 5 most relevant publications or achievements of the organisation. - List of the 5 most relevant previous projects where the entity has been involved. - Description of the infrastructure/equipment that the entity makes available for the project. The section 4 of the previous funding programme Horizon 2020 has been deleted but in Horizon Europe, this section is completed in part A. In this section, information regarding the gender equality plan must be completed. It is an eligibility criterion to participate in Horizon Europe that ask all entities to submit their gender equality plans. Please check our article on “The Gender Equality Plan in Horizon Europe” to get more information about this section. *Section 4 – Budget* You must fill up a budget overview table in this section. Please check our article on “What type of costs are eligible?” to get more information about this section. *Section 5 – Information about the action* This section should list the proposal’s target countries. It should also be stated, if applicable, which system will be pushed and which product, or products, will be utilised to illustrate it. It should be noted that you can choose from a variety of products. ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## A Plan for an Innovative Solution to Organic Waste! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/plan-innovative-solution-organic-waste ### NEWS | Rustica > # A Plan for an Innovative Solution to Organic Waste! ## Since global environmental issues proliferated the mainstream public discourse, there have been plenty of incredible innovative inventions and technological solutions that changed the way we live now. IDConsortium From useful tech gadgets to lab-made food, researchers and scientists have been coming up with solutions to everyday problems. But one of the issues that every country in the world is facing today is waste. But let us focus on organic waste for now. The RUSTICA project is part of a solution to transforming waste from fruit and vegetable into bio-based fertilisers. The result derived from the project would be beneficial to the environment and contribute to a circular economy. The project partners and its stakeholders are committed to producing viable and useful results for this 4-year EU-funded project. We are excited to share with you how essential this project is for our food and feed. #### What are some of the targeted goals we have set ourselves?      >  To reach the broader public about the benefits of bio-based fertiliser, circular economy, organic waste, and soil improvement      >  To build strong interest in the project and its technology and how to best tackle environmental issues      >  To highlight how the technology will be beneficial to the environment #### How do we get the public to be interested in the project? This type of project is sometimes hard to communicate to the general public because of its technical nature. But that’s a big challenge that we are willing to tackle head-on! The project is basically about turning organic waste, mainly fruits & vegetables, into bio-based fertilisers. We are still in the early stage of this research project, but we would like the public to understand that this project is an innovative solution to the waste problem. #### We plan to…      >  Host workshops to interested stakeholders,      >  Invite policymakers and EU institution officials to events, meetings, and conferences,      >  Organize webinars and in-person events with our scientists and researchers,      >  Produce fun and educational videos about our work,      >  Create informative marketing materials,      >  Post exciting social media content to keep you up to date on our work! #### How do you get involved? There are several ways to get involved, but the best way is to participate in planned workshops in your region. You will need to register at https://rusticaproject.eu/multi-actor-approach-network/ where you will automatically be registered to receive project newsletters. However, to participate in workshops, the knowledge broker of your region will contact you directly. The ‘Get Involved!’ page is also available in Dutch, French, Italian, and Spanish. The project consortium is comprised of incredible and talented researchers, scientists, consultants, and business-minded people to help the project reach its goals and produce its expected results. As the project continues to evolve in the coming months, we will continue to share exciting updates and results with you. So please follow us to be informed! Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## RUSTICA project, a successful beginning URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-project-successful-beginning ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA project, a successful beginning ## Tessa Avermaete and Margo Heremans are responsible for the project management of RUSTICA. Tessa holds a PhD in Applied Biological Sciences and is an expert in managing European consortia at the division of bioeconomics. Margo is an experienced project manager and communication professional, holding a master’s in applied economic sciences. IDConsortium Key global trends and challenges, including climate change and population growth, influence food and agriculture today, and will continue to impact our food system in the coming decades. In this context, the valorisation of food waste streams can be considered an important opportunity for the agricultural sector. The RUSTICA project focuses on waste from fruit and vegetable production. More specifically, the RUSTICA consortium will investigate the potential to develop bio-based fertilisers using fruit and vegetable waste as feedstock. The project builds on two pillars. On the one hand, the consortium investigates the technological process from waste to bio-based fertilisers. On the other hand, the market development opportunities are explored including organisational and logistical aspects, environmental and social assessments, legal frameworks, and other socio-economic concerns. The RUSTICA consortium bundles expertise from academic and non-academic partners all across Europe. The consortium is led by the University of Leuven. Moreover, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is a full partner in the consortium, guaranteeing impact and outreach at the global level. ** *« Managing a European consortium such as RUSTICA is like being a conductor of a professional orchestra.*** ***The players have to be tuned-in to each other, and people doing different tasks have to work together towards a common goal. We have a team of experts to rely on, yet the challenge is to make them accord to one another and hence guarantee society appreciates the final outcome. »*** RUSTICA follows the principles of a multi-actor approach as defined by the agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI). This means that RUSTICA focuses on real problems and opportunities that farmers are facing and hence, goes far beyond theoretical frameworks. It also means that partners with complementary types of knowledge – scientific, practical, and other – join forces in the project activities from beginning to end. In practice, the consortium selected five regions where close interaction with stakeholders is set up. These regions are Flanders (Belgium), Almeria (Spain), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italy), Pays de la Loire (France) and Valle del Cauca (Colombia). RUSTICA is a very ambitious project at the crossroad of several disciplines. It requires the continuous interaction with stakeholders who each have their own, sometimes even conflicting interests. The consortium recognises the challenging objectives and is committed to open and transparent communication, both within the RUSTICA team and towards external stakeholders and the broad public. Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## RUSTICA, un proyecto que le apuesta al uso de fertilizantes de base biológica para una agricultura circular URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica-proyecto-fertilizantes-base-biologica-agricultura-circular ### NEWS | Rustica > # RUSTICA, un proyecto que le apuesta al uso de fertilizantes de base biológica para una agricultura circular ## Esta iniciativa ofrecerá soluciones tecnológicas para convertir los residuos agroalimentarios en novedosos fertilizantes orgánicos de alta calidad, que respondan a las necesidades de la agricultura moderna. IDConsortium **Below is an excerpt from their blog.** El proyecto se llevará a cabo en cinco regiones, cuatro en Europa y una en América Latina (Valle del Cauca, Colombia). RUSTICA es financiado por el Programa de Investigación e Innovación Horizonte 2020 de la Unión Europea y cuenta con el apoyo de la Alianza Bioversity – CIAT para su implementación en Colombia. A lo largo de su historia, la agricultura ha hecho uso de fuentes de nutrientes orgánicos para mejorar el rendimiento de los cultivos, principalmente en forma de estiércol y residuos de cultivos que se devuelven al campo. Sin embargo, en los últimos 100 años con la invención de fertilizantes producidos artificialmente, los productos fertilizantes orgánicos se han convertido en una minoría en las prácticas agrícolas convencionales de hoy. ####   #### To read the rest of the blog, please click here. “This initiative will offer technological solutions to convert agri-food waste into innovative, high-quality organic fertilizers that meet the needs of modern agriculture… “ A blog by one of our partners, La Alianza Bioversity International y El CIAT, wrote how the technology can advance bio-based fertilizers for circular agriculture. Hanne Cooreman Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Intellectual Property Management in European funded projects URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/intellectual-property-management-in-european-funded-projects The new European Research and Innovation Funding Programme, Horizon Europe runs from 2021 to 2027 with a budget of € 100 billion. This program provides funding in the form of grant to perform Research, Development and Innovation projects by European entities and Associated counties. As in previous innovation framework programmes, the European Commission (EC) considers the intellectual property management as a key aspect to be considered from the proposal stage to the exploitation of final results. It increasingly seeks the development of know-how, technologies, solutions and commercial products and services, having in general, an IP component to manage, especially when it is developed jointly by several entities. The importance of the IP management relies on the proper distribution and acknowledge of the rights of consortium members over the creations or inventions that both are a background of consortium partners (IP background) or that may appear as a result of the project execution (IP foreground), avoiding potential inconveniences that may occur while using and exploiting the technology and knowhow provided and generated during the project. Prior to the project execution, each project partner provides IP background to the project in the form of proprietary know-how, mainly know-how generated in R&D& activities. On the other hand, the IP Foreground is defined as the outcomes of the project that might be of exploitable interest. When developing a project funded by the European Commission, the contractual document called Grant Agreement (GA) defines the terms and conditions regarding the Intellectual Property. The GA deals with the rights and obligations between the beneficiaries themselves, been its compliance mandatory for all the partners. The main clauses are the followings: - Agreement on background- The beneficiaries must identify and agree on the background for the action (‘agreement on background’). To exercise access rights, this must first be requested in writing (‘request for access’). Unless agreed otherwise, access rights do not include the right to sub-license. - Access rights for other beneficiaries – The beneficiaries must give each other access — on a royalty-free basis — to background needed to implement their own tasks under the action, unless the beneficiary that holds the background has — before acceding to the Agreement —: informed the other beneficiaries that access to its background is subject to legal restrictions or  limits, including those imposed by the rights of third parties (including personnel), or; - agreed with the other beneficiaries that access would not be on a royalty-free basis. - Ownership by the beneficiary that generates the results – Results are owned by the beneficiary that generates them. - Joint ownership by several beneficiaries- The joint owners must agree on the allocation and terms of exercise of their joint ownership (‘joint ownership agreement’), to ensure compliance with their obligations under this Agreement. Unless otherwise agreed in the joint ownership agreement, each joint owner may grant non-exclusive licences to third parties to exploit jointly-owned results (without any right to sub-license) under fair and reasonable compensation. Once the results have been generated, joint owners may agree (in writing) to apply another regime  than joint ownership. - Obligation to protect the results- Each beneficiary must examine the possibility of protecting its results and must adequately protect them — for an appropriate period and with appropriate territorial coverage — if: the results can reasonably be expected to be commercially or industrially exploited and; - protecting them is possible, reasonable and justified. - When deciding on protection, the beneficiary must consider its own legitimate interests and the legitimate interests (especially commercial) of the other beneficiaries. - Agency ownership, to protect the results –  If a beneficiary intends not to protect its results, to stop protecting them or not seek an extension of  protection, the Agency may  assume ownership to ensure their (continued) protection. - Information on EU funding – Applications for protection of results (including patent applications) filed by or on behalf of a beneficiary must — unless the Agency requests or agrees otherwise or unless it is impossible —  include the following: *“The project leading to this application has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020*  *research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101000527”*.   ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## The IP Exploitation Strategy URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/the-ip-exploitation-strategy There are several strategies to exploit the Intellectual Property. The owner can directly commercialize the IP or the IP can be licensed to other entities in exchange for receiving an economic return, usually in the form of royalties or royalties plus a fixed fee.   Although the previously mentioned models are the most commonly known, there are other strategies to exploit the asset, always accompany the business model. Models such as the creation of a start-up or the creation of a joint venture with a manufacturer, a commercial partner or an strategic alliance with other entities are also interesting options to consider. Any of the exploitation models can require the license of the IP to a third party. In this case, the owner provides access right to third parties, for the use and exploitation of the IP, for a limited period of time and perhaps for an specific use and under determine conditions, such as the commercialization in specific sectors and/or countries. Despite the selected exploitation model does not consider the license at a first stage, sometimes it is necessary to use this mechanism to manufacture or commercialize the asset or for the use of know-how, by our suppliers or sellers. The licensing model is widely use by the software companies, providing a license to customers for the use of the software or online application.   On the other hand, if the owner is willing to sell the IP,  the ownership rights are transferred to a third party, having the seller no rights to use or exploit the IP unless it is stated in the selling contract. Whether the strategy is to transfer or license the IP, it is important to previously perform an assessment to understand the value of the assets, decide the better strategy to exploit it,  considering specific clauses in the commercialization contract if needed and accounting it economically. There are several aspects when assessing the Intellectual Property. It can be assessed from the technical perspective, defining what the IP is, what it is applicable for and its value compared to the state-of-the art. Secondly, the assessment addressing the market opportunity, identifying the applicable direct market, other potential applicable markets, the markets volume, trends and dynamics, the market key players and the competitors, including in the assessment both, the products already in the market and solutions under development. During this phase, talking to the key market players and potential customers provides insights to better understand the market dynamics. From the exploitation perspective, it is worth to work on the strategy, reflecting about how to earn money, how can I differentiate from others, what is my business model, should I protect my IP, how and where. Economically, there are several methods to valorize the assets, this is crucial when transferring or licensing the technology to others. Simultaneously, a legal assessment must be considered for the management of the IP protection, upon the commercialization of the assets for the contracts management and the agreements negotiation between the parties.     ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## How can I find the best partners? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/how-can-i-find-the-best-partners   In the article entitled, “How should I start a European project proposal?,” we presented some recommendations on how to start the design of an excellent European proposal. We recommended that you start with a good project concept outlining what will be an excellent proposal in the medium term. Using this concept, you should identify the roles you need to cover the main activities of the project. Once you have identified the roles you need, you should start looking for the best partners to complete your proposal. Based on our experience, the best partners should have a combination of the following characteristics: - those who are experts in the challenge and topic you are targeting (experts in sectors or technologies addressed in the proposal may also be a good partner), - those who will add value to the proposal and, - those who are willing to make excellent contributions to the overall proposal document. The coordinator must play a key role of integrating inputs from all the partners, but you should also ensure partners’ complete involvement in the pursuit of excellence in producing a viable and competitive proposal. We often make the mistake of thinking that a proposal with partners of a certain credibility such as having expansive experience at European or international level is a winning proposal; however, our experience tells us that partners’ broad involvement in preparing the proposal is more relevant and important than whether or not they possess impressive credentials. The ideal situation would be a combination of both characteristics. To achieve this, we recommend that you start looking at the contacts you already have with whom you have worked successfully in the past. In addition, there are variety of interesting tools for search and matchmaking to find those missing partners you need for a successful proposal. Therefore, we recommend the following: - The “Funding and Tenders” portal itself. We should look for partners: The “Partners Search” application is very useful to search for partners in projects related to specific topics and keywords. - We also recommend, when designing the strategy for the consortium, to analyse “Projects& Results” tool to see statistics by country, region or type of entity. - In addition, each topic has a specific access to “Partners Search”. With this functionality, entities can present their needs for roles and profiles to complete their consortium. It is also possible to present the entity, its strengths and what role it could play in the proposal. - There are also other available tools and methodologies for searching the right partners to build your consortium. We would like to highlight, among them: Infodays and B2B events organised by the EC itself or other entities such as the ministries and innovation agencies of the countries participating in the different funding programmes. - Matchmaking platforms based on technologies and industrial sectors. Among these platforms, we would like to highlight SMEBOOK. This platform will help you find the most compatible partners for your organisation. Its powerful algorithm analyses the compatibility between companies and proposes the most suitable partners based on 1) geographical proximity, 2) profile accuracy based on NLP, 3) technological matching, 4) different collaboration needs, and 5) the actual organisation’s engagement in different technological collaborations. ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## TEDS4BEE URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/teds4bee # TEDS4BEE – Ensayo de Servicios Digitales para la Eficiencia Energética de Edificios ##   IDConsortium** ## What is TEDS4BEE? TEDS4BEE aimed to run a Digital Service in the 16 buildings located in 5 countries. The Digital Service was EMMOS (Energy Management and Monitoring Operational System), that makes possible to collect, storage and analyse consumption data and other parameters that influences the energy consumption. The TEDS4BEE main objectives were: - Integration and validation of EMMOS as the Digital Service in the 16 buildings with all the related activities like training the local ESCO and user, adaptation of EMMOS to the buildings, deployment of EMMOS in each building, gathering energy data through EMMOS and validation of EMMOS as a digital service in the buildings. - Assessment of the collected data in terms of energy efficiency and savings, define the business and exploitation plans to anticipate the sustainability and the scalability beyond these pilots and user’s acceptance through surveys. - Expected impact emissions reduction in buildings between 15% and 30%. Location: Europe Union** Total project duration   of which it receives a contribution from the European Commission of approximately 4M€.   from 7 European countries   ### ACTTiVAte will undertake 2 kinds of activities to optimize the benefits to SMEs: ACTTiVAte will launch a competitive call for proposals in June 2017. Proposals will be selected by evaluating: - (i) the technical excellence, feasibility and viability of the project - (ii) the potential to create new value chains; and - (iii) the regional socioeconomic impact of the proposed solution. The selected projects will receive an amount of up to EUR 46.000 each to accomplish the following objectives: - (1) to develop a technology commercialization strategic plan (EUR 6.000) and - (2) to develop a proof of concept (up to EUR 40.000). ACTTiVAte will provide a wide range of business support services selected SMEs, the pool of business support services provided by ACTTiVAte includes: - Technology Transfer and Commercialization Training Workshops (“Tech CommAcademy”) - One-to-one Mentoring & Coaching Program - Brokerage and B2B Matchmaking Events - Investment Readiness Training Workshops - Investment Forums (IF) - Mobility and Exchange Program - Follow-up Scheme and Help Desk Facility ## Our partners of TEDS4BEE consortium --- ## Precimed URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/precimed # PRECIMED – Precision Irrigation Management to Improve Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in the Mediterranean Region IDConsortium ## What is PRECIMED ? In the Mediterranean Regions, large areas are vulnerable to water scarcity and drought events due to population growth and climate change. An adequate irrigation management is proposed as one of the most effective solutions to favor the economic development of these regions. For this reason, the main impact foreseen by PRECIMED project is to improve the farm productivity through the reduction of production costs and the increase of the crop yield. This solution minimizes the environmental impact due to the sustainable use of resources (water, fertilizers and energy consumption) and reduces the human laborious tasks while feasible business models will be generated. In this sense, PRECIMED is committed to develop of sustainable agriculture by using precision irrigation techniques, adopting and implementing new water and nutrient management practices. PRECIMED is formulated to present a professional irrigation scheduling expert system associated to a set of results coming up from real case studies on fruit and citrus trees and vegetable crops. Specifically, a Standards-based Decision Support System (DSS) for a data-driven irrigation/fertilization management will be developed and validated. The DSS will offer management services to improve the lives of Mediterranean farmers and also to improve water and nutrients use efficiency in EU and non-EU countries. PRECIMED will impact a range of stakeholder groups along the agro-food ecosystem: farmers, businesses, society, public authorities and external communities. Funding Programme: PRIMA ### Latest News: Total project duration   Pilot Farms   from 4 European countries   ### ACTTiVAte will undertake 2 kinds of activities to optimize the benefits to SMEs: ACTTiVAte will launch a competitive call for proposals in June 2017. Proposals will be selected by evaluating: - (i) the technical excellence, feasibility and viability of the project - (ii) the potential to create new value chains; and - (iii) the regional socioeconomic impact of the proposed solution. The selected projects will receive an amount of up to EUR 46.000 each to accomplish the following objectives: - (1) to develop a technology commercialization strategic plan (EUR 6.000) and - (2) to develop a proof of concept (up to EUR 40.000). ACTTiVAte will provide a wide range of business support services selected SMEs, the pool of business support services provided by ACTTiVAte includes: - Technology Transfer and Commercialization Training Workshops (“Tech CommAcademy”) - One-to-one Mentoring & Coaching Program - Brokerage and B2B Matchmaking Events - Investment Readiness Training Workshops - Investment Forums (IF) - Mobility and Exchange Program - Follow-up Scheme and Help Desk Facility ## PRECIMED consortium --- ## Hypor – PRINCE URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/hypor-prince # PRINCE – Desarrollo de una PRoducción porcina más sostenible a través de la mejora del ÍNdice de ConvErsión IDConsortium** ## What is PRINCE? According to the State Programme of R+D+i Oriented to the Challenges of Society, specifically the «RETO EN SEGURIDAD Y CALIDAD ALIMENTARIA; ACTIVIDAD AGRARIA PRODUCTIVA Y SOSTENIBLE, SOSTENIBILIDAD RECURSOS NATURALES, INVESTIGACIÓN MARINA Y MARÍTIMA» it tries to give a sustainable and intelligent answer to the challenges related to food safety, quality and safety of food, competitiveness of the agro-food sectors, among others. The main objective of the PRINCE project is to achieve a more sustainable swine production through genetic improvement and the implementation of advanced technologies in precision agriculture in order to reduce conversion rates. In other words, the final objective of PRINCE would be to routinely implement automated phenotyping systems with predictive value on farms and to be able to identify the genetic components (markers) of the animal which, by interacting with its microbiome, type of diet and environment, can maximise the productive efficiency of the company. The first is oriented towards the genomic analysis of swine animals, mainly in relation to those genetic components (markers) that have a direct influence on their microbiome. The second line of research is oriented towards the analysis, study and development of a technology that, based on phenotypic identification, can predict characteristics directly related to the intake and assimilation of food by the animal. This project is led by Hendrix Genetics SAU, the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). IDConsortium acts as a subcontracted consulting company for administrative support. Location: Europe Union** ### Latest News: Total project duration   of which it receives a contribution from the European Commission of approximately 4M€.   from 6 European countries   ### ACTTiVAte will undertake 2 kinds of activities to optimize the benefits to SMEs: ACTTiVAte will launch a competitive call for proposals in June 2017. Proposals will be selected by evaluating: - (i) the technical excellence, feasibility and viability of the project - (ii) the potential to create new value chains; and - (iii) the regional socioeconomic impact of the proposed solution. The selected projects will receive an amount of up to EUR 46.000 each to accomplish the following objectives: - (1) to develop a technology commercialization strategic plan (EUR 6.000) and - (2) to develop a proof of concept (up to EUR 40.000). ACTTiVAte will provide a wide range of business support services selected SMEs, the pool of business support services provided by ACTTiVAte includes: - Technology Transfer and Commercialization Training Workshops (“Tech CommAcademy”) - One-to-one Mentoring & Coaching Program - Brokerage and B2B Matchmaking Events - Investment Readiness Training Workshops - Investment Forums (IF) - Mobility and Exchange Program - Follow-up Scheme and Help Desk Facility ## Our partners of PRINCE consortium --- ## How should I start a European project proposal? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/how-should-i-start-a-european-project-proposal   In order to develop a European proposal that can be seen as excellent by the evaluators and the European Commission it is necessary to take the necessary time in order: - To be able to come up with an innovative design that fits what the European Commission wants. - To look for the best partners for the proposal. - Hold at least 1 face to face consortium meeting and several online during the preparation of the proposal. - Write a good document with dedication. - Be able to make several iterations with partners and other entities such as National Contact Points. - Provide an attractive format for the reader of the documents. Our recommendation is that a good proposal needs a minimum time of 6 months with full dedication of an interdisciplinary team. The proposal should start with an innovative idea from an expert on the subject matter. We recommend outlining a project concept. The concept should be a sketch of what the proposal will be where it is defined: - The pillars on which the innovation bringing project will be based. These pillars can be groups of technologies, innovative tools such as platforms, specific stakeholder groups, innovative methodologies, innovative pilots. - Main activities that will compose the project, i.e. a first draft of the work packages. - Main roles and type of partners that are needed to carry out the activities. The concept should be validated by external persons with expertise in the call you are approaching. We recommend involving the national contact points from the beginning, as they provide in most cases valuable feedback. They can also act as a bridge to the EC and to give notice of the proposal being prepared. ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## What is Intellectual Property (IP) and why it is important? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendationsip/what-is-intellectual-property-ip-and-why-it-is-important   Intellectual Property provides individuals and entities with a legal tool to defend against others upon infringement. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Intellectual Property (IP) refers to the creations of the human mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. The reflection about the IP is an important issue, especially when an individual or an entity intends to make commercial use of a technology, a product, a method, an image, they developed.  The Intellectual Property could be a tangible or intangible asset and a technical or non-technical invention or creation. To understand if an asset could be Intellectual Property, some questions can be assessed: - What is this invention about? - What is it for? - What is the value it provides? - What is the applicable market? - Who can benefit from this solution? - Am I willing to exploit it commercially? - Am I willing to prevent others from using my solution without permission? Other aspect to consider when identifying our Intellectual Property are the two categories it is divided in. On the one hand, the Industrial Property includes inventions (patents), industrial designs, trademarks,  geographical indications and plant varieties. On the other hand, the Copyright includes literary and artistic works, films, music, designs, symbols, names and images used in commerce, photography’s, sculptures. According to the type of IP, and considering the strategy and the interests of the individual or entity, it will be worth to make use of the available legal mechanisms. As defined by the WIPO, the Intellectual Property Rights enable to own the rights to exploit the assets commercially, protecting the ownership against the abuse by unauthorized persons. This protection is implemented via patent, utility model, industrial design, trademarks, trade secret, and copyright. Each of the previous named protection instruments has specific eligibility requirements and conditions, involving an economical investment thorough several years. The lack of culture on Intellectual Property at European level leads inventors to protect their creations without previously assessing their commercial potential, causing in most cases an important investment without economical return. Not always protecting the IP is the best strategy for the commercial exploitation. To analyze the commercial potential of an IP, it is important to identify the target market, its volume, trends and dynamics, the key market players, the competitors, the value chain, the customers, and any other market data interesting for the analysis. This information could be worth not having it, however it is really valuable to define the IP protection and exploitation strategy. It enables to decide whether to protect the asset or not, what to protect, how to protect it, where to protect it, the business model, the customers and whether it will be necessary to share the rights to others via licensing or not. Not protecting the asset is also a suitable strategy for commercialization. However it is critical that the key information remains confidential. Some limitations may be assumed, although the defined business model and exploitation strategy has to accompany. ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## What is each pillar looking for in Horizon Europe? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/what-is-each-pillar-looking-for-in-horizon-europe   **Pillar 1: Excellent Science** - European Research Council – The European Research Council, area of intervention of which is frontier science, established by the EU in 2007, is the leading European financing body for cutting-edge research. It provides attractive and flexible financing to allow brilliant and innovative individual researchers, with a focus on early-stage researchers, and their teams to follow the most promising routes at the frontier of science, based only on the criterion of excellence, through an EU-wide competition. ERC grantees have already achieved significant progress in new and developing technical domains, such as clean and digital technologies, as well as many other sectors targeted under the Horizon Europe strategic plan’s core strategic orientations. - Marie Skłodowska -Curie Actions- The areas of intervention include supporting researchers in their training, skills and career development, fostering trans-national, cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary mobility, funding excellent doctoral and postdoctoral programmes, collaborative projects and promoting public outreach. The Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions support the creation of high-quality doctorate and postdoctoral training programmes, as well as joint research initiatives. By extensively disseminating excellence and creating criteria for high-quality researcher education and training, they have a structural influence on higher education institutions, research centres, and other organisations well outside academia. - Research Infrastructure – Areas of intervention include consolidating and developing the landscape of European research infrastructures, opening, integrating and interconnecting research infrastructures, reinforcing European research infrastructure policy and international cooperation and consolidating and developing the innovation potential of European research infrastructures and activities for innovation and training. Research infrastructures are institutions that offer researchers with the resources and services they need to conduct research and stimulate innovation in their professions.     **Pillar 2: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness**   **Clusters** – - Health – The goals of this cluster are to improve and safeguard residents of all ages’ health and well-being by creating new research, finding creative solutions, and incorporating a gender perspective when appropriate to prevent, diagnose, monitor, treat, and cure illnesses. - Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society – This cluster aspires to enhance European democratic ideals, such as the rule of law and basic rights, while also preserving our cultural legacy and encouraging socio-economic transitions that promote inclusiveness and progress. - Civil Security for Society – The issues posed by chronic security threats, such as cybercrime, as well as natural and man-made calamities, are addressed by this cluster. - Digital, Industry and Space – The overarching vision behind the proposed investments under Cluster 4 is for Europe to shape competitive and trusted technologies for a European industry with global leadership in key areas, allowing production and consumption to respect the boundaries of our planet, and maximising the benefits for all parts of society in Europe’s diverse social, economic, and territorial contexts. - Climate, Energy and Mobility – This cluster intends to combat climate change by improving our understanding of its causes, evolution, risks, consequences, and opportunities, as well as making the energy and transportation sectors more climate and environment-friendly, efficient and competitive, smarter, safer, and resilient. - Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment – Through transformational changes in the economy and society in both urban and rural regions, this cluster strives to reduce environmental degradation, prevent and reverse the decrease of biodiversity on land, inland waterways, and the sea, and better manage natural resources. Through knowledge, innovation, and digitalisation in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, and food systems, it will ensure food and nutrition security for all within planetary boundaries, as well as steer and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient circular economy and sustainable bioeconomy, including forestry.     **Pillar 3: Innovative Funding**   - European Innovation Council – It is primarily concerned with breakthrough, deeptech, and disruptive innovation, with a particular emphasis on market-creating innovation. - European Innovation Ecosystems – To improve the overall ecosystem for innovation in Europe, European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) will work in tandem with the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), as well as innovative activities across Horizon Europe and other EU funding programmes. - European Institute of Innovation and Technology – The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is a non-profit organisation inside the European Union. It improves Europe’s ability to innovate by promoting innovative ideas and cultivating entrepreneurial potential.     **Horizontal Pillar**   Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area through bolstering EU Member States’ efforts to maximise their national research and innovation potential, developing tighter cooperation, and disseminating excellence.   ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## What are the main differences between Horizon Europe (2021-2027) and Horizon 2020 (2014-2020)? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/what-are-the-main-differences-between-horizon-europe-2021-2027-and-horizon-2020-2014-2020   Horizon Europe is a developed version of Horizon 2020.   - The decrease in the number of pages in the Horizon Europe proposal template is one of the most significant modifications. In comparison to the previous Horizon 2020 programme, project applicants will now have 45 pages to outline their proposal in depth, compared to 70 pages in the previous Horizon 2020 programme. As a result, certain portions of the plan have been consolidated to make it shorter. The sections “Objectives” and “Ambition,” for example, have been consolidated into a single 4-page part. - In seven years, Horizon Europe will deliver €97.6 billion for research and innovation projects: an overall increase of almost 30% compared to Horizon 2020. - Horizon Europe will be organised around three pillars that largely correspond to the H2020 objectives and scopes. - Excellent Science vs. Open Science: Changes to Pillar 1 – The pillar of ‘Future and Emerging Technologies’ (FET) has been abolished and distributed among the other two. - Changes to Pillar 2: Societal vs Global Challenges and Industrial Competitiveness – The primary distinction is the addition of so-called Missions, which are comparable to H2020 FET flagship projects but with specific challenges aimed at aggressively influencing society and policy-making for a large portion of Europe. - Changes to Pillar 3: Industrial Leadership vs. Open Innovation – The focus is on stimulating and supporting market-creating breakthrough ideas. - Several activities are planned for the horizontal pillar – The initiatives are in support of these three pillars, which are to increase involvement and reform/improve present systems. - Demonstration of effect of EU-Funded R&I initiatives was an important part of H2020, but it will be even more important under Horizon Europe. - Currently, H2020 membership is confined to nations that are physically near to Europe, and third-country involvement has declined by half in H2020 compared to FP7. Horizon Europe is intended to broaden the partnership to include all nations with strong R&I capabilities. The goal is for EU members to be able to collaborate with the brightest minds on the planet.         ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## What is Horizon Europe? URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/what-is-horizon-europe   Horizon Europe is a 7-year European Union scientific research effort that will succeed the current Horizon 2020 programme as well as previous Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development. The European Commission issued a presentation describing Horizon Europe in 23 languages in August 2019. Horizon Europe, as proposed by the Commission, is a 100-billion-euro research and innovation initiative that will supersede Horizon 2020. Horizon Europe is the European Union’s main research and innovation financing initiative, with a budget of €95.5 billion. It combats climate change, contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthens the EU’s competitiveness and growth. While addressing global concerns, the initiative encourages collaboration and improves the effect of research and innovation in designing, supporting, and implementing EU policies. It promotes the creation and dissemination of superior knowledge and technology. Within a reinforced European Research Area, it produces employment, fully engages the EU’s talent pool, increases economic development, enhances industrial competitiveness, and maximises investment effect. Participation is open to legal entities from the EU and related countries. Horizon Europe will include research and innovation missions in order to improve the efficiency of financing by pursuing well-defined goals. The Commission has enlisted the help of policy experts to create research, case studies, and reports on how to implement a mission-driven policy approach.       ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## MIRACLES URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/miracles # MIRACLES –**Multi-product Integrated bioRefinery of Algae: from Carbon dioxide and Light Energy to high-value Specialties** IDConsortium** ## What is MIRACLES? MIRACLES is an industry-driven R&D and innovation project aimed at developing integrated, multiple-product biorefinery technologies for the production of specialties from microalgae for application in food, aquaculture and non-food products. Microalgae are a promising feedstock for the sustainable supply of commodities and specialties for food and non-food products. Despite this potential, implementation to date is limited, mainly due to unfavourable economics. Major bottlenecks are the lack of available biomass at acceptable costs and the absence of appropriate biorefinery technologies. The 4-year MIRACLES project aims to overcome these hurdles with the development of an integrated, multiple-product biorefinery for valuable specialties from algae for application in food, aquafeeds and non-food products. The focus is on the development and integration of mild cell disruption and environmentally-friendly extraction and fractionation processes, including functionality testing and product formulation based on established industrial algal strains. The project will also develop new technologies for optimizing and monitoring valuable products in the algal biomass during cultivation.An innovative photobioreactor and an improved harvesting technology, combined with medium recycle technologies, will enable substantial cost reduction in algal biomass production. The project has a multidisciplinary approach. To achieve the ambitious objectives of the MIRACLES project a consortium of partners with complementary expertise in all phases of the value chain has been formed, consisting of twenty-six partners from six EU countries, the associated country Norway, and International Cooperation Partner Country (ICPC) Chile, and including 11 prominent research organizations. Strong industrial leadership is guaranteed through the participation of 12 SMEs and 3 NMI/end users. Location: Europe Union** ### Latest News: Total project duration   of which it receives a contribution from the European Commission of approximately 4M€.   from 6 European countries   ### ACTTiVAte will undertake 2 kinds of activities to optimize the benefits to SMEs: ACTTiVAte will launch a competitive call for proposals in June 2017. Proposals will be selected by evaluating: - (i) the technical excellence, feasibility and viability of the project - (ii) the potential to create new value chains; and - (iii) the regional socioeconomic impact of the proposed solution. The selected projects will receive an amount of up to EUR 46.000 each to accomplish the following objectives: - (1) to develop a technology commercialization strategic plan (EUR 6.000) and - (2) to develop a proof of concept (up to EUR 40.000). ACTTiVAte will provide a wide range of business support services selected SMEs, the pool of business support services provided by ACTTiVAte includes: - Technology Transfer and Commercialization Training Workshops (“Tech CommAcademy”) - One-to-one Mentoring & Coaching Program - Brokerage and B2B Matchmaking Events - Investment Readiness Training Workshops - Investment Forums (IF) - Mobility and Exchange Program - Follow-up Scheme and Help Desk Facility ## Our partners of MIRACLES consortium --- ## Biotechnology from the blue flower: the unnatural, that too is natural URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/biotechnology-blue-flower-unnatural-too-natural ### NEWS | Chic > # Biotechnology from the blue flower: the unnatural, that too is natural ## Artists Anna Dumitriu and Alex May will discuss their project “Biotechnology from the Blue Flower” with a panel of experts from the EU Horizon H2020 CHIC project. Chicory is believed to have inspired the notion of the Blue Flower in German Romanticism – a central symbol of the movement. IDConsortium It influenced Goethe’s concept of the ‘urpflanze’ or primal plant in his “Metamorphosis of Plants” (and mentioned in Darwin’s “The Origin of Species”). They will also explore the methodologies of “New Plant Breeding Techniques” such as gene editing using CRISPR, the potential uses of these techniques to improve food security and mitigate the impact of climate change, and it will focus on the question what does ‘natural’ really mean anyway – or as Goethe put it “The Unnatural, That Too is Natural”. ### Expected Panelists #### **Dirk Bosch** Dirk Bosch is a scientist with ca 30 years of research experience. His primary research activities are centered on unravelling biosynthetic pathways in plants that lead to the immense biodiversity of molecules found in plants. He applies this knowledge via metabolic engineering of plants and microbes with the aim of bringing innovation to the agro-food and health sectors. He currently holds the position of Team Leader Applied Metabolic Systems within at Wageningen University and Research. He is initiator of numerous EU and other national and international subsidy as well as contract research projects. He has ca 100 publications in peer-reviewed scientific publications and is inventor on 19 independent patents and patent applications. He is coordinator of the EU-CHIC project. Dirk Bosch studied chemistry at University of Leiden, did his PhD at the microbiology Department of the University of Utrecht and subsequently worked as PostDoc at Plant Genetic Systems in Ghent in Belgium. #### **Paul Bundock** Paul Bundock is a Senior Scientist working at the plant biotechnology company, KeyGene, located in Wageningen, The Netherlands. He has been involved in the application of genome editing technologies in plant breeding for the majority of his career and is fascinated by the application of novel tools in biotechnology. He is involved in the EU CHIC project aimed at improving chicory as commercial crop.   #### **Katarina Cankar** Katarina Cankar is a scientist working at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands. Her research interest lies in plant compounds that give plants special properties, such as plant protection, flavor & fragrance, color or human health promotion. In the CHIC project Katarina is involved in gene editing of chicory for enhancement of chicory to produce improved food fibers and healthy terpenes. #### **Anna Dumitriu** Anna Dumitriu is an award winning internationally renowned British artist who works with BioArt, sculpture, installation, and digital media to explore our relationship to infectious diseases, synthetic biology and robotics. Past exhibitions include ZKM, Ars Electronica, BOZAR, The Picasso Museum, HeK Basel, Science Gallery Detroit, MOCA Taipei, LABoral, Art Laboratory Berlin, and Eden Project. She holds visiting research fellowships at the University of Hertfordshire, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and Waag Society, as well as artist-in-residence roles with the Modernising Medical Microbiology Project at the University of Oxford, and with the National Collection of Type Cultures at Public Health England. She was the 2018 President of the Science and the Arts Section of the British Science Association. Her work has featured in many significant publications including Frieze, Artforum International Magazine, Leonardo Journal, The Art Newspaper, Nature and The Lancet. Current collaborations include the Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology at BOKU – Universität für Bodenkultur in Vienna, the EU H2020 CHIC Consortium, the University of Leeds and the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells at HelmholtzZentrum in München. https://annadumitriu.co.uk    #### **Alex May** Alex May is a British contemporary artist questioning how our individual and collective experiences of time, and formation of memories and cultural record, are mediated, expanded, and directed by contemporary technologies. His work forges creative links between art, science, and technology through a wide range of digital new media, including virtual and augmented reality, photogrammetry, algorithmic photography, interactive robotic artworks, video projection mapping, generative works, performance, and video and sound art. His international exhibition profile includes Ars Electronica, LABoral (Spain), IMPAKT (Netherlands), FACT (Liverpool), Furtherfield (London), WRO Media Art Biennale (Poland), HeK (Basel), Eden Project (UK), Science Gallery in Dublin (Ireland) and Bengaluru (India), ZHI Art Museum (China), and the Beall Center for Art + Technology, UC Irvine. https://www.alexmayarts.co.uk/   #### **Erik Toussaint** Erik Toussaint is a chemistry and botany technician by training, and a science communicator by heart. After a few years of work in breeding research, Erik switched to communication about the research. He has been involved in communication about breeding and biotechnology from the late nineties of the last century. He claims to still learn every day: about science and about communication. Erik loves to support scientists in their communication, which ranges from TV-interviews to ‘waking up researchers minds’ in primary school kids. And he loves to support audiences in talking with scientists. Erik always works in teams, having the ambition to make scientists and audiences enthusiastic, helping them to better understand each other, while at the same time listening, in order to learn about these scientists and audiences. He joined KeyGene in 2018, after more than 30 years of working at Wageningen University and Research.   Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Fuel4me URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/fuel4me # Fuel4me- **FUture European League for Microalgal Energy** IDConsortium** ## What is Fuel4me? The general objective of FUEL4ME is to create a sustainable production chain for the continuous production of biofuel (biofuel derived from biomass) using microalgae, generating a second generation of biofuels that can compete with fossil fuels. Location: Europe Union** ### Latest News: Total project duration   of which it receives a contribution from the European Commission of approximately 4M€.   from 7 European countries   ### ACTTiVAte will undertake 2 kinds of activities to optimize the benefits to SMEs: ACTTiVAte will launch a competitive call for proposals in June 2017. Proposals will be selected by evaluating: - (i) the technical excellence, feasibility and viability of the project - (ii) the potential to create new value chains; and - (iii) the regional socioeconomic impact of the proposed solution. The selected projects will receive an amount of up to EUR 46.000 each to accomplish the following objectives: - (1) to develop a technology commercialization strategic plan (EUR 6.000) and - (2) to develop a proof of concept (up to EUR 40.000). ACTTiVAte will provide a wide range of business support services selected SMEs, the pool of business support services provided by ACTTiVAte includes: - Technology Transfer and Commercialization Training Workshops (“Tech CommAcademy”) - One-to-one Mentoring & Coaching Program - Brokerage and B2B Matchmaking Events - Investment Readiness Training Workshops - Investment Forums (IF) - Mobility and Exchange Program - Follow-up Scheme and Help Desk Facility ## Our partners of Fuel4me consortium --- ## Spanish chef Jordi Bordas makes CHICque. gourmet aftertastes! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/spanish-chef-jordi-bordas-makes-chicque-gourmet-aftertastes ### NEWS | Chic > # Spanish Chef Jordi Bordas Makes CHICque. Gourmet Aftertastes! ## Join us for this fascinating online panel discussion and cooking workshop. “Let’s eat CHICque. Gourmet Aftertastes” opens up the unique art, science and culinary potentials of alternative healthy ingredients in Chicory (Cichorium intybus). IDConsortium Join **Art & Science Node Berlin** in this workshop and discussion about the health benefits and sensory stimulations of this delicious plant’s roots and discover its molecular structure through the medium of interactive media art. The workshop will feature the molecules of **inulin and terpenes from the chicory roots**. Here, artists – **Jill Scott** and **Marille Hahne**, pastry chef **Jordi Bordas**, food producer – **Sensus** will collaborate to provide you with innovative forms of communication plus two astonishing pastry recipes that will not only stimulate your tastebuds but give you a basic start for a future of healthier baking and consumption. All speakers and presenters share a passion to explore how interdisciplinary ideas can promote the unique health benefits of chicory. The online discussion will bridge art & science with the celebration of culinary art, prepared especially for you to learn by doing. Such teamwork might redefine how we understand and use these new ingredients as well as change agricultural production and eating habits. The event would take place over two evenings, on the **28th and 29th of June**. The first evening consists of an international art and science discussions panel, films about inulin production, and a master cooking exercise with two fabulous inulin dessert recipes invented by **Jordi Bordas (World Pastry Champion)**. On the second evening, a discussion and analysis take place. This international event related to the CHIC Horizon 2020 EU Project and CHIC Artists-in-Residence Program is designed by **Art & Science Node** to help you explore innovative approaches to the use of chicory with the chance to taste great food and share your accomplishments with others. *The event will be held on the Zoom platform. For more information, visit https://europlantbiology2020.org/.* **WORKSHOP TEAM** **Matthew de Roode**, the Innovation Manager at ***Sensus*** in the Netherlands will help you to explore the properties of inulin. *Sensus* is the producer of chicory root fibers and they will provide high-quality inulin from chicory roots to the workshop’s participants. Inulin is a highly versatile ingredient that not only acts as a sugar replacement and fiber enrichment, it has the same taste characteristic as sucrose and can be used as a fat replacement in pastry preparations. **Jill Scott** and **Marille Hahne** are German-Swiss artists that cross art, ecology, and neuroscience disciplines. For the past two years, they have been exploring the relation between sensory perception characteristics and biodiversity. In a new artwork called “Aftertaste” and a film entitled “Chicory Unpacked”, they explore the molecular structure of chicory in relation to models from the gustatory and olfactory system. This unique perspective comes from the Artists-in-Residence Program of the CHIC Horizon 2020 Project. They will also describe how to make delicious chicory root cappuccinos. **Jordi Bordas** is the winner of the Pastry World Cup in Lyon in 2011. In the past years, Jordi has dedicated himself to researching and investigating new, functional ingredients for use in pastry, such as inulin. During the workshop, he will be joined by **Adrianna Jaworska** – Head of the R&D&i at *Jordi Bordas Innovative Pastry Education*. They will teach you to make two groundbreaking inulin-based recipes: Chocolate Soufflé and Lemon Meringue Pie. **Art & Science Node****:** **Joanna Hoffmann** is an artist working in the field of multimedia installation, XR, video animation. She is the founder and Chair of Art & Science Node (ASN). They will organize the workshop and the immersive, virtual exhibition “Capture the Future(s): OUR BIO-TECH PLANET. The Routes to Roots Networks and Beyond” presented at the Plant Biology Europe Congress. ASN is a creative & innovative network aiming at and committed to the creation of the synergy between art, science, and technology. Joanna will be joined by the ASN curator **Karolina Wlazło-Malinowska**. Ronald Tipan Álvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## FertiPLUS URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/fertiplus # FertiPLUS – **Reducing mineral fertilisers and agro-chemicals by recycling treated organic waste as compost and bio-char products** IDConsortium** ## What is FertiPLUS? The focus in FERTIPLUS** is in understanding why a given processing of a selection of combination of feedstocks will make a good product and to provide a tool for SME’s to determine the best strategy (what feedstock and what processing conditions will produce product with fertilizer value – what to put on the bag of the product?). The focus for feedstocks in **FERTIPLUS** is on urban and agricultural waste including garden and park waste, municipal household waste, residues from anaerobic digestors for N and P recuperation. **FERTIPLUS** will assess the available organic waste and estimate how much N and P could be made available if returned to agriculture and whether this could be realised according to regulatory safety standards currently under development. Location:** Europe Union** ### Latest News: Total project duration   of which it receives a contribution from the European Commission of approximately 3M€.   from 6 European countries   ### ACTTiVAte will undertake 2 kinds of activities to optimize the benefits to SMEs: ACTTiVAte will launch a competitive call for proposals in June 2017. Proposals will be selected by evaluating: - (i) the technical excellence, feasibility and viability of the project - (ii) the potential to create new value chains; and - (iii) the regional socioeconomic impact of the proposed solution. The selected projects will receive an amount of up to EUR 46.000 each to accomplish the following objectives: - (1) to develop a technology commercialization strategic plan (EUR 6.000) and - (2) to develop a proof of concept (up to EUR 40.000). ACTTiVAte will provide a wide range of business support services selected SMEs, the pool of business support services provided by ACTTiVAte includes: - Technology Transfer and Commercialization Training Workshops (“Tech CommAcademy”) - One-to-one Mentoring & Coaching Program - Brokerage and B2B Matchmaking Events - Investment Readiness Training Workshops - Investment Forums (IF) - Mobility and Exchange Program - Follow-up Scheme and Help Desk Facility ## Our partners of FertiPLUS consortium --- ## First field workshop of the AGREMSO3IL project stakeholder platform URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/first-field-workshop-agremso3il-project-stakeholder-platform ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # First field workshop of the AGREMSO3IL project stakeholder platform ## Technical coordinator Jose Fenoll from Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA) and the prototype engineer Andres Sanchez from Novedades Agrícolas presented the project and its initial results during its first field visit at its pilot site in Cuesta Mula farm, located in Águilas, Murcia (Spain). IDConsortium #### The first Life+ AGREMSO3IL project prototype was unveiled to its stakeholders. Pesticides in the soil are a highly significant environmental problem coupled with the increased use of harmful pesticides worldwide. There are no remediation technologies currently available to solve this increasing problem. The Life+ Agremso3il project is developing a technology that could eliminate the presence of harmful pesticides on farmlands. The initial result showed 63% of pesticide reduction in 1000 m2 of the greenhouse during the project’s prototype unveiling. The pesticide residues in the soil are one of the primary concerns which require proper management. This system is an innovative solution to a worldwide problem. A more restrictive regulation in the future could derail the project’s success. Time is of the essence in managing pesticide residues. This is how the system works and its basic technology. In order to implement this solution, the first step would be to clear the soil for cultivation. Once this action has been taken, the ozonisation and solarisation processes are carried out. The ozonation where it generates hydroxyl radicals using light radiation to attack and destroy any organic molecules to CO2, H2O, and mineral salts. Following this process, solarization takes the next step by placing transparent plastic on the floor bed during the summer months when temperature and light radiation are more intense. This system is a combination of solarization and ozonation techniques that remediate and disinfect farm soil. Several greenhouses were set up to allow for the solarization and ozonation treatment to be utilized. Since the ozone in water has a very short service life, which makes it difficult to manage, the project has since changed to gaseous ozone. The 1st field visit allowed the stakeholders to view the technology for themselves but they had some concerns as well; for example, the durability of the plastic used in the prototype. Is there a possibility that the plastic would leak? A trial on the experimental farm showed no leaks and even kept the ozone in close contact with the soil. No degradation of organic matter in the soil was also observed and soil quality did not suffer when the treatment was applied. Check out the recent scientific publication entitled “***Combined Ozonation and Solarization for the Removal of Pesticides from Soil: Effects on Soil Microbial Communities***” by Marta Díaz-López, Emilio Nicolás, Rubén López-Mondéjar, Lucas Galera, Isabel Garrido, José Fenoll, and Felipe Bastida: click here. During the project’s prototype unveiling, the initial result showed 63% of pesticide reduction in 1000 m2 of the greenhouse. Additionally, ozonation treatment was not carried out at night because the mechanism by which ozonation occurs is complex and affected by multiple factors: ozone attacks pesticides and soil organic matter. Thereby the organic matter retains the pesticides and as it degrades, organic matter releases pesticides which also increases soil temperature. Data analyses indicate that the increase in temperature is necessary and favors degradation. The treatment’s effectiveness showed promising and satisfactory results, which takes about 30 to 50 days to work, depending on the farmer’s needs. But it is also worth noting that there are no sensors on the market that’s currently available to measure the concentration of ozone in the soil. The lack of sensors makes it difficult to determine the relationship between the power of the equipment and the treated surface. Nonetheless, no degradation of organic matter in the soil was found and it was emphasized that soil quality did not suffer when Agremso3il treatment was applied.  The rest of the attendees showed great interest in testing the prototype on their farms. Surinver El Grupo and Fruca Marketing, for example, are quite optimistic about the success of the project. They believe that once the prototype has been proven very effective, they will be very interested in testing the prototype on their own farms. While Bonduelle Group was curious if the equipment is scalable to service a 30ha farm. If the project reached its desired result, Bonduelle would utilize the technology to gradually decontaminate 5-6ha of its farm every year for outdoor cultivation. As long as the prototype continues to show great progress, interests will grow and more farmers will apply the technology on their own farms, not just in Spain but all over the world.   #### List of Attendees # Stakeholders Representatives 1 Bonduelle Spain Miguel Moreno 2 Surinver El Grupo Francisco Torró 3 Fruca Marketing Fulgencio Wadi 4 CDTA El Mirador Pedro Mínguez 5 Servicio Sanidad Vegetal CARM Francisco J. González Zapater 6 Expo Águilas Nicolás Piñero Jose A. Martínez Carvajal Prudencio Navarro Francisco Navarro 10 ID Consortium Macarena Sanz 11 Novedades Agrícolas Andrés Sánchez, Salvador Sánchez 13 Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA) Caridad Ros Ibáñez  Isabel Garrido Martín José Fenoll Serrano Carmen M. Martínez Escudero Fulgencio Contreras López Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## How to register your company on the European Commission’s portal URL: https://idconsortium.com/recommendations/how-to-register-your-company-on-the-european-commissions-portal # How to register your company on the European Commission’s portal To **register your organisation in the Funding & tender opportunities portal **, you will need to provide basic administrative and legal information, in addition to contact details.   ## 1. Get ready Since the declared information will be verified against supporting documents later on, it is useful to have the relevant documents at hand when you complete the registration, to make sure you fill in everything correctly *(legal form, non-profit, public/private, etc.)*   ## 2. Check for already existing PIC In order to avoid creating duplicate PICs, you should first check whether your organisation (or another department) is already registered in the Portal and use that PIC. Go to **How to Participate > Participant Register > Search a PIC > Search a PIC **and put in your organisation data.   ## 3. If no PIC is registered, start registration Go to **How to Participate > Participant Register > Register your organisation**. The **Registration wizard** will guide you step-by-step through the process. Detailed explanations are available in the . You do not need to complete the registration process in a single session. You can enter some information, save it and continue later on. To resume your registration, go to **My Organisations > Continue Registration**. Incomplete draft registrations are automatically deleted after one year.   ## Do you need help? Contact us! --- ## Next Generation EU URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/next-generation-eu # Next Generation EU – El mayor paquete de estímulos jamás financiado en Europa ## NextGenerationEU es un instrumento temporal diseñado para impulsar la recuperación. Una oportunidad única de salir reforzados de la pandemia, transformar nuestras economías y sociedades, y diseñar una Europa que funcione para todos. IDConsortium ## ¿Qué es Next Generation EU? NextGenerationEU es más que un plan de recuperación: es una oportunidad única de salir reforzados de la pandemia, transformar nuestras economías y sociedades, y diseñar una Europa que funcione para todos. NextGenerationEU es un **instrumento temporal de recuperación dotado con más de 800.000.000.000 €** que contribuirá a reparar los daños económicos y sociales inmediatos causados por la pandemia de coronavirus. La Europa posterior a la COVID-19 será más ecológica, más digital, más resiliente y mejor adaptada a los retos actuales y futuros. Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia: elemento central de NextGenerationEU, con 723.800.000.000 € en préstamos y subvenciones disponibles para apoyar las reformas e inversiones emprendidas por los países de la UE. **El objetivo es mitigar el impacto económico y social de la pandemia de coronavirus** y hacer que las economías y sociedades europeas sean más sostenibles y resilientes y estén mejor preparadas para los retos y las oportunidades de las transiciones ecológica y digital. Los Estados miembros están trabajando en sus planes de recuperación y resiliencia para acceder a los fondos en el marco del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia. Ayuda a la Recuperación para la Cohesión y los Territorios de Europa (REACT-UE): NextGenerationEU también incluye 50.600.000.000 € para REACT-UE. Se trata de una nueva iniciativa que continúa y amplía las medidas de respuesta y reparación de crisis aplicadas a través de la Iniciativa de Inversión en Respuesta al Coronavirus y la Iniciativa de Inversión en Respuesta al Coronavirus Plus. **Contribuirá a una recuperación ecológica, digital y resiliente de la economía**. Los fondos se pondrán a disposición:**– del Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)– del Fondo Social Europeo (FSE)– del Fondo de Ayuda Europea para las Personas Más Desfavorecidas (FEAD)Estos fondos adicionales se aportarán en 2021-2022. NextGenerationEU también aportará fondos adicionales a otros programas o fondos europeos, como Horizonte 2020**, InvestEU, Desarrollo Rural o el Fondo de Transición Justa (FTJ). ### Últimas noticias sobre el programa: * ## Convocatorias abiertas relacionadas con Next Generation EU: ### Noticias sobre Next Generation EU – España ## Convocatorias relacionadas con Next Generation EU: #### Convocatoria abierta ## Transformación digital y modernización de las administraciones de las entidades locales, en el marco del plan de recuperación, transformación y resiliencia (PRTR) ** Tendrán la consideración de entidades beneficiarias de las ayudas los ayuntamientos de los municipios con población superior a 50.000 habitantes, de acuerdo con las cifras de población resultantes de la revisión del Padrón municipal referidas al 1 de enero de 2020, así como los de población inferior que tengan la consideración de capital de provincia. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Suministro, instalación, legalización, puesta en servicio y mantenimiento de los puntos de recarga para vehículos eléctricos en las instalaciones del CIEMAT Licitación para el suministro, instalación, legalización, puesta en servicio y mantenimiento de los puntos de recarga para vehículos eléctricos en las instalaciones del CIEMAT en Madrid (lote1) y Centros Territoriales: CEDER (Lote2) y PSA (lote 3). #### Convocatoria abierta ## Ayudas para la elaboración de proyectos piloto de planes de acción local de la Agenda Urbana Española Ayudas para financiar la elaboración de proyectos piloto de Planes de Acción local de la Agenda Urbana Española que garanticen, en un plazo razonablemente corto, su alineación con los objetivos, la metodología de trabajo y el enfoque transversal, estratégico e integrado propuestos por aquélla. Dicho plazo no podrá exceder de un año a contar desde la publicación de la presente convocatoria. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Ayudas para el fortalecimiento de la actividad comercial en zonas turísticas El objeto de las ayudas es que las entidades locales realicen inversiones dirigidas a la introducción de mejoras en las zonas comerciales turísticas, incluidas actuaciones en el marco de esta inversión en nuevas tecnologías; la aplicación de soluciones tecnológicas para mejorar la eficiencia energética; procesos eficientes desde el punto de vista ecológico y reciclado y reutilización de residuos; la formación del personal; una firma digital integrada adaptada a los visitantes extranjeros; y la adaptación de los espacios públicos para mejorar la accesibilidad y la movilidad. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Ayudas para el apoyo de la actividad comercial en zonas rurales Ayudas para subvencionar proyectos que desarrollen actuaciones dirigidas a actualizar y modernizar al sector comercial minorista adaptándolo a los nuevos hábitos de consumo, fomentar la implementación de nuevas tecnologías y de soluciones que contribuyan a la mejora de la sostenibilidad, eficiencia, la promoción del reciclaje y reutilización de residuos en los establecimientos comerciales, así como la formación y sensibilización en ambas áreas y garantizar el abastecimiento y una oferta comercial de calidad en las zonas rurales. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Ayudas para el apoyo a mercados, zonas urbanas comerciales, comercio no sedentario y canales cortos de comercialización Ayudas para subvencionar proyectos que desarrollen actuaciones dirigidas a actualizar y modernizar al sector comercial minorista adaptándolo a los nuevos hábitos de consumo, fomentar la implementación de nuevas tecnologías y de soluciones que contribuyan a la mejora de la sostenibilidad, la eficiencia, la promoción del reciclaje y reutilización de residuos en los establecimientos comerciales, así como la formación y sensibilización en ambas áreas. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Ayudas 2021 destinadas a proyectos de investigación y desarrollo de Inteligencia Artificial y otras tecnologías digitales y su integración en las cadenas de valor Ayudas para financiar proyectos y actuaciones subvencionables con las siguientes características: “el desarrollo de ámbitos estratégicos de la I+D+i empresarial y el emprendimiento en el ámbito tecnológico. Entre otras actuaciones, se incluyen aquellas que aborden el desarrollo y el emprendimiento tecnológico frente a retos de la sociedad, de forma que fomenten el desarrollo de los conocimientos y tecnologías necesarios para abordar y buscar soluciones a problemas complejos asociados a dichos retos, incorporando para ello la investigación, el desarrollo tecnológico y la innovación en sentido amplio.” #### Convocatoria abierta ## Subvenciones para el fomento de la movilidad internacional de autores literarios (escritores, traductores e ilustradores) Subvenciones para sufragar los gastos de estancias en el extranjero de hasta dos meses de duración, con un importe máximo por estancia de 10.000 euros, de autores que hayan publicado al menos una obra de carácter literario, individual o en coautoría de hasta tres autores. Las estancias se realizarán entre el 15 de diciembre de 2021 y el 31 de diciembre de 2022. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Programa de ayudas a municipios para la implantación de zonas de bajas emisiones y la transformación digital y sostenible del transporte urbano Ayudas para acelerar la descarbonización de las ciudades, mejorar la calidad del aire y mitigar el ruido mediante el impulso de las zonas de bajas emisiones (ZBE) y la transformación sostenible del transporte urbano y metropolitano. Busca promover la articulación de un sistema fiable, atractivo, accesible y asequible de transporte público urbano con flotas más modernas, eficientes y de nulas emisiones, así como fomentar una distribución urbana de mercancías sostenible y un concepto de movilidad inteligente y digitalizada. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Proyectos singulares de energía limpia en municipios de reto demográfico. Programa DUS 5000 Ayudas para inversiones a proyectos singulares locales de energía limpia en municipios de reto demográfico (PROGRAMA DUS 5000). Podrán beneficiarse ayuntamientos, diputaciones, mancomunidades, consejos insulares, cabildos y otras entidades públicas. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Investigación para el desarrollo tecnológico, la innovación y el equilibrio de la cadena de comercialización en el sector pesquero y de la acuicultura El Real Decreto 685/2021, de 3 de agosto, establece las bases reguladoras de subvenciones a agrupaciones de entidades que realicen proyectos de inversión y reforma en materia de investigación para el desarrollo tecnológico, la innovación y el equilibrio de la cadena de comercialización en el sector pesquero y de la acuicultura en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, y se convocan para 2021. La convocatoria abrirá próximamente, una vez se haya publicado su extracto en el BOE, momento a partir del cual estará abierta durante 1 mes. Especialmente dirigida a incentivar la participación de mujeres. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Energías renovables en autoconsumo, almacenamiento y sistemas térmicos y renovables en el sector residencial Ayudas para la ejecución de diversos programas de incentivos ligados al autoconsumo y al almacenamiento con fuentes de energía renovable, así como a la implantación de sistemas térmicos renovables en el sector residencial. (que podrán ser ampliados en su totalidad o por categorías) #### Convocatoria abierta ## MOVES Proyectos Singulares II Ayudas correspondientes a proyectos singulares y proyectos relativos a desarrollos experimentales e innovadores, llevados a cabo en el territorio nacional, relacionados con el vehículo eléctrico. (ampliables a 300 millones de euros) #### Convocatoria abierta ## Fondo Next Tech Fomentar el desarrollo de proyectos digitales innovadores de alto impacto y la inversión en empresas en crecimiento (scale-ups). #### Convocatoria abierta ## Movilidad eléctricas MOVES III Ayudas para la compra de vehículos eléctricos e híbridos enchufables como turismos, furgonetas o motos, así como la adquisición e instalación de infraestructuras de recarga de acceso público y de uso privado. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Agroinnpulso:  ### Línea de emprendimiento digital en el sector de la agroalimentación y el medio rural Esta línea está orientada a apoyar proyectos empresariales de base tecnológica, a través de la financiación, con el objetivo de estimular e impulsar la transformación digital de las pequeñas y medianas empresas del sector agroalimentario y del medio rural. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Emprendedoras digitales Apoyar e impulsar, a través de la financiación, proyectos de emprendimiento digital femenino y reducir la brecha de género existente en este ámbito. #### Convocatoria abierta ## Redacción de informes previos de supervisión de proyectos de conservación incluidos en los planes de acción contra el ruido y de agenda urbana Licitación de un contrato de servicios para redacción de informes previos de supervisión de proyectos de conservación incluidos en los planes de acción contra el ruido y de agenda urbana que se ejecuten con cargo al fondo de recuperación, transformación y resiliencia. El objeto es dotar a la Dirección General de Carreteras de los servicios de asistencia técnica adecuados para avanzar en la elaboración, seguimiento, supervisión y control de las actuaciones que se desarrollen en materia de acción contra el ruido, protección de usuarios vulnerables (peatones y ciclistas) y humanización de travesías en la Red de Carreteras del Estado. #### Convocatoria abierta #### Convocatoria cerrada ## Ayudas para la participación de películas españolas en festivales Ayudas para la participación de películas españolas en festivales celebrados entre noviembre de 2020 y octubre de 2021. #### Convocatoria próxima ## Restauración ambiental de zonas afectadas por la transición energética Concesión directa de ayudas para la restauración ambiental de zonas afectadas por la transición energética en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia correspondiente a proyectos de zonas degradadas a causa de la minería del carbón. #### Convocatoria aprobada ## Rehabilitación energética de edificios. Programa PREE 5000 Ayudas para actuaciones de rehabilitación energética en edificios existentes en municipios y núcleos de menos de 5.000 habitantes. ### Documentación relacionada con Next Generation EU:                   ### Freguntas frecuentes (FAQs) relacionadas con Next Generation EU: El pasado mes de julio, los líderes europeos alcanzaron un acuerdo histórico que amplía un 70% el presupuesto europeo y pone a disposición de los países 750 mM de euros hasta 2026. Por primera vez, la UE se endeudará de manera masiva para impulsar la recuperación económica y sentar las bases de la economía del futuro, bajo los ejes de sostenibilidad y digitalización. Para acceder a los fondos, disponibles en forma de transferencias directas y préstamos, los Estados miembros deberán presentar a la Comisión Europea su plan de recuperación y transformación en línea con los ejes y recomendaciones de reforma que emite anualmente la UE. En diciembre, el Consejo y el Parlamento Europeo dieron luz verde a los nuevos presupuestos y al Fondo de Recuperación. Ahora falta la aprobación de los Parlamentos nacionales para que los desembolsos comiencen a llegar a los Estados miembros, previsiblemente a mediados de año. El Fondo supone un paso de gigante en la construcción europea. Sienta las bases para una unión fiscal en la UE, impulsa la Unión Bancaria y la Unión del Mercado de Capitales, crea un activo seguro europeo, impulsa el papel internacional del euro y sitúa a la UE en la vanguardia de la lucha contra el cambio climático. En definitiva, una oportunidad única que no se puede desaprovechar. España será uno de los países más beneficiados, ya que podrá recibir del Fondo de Recuperación Europeo hasta el 11% de su PIB y casi doblar así su capacidad de crecimiento en los próximos años. Para lograrlo, el Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia elaborado por el Gobierno de España prevé adelantar 27 mM de euros en los presupuestos de 2021 y canalizar 72 mM de euros hasta 2023. El Plan se sustenta en cuatro pilares: Transición ecológica (37% de los fondos), Digitalización (33%), Cohesión social y territorial e Igualdad. Se ha optado por un modelo de co-gobernanza, por lo que para acceder a los fondos habrá que acudir a las convocatorias que presenten las distintas administraciones. Las Comunidades Autónomas serán las responsables de ejecutar más del 50% de los fondos europeos, mientas que el Estado canalizará el 40% y las administraciones locales tendrán un papel más reducido. El gran reto es absorber tanto dinero en tan poco tiempo. Por ello, el Gobierno ha llevado a cabo de manera urgente reformas legales y administrativas para agilizar la recepción de los fondos. La colaboración con el sector privado será imprescindible para aprovechar al máximo los fondos disponibles de la UE y lograr la transformación de la economía española. De los 750 mM de Euros en que consiste el Fondo de Recuperación Europeo, 360 mM consisten en préstamos y 390 mM en transferencias a los países miembros. En este sentido, España recibirá una mayor proporción de préstamos que de transferencias. El Plan de Recuperación de España asigna 72 mM de euros a la recuperación, de los cuales, 59,1 mM forman parte del Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia (MRR) y los 12,4 mM restantes son parte del React. Con el objetivo de asegurarse de que se inicia la senda de la recuperación, el Gobierno ha asignado para el presupuesto 2021 un total de 27 mM de euros del MRR y 8 mM del React a comunidades autónomas. La asignación a proyectos se realizará de acuerdo con lo establecido por el Real Decreto-ley 36/2020 del 31 de diciembre de 2020, que tiene como objetivos la reducción de trámites y la aceleración de la ejecución de las ayudas europeas. Uno de los puntos a destacar es la regulación de los Proyectos Estratégicos para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica (PERTEs)**, como una nueva figura de colaboración **público-privada** para la ejecución de proyectos. El PERTE puede consistir en un proyecto único y definido o en un proyecto integrado, compuesto por un grupo de proyectos insertados en una estructura. Y, son proyectos considerados estratégicos que tendrán una tramitación preferente de urgencia. Además, el RD-ley 36/2020 también señala los criterios a considerar para la declaración de un PERTE. Con todo, un proyecto deberá: representar una importante contribución al crecimiento económico, al empleo, a la competitividad industrial y a la economía española; permitir combinar conocimientos, experiencia, recursos financieros y actores económicos; ser innovador o contar con un valor añadido en términos de I+D+i; favorecer la integración y el crecimiento de pymes, así como el impulso de entornos colaborativos; contribuir a uno o más objetivos del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia; y ser importante cuantitativa o cualitativamente. La tramitación de las solicitudes se deberá realizar a través de las **sedes electrónicas **de los departamentos ministeriales y los organismos competentes, quienes, además, podrán difundir información con el propósito de incrementar la transparencia y generar una mayor concurrencia de interesados. Todas las empresas son susceptibles de identificar y proponer proyectos elegibles bajo el prisma de los principales pilares del Fondo de Recuperación: la transición ecológica, la digitalización, la cohesión territorial y la igualdad. El Fondo de Recuperación beneficiará especialmente a empresas de determinados sectores que liderarán los principales proyectos tractores, como son la construcción, las telecomunicaciones o las utilities*. Otros sectores se verán también directamente beneficiados por la vinculación de políticas tractoras a su actividad, como la educación, la alimentación, la automoción, la sanidad, la metalurgia, el transporte y el turismo. ### Our recommendations in EU project management and public fund raising: --- ## Exploitation, dissemination and communication update URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/exploitation-dissemination-communication-update ### NEWS | Chic > # Exploitation, dissemination and communication update ## CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. The project’s main objectives are 1) to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and 2) to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. IDConsortium The overall objective of **Work Package 7 (WP7)** is to inform stakeholders and the broader public in innovative ways about project activities, results, and related topics.  Specific objectives are: - To ensure the effective exploitation of the results, including the handling of IP issues - To ensure efficient data management under FAIR principles - To communicate and disseminate the project activities and results to a wide range of stakeholders - To communicate and disseminate to the broader public including innovative Art-Science activities - To support the knowledge transfer to farmers, growers, and breeders #### Updates In the last 18 months, news, articles, and videos have continued to be published through the project’s social networks. However, Anna Dumitru and Alex May are continually working with CHIC consortium members to develop its sculptural and bio-digital installation entitled “Biotechnology from the Blue Flower.” Jill Scott and Marille Hahne are also continually developing the “AFTERTASTE” project based on the health of the human olfaction and gustatory systems and finishing its movie entitled “Chicory Unpact.” Educational activities for “early-state researchers” and a CHIC game are being developed by the DEI Group from University Carlos III, where it uses virtual, augmented reality, and ICT technology to educate teenagers about the CHIC concepts.   Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Commercial exploitation of chicory as a multipurpose crop updates URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/commercial-exploitation-of-chicory-as-a-multipurpose-crop-updates ### NEWS | Chic > # Commercial exploitation of chicory as a multipurpose crop updates ## CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. The project’s main objectives are 1) to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and 2) to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. IDConsortium The overall objective of **Work Package 8 (WP8)** is to develop an exploitation strategy built on two strong business cases for NPBT based on high-quality dietary fiber and bioactive terpenes from chicory.  Specific objectives are: - To demonstrate improved functionality of inulin from NPBT chicory in gut fermentation models - To demonstrate bioactivity of terpenes from chicory using advanced cell-based assays - To demonstrate the exploitation potential of the most promising NPBT chicory variants via business cases #### Updates Both improved inulin and terpene fractions were subjected to in-vitro bioactivity and safety evaluation and business cases for both lines will finally be created. Two types of NPBT chicory mutants have been generated and analysed: one type of mutations targeted to inulin breakdown genes (FEH knock-out, WP2) and the other for germacrene synthase A (CiGAS knock-out, WP1/WP2). Both have been studied for their terpene and inulin quality and quantity compared to commercial chicory. For studying the anti-inflammatory effects of chicory terpenes, a physiologically relevant model of the inflamed intestinal mucosa was developed. Two particularly interesting chicory extracts were assessed and strong antimicrobial potential was observed – antifungal as well as antibacterial activity towards antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Finally, a new multi-ingredient process was investigated, based on a selective adsorption column for terpenes. A conceptual process design yielding capex/opex details indicated that the sales price for the terpene mixture is in line with specialty ingredient prices, in food supplements. Currently, three scientific papers are being prepared based on the results obtained partly in WP8. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Stakeholder engagement update URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/stakeholder-engagement-update ### NEWS | Chic > # Stakeholder engagement update ## CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. The project’s main objectives are 1) to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and 2) to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. IDConsortium The overall objective of **Work Package 6 (WP6)** is to engage stakeholders in achieving a more responsible innovation process. Specific objectives are: - To identify facilitating and possibly hindering factors for chicory innovation from various stakeholder viewpoints - To assess stakeholder acceptability of alternative chicory commercialisation scenarios - To identify management options to better harness the benefits and mitigate possible negative impacts #### Updates The overall objective of the WP6 is to engage stakeholders for better aligning technology innovation with societal needs, which includes the identification of possibly facilitating and hindering factors and the assessment of stakeholder acceptability of commercial development of genome-edited chicory and derived products (inulin and/or terpenes). An in-depth analysis of the Stakeholder Consultations was carried out in WPs 4 and 5. The results from those work packages were then integrated into the research instruments used in WP6. The development is organised as a multi-step participative process involving all project partners, the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG), and external stakeholders. Several steps involving partners and the SAG were achieved and further steps involving external stakeholders were prepared. Further development of and continued interaction with the Stakeholder Advisory Group was performed. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing restrictions (an unforeseen risk) had an impact on the project activities as planned stakeholder consultations could not be held in person. The transformation of these events into virtual-only events required considerable effort but worked out well in the end.   Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## COVID19 – HERA Incubator 2 URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/covid19-hera-incubator-2-horizon-europe ### CALL | Horizon Europe  # COVID19 – HERA Incubator ## This topic aims at supporting activities that are enabling or contributing to the development of large scale, COVID-19 cohorts and networks worldwide, including beyond Europe’s borders, forging links with European initiatives as a global response to the pandemic. To that end, proposals under this topic should aim at delivering results that are directed, tailored towards and contributing to all of the expected outcomes. IDConsortium 15 April 2022 06 May 2022 2022 Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)) and Associated Countries. * extra information “Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment, including legal entities from non-associated third countries or international organisation (including international European research organisations) is eligible to participate, provided that the conditions laid down in the Rules for Participation have been met together with any other conditions laid down in the specific call or topic.” N/A --- ## COVID19 – HERA Incubator URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/covid19-hera-incubator-horizon-europe ### CALL | Horizon Europe  # COVID19 – HERA Incubator ## This topic aims at supporting activities that are enabling or contributing to the development of large scale, COVID-19 cohorts and networks worldwide, including beyond Europe’s borders, forging links with European initiatives as a global response to the pandemic. To that end, proposals under this topic should aim at delivering results that are directed, tailored towards and contributing to all of the expected outcomes. IDConsortium 15 April 2021 06 May 2021 2021 Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)) and Associated Countries. * extra information “Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment, including legal entities from non-associated third countries or international organisation (including international European research organisations) is eligible to participate, provided that the conditions laid down in the Rules for Participation have been met together with any other conditions laid down in the specific call or topic.” N/A --- ## EIC Accelerator Open 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/eic-accelerator-open-2021-horizon-europe ### CALL | Horizon Europe | European Innovation Council  # EIC Accelerator Open 2021 ## The EIC Accelerator supports the later stages of technology development as well as scale-up. The technology component of your innovation must therefore have been tested and validated in a laboratory or other relevant environment (e.g. at least Technology Readiness Level 5/6 or higher). The EIC Accelerator looks to support companies where the EIC support will act as a catalyst to crowd in other investors necessary for the scaleup of the innovation. IDConsortium 08 April 2021 16 June 2021 or 06 October 2021 2022 Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle income countries. * extra information - A single company classified as a SME and established within a Member State or an Associated Country; - A single company classified as a ‘Small mid-cap’ (up to 500 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country; - One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities. N/A --- ## EIC – Accelerator Challenge – Strategic Digital and Health Technologies URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/eic-accelerator-challenge-strategic-digital-and-health-technologies-horizon-europe ### CALL | Horizon Europe  # EIC Accelerator Challenge – Strategic Digital and Health Technologies ## The EIC Accelerator Challenges supports companies (principally start-ups and SMEs) to scale up high impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones in identified areas of strategic relevance. IDConsortium 08 April 2021 16 June 2021 or 06 October 2021 2022 Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle income countries. * extra information * A single company classified as a SME and established within a Member State or an Associated Country; * A single company classified as a ‘Small mid-cap’ (up to 500 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country; * One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities. N/A --- ## Capacity-building and transnational cooperation for National Contact Points URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/capacity-building-transnational-cooperation-national-contact-points-horizon-europe ### CALL | Horizon Europe  # Capacity-building and transnational cooperation for National Contact Points ## Improved professionalisation/skills of NCPs across Europe, helping to simplify access to Horizon Europe calls, lowering the entry barriers for newcomers, and raising the average quality of proposals submitted. Harmonised and improved trans-national cooperation between NCPs. Enhanced support to NCPs and potential applicants in widening countries and countries that participate at lower levels in the share of proposals and projects. Increase the participation of women. Assist in developing a pan-European Innovation Ecosystem. IDConsortium 08 April 2021 18 May 2021 2022 Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle income countries. * extra information Applicants must be Horizon Europe national support structures (e.g. NCP) responsible for the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Innovation Ecosystems and officially nominated to the Commission, from a Member State or an Associated Country or any third country associated to Horizon Europe – one or more legal entities. Proposals should address the diversity of the EIC-EIE stakeholders (researchers, innovators, SMEs, start-ups, investors) and support schemes. --- ## EIC – Transition Open 2021 – R&I Actions URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/eic-transition-open-2021-r-and-i-actions-horizon-europe ### CALL | Horizon Europe | European Innovation Council  # EIC Transition Open 2021 – Research & Innovation Actions ## EIC Transition projects should address both technology and market/business dimensions where iterative learning processes based on early customer feedback is possible. These activities should include a suitable mix of research, technology development and validation activities to increase the maturity of the technology beyond proof of principle to viable demonstrators of the technology in the intended field of application (i.e. up to Technology Readiness Level 5 to 6) in the attempt to address market readiness towards commercialisation and deployment, as well as other aspects of regulation, certification and standardisation, aimed at getting both the technology and the business idea investment-ready. IDConsortium 19 May 2021 22 September 2021 2022 Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle income countries. * extra information A single legal entity established in a Member State or an Associated Country – an SME or a research performing organisation OR a small consortium of minimum two and maximum five independent legal entities. N/A --- ## EIC – Pathfinder Open 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/eic-pathfinder-open-2021-horizon-europe ### CALL | Horizon Europe | European Innovation Council  # EIC Pathfinder Open 2021 – The ERC Starting Grants are designed to support excellent Principal Investigators at the career stage ## EIC Pathfinder Open may support your work, especially if it is highly risky: you may set out to try things that will not work; you may be faced with questions that nobody knows the answer to yet; you may realise that there are many aspects of the problem that you do not master. On the contrary, if the path you want to follow is incremental by nature or known, EIC Pathfinder Open will not support you.. IDConsortium 08 April 2021 19 May 2021 2022 At least three independent legal entities, each one established in a different Member State or Associated Country and with at least one of them established in a Member State. * extra information Single applicants or small consortia (two partners) may be able to apply for Pathfinder Challenges according to the call specifications. Proposals should address the diversity of the EIC-EIE stakeholders --- ## ERC – Starting Grants URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/erc-starting-grants-horizon-europe ### CALL | Horizon Europe | European Research Council  # ERC – Starting Grants – Designed to support excellent Principal Investigators at the career stage ## at which they are starting their own independent research team or programme. Principal Investigators must demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their scientific proposal. IDConsortium 25 February 2021 08 April 2021 April 2022 EU + Associated countries * extra information Researchers with phd finished 2 < and >=7 years prior to the call. N/A --- ## Open Call #1 URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/open-call-1-kyklos-40 ### CALL | KYKLOS 4.0  # Open Call #1 – is an EU-funded project that aims to show how digital manufacturing technologies ## – cyber-physical systems, product life-cycle management, life-cycle assessment, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence – can transform circular. IDConsortium ## What is KYKLOS 4.0? KYKLOS 4.0 aims to develop an innovative Circular Manufacturing ecosystem based on novel CPS and AI based technologies, enhanced with novel production mechanisms and algorithms, targeting on personalised products with extended life cycle and promoting energy efficient and low material consumption intra-factory production processes, resulting reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. KYKLOS 4.0 will demonstrate, in a realistic, measurable, and replicable way the transformative effects that CPS (Circular Production System), PLM (Product Life Management), LCA (Life Cycle Analysis), AR (Augmented Reality) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies and methodologies will have to the Circular Manufacturing Framework.  EU or H2020 associated countries 1 April 2021 30 June 2021 October 2021 Up to this amount, equity-free funding ### KYKLOS 4.0 will demonstrate, in a realistic, measurable, and replicable way the transformative effects that KYKLOS 4.0 Ecosystem will have to the CM market, thereby fostering significant increase in the uptake of KYKLOS 4.0 solutions Organisations active in the digital manufacturing domain.Proposals must be delivered by consortia of 2-3 entities, including at least one SME and an industrial partner. The consortium submitting a proposal must be led by an SME. The lead SME must be a technology integrator and the industrial partner will serve as a pilot location for the developed solution to be validated and demonstrated. N/A --- ## Acceleration programme URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls/acceleration-programme-blockstart ### CALL | BlockStart  # Acceleration programme – supports blockchain / DLT startups & developers with big ideas and the passion to make them happen ## Over an agile piloting program we’ll help you fine-tune, test and demo your solution with innovative SMEs (adopters) willing to approach blockchain & other DLTs. IDConsortium ## What is BlockStart? Connecting top DLT/ blockchain startups and SMEs with great and challenging real case scenarios is our priority and focus. What’s more, you’ll meet some of the most thoughtful investors, corporates and likeminded entrepreneurs and gain valuable exposure. And that’s not all. Selected companies receive funding (no equity) and are offered business coaching/ mentoring to scale up their solutions. Through BlockStart, you are part of a thriving community that can get support, share experiences and grow together. You’ll receive hands on mentoring and intensive training within your specific industry vertical, as well as coaching and investor connections from BlockStart’s partners to make the most of your interactions with new partners and potential customers.  EU or H2020 associated countries 17 March 2021 26 May 2021 July 2021 Each selected start-up will benefit from:Up to €20k equity-free grant;Mentoring from BlockStart and external experts;Pilot implementation with potential clients;Promotion at BlockStart and external events;Matchmaking with investors and communities. ### BlockStart supports blockchain/ DLT startups & developers with big ideas and the passion to make them happen Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) 2003/361/EC*. ● Located in a EU or H2020 associated countries.● Be a technology provider or adopter able to develop or adopt solutions framed within one of the following sectors: fintech, ICT and retail. N/A --- ## Interreg Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/interreg-europe # Interreg Europe – helps regional and local governments across Europe to develop and deliver better policy ## To achieve this goal, Interreg Europe offers opportunities for regional and local public authorities across Europe to share ideas and experience on public policy in practice, therefore improving strategies for their citizens and communities. IDConsortium ## What is Interreg Europe? Interreg Europe helps regional and local governments across Europe to develop and deliver better policy. We create an environment and opportunities for sharing solutions and policy learning. We aim to make sure that government investment, innovation and implementation efforts all lead to integrated and sustainable impact for people and place. We know that better performance leads to better results. By building on its forerunner, INTERREG IVC (2007-2013), Interreg Europe aims to get maximum return from the **EUR 359 million** financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for 2014-2020. This time round, it’s still about doing good, but doing it better! Solutions exist that can help our regions become the best that they can be. Today, the EU’s emphasis is very much on paving the way for regions to realise their full potential – by helping them to capitalise on their innate strengths while tapping into opportunities that offer possibilities for economic, social and environmental progress. ### Latest News: ### Calls related to this project: ### Our recommendations in EU project management and public fund raising: --- ## ACTTiVAte URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/acttivate # ACTTiVAte – Clusters for Technology Transfer and new Value chains ## The overall concept of this project is to support innovation in SMEs and foster the smart reindustrialization of Europe. IDConsortium** ## What is ACTTiVAte? The overall concept of the ACTTiVAte project is to support innovation in SMEs and foster the smart reindustrialization of Europe. This will be achieved by enabling the emergence of new cross-border and cross-sectoral value chains resulting from the translation of advanced technologies among selected sectors with strong synergiesThese new value chains will be created through the interaction between the following sectors: aerospace, agrifood, health and ICT. The development of the new value chains will be facilitated by setting up geographical poles of activitiy in different regions across Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, Ireland and Poland. Location: Europe Union** ### Latest News: to enable the creation of an appropriate innovation ecosystem   capable of assessing technical feasibility, providing technical advisory and assessing the future potential of proposed innovative services and products   that will operate at a cross-cluster level providing business support services and helping to establish networks for collaboration   ### ACTTiVAte will undertake 2 kinds of activities to optimize the benefits to SMEs: ACTTiVAte will launch a competitive call for proposals in June 2017. Proposals will be selected by evaluating: - (i) the technical excellence, feasibility and viability of the project - (ii) the potential to create new value chains; and - (iii) the regional socioeconomic impact of the proposed solution. The selected projects will receive an amount of up to EUR 46.000 each to accomplish the following objectives: - (1) to develop a technology commercialization strategic plan (EUR 6.000) and - (2) to develop a proof of concept (up to EUR 40.000). ACTTiVAte will provide a wide range of business support services selected SMEs, the pool of business support services provided by ACTTiVAte includes: - Technology Transfer and Commercialization Training Workshops (“Tech CommAcademy”) - One-to-one Mentoring & Coaching Program - Brokerage and B2B Matchmaking Events - Investment Readiness Training Workshops - Investment Forums (IF) - Mobility and Exchange Program - Follow-up Scheme and Help Desk Facility ## Our partners of ACTTiVAte consortium --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/life-agremso3il # LIFE AgRemSO3il – Developing andtuning, at farm scale, a new technology ## for the agrochemical remediation of farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. IDConsortium ## What is LIFE AgRemSO3il? Life AgRemSO3il is a pilot project, at farm scale, that intends to develop and tune a new technology, with its associated techniques, for agrochemical remediation of farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. A prototype will be tested in commercial farms at real running scale to prove the technical, economical, and ecological feasibility of the innovation, which in this case refers to the technological applications and the methods used. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Life Cycle of Analysis (LCA) and economic assessment, including governance which relates to legal and financial instruments, will be performed prior to the wide distribution of the system to other regions in Europe. ### Latest News: ### IDConsortium will be involved in the following actions: - On-farm demonstration and methodology to set up the LIFE AgRemSo3il technology in other locations. - Project performance indicators. - Design and implementation of the Replicability and Transferability Plan. - Public Awareness and Dissemination of results. - Project Management. - Financial and Administrative Management, and - After-Life Plan Ozonation generates hydroxyl radicals with the help of light radiation to attack and destroy any organic molecules to CO2, H2O and mineral salts.   Solarization is based on the placement of a transparent plastic on the floor during the summer months, when temperature and light radiation are more intense.   ## Our partners of LIFE AgRemSO3il consortium --- ## CHIC URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects/chic # CHIC – Chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fibre and medicinal terpenes ## CHIC explores the interactions between technological potential and societal acceptance of modern plant breeding. IDConsortium ## What is CHIC? Chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fibre and medicinal terpenes (CHIC) is a research and innovation project supported through the EU Horizon 2020 funding programme. The €7.3 million project supports the establishment of a responsible innovation pathway for the development and application of New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) for chicory as a multipurpose crop for the production of high-value consumer products, in line with societal needs and concerns. The consortium includes SMEs, an industrial partner, non-profit organizations and research institutes from 11 European countries and one from New Zealand. New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBT) in molecular farming: Multipurpose crops for industrial bioproducts ### Latest News: 54 months 7.3 millions € www.chicproject.eu ## Our partners of CHIC consortium --- ## Horizon Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes/horizon-europe # Horizon Europe – EU flagship programme for research and innovation ## Horizon Europe is the most ambitious EU research and innovation programme ever. IDConsortium ## What is Horizon Europe? Horizon Europe is the 2021-2027 EU flagship programme for research and innovation which sets the best minds in Europe and the rest of the world to work to deliver excellent solutions to the key issues of our time, supporting the EU’s policy priorities and building a better future for the next generation in Europe. With Horizon Europe, the EU will invest EUR 95.5 billion in research and innovation that will shape the future of Europe, making it the most ambitious research and innovation programme ever introduced by EU. This includes EUR 5.4 billion from the Next Generation EU instrument, particularly to support the green and digital recovery from the COVID crisis. The budget is divided amongst four pillars and 15 components to create a programme that will support all the areas of Research and Innovation: excellent science, global challenges and industrial competitiveness, innovative Europe and widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area ### Access more information: ### Latest News: ### Documents for download ### News & Calls related to this programme: ### Our recommendations in EU project management and public fund raising: --- ## BlockStart acceleration programme URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/blockstart-acceleration-programme ### NEWS | BlockStart > # BlockStart acceleration programme ## BlockStart is a six-month acceleration programme funded by the European Commission, which aims to promote blockchain adoption in retail, fintech, and ICT. IDConsortium #### Expected call opening date - 17/03/2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 26/05/2021 #### Starting of projects - 01/07/2021 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 795,000€ #### Average budget per project - Each selected start-up will benefit from: Up to €20k equity-free grant; Mentoring from BlockStart and external experts; Pilot implementation with potential clients; Promotion at BlockStart and external events; Matchmaking with investors and communities. #### Number of projects to be funded - 40 #### Countries - EU or H2020 associated countries #### Target applicants - Small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) 2003/361/EC*. - Located in EU or H2020 associated countries. - Be a technology provider or adopter able to develop or adopt solutions framed within one of the following sectors: fintech, ICT and retail. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## European innovation council transition open 2021 research and innovation actions URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-innovation-council-transition-open-2021-research-innovation-actions ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # European innovation council transition open 2021 research and innovation actions ## EIC Transition projects should address both technology and market/business dimensions where iterative learning processes based on early customer feedback are possible. IDConsortium These activities should include a suitable mix of research, technology development and validation activities to increase the maturity of the technology beyond proof of principle to viable demonstrators of the technology in the intended field of application (i.e. up to Technology Readiness Level 5 to 6) in the attempt to address market readiness towards commercialisation and deployment, as well as other aspects of regulation, certification and standardisation, aimed at getting both the technology and the business idea investment-ready.   #### Expected call opening date - 19/05/2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 22nd of September, 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 59.6M€ #### Average budget per project - 2.5M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 24 #### Countries - Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle-income countries #### Target applicants - A single legal entity established in a Member State or an Associated Country  – an SME or a research performing organisation OR a small consortium of minimum two and maximum five independent legal entities #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this program: --- ## FAIR and open data sharing in support to European preparedness for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/fair-open-data-sharing-support-european-preparedness-covid19-other-infectious-diseases ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # FAIR and open data sharing in support to European preparedness for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases ## Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: European researchers and public health actors fighting the spread of infectious diseases, federation of viral and human infectious disease data from national and international centres; development of digital tools and data analytics for pandemic and outbreak preparedness. IDConsortium #### Expected call opening date - 13 April 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 06 May 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 12M€ #### Average budget per project - N/A #### Number of projects to be funded - N/A #### Countries - Member States and Associated Countries #### Target applicants - Applicants do not apply directly to the EIC Accelerator call. Instead, a project review is carried out to assess the innovation or market deployment potential of an existing project at a national or regional level, to decide whether the project is suitable for support under the EIC Accelerator #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## India-Sweden collaborative industrial research & development programme URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/india-sweden-collaborative-industrial-research-development-programme ### NEWS | GITA > # India-Sweden collaborative industrial research & development programme ## This Request for Proposals (RFP) is open for Indian and Swedish companies who jointly aim to develop new innovative technologies, processes and advanced or technology-based services which will in subsequent steps generate sustainable solutions for society coupled with market potential. IDConsortium The cooperation should be led by a commercial company in the respective country and the consortium could, in addition, include research performing organisations such as universities, research institutes, or other similar entities.   #### Expected call opening date - 06/Apr/2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 15/Jul/2021 #### Starting of projects - December 2021 #### Total EU Budget for the year - Unknown M€ #### Average budget per project - Total project funding as a Grant (by DST) for Indian applicants is up to 50% with  a maximum limit of INR 150 lakhs per project. Indian R&D organisation/academic institution may receive up to 100% of their costs. #### Number of projects to be funded - Unknown #### Countries - India – Spain #### Target applicants - Commercial (for-profit) company registered under the Indian Companies Act 1956/2013, which operates in and is headquartered in India. Academic institutions and research centers, (including non-profit research institutes recognized by DST) that are headquartered and operate in India are strongly encouraged to partner for projects. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## COVID19 – HERA Incubator URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/covid19-hera-incubator ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # COVID19 – HERA Incubator ## This topic aims at supporting activities that are enabling or contributing to the development of large-scale, COVID-19 cohorts and networks worldwide, including beyond Europe’s borders, forging links with European initiatives as a global response to the pandemic. IDConsortium To that end, proposals under this topic should aim at delivering results that are directed, tailored towards, and contributing to all of the expected outcomes.   #### Expected call opening date - 15 April 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 06 May 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2021 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 60M€ #### Average budget per project - 7M€ – 10M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 6 to 8 #### Countries - Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)) and Associated Countries #### Target applicants - Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment, including legal entities from non-associated third countries or international organisation (including international European research organisations) is eligible to participate, provided that the conditions laid down in the Rules for Participation have been met together with any other conditions laid down in the specific call or topic. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## EIC Accelerator Open 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eic-accelerator-open-2021 ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # EIC Accelerator Open 2021 ## The EIC Accelerator supports the later stages of technology development as well as scale-up. IDConsortium The technology component of your innovation must therefore have been tested and validated in a laboratory or other relevant environment (e.g. at least Technology Readiness Level 5/6 or higher). The EIC Accelerator looks to support companies where the EIC support will act as a catalyst to crowd in other investors necessary for the scaleup of the innovation.   #### Expected call opening date - 8 April 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 16 June 2021 or 06 October 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 449,45M€ (592,500M€ – 143,05M€) #### Average budget per project - 2,5M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 180 #### Countries - Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle income countries #### Target applicants - * A single company classified as a SME and established within a Member State or an Associated Country; * A single company classified as a ‘Small mid-cap’ (up to 500 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country; * One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## European innovation council pathfinder open 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-innovation-council-pathfinder-open-2021 ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # European innovation council pathfinder open 2021 ## EIC Pathfinder Open may support your work, especially if it is highly risky: you may set out to try things that will not work; you may be faced with questions that nobody knows the answer to yet; you may realise that there are many aspects of the problem that you do not master. On the contrary, if the path you want to follow is incremental by nature or known, EIC Pathfinder Open will not support you. IDConsortium #### Expected call opening date - 08/04/2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 19th of May #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 168M€ #### Average budget per project - 3M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 55 #### Countries - at least three independent legal entities, each one established in a different Member State or Associated Country and with at least one of them established in a Member State #### Target applicants - Single applicants or small consortia (two partners) may be able to apply for PathfinderChallenges according to the call specifications #### Main stakeholders - Proposals should address the diversity of the EIC-EIE stakeholders ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## Research infrastructure services for rapid research responses to COVID-19 and other infectious disease epidemics URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/research-infrastructure-services-rapid-research-responses-covid19-other-infectious-disease-epidemics ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # Research infrastructure services for rapid research responses to COVID-19 and other infectious disease epidemics ## Proposals under this action will integrate research infrastructure services to form a comprehensive and inclusive portfolio to support research in response to infectious disease epidemics or underpinning respective forefront research in the field. IDConsortium As a first immediate challenge, the delivered services should support research targeting newly emerging SARS-Cov-2 variants and addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.   #### Expected call opening date - 15 April 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 06 May 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 21M€ #### Average budget per project - N/A #### Number of projects to be funded - N/A #### Countries - Considering the Union’s interest to make accessible to its researchers the most advanced research infrastructures, wherever they are in the world, legal entities established in …India…, which provide, under the grant, access to their research infrastructures to researchers from the Member States and Associated Countries, are exceptionally eligible for funding from the Union under this topic. #### Target applicants - Research infrastructures from third countries may be involved when appropriate, in particular when they offer complementary or more advanced services, including data, than those available in Europe. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here!   Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## KYKLOS4.0 Open Call #1 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/kyklos40-open-call-1 ### NEWS | KYKLOS4.0 > # KYKLOS4.0 Open Call #1 ## KYKLOS4.0 is an EU-funded project that aims to show how digital manufacturing technologies – cyber-physical systems, product life-cycle management, life-cycle assessment, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence – can transform circular manufacturing. IDConsortium #### Expected call opening date - 1 April 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 30 June 2021 #### Starting of projects - October 2021 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 1M€ #### Average budget per project - Up to €150.000 equity-free funding #### Number of projects to be funded - up to 7 #### Countries - EU or H2020 associated countries #### Target applicants - Organisations active in the digital manufacturing domain. Proposals must be delivered by consortia of 2-3 entities, including at least one SME and an industrial partner. The consortium submitting a proposal must be led by an SME. The lead SME must be a technology integrator and the industrial partner will serve as a pilot location for the developed solution to be validated and demonstrated. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## Capacity-building and transnational cooperation for national contact points URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/capacity-building-transnational-cooperation-national-contact-points ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # Capacity-building and transnational cooperation for national contact points ## Improved professionalisation/skills of NCPs across Europe, helping to simplify access to Horizon Europe calls, lowering the entry barriers for newcomers, and raising the average quality of proposals submitted. IDConsortium Harmonised and improved trans-national cooperation between NCPs. Enhanced support to NCPs and potential applicants in widening countries and countries that participate at lower levels in the share of proposals and projects. Increase the participation of women. Assist in developing a pan-European Innovation Ecosystem.​ ####   #### Expected call opening date - 08 April 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 18 May 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 4M€ #### Average budget per project - 0,5M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 8 #### Countries - Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle income countries #### Target applicants - Applicants must be Horizon Europe national support structures (e.g. NCP) responsible for the European Innovation Council (EIC) and European Innovation Ecosystems and officially nominated to the Commission, from a Member State or an Associated Country or any third country associated to Horizon Europe – one or more legal entities. #### Main stakeholders - Proposals should address the diversity of the EIC-EIE stakeholders (researchers, innovators, SMEs, start-ups, investors) and support schemes. ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## Digital innovation hubs federation for large scale adoption of digital technologies by European SMEs URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/digital-innovation-hubs-federation-large-scale-adoption-digital-technologies-european-smes ### NEWS | DigiFed > # Digital innovation hubs federation for large scale adoption of digital technologies by European SMEs ## DigiFed offers grants of up to € 50k as well as technical and business support for the development of smart applications in Europe. IDConsortium #### Expected call opening date - 15/03/2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 08/06/2021 #### Starting of projects - August 2021 #### Total EU Budget for the year - Unknown M€ #### Average budget per project - Up to € 50k in funding per applicant SME – representing 70% of your project’s total declared budget. #### Number of projects to be funded - N/A #### Countries - Member States (MS) of the European Union (EU), including their overseas territories• The H2020 Associated Countries• UK companies #### Target applicants - Startups▪ Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises1▪ Midcaps #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## The European Innovation Procurement Awards Prize URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-innovation-procurement-awards-prize ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # The European Innovation Procurement Awards Prize ## Public and private procurement represent an untapped potential to stimulate the demand for innovation. The public and private sectors could offer new opportunities for suppliers, and provide better, more efficient services. IDConsortium Therefore, innovation procurement would boost transforming research into innovative solutions targeted at societal needs, and support innovative companies to commercialise their ideas.   #### Expected call opening date - 14 April 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 29 July 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2021 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 0,300M€ #### Average budget per project - 3 categories: winner – 75 000€; runner-up – 25000€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 6 #### Countries - The awarded procurement practice must have taken place in a Member State or inan Associated Country. #### Target applicants - Any public and/or private procurer, as well as individuals/natural persons, located in one of the Member States or associated countries. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## Socio-economic and environmental impacts on the whole value chain update URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/socioeconomic-environmental-impacts-whole-value-chain-update ### NEWS | Chic > # Socio-economic and environmental impacts on the whole value chain update ## CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. The project’s main objectives are 1) to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and 2) to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. IDConsortium The overall objectives of **Work Package 5 (WP5)** are to evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts on the whole value chain.  Specific objectives are: - To obtain consistent characteristics and data set of whole value chain - To perform a socio-economic impact assessment of NPBTs and the whole value chain to gain knowledge about growth, job creation, distribution, competitiveness, value chains - To perform an environmental assessment of NPBTs and the whole value chain in comparison to conventional reference systems - To analyse societal issues facilitating or hindering chicory innovation #### Updates WP5 is tasked with evaluating socio-economic and environmental impacts on the whole value chain of the newly developed chicory crops. Therefore, a socio-economic impact assessment and an environmental assessment of NPBTs and the whole value chain will be performed. In addition to these quantitative assessments, qualitative research on societal issues hindering or facilitating chicory innovation will be applied. Within the socio-economic assessment, the impact of different NPBTs on economic and social indicators will be quantified such as GDP, production volume, growth, competitiveness, and employment as well as the distribution of wealth and income between different sectors and regions within the EU and the global economy. The LCA will give information on e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, primary energy demand, water consumption, land use of the new value chain developed in CHIC. With broad input by all partners, concepts were defined that differ in aspects such as whether CRISPR edited chicory is regulated as GMO or not, whether it is grown in the open field or greenhouses, and what type of products are isolated from them. These concepts will be evaluated for their socio-economic and environmental impacts.   Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## India–Spain programme of co-operation on industrial research & development 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/india-spain-programme-cooperation-industrial-research-development-2021 ### NEWS | GITA > # India–Spain programme of co-operation on industrial research & development 2021 ## Any collaborative Research & Development project, based on merit includes science and technology (S&T) development leading to commercial success, social good, and benefit to both countries. IDConsortium There is however a specific focus on the following technology areas: cleantech (renewables, water, environmental), internet of things (smart mobility, smart grids, smart cities, etc.), digital health and medical devices, agro & food technologies and any other sector of mutual interest.   #### Expected call opening date - 06/Apr/2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 15/Jul/2021 #### Starting of projects - December 2021 #### Total EU Budget for the year - Unknown M€ #### Average budget per project - Total project funding as a Grant (by DST) for Indian applicants is up to 50% with  a maximum limit of INR 150 lakhs per project. Indian R&D organisation/academic institution may receive up to 100% of their costs. #### Number of projects to be funded - Unknown #### Countries - India – Spain #### Target applicants - Commercial (for-profit) company registered under the Indian Companies Act 1956/2013, which operates in and is headquartered in India. Academic institutions and research centers, (including non-profit research institutes recognized by DST) that are headquartered and operate in India are strongly encouraged to partner for projects. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## EIC Accelerator Challenge – strategic digital and health technologies call URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eic-accelerator-challenge-strategic-digital-health-technologies ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # EIC Accelerator Challenge – strategic digital and health technologies call ## The EIC Accelerator Challenges supports companies (principally start-ups and SMEs) to scale up high-impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones in identified areas of strategic relevance. IDConsortium #### Expected call opening date - 08 April 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 16 June 2021 or 06 October 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 249,38M€ (496,760M€ – 247,38M€) #### Average budget per project - 2,5M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 100 #### Countries - Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle income countries #### Target applicants - *A single company classified as a SME and established within a Member State or an Associated Country; A single company classified as a ‘Small mid-cap’ (up to 500 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country; One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## EIC Transition Challenges 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eic-transition-challenges-2021 ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # EIC Transition Challenges 2021 ## Innovative technologies for efficient, low-cost, sustainable, compact and flexible energy harvesting, conversion and storage are crucial to reach the Green Deal targets of decarbonised energy systems while achieving the transition to secure and affordable energy. IDConsortium EU-funded early-stage research on innovative energy technologies is uncovering unique opportunities for systems integration of advanced and sustainable energy harvesting and storage technologies.   #### Expected call opening date - 19 May 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 22 September 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 40,5M€ #### Average budget per project - 2.5M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 16 #### Countries - Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle income countries #### Target applicants - * A single company classified as a SME and established within a Member State or an Associated Country; * A single company classified as a ‘Small mid-cap’ (up to 500 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country; * One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## EIC Accelerator Challenge – Green deal innovations for the economic recovery URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eic-accelerator-challenge-green-deal-innovations-economic-recovery ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # EIC Accelerator Challenge – Green deal innovations for the economic recovery ## The EIC Accelerator Challenges supports companies (principally start-ups and SMEs) to scale up high-impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones in identified areas of strategic relevance. IDConsortium ####   #### Expected call opening date - 8 April 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 16 June 2021 or 06 October 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 249,38M€ (496,760M€ – 247,38M€) #### Average budget per project - 2,5M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 100 #### Countries - Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle-income countries #### Target applicants - * A single company classified as an SME and established within a Member State or an Associated Country; * A single company classified as a ‘Small mid-cap’ (up to 500 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country; * One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## EIC Transition Challenges 2021 Call URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eic-transition-challenges-2021-call ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # EIC Transition Challenges 2021 Call ## EU-funded early-stage Research on novel Medical Technologies and Devices is uncovering unique opportunities to benefits patients and support clinicians. IDConsortium Medical Technology and Devices businesses are facing long and capital-intensive product development cycles, complex regulatory procedures, slow market uptake requiring the support of key opinion leaders and intensive follow-up with early adopters. In addition to a mature technology, a well thought-out and realistic exploitation path with emphasis on achieving market traction as proof of both clinical and market potential of the idea is needed.   #### Expected call opening date - 19 May 2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 22 September 2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 40,5M€ #### Average budget per project - 2.5M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 16 #### Countries - Member States and eligible non-EU countries – associated countries and low and middle-income countries #### Target applicants - * A single company classified as a SME and established within a Member State or an Associated Country; * A single company classified as a ‘Small mid-cap’ (up to 500 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country; * One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here!   #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## COVID19 – HERA Incubator Call URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/covid19-hera-incubator-call ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # COVID19 – HERA Incubator Call ## This topic aims at supporting activities that enable the conduct of vaccine & therapeutic trials to boost prevention and further inform public health policy and clinical management. IDConsortium To that end, proposals under this topic should aim for delivering results that are directed, tailored towards and contributing to two of the three expected outcomes listed below.   #### Expected call opening date - 15/04/2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 06/05/2021 #### Starting of projects - 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 30M€ #### Average budget per project - 3M€ – 10M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 3 to 10 #### Countries - Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)) and Associated Countries #### Target applicants - Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment, including legal entities from non-associated third countries or international organisation (including international European research organisations) is eligible to participate, provided that the conditions laid down in the Rules for Participation have been met together with any other conditions laid down in the specific call or topic. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## India-Sweden collaborative industrial research & development programme 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/india-sweden-collaborative-industrial-research-development-programme-2021 ### NEWS | GITA > # India-Sweden collaborative industrial research & development programme 2021 ## This Sweden-India program aims to foster and support the development of collaborative R&D projects that bring together companies, research organizations, academics and other collaborators from both countries for the joint development of innovative products or processes in the following technology sectors: Smart and sustainable cities and transport systems; and Clean technologies, IoT and digitalization. IDConsortium   #### Expected call opening date - 05/Mar/2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 06/May/2021 #### Starting of projects - 1st of September 2021 #### Total EU Budget for the year - Unknown M€ #### Average budget per project - DST will support up to Maximum limit of INR 1.5 crore per project of the total Indian Project Cost, as a Grant in Aid, for a maximum project period of 24 months.Indian R&D organisation/academic institution may receive up to 100% of their costs. #### Number of projects to be funded - N/A #### Countries - India – Sweden #### Target applicants - The Indian Project Lead (IPL) (i.e. lead company) must be a commercial (for profit) company under the Indian Companies Act 1956/2013, which operates in and is headquartered in India. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## European Research Council – Starting Grants URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-research-council-starting-grants ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # European Research Council – Starting Grants ## The ERC Starting Grants are designed to support excellent Principal Investigators at the career stage at which they are starting their own independent research team or programme. IDConsortium Principal Investigators must demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their scientific proposal.   #### Expected call opening date - 25/02/2021 #### Deadline to submit applications applications - 08/04/2021 #### Starting of projects - April 2022 #### Total EU Budget for the year - 619M€ #### Average budget per project - 1,5M€ #### Number of projects to be funded - 413 #### Countries - EU+ Associated countries #### Target applicants - Researchers with Ph.D. finished 2< and >=7 years prior to the call. #### Main stakeholders - N/A ## Link to the call or latest news ## Click here! #### For a complete and updated list of the calls, click here! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this project: --- ## Technical and risk and regulatory assessment of NPBTs update URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/technical-risk-regulatory-assessment-npbts-update ### NEWS | Chic > # Technical and risk and regulatory assessment of NPBTs update ## CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. The project’s main objectives are 1) to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and 2) to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. IDConsortium The overall objective of **Work Package 4 (WP4)** is to address the technical assessment, risk assessment, and regulatory assessment of NPBTs. Specific objectives are: - To perform technical efficiency analysis of the four conceptually different NPBTs for chicory - To identify off-target activities (OTA) caused by the application of NPBTs in chicory - To evaluate possible negative effects of the chicory compounds - To provide guidance for the risk assessment of NPBTs - To monitor and compare regulatory regimes concerning NPBTs #### Updates The aims of WP4 are the assessment of technical, regulatory, and safety aspects of the four conceptional different new plant breeding methods used in the project and the chicory plants and substances produced by those plants. This work package is divided into five individual tasks: - Task 4.1 deals with the efficiency analysis of the four conceptional different NPBTs. - Task 4.2 focuses on the assessment of Off-targets in the genome-edited chicory plants, both tasks contribute to the technical assessment. During the reporting period a current guide RNA has been used to generate chicory plants which each of the conceptional different NPBTs, plants have been generated for all of them (stable, FLP-system, RNP, and Plasmid delivery). Additionally, also Off-targets for the common guide RNA have been assessed and tested in first screens which need further validation. - Task 4.3 and 4.5 assess the regulatory aspects of NPBTs, due to the ECJ ruling the risk assessment of products derived by genome editing is currently the same as for GMOs in Europe but discussions are ongoing. - Regulatory regimes all around the world are working on genome editing or novel legislation to be adapted. In many countries e.g. Russia and India, discussions are still ongoing and opinions are being collected and the first publication on this issue has been released recently. - Task 4.4. deals with the safety assessment of products derived by genome-edited chicory. During the current reporting period, terpene samples were tested for cytotoxicity using human intestinal epithelial cells. Good progress has been made so far and further improvement will be done in the next period. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Augmented reality educational game for the young generation! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/augmented-reality-educational-game-young-generation ### NEWS | Chic > # Augmented reality educational game for the young generation! ## Gene editing, or genome editing, is a process in which small intended changes in the DNA are introduced in the genome of a living organism such as plants. IDConsortium An augmented reality game was created to allow young adults to learn more about the CHIC project and the genome editing on plants. MyChicFarm is an educational Augmented Reality game developed by DEI Lab at UC3M to learn about New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs). For instance, one can use gene-editing techniques to improve the amount of healthy terpenes or inulin food fibres in chicory by choosing carefully which gene to target with by the CRISPRCas9 enzyme to make the cut in the double-stranded DNA chain. #### Do you want your children’s school to try these interactive games? Please click below to learn more! ## CLICK HERE! The game allows players (farmers) to grow chicory crops and make the most of their seed money using Microsoft Hololens glasses. Selected seeds have to be planted, grown, and then collect and sell them to the market. Farmers must defend the plantations from plagues attack. To ensure the quality of the next crop, players can invest part of their money in NPBTs and produce health-related products such as inulin and terpenes. The game has been developed within the context of the CHIC Project supported through the EU Horizon 2020 funding programme. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Implementation of NPBTs in chicory for bioactive terpenes update URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/implementation-npbts-chicory-bioactive-terpenes-update ### NEWS | Chic > # Implementation of NPBTs in chicory for bioactive terpenes update ## CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. The project’s main objectives are 1) to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and 2) to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. IDConsortium The overall objective of **Work Package 3 (WP3)** is to explore the potential of laticifers and sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis for improved or new chicory products. Specific objectives are: - • To produce costunolide in chicory root by inactivation of late steps of the terpene biosynthesis pathway - • To produce parthenolide in chicory root by cytochrome P450 engineering - • To study and modulate the laticifer network of chicory root for optimised terpene storage - • To assay the bioactivity of chicory terpenes #### Updates The latex of chicory contains large amounts of sesquiterpene lactones, which interfere with the extraction of inulin. In this work package, one of the objectives is to identify biological activities of interest for these sesquiterpene lactones and to increase their production by using new plant breeding technologies. Bioactivity assays identified one promising sesquiterpene lactone with anti-inflammatory activity and extracts containing antimicrobial activity, for which the responsible substances are being identified. Using transcriptome data and the newly sequenced genome, candidate genes for the biosynthesis of the sesquiterpene lactones and the formation of the laticifers have been identified and are being functionally characterized. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## European Innovation Council Accelerator Calls URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-innovation-council-accelerator-calls ### NEWS | Next Generation EU > # European Innovation Council Accelerator Calls ## The EIC Accelerator Challenges supports companies (principally start-ups and SMEs) to scale up high-impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones in identified areas of strategic relevance. IDConsortium #### How do you know if you’re a potential candidate for EIC Accelerator? #### Ask yourself these questions: - Do I have a high-impact innovative product, service, or business model that could create new markets or disrupt existing ones in Europe and even worldwide? - Am I a start-up or a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) with the ambition and commitment to scale up? - Am I looking for substantial funding but the risks involved are too high for private investors alone to invest? #### If the answer to all of them is **yes**, then EIC should be the right program for you.   #### The application consists of a number of steps…   #### Short Applications: - For example: *a 5-page form summarizing the proposal and responding to a set of questions.* #### Full Applications: - For example: *3 evaluators are selected based on technology and application of the innovation.* #### Face to Face interviews with an EC jury: - For example: *a jury will have access to all documents and analysis from the IT tool.* #### *For detailed information about EIC calls, please click here* #### What type of support will I receive? The total indicative budget for this call is **EUR 592.5 million, of which EUR 143.05 million** will be funded through Next Generation EU as this call contributes to the objectives to rebuild a greener, more digital, and more resilient Europe. #### The EIC provides blended finance: - Investment component (Market Deployment Action) - Grant Component (Innovation activities) - Grant only - Grant first If the milestone assessment is positive, you will be, for example, required to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means and be invited to enter due diligence and negotiations with the EIC fund.   #### To view the eligibility conditions, please click here Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this program: --- ## Implementation of NPBTs for dietary inulin update URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/implementation-of-npbts-for-dietary-inulin-update ### NEWS | Chic > # Implementation of NPBTs for dietary inulin update ## CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. The project’s main objectives are 1) to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and 2) to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. IDConsortium The overall objective of **Work Package 2 (WP2)** is to develop NPBT-based chicory varieties with improved dietary inulin quality. Specific objectives are: - To control and increase the inulin polymer length (increase the mean degree of polymerization, mDP) - To increase the yield of inulin - To reduce the presence of small sugars and bitter compounds (terpenes that hinder the extraction of inulin #### Updates Inulin is a dietary fiber with health-promoting characteristics mainly targeting gut health and extracted from root chicory, which is used in many food products. The quality and the length of the inulin molecules determine the value and health-beneficial character of this compound. Using NPBTs, researchers want to increase the yield, quality, and length of inulin. Currently, the natural production of terpenes in chicory makes the inulin extraction method inefficient and costly and one of its goals is to reduce the production of natural chicory terpenes. Researchers found that they could generate mutant chicory plants in which the genes encoding the inulin break-down enzymes are blocked using NPBT due to the small alterations the CRISPR tools made in the plant DNA. All mutated plants were then analyzed in great detail on DNA level using sequencing methods. Root cuttings allowed the selected mutants to be multiplied and used for induction experiments of inulin break-down to show the effect of the targeted mutations on inulin quality and profile under autumn/winter conditions. The mutants in which all FEH genes were targeted showed the desired effect on blocking degradation of inulin by FEH enzyme activity under autumn/winter conditions, resulting in high-quality inulin with a low level of small sugars and longer inulin molecules, with an increased mean degree of polymerisation (mDP). Researchers could also show that mutants of terpene biosynthesis generated in work package 1 in which the Germacrene A Synthase (Gas) genes were targeted are strongly reduced in the synthesis of bitter compounds, or totally lack the bitter compounds. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Earth Day! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/earth-day-prodigio-project ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Earth Day! ## We, at Prodigio, are doing our part to contribute to the fight against climate change and the health of our environment. So should you! Let’s work together to give the future generation a clean and healthy future​. IDConsortium This day is about empowering and expanding the environmental movement. As the health and wellbeing of every human being are closely interlinked with the health of our planet, fighting climate change requires persistent action on many levels. There have been several actions and events this year that focus on climate action, reforestation, or protecting biodiversity, as well as actions on food and environment impact reduction, global clean-ups, climate literacy, and citizen science. It is time that we continually restore the earth because we care about the place we live in and for its beauty.   #### To learn more about Earth Day 2021, click here. #### https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2021/ Álvaro Tamayo, IDConsortium Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## It’s Earth Day! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/its-earth-day-agremso3il-project ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # It’s Earth Day! ## We, at Life+ AgRemso3il, are doing our part to contribute to the fight against climate change and the health of our environment. So should you! Let’s work together to give the future generation a clean and healthy future. IDConsortium This day is about empowering and expanding the environmental movement. As the health and wellbeing of every human being is closely interlinked with the health of our planet, fighting climate change requires persistent action on many levels. There have been several actions and events this year that focus on climate action, reforestation, or protecting biodiversity, as well as actions on food and environment impact reduction, global clean-ups, climate literacy, and citizen science. It is time that we continually restore the earth because we care about the place we live in and for its beauty.   #### To learn more about Earth Day 2021, click here. #### https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2021/ Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## First stakeholder platform meeting! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/first-stakeholder-platform-meeting-agremso3il-project ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # First stakeholder platform meeting! ## The Stakeholder Platform aims to integrate the views of several interest groups that have the potential to shape and influence with the contribution the overall project development and commercialization in the various stages of the project. IDConsortium Along with the invitation to join the platform, for example, the targeted actors will be encouraged to give input to the project evolution regarding acceptance and opportunities connected with the implementation of AgRemSO3il technical stakeholder platform. The objective of this platform is to contribute to the technical development of AgRemSO3il technology. For this, we will contact the scientific community with an interest in soil remediation technologies and agricultural pollutant removal. Technical stakeholder platform will serve as a technical advisory board on the development of the AgRemSO3il solution with special interest on investigate pollutants not considered under the scope of AgRemSO3il project. Stakeholder platform participants… - Miguel Moreno, Bonduelle - Yannick Taberlet,  Bonduelle - CAE Region Murcia - TE Paco Torró Valls, SUR Inver - Fulgencio López, IMIDA - FCO. Jose Gonzalez Zapater, CARM - Nicolas Piñero EXPOAGUILAS - José Fenoll, IMIDA - Isabel Garrido, IMIDA - Macarena Sanz, IDC - Felipe Bastida, CEBAS-CSIC - Emilio, CEBAS-CSIC - Lucas Galera, Novedades Agricolas - Caridad Ros, CARM - José Garcia, CARM - Andrés Sánchez, Novedades Agricolas   #### Follow us on Twitter to learn more about the project and today’s event! Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Remember, today is Earth Day! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/remember-today-earth-day ### NEWS | Chic > # Remember, today is Earth Day! ## We, at CHIC, are doing our part to contribute to the fight against climate change and the health of our environment. So should you! Let’s work together to give the future generation a clean and healthy future. IDConsortium This day is about empowering and expanding the environmental movement. As the health and wellbeing of every human being are closely interlinked with the health of our planet, fighting climate change requires persistent action on many levels. There have been several actions and events this year that focus on climate action, reforestation, or protecting biodiversity, as well as actions on food and environment impact reduction, global clean-ups, climate literacy, and citizen science. It is time that we continually restore the earth because we care about the place we live in and for its beauty.   #### To learn more about Earth Day 2021, click here. #### https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2021/ Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## It’s Earth Day, time to introduce this new exciting project! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/earth-day-introduce-rustica-new-exciting-project ### NEWS | Rustica > # It’s Earth Day, time to introduce this new exciting project! ## This day is about empowering and expanding the environmental movement. As the health and wellbeing of every human being are closely interlinked with the health of our planet, fighting climate change requires persistent action on many levels. IDConsortium #### ​However, you might ask who we are! The RUSTICA project provides a technical solution to convert organic residues from the fruit and vegetable sector into novel bio-based fertiliser products of high quality that address the needs of modern (organic) agriculture. The project’s ambition goes beyond the simple recovery of nutrients and also includes the development of economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilisers with the same or improved agronomic value. Parallel with this technological innovation and integration, a multi-actor approach guarantees the implementation potential of the technologies in the agro-food chain and will lead to sound business models. Several non-technical aspects (environmental and social LCA, legal framework, expected market developments…) will be evaluated in 4 European regions and 1 region in Colombia. Stakeholder involvement at each step guarantees the development of marketable end products for the fruit and vegetable sector, with a high replication potential to other agricultural sectors. Cooperation with other EU-funded projects working on nutrient recovery from other waste products will stimulate a joint solution to evolve towards sustainable and circular fertiliser management to close nutrient cycles within and between regions. #### Check out our website at https://rusticaproject.eu/ for more information! #### ​ There have been several actions and events this year that focus on climate action, reforestation, or protecting biodiversity, as well as actions on food and environment impact reduction, global clean-ups, climate literacy, and citizen science. It is time that we continually restore the earth because we care about the place we live in and for its beauty. We, at RUSTICA Project, are doing our part to contribute to the fight against climate change and the health of our environment. So should you! Let’s work together to give the future generation a clean and healthy future.   #### To learn more about Earth Day 2021, click here. #### https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2021/ Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Happy World Creativity and Innovation Day! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/happy-world-creativity-innovation-day ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Happy World Creativity and Innovation Day! ## IDConsortium’s creativity lies in how to bring innovative projects that improve human development. IDConsortium According to the United Nations, “Creativity and innovation, at both the individual and group levels, have become the true wealth of nations in the 21st century…). We are committed to fostering innovative projects that we believe will make an impact on economic, social, and sustainable development.   #### Check out these projects: #### CHIC Project #### CHIC is a research and innovation project supported through the EU Horizon 2020 funding programme. #### AgRemso3il Project #### Agrochemical remediation in farm soils combines new innovative techniques #### Prodigio Project #### Developing early-warning systems for improved microalgae PROduction and anaerobic DIGestIOn #### RUSTICA Project #### Demonstration of circular biofertilisers and implementation of optimized fertiliser strategies and value chains in rural communities UNCTAD Acting Secretary-General Isabelle Durant said the resolution was timely. “The creative industries are critical to the sustainable development agenda. They stimulate innovation and diversification, are an important factor in the burgeoning services sector, support entrepreneurship, and contribute to cultural diversity,” she said. #### Learn more about what World Creativity and Innovation Day mean in the world, Click here Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## Shaping Europe’s digital future URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/shaping-europes-digital-future ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Shaping Europe’s digital future ## It is expected that all European Digital Innovation Hubs will capture the innovations coming out of their activities, through the Innovation Radar. It will also be explained how it should be done. IDConsortium ### Digital Maturity Tool and the Innovation Radar During this webinar, a methodology for assessing the digital maturity of customers of the EDIHs will be presented and feedback from participants will be heard. #### Event Agenda 10:00 Opening – Anne-Marie Sassen, Acting HoU CNECT A.4 Digital Transformation of Innovation Ecosystems 10:10 Digital Maturity Assessment overview – Gabriel Rissola, Senior Scientist JRC B6. Digital Economy unit …for the complete information and agenda details, please click here. Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this company: --- ## Development of four conceptually different NPBTs update URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/development-four-conceptually-different-npbts-update ### NEWS | Chic > # Development of four conceptually different NPBTs update ## CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. The project’s main objectives are 1) to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and 2) to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. IDConsortium The overall objective of **Work Package 1 (WP1)** is to develop four different New Plant Breeding Techniques to be used in root chicory. Specific objectives are: - To develop stable and transient delivery systems of RGENs in chicory - To improve regeneration and transformation efficiencies from transformed tissues and protoplasts - To develop DNA-free methods for RGEN delivery into chicory protoplasts - To develop and implement novel RGENs - To obtain self-compatible chicory genotypes suitable for inbreeding - To obtain an improved assembly of the chicory genome #### Updates WP1 is a technical work package, dedicated to the implementation of the new breeding technologies in chicory. New breeding technologies are a rather general term, but in CHIC it means genome editing methods based on CRISPR-Cas. Researchers from CHIC are developing four different methods in parallel for the delivery of CRISPR tools to chicory cells. These methods should have identical genetic outcomes and only differ in the degree of “DNA invasiveness” (this is: how much recombinant DNA technology is used in the process); this is relevant when it comes to the adoption of these new technologies and their products by regulators and the general public. In the first three years of the project, the three identified methods with varying degrees of DNA invasiveness have been fully implemented, and plants have been grown to maturity in which the genes responsible for root bitter compounds have been eliminated by genome editing. A patent application has been filed on this innovation! Meanwhile, other partners within the project continue to work on alternative genome editing molecules (that may work even better in plant cells than CRISPR-Cas) and on a solution for self-incompatibility. This feature is what chicory plants cannot be fertilized by their own pollen, as had been done in many other plant species, which poses a serious bottleneck in chicory variety improvement by plant breeding. The genes for self-incompatibility in chicory have been found and solutions to bypass their activities are being tested now. Finally, additional work has been performed to improve the chicory genome sequence. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## EIC has launched its first calls URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eic-launched-first-calls ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # EIC has launched its first calls ## EIC has been launched in April and there are several open calls. EIC will support through an “Integrated, agile support across the full innovation spectrum from early-stage research to start-up and scale-up”. IDConsortium The funding and support are organised into three main funding schemes: - EIC Pathfinder for advanced research to develop the scientific basis to underpin breakthrough technologies. - EIC Transition to validate technologies and develop business plans for specific applications - EIC Accelerator to support companies (SMEs, start-ups, spin-outs, and in exceptional cases small mid-caps) to bring their innovations to market and scale-up. Linkages between these funding schemes will be maximised through proactive management and new approaches, such as additional grants to ongoing Pathfinder projects, a Marketplace to connect preliminary and final research results with entrepreneurs and investors, and the Fast Track scheme from Pathfinder and Transition to enter the Accelerator. #### This information has been taken from Access to EIC project, Deliverable 4.1 “Toolbox for research-output-based businesses” **What is the Business Readiness Level?** The TRL level, as commonly used in H2020, can be used to define whether a technology is ready for commercialisation or not, but it does not adequately capture how “ready” the technology-based company is to go to market… #### To read more, click here. Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this company: --- ## SMARTSPEND Access to Risk Finance Conference · 25-27 May 2021 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/smartspend-access-risk-finance-conference-25-27-may-2021 ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # SMARTSPEND Access to Risk Finance Conference · 25-27 May 2021 ## We are pleased to announce SMARTSPEND’s European Conference on Access to Risk Finance for Clean Energy Technologies event to take place in 25-27 May. IDConsortium As a proud member of the European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC), a partner of this exciting conference, IDConsortium is looking forward to engage with technology solutions providers about funding opportunities to elevate and promote their innovative technologies. At least over 150 participants are expected to take part in the conference. The conference is a unique opportunity for energy research and industry, private financing providers, and EU policymakers to discuss efficiently how to finance clean energy transition in the future. The event plan to showcase EU’s funding and financing offers for clean energy demonstration projects, to give space to private financing providers to present their involvement in new energy technology and to provide the possibility for both energy project developers and finance providers to meet during a match-making event. Follow the hashtag ***#SMARTSPEND_EU*** on Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up-to-date on activities! SMARTSPEND is a 3-year, EU-funded project that aims to find new ways to coordinate and increase investments in clean energy Research & Development. The project aims to increase private-sector spending. The project is supported by the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) of the European Commission. ### **To register for this conference, please click below…** https://european-conference-on-access-to.b2match.io/ Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## SPEAD 1.0 Simulating Plankton Evolution URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/spead-1-simulating-plankton-evolution ### NEWS | Prodigio > # SPEAD 1.0 ## Simulating Plankton Evolution with Adaptive Dynamics in a two-trait continuous fitness landscape applied to the Sargasso Sea. IDConsortium #### Abstract Diversity plays a key role in the adaptive capacity of marine ecosystems to environmental changes. However, modelling the adaptive dynamics of phytoplankton traits remains challenging due to the competitive exclusion of sub-optimal phenotypes and the complexity of evolutionary processes leading to optimal phenotypes. Trait diffusion (TD) is a recently developed approach to sustain diversity in plankton models by introducing mutations, therefore allowing the adaptive evolution of functional traits to occur at ecological timescales. In this study, we present a model called Simulating Plankton Evolution with Adaptive Dynamics (SPEAD) that resolves the eco-evolutionary processes of a multi-trait plankton community. The SPEAD model can be used to evaluate plankton adaptation to environmental changes at different timescales or address ecological issues affected by adaptive evolution. Phytoplankton phenotypes in SPEAD are characterized by two traits, the nitrogen half-saturation constant and optimal temperature, which can mutate at each generation using the TD mechanism. SPEAD does not resolve the different phenotypes as discrete entities, instead computing six aggregate properties: total phytoplankton biomass, the mean value of each trait, trait variances, and the inter-trait covariance of a single population in a continuous trait space. Therefore, SPEAD resolves the dynamics of the population’s continuous trait distribution by solving its statistical moments, wherein the variances of trait values represent the diversity of ecotypes. #### For the complete article, please click here.  Guillaume Le GlandSergio M. VallinaS. Lan SmithPedro Cermeño Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## To all of our clients and partners, two opportunities for your FP7 and Horizon 2020 projects! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/clients-partners-two-opportunities-fp7-horizon-2020-projects ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # To all of our clients and partners, two opportunities for your FP7 and Horizon 2020 projects! ## Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) has announced the opportunity for your entity/company to feature your Key Exploitable Result (KRE) on BlueInvest Project Pipeline, a list of innovative projects that is shaping the Blue Economy. IDConsortium The BlueInvest Project Pipeline is, according to its website, a platform which consists “of innovative and scalable business ventures from traditional and emerging sectors of the maritime economy.” The platform is accessible among the BlueInvest Club of Investors and will be promoted at the upcoming 2021 European Maritime Days event held on 20-21 May. Selected by BlueInvest, eligible companies for inclusion should have a KRE of a TRL of 6 or more and have a high investment readiness. The platform also offers BlueInvest Readiness Assistance, an exclusive one-to-one coaching programme to a maximum of 25 companies with high potential for investment readiness. **If you are interested in these opportunities, please follow the instruction provided by the DG MARE:** **Upload your relevant Key Exploitable Result(s)** in the Horizon Results Platform (see instructions on how to do this here; you need your ECAS ID and password to access the EC’s Funding & Tenders Portal, and you must have Coordinator Contact (CoCo) or Participant Contact (PaCo) role in the project) At a certain step, while filling the form, you will be asked to fill in a field called ‘Tags/Keywords’ (see here). - If interested in being considered for the BlueInvest Project Pipeline, please make sure to add the following two exact keywords: ‘emff2021’, ‘missionOceansSeas’. - If interested in only the showcasing of your project results to the mission objectives, please add the following keyword to your list: ‘missionOceansSeas’ - For those projects on the list who already have uploaded related results in the Horizon Results Platform, please revise them to take advantage of the new fields we have introduced in the Platform and, of course, to add the above keywords according to which initiative you would like to be considered for. **The deadline to upload relevant results is** **midnight 19th April**. For any questions, please contact us at EC-HORIZON-RESULTS-PLATFORM@ec.europa.eu. A Key Exploitable Result (KER) is an identified main interesting result (as defined above) which has been selected and prioritised due to its high potential to be “exploited” – meaning to make use and derive benefits- downstream the value chain of a product, process or solution, or act as an important input to policy, further research or education. In order for you to select and prioritise your results, we would recommend that you use the following criteria: **a)** degree of innovation, **b)** exploitability and **c)** impact. List of project reference: ***see download*** Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## An EU-funded project about increasing microalgae biomass production is underway URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eu-funded-project-increasing-microalgae-biomass-production-underway ### NEWS | Prodigio > # An EU-funded project about increasing microalgae biomass production is underway ## We are pleased to announce the start of an EU-funded project where its goal is to develop new technologies (or knowledge) to increase microalgae biomass production; hence advance the research for more sustainable bio-fuels. IDConsortium Prodigio project, entitled *‘Developing early-warning systems for improved microalgae **PRO**duction and anaerobic **DIG**est**IO**n’*, is developing the next generation of renewable energy technologies. The project’s virtual kick-off meeting, organized by Institut de Ciències del Mar of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC-ICM), occurred in late January 2021 where the consortium, comprised of leading research centers from Europe and Taiwan, detailed its goals and expectations while explaining each partner’s individual roles and responsibilities. We are excited to start the project and we are looking forward to working with everyone involved. As the process of monitoring a crucial task for bioprocess optimization, it will play a role in the digitization of future bio-based production systems. While these technologies are underdeveloped, system failure prediction technologies must be an integral part of monitoring schemes. Prodigio project will establish a base of knowledge for system failure prediction technologies, decode the triggers, identify early-warnings, define threshold values, and calculate warning times, which could contribute to increasing resource and energy efficiencies by more than 50%. **For more information about the project, please visit our website** http://prodigio-project.eu/ Álvaro Tamayo, IDConsortium Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Creation of the European digital innovation hub: Di4Air URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/creation-european-digital-innovation-hub-di4air ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Creation of the European digital innovation hub: Di4Air ## In October 2020, a Di4Air consortium was created to promote digitalization in the Airport and Aerospace sectors in the Madrid region. IDConsortium Di4Air is a consortium of public and private entities, coordinated by the University Carlos III of Madrid. Di4Air is composed of some of the most relevant companies at the European and global level in the management and innovation of the Aerospace and Airport sector, such as Ferrovial, Airbus- España and Indra, as well as 4 highly innovative companies and institutions such as Universidad Carlos III, EIT Digital, SMEBOOK, and IDConsortium. Based on the main challenges of the sectors, Di4Air, through an innovative methodology, will select projects based on digital technologies proposed by SMEs through annual calls for proposals. The selected SMEs will be able to carry out their projects for 16 months in close collaboration with the consortium members. In addition, they will be provided with services in different areas such as consultancy, mentoring, and coaching related to the analysis of digital maturity and definition of strategic digitalization plans, access to testing and prototyping facilities, integration services, training, employee exchange programs, access to public and private funding services, search and connections with technology partners and access to different European and international innovation ecosystems. Di4Air was created with the intention of promoting digitalization in such a relevant and strategic sector for the Community of Madrid. For this reason, it has been selected by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism of the Spanish Government to form part of the European network of Digital Innovation Hubs. **For more information, please contact Jesús Izquierdo Rivera @** jizquierdo@idconsortium.es. Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this company: --- ## La UAL participa en el proyecto PRODIGIO para mejorar y estabilizar la producción industrial de microalgas URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/ual-participa-proyecto-prodigio-mejorar-estabilizar-produccion-industrial-microalgas ### NEWS | Prodigio > # La UAL participa en el proyecto PRODIGIO para mejorar y estabilizar la producción industrial de microalgas ## En enero de este año ha comenzado el proyecto europeo PRODIGIO, en el que participa la Universidad de Almería, que en los próximos tres años espera dar un impulso a la producción de microalgas a escala industrial. IDConsortium Los actuales sistemas de producción de microalgas, ya desarrollados, muestran fallos y pérdidas de eficiencia por causas aún desconocidas. Un grupo de investigadores de la Universidad de Almería, formado por F. Gabriel Acién, José M. Fernández, Cintia Gómez y Ana Sánchez, pretende dar respuesta a estas cuestiones y contribuir así al escalado industrial de procesos basados en este tipo de microorganismos. Lo hace a través de su participación en el proyecto europeo PRODIGIO, que ha comenzado su andadura el pasado mes de enero y que en los próximos tres años espera dar un impulso a la producción de microalgas a escala mundial. #### Para obtener la información completa, haga clic aquí. ​ Ana Sánchez Zurano, researcher at Almería University Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## La UAL participa en el proyecto PRODIGIO de mejora de la producción industrial de microalgas URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/ual-participa-proyecto-prodigio-mejora-produccion-industrial-microalgas ### NEWS | Prodigio > # La UAL participa en el proyecto PRODIGIO de mejora de la producción industrial de microalgas ## En enero comenzó la iniciativa en la que participa la Universidad de Almería y que en los próximos tres años espera dar un impulso a la producción de microalgas a escala industrial. IDConsortium Los actuales sistemas de producción de microalgas, ya desarrollados, muestran fallos y pérdidas de eficiencia por causas aún desconocidas. Un grupo de investigadores de la Universidad de Almería, formado por F. Gabriel Acién, José M. Fernández, Cintia Gómez y Ana Sánchez, pretende dar respuesta a estas cuestiones y contribuir así al escalado industrial de procesos basados en este tipo de microorganismos. Lo hace a través de su participación en el proyecto europeo PRODIGIO, que ha comenzado su andadura el pasado mes de enero y que **en los próximos tres años espera dar un impulso a la producción de microalgas a escala mundial**. El objetivo es aprender de lo que ocurre en los cultivos de microalgas para poder desarrollar herramientas de control y escalado de este tipo de proceso. “Se necesita domesticar las microalgas para hacerlas más eficientes y productivas como ocurre con la ganadería y agricultura actual, pero lo que el hombre tardó milenios en hacer en el pasado hoy lo tenemos que hacer en pocos años”, explican los investigadores. #### Para obtener la información completa, haga clic aquí. ​ Ana Sánchez Zurano, researcher at Almería University Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## La UAL participa en el proyecto ‘Prodigio’ para mejorar y estabilizar la producción industrial de microalgas URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/ual-proyecto-prodigio-mejorar-estabilizar-produccion-industrial-microalgas ### NEWS | Prodigio > # La UAL participa en el proyecto ‘Prodigio’ para mejorar y estabilizar la producción industrial de microalgas ## En enero de este año ha comenzado el proyecto europeo PRODIGIO, en el que participa la Universidad de Almería, que en los próximos tres años espera dar un impulso a la producción de microalgas a escala industrial. IDConsortium ALMERÍA*.- *Los actuales sistemas de producción de microalgas, ya desarrollados, muestran fallos y pérdidas de eficiencia por causas aún desconocidas. Un grupo de investigadores de la Universidad de Almería, formado por F. Gabriel Acién, José M. Fernández, Cintia Gómez y Ana Sánchez, pretende dar respuesta a estas cuestiones y contribuir así al escalado industrial de procesos basados en este tipo de microorganismos. Lo hace a través de su participación en el proyecto europeo PRODIGIO, que ha comenzado su andadura el pasado mes de enero y que en los próximos tres años espera dar un impulso a la producción de microalgas a escala mundial.   #### Para obtener la información completa, haga clic aquí. Ana Sánchez Zurano, researcher at Almería University Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## New EU-funded project aimed at mineral nutrient recovery is underway URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/new-eu-funded-project-aimed-mineral-nutrient-recovery-underway ### NEWS | Rustica > # New EU-funded project aimed at mineral nutrient recovery is underway ## We are pleased to announce the signing of the RUSTICA project where through a transdisciplinary multi-actor approach, we aim to validate, demonstrate and integrate six technological options for mineral nutrient recovery from fruit and vegetable waste streams in multi-valorisation configurations across 4 regions in the European Union. IDConsortium The project will be validated in the context of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), through a close cooperation with The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT in Colombia. Besides technical development, the project will aim to co-develop practical circular bio-based business models for the valorisation of vegetable and fruit waste streams via biofertilizer production. The participants that are involved in this project include University of Leuven, Organic Waste Systems NV, Chambre Régionale d’Agricultures des Pays de la Loire, BioSabor, S.A.T., Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi dell’Economia Agraria, Fundacion para las Tecnologias Auxiliares de la Agricultura, Avecom NV, Entomo Consulting S.L., Particula Group d.o.o., Wiedemann GmbH, IDConsortium SL, Stichting CropEye, Eigen Vermogen van het Instituut voor Landbouw, Visserij en Voedingsonderzoek, The Netherland’s Organisation of Applied Scientific Research, Universiteit Gent, from across European Union, The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, and The International Center for Tropical Agriculture of the CGIAR. The call ID is under **CE-RUR-08** and proposal **ID is SEP-210640749**. Adelheid Wiedemann, Wiedemann GmbH Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Position paper: statement on the design of the recovery and resilience plans URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/position-paper-statement-design-recovery-resilience-plans ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Position paper: statement on the design of the recovery and resilience plans ## Great start from the European Commission – it is time for cooperation between Member States to enable Europe-wide industry participation. IDConsortium The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) welcomes the recovery and resilience facility which will allow faster recovery from the pandemic and renew Europe for better competitiveness. However, we suggest acting in a more coordinated way between Member States to ensure the funds allocated will be properly and efficiently spent. As experts around Europe on innovation funding, EAIC offers its support in advising how to improve national innovation policies to maximise industrial investments, find best partners and balance competence gaps between Member States and Regions.   The EU’s long-term budget, coupled with Next Generation EU (NGEU), the temporary instrument designed to boost the recovery, will be the largest stimulus package ever financed through the EU budget (€1.8 trillion). The European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) applauds the initiative of the European Commission and considers the NGEU (€750 billion) absolutely necessary at this time.   As a reminder, The Recovery and Resilience Facility is the centrepiece of Next Generation EU with €672.5 billion in loans and grants available to support reforms and investments undertaken by EU countries. The aim is to mitigate the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic and make European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient, and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions.   To read the complete EAIC’s position paper, please click on the download below. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## Optimización de la bioconversión de biomasa algal en biogás a escala industrial URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/optimizacion-bioconversion-biomasa-algal-biogas-escala-industrial ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Optimización de la bioconversión de biomasa algal en biogás a escala industrial ## El 1 de enero de 2021 comenzó el proyecto PRODIGIO, cuyo objetivo principal es desarrollar un modelo que permita predecir el fallo en los procesos biológicos de cultivo de microalgas y digestión anaerobia para producir biogás. IDConsortium El cultivo de microalgas permite recuperar nutrientes de aguas residuales, dando lugar a un agua limpia y a una biomasa algal que puede valorizarse mediante digestión anaerobia en energía (biogás). La optimización de estos procesos promueve el escalado industrial de tecnologías de bajo coste e impacto ambiental para el tratamiento de aguas y la producción de energía renovable. PRODIGIO (Developing early-warning systems for improved microalgae PROduction and anaerobic DIGestIOn) está financiado por el programa de la Unión Europea Horizon 2020 investigación e innovación (No 101007006). Dentro de este proyecto europeo, IMDEA Energía, lidera el paquete de trabajo 2, cuyo objetivo es determinar los indicadores biológicos que permiten predecir el fallo de la digestión anaerobia. El escalado de este proceso desde los estudios de laboratorio hasta su implementación industrial, habitualmente genera un pérdida progresiva de eficiencia en la producción de biogás. Por ello, identificar estos indicadores y generar un modelo de predicción ayudará a prevenir las pérdidas de eficiencia y así, optimizar la producción de biogás a escala industrial. Más información: Cristina González Fernández, Jefa de la Unidad de Procesos Biotecnológicos y líder del paquete de trabajo 2 del proyecto PRODIGIO (cristina.gonzalez@imdea.org) #### Si quieres acceder a toda la información: Ana Sánchez Zurano, researcher at Almería University Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## Check out this article that discusses genetic modifications on microalgae, similar to Prodigio project! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/article-discusses-genetic-modifications-microalgae-similar-prodigio-project ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Check out this article that discusses genetic modifications on microalgae, similar to Prodigio project! ## The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being integrated into bioeconomy strategies around the world, including the European Green Deal. IDConsortium ## A short excerpt: ## Microbiome innovations for a sustainable future We highlight how microbiome-based innovations can contribute to policies that interface with the SDGs and argue that international cooperation in microbiome science is crucial for success. In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to improve the lives of people around the world. A 15-year programme for global sustainable development was set out, with the SDGs forming the backbone of this plan. Many nations incorporated the SDGs into government policies by adopting national bioeconomy strategies to achieve the SDGs and setting targets to mitigate climate change. Bioeconomy strategies embrace sustainability and circularity principles such as the production of food, materials and energy from renewable biological resources including crops, forests, fish, animals and microorganisms1. Such strategies aim to ensure a sustainable increase of primary production and enable economies to rely less on fossil-based fuels and other non-sustainable resources, and more on renewable and reusable resources, including waste. Bioeconomy strategies have converged with the aims of the SDGs as bioeconomy solutions are key to sustainable production that protects natural resources and biodiversity, and follows circular concepts.   ### **To read the full publication, please click on the link below.** **https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-020-00857-w** Kathleen D’Hondt, Tanja Kostic, Richard McDowell, Francois Eudes, Brajesh K. Singh, Sara Sarkar, Marios Markakis, Bettina Schelkle, Emmanuelle Maguin and Angela Sessitsch Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## See how algae could change our world URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/see-how-algae-could-change-world ### NEWS | Prodigio > # See how algae could change our world ## What’s so great about algae? It grows 10 times more rapidly than terrestrial plants, and less than a tenth of the land is needed to produce an equivalent amount of biomass. IDConsortium Charles Greene is a climate scientist who looks at the impact of climate on marine ecosystems. He’s a Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University and member of the Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) which has a grant from the Department of Energy to look into the commercial viability of algal biofuels. In February 2018, Greene presented his views on how algae could provide solutions to the grand global challenges of the 21st century (energy, climate, and food security) at the American Geophysical Union’s biannual ocean sciences meeting, in Portland, Oregon.   #### For the complete article, please click here. Ana Sánchez Zurano, researcher at Almería University Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## PRODIGIO, the EU project aimed at boosting microalgae biogas production, starts URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prodigio-eu-project-aimed-boosting-microalgae-biogas-production-starts ### NEWS | Prodigio > # PRODIGIO, the EU project aimed at boosting microalgae biogas production, starts ## During the project’s kick-off meeting, which was held last January, the partners explained not only the role and responsibilities of everyone but also the main objectives and research lines of the project. IDConsortium The EU project PRODIGIO, coordinated by the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM), celebrated last January its kick-off meeting virtually. The partners took the opportunity to explain not only the role and responsibilities of everyone but also the main objectives and research lines of a project that intends to bring microalgae biogas production technologies faster to commercialization. ####   #### **Click here to view the complete** news. Ana Sánchez Zurano, researcher at Almería University Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## First tests with AGREMSO3IL Prototype give promising results URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/first-tests-agremso3il-prototype-promising-results ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # First tests with AGREMSO3IL Prototype give promising results ## Essays carried out in practical real conditions using AGREMSOIL prototype installed in IMIDA´s experimental farm have provided “very satisfactory” results, according to Dr José Fenoll, scientific coordinator of LIFE-AGREMSO3IL​. IDConsortium The aim of this project, which is co-financed by the European Commission’s LIFE Programme, is the agrochemical remediation of farm soils by combining solarisation and ozonation techniques. During the project execution, it is being assessed the influence of ozonation technology in pesticides soil content, the population of soil biota (nematodes and microorganisms) and its consequences on the performance of agricultural crops. The tests were conducted using the Agremsoil prototype in an experimental greenhouse at Torreblanca IMIDA facilities and several treatments were assayed (solarization, solarization plus ozonation with surface ozone contribution, solarization plus ozonation with subterranean ozone contribution and solarization plus ozonation with dual ozone contribution) along with a control treatment (without solarization or ozonation treatments). Results have showed a higher efficiency in treatments conducted with ozone, particularly when it is applied under soil surface. Pesticide degradation ranged from 10-20 % for control and solarisation treatments, 40 % when ozone was applied in superficial or deep mode and 70% when the ozone was applied simultaneously in both ways, superficial plus deep. With respect to ozonation influence in soil biota, results indicate that, although the applied ozone may have certain negative effect in microbial biomass level, it did not affect to soil enzyme activities related to biogeochemical cycles and nutrients and increased the degradation of labile fractions of soil organic matter. More importantly, ozone did not affect the total content of soil organic carbon, which is fundamental indicator of soil quality and health. After these promising results, the prototype was moved away from Torreblanca experimental farm to Cuesta Mula farm (Águilas, Murcia), a commercial plantation owned by Expo-Aguilas co-operative and dedicated to tomato crop, where we will continue testing its operation and performance in real farm conditions. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Introduction to Horizon Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/introduction-horizon-europe ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # Introduction to Horizon Europe ## The eighth Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development by the European Union and the European Commission, Horizon Europe, was recently presented and will replace the current Horizon 2020 programme, which will end on 26 January 2021 with the last Green Deal call. IDConsortium As a starting point, Horizon Europe represents an “evolution, not revolution” in the European leadership strategy, implementing the successes achieved in Horizon 2020 as well as addressing its shortcomings. The new Horizon Europe programme is, to date, the most ambitious funding programme presented, with a budget of EUR 95.5 billion as part of the long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework) for the period 2021-2027. This includes €5.4 Billion from the NextGeneration EU to stimulate EU regeneration and increase its resilience, as well as an additional €4.5 Billion reinforcement. In total, this represents a 30% increase over the current research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020. Following the Horizon 2020’s financing scheme, Horizon Europe will simplify the financial structure of the previous programme into 3 main pillars, and a separate one pillar that is transversal to the rest. Pillar I, also known as Excellent Science, will largely be similar from the previous programme and will still to reinforce and extend the excellence of the Union’s science base and further investment. It will continue to promote European science through initiatives by the European Research Council (ERC), the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grants, and the construction of top-notch research infrastructures. The Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Pillar II, will focus on funding innovations that address societal challenges, strengthening technological and industrial capacities. It will aim to set and achieve European objectives relating to the major challenges (climate change, health, clean and digital energy). Under this pillar, partnerships between European countries, industry, and stakeholders will be funded to carry out joint R&D activities. Pillar II will be divided into multiple clusters: culture, creativity and inclusive society; civil security for society; climate, energy, and mobility; food, bio-economy, natural resources, agriculture and environment; and health. Along with these defined clusters, the EU’s missions will aim to solve some of the most challenging problems for European society, such as the fight against cancer, adaptation to climate change or improving the health of the oceans. The Innovative Europe, Pillar III, aims to turn Europe into a leader in market-creation innovation through the European Innovation Council. It will also establish Europe’s overall innovation landscape by developing the ecosystem through the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), which promotes the integration of the knowledge triangle of education, research and innovation. Under this pillar we find, - European Innovation Council (EIC) focuses on market-creating innovation and the growth of SMEs. In recent years, a pilot programme for the EIC programme has been launched, including the EIC Accelerator and the so-called EIC Pathfinders. - European Innovation Ecosystems connects with regional and national innovation actors - European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) focuses on the integration of research, higher education, enterprise and entrepreneurship. Under this funding programme lies the ambitious objective of Europe leading the fight against climate change and the creation of more than 300,000 new jobs. Let’s say goodbye to 2020 by welcoming Horizon Europe! Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this program: --- ## The World Soil Day – Agremso3il effects URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/world-soil-day-agremso3il-effects ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # The World Soil Day – Agremso3il effects ## According to the United Nations, World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources​. IDConsortium The AGREMSOIL project has evaluated the effects of ozonisation on a key component of soil fertility: its microbiota. Soil microorganisms are essential for plant development and are extremely diverse. Thanks to the enzymes produced by the microorganisms, simple compounds of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus are generated in the soil which are taken up by the roots of the plants and promote agricultural production.Our preliminary results indicate that ozonisation promotes the degradation of pesticides. Ozone is also a disinfecting agent and could cause damage to soil microbes and their functions in the cycle of the mentioned nutrients. However, our preliminary results indicate that ozonisation does not cause changes in the activity of microorganisms, which is a positive result that could support the use of these technologies in soil decontamination. Some links to important news about biodiversity: https://www.laverdad.es/nuestra-tierra/ciencia/reconciliar-agricultura-biodiversidad-20190604215406-nt.html https://elpais.com/elpais/2020/01/20/ciencia/1579530824_893654.html https://elpais.com/ciencia/2020-08-28/el-aumento-de-ozono-amenaza-los-insectos-las-plantas-y-los-microorganismos-del-suelo.html https://www.laverdad.es/murcia/estudio-demuestra-biodiversidad-20200203190503-nt.html Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## It’s official! EAIC has been launched URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/official-eaic-has-been-launched ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # It’s official! EAIC has been launched ## We are excited to share that the European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) has been launched to boost European research and innovation investments. We are proud to be a new member of EAIC and looking forward to an extensive collaboration among consultancy companies in Europe. IDConsortium We aim to work with the Association from this day forward in creating synergies between members, identifying common issues and goals, facilitating knowledge, and, among others, representing EAIC towards European institutions. The elected EAIC’s President, Pekka Koponen, welcomed the decision and said, “Innovation consultants play an important role as the glue and catalyst between European innovators from largest enterprises to growth companies and academic organizations. We transfer the latest information on public funding to our clients, help them build and raise funding for their innovation and manage resulting projects and ecosystems professionally for new business, other impact and finally, competitiveness of European industry that keeps the whole innovation system running. EAIC also stands to make sure that our members do their work with strictest code of ethics and professionalism, always walking the extra mile needed for success.” Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## Assessing the intestinal permeability and anti-inflammatory potential of sesquiterpene lactones from chicory URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/assessing-intestinal-permeability-anti-inflammatory-potential-sesquiterpene-lactones-chicory ### NEWS | Chic > # Assessing the intestinal permeability and anti-inflammatory potential of sesquiterpene lactones from chicory ## Chicory is a main dietary source of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), which have underexplored bioactive potential. It has recently gained popularity due to large quantities of health promoting compounds in its roots, including inulin and SLs. IDConsortium We are pleased to announce the recently accepted scientific publication about chicory from one of our partners, Claudia Nunes dos Santos from iBET entitled, “Assessing the Intestinal Permeability and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Sesquiterpene Lactones from Chicory”, published in Nutrients (https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113547).   In the study, researchers have assessed the capacity of SLs to permeate the intestinal barrier to become physiologically available, using in silico predictions and in vitro studies with the well-established cell model of the human intestinal mucosa (differentiated Caco-2 cells). Researchers also evaluated the potential of SLs to modulate inflammatory responses through modulation of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) pathway, using a yeast reporter system. The study revealed Lactucopicrin as the most permeable chicory SL in the intestinal barrier model but had low anti-inflammatory potential. Accordingly, 11β,13-dihydrolactucin SL showed with the highest anti-inflammatory potential, which inhibited up to 54% of Calcineurin-responsive zinc finger (Crz1) activation, concomitantly with the impairment of the nuclear accumulation of Crz1, the yeast orthologue of human NFAT.   To learn more about the study, please follow this link: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/11/3547 Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## EAIC has selected IDConsortium as a member URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eaic-has-selected-idconsortium-member ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # EAIC has selected IDConsortium as a member ## We are pleased to announce that IDConsortium has been selected as one of the Members of the European Association of Innovation Consultants (EAIC) where it gathers the most relevant European companies specializing in Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) financing and management. IDConsortium Formerly known as European Working Group for Innovation Consultants (EWGIC), EAIC aims to amplify collaboration among consultancy companies in Europe and exploring shared interests and goals to enhance the impact of actions at European level.   **The Association aims, in particular, to:** • Create synergies between members to promote the added value their professional services bring to RDI collaborations in Europe and carry out actions of common interests and benefits for its members. • Enhance a positive image of European professional innovation consulting companies by ensuring and maintaining high professionalism and ethical values among members. • Represent the EAIC towards European institutions and stakeholders to defend the specific expertise and professionalism of EAIC members and acknowledge the increased project impact they deliver to the European research community • Identify common issues and goals of its members and pursue them in a coordinated manner on a national level by contributing to national concertation and enhancing direct dialogues with the different representations of the EU Member States. • Facilitate knowledge sharing on best practices and information between members on the latest evolutions in the European RDI ecosystem. • Foster the participation of the private sector to European RD&I programmes for stronger impact and exploitation of results. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## XI International Agriculture Symposium – AGROSYM 2020 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/xi-international-agriculture-symposium-agrosym-2020 ### NEWS | Chic > # XI International Agriculture Symposium – AGROSYM 2020 ## In the article “Metabolic Engineering in Chicory by CRISPR/Cas9 Editing”, presented at the XI International Agriculture Symposium “AGROSYM 2020”, held virtually on 8-9th of October 2020, a recently popular gene editing technique was used to alter chicory genes involved in the metabolism of bitter compounds that belong to the group of terpenoids. IDConsortium This CRISPR/Cas9 editing technique is a scientific tool that enables a very precise genome editing, the importance of which is reflected in the fact that it’s discovery earned this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The technique was used to edit chicory genes that produce bioactive but bitter compounds, with the purpose to obtain chicory varieties with less bitter taste and varieties in which the industrial extraction of inulin, an important prebiotic fiber and sweetener, is facilitated. Gene editing in chicory was successful and we were able to confirm and characterize three mutated plants, which will be used further to reach the goals of the CHIC project. We also improved the way we detect these mutants by using a combination of PCR methods and enzymatic cutting of mutations introduced into the DNA by CRISPR/Cas9. These improvements enable a faster and more sensitive detection of mutated plants which will be important for ongoing research on CHIC.   For more information about the project, please visit us at http://chicproject.eu/ To find out more about the event, please visit http://agrosym.ues.rs.ba/index.php/en/ Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## What does young generation think about gene editing? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/what-young-generation-think-gene-editing ### NEWS | Chic > # What does young generation think about gene editing? ## Since the CHIC project’s inception 30 months ago, several essential steps and first results continue to arise and become available for the general public. IDConsortium More plants are being evaluated, and a variety of methods for testing safety purposes are in development, in the belief that CHIC will bring healthy and safe products to consumers. Even at the onset of regulatory changes in genome-edited plants, the project is moving forward to achieve what the scientists set out to do. In CHIC, the use of new breeding technologies (NPBTs) is based on the CRISPR-Cas method, which is still highly controversial among the general public. In today’s society, any change in the DNA of any natural organism, such as plants, is often magnified and scrutinized. However, we often wonder what the young generation thinks of such a process. More young people are fighting to save the environment and battling climate change while pushing the narrative to listen to scientists. Though, would they believe, for example, how plant scientists are changing, or saving, our critical food value chain for a more sustainable global society? On 27 November 2020, during European Researchers’ Night, a few young climate activists are invited to a roundtable discussion with plant scientists and researchers from the CHIC project to discuss and get insights, among the young people, about the idea of genome editing. These young people are very passionate about environmental causes, but can they accept that to achieve the goals the society needs to solve the climate crisis, alterations of some of the food’s DNA are a necessity to adjust to the changing environment? The research in the CHIC project is progressing quite well. As the consortium develops four different methods of delivery using CRISPR tools to chicory cells, the result should produce identical genetic outcomes. Since this approach would be more acceptable by the regulators and the general public, less DNA invasiveness must be performed. Further research has been done on inulin, dietary fiber with health-promoting characteristics. In any scientific research that could affect the population, technical, regulatory, and safety aspects of chicory plants using this technique are being assessed. However, a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) could have an adverse effect on the CHIC project, which would make any products derived by genome editing as being under the GMO label. Plant researchers and scientists are certainly against this ruling. In other aspects of the project, the socio-economic and environmental impacts on the whole value chain are also being evaluated. Qualitative research on societal issues regarding chicory innovation will be examined, which currently has six concepts for commercializing the chicory. It focuses on the effects on GDP, growth, competitiveness, employment, water consumption, among others. Stakeholders are also continually engaged to further align technology innovation with societal needs, which includes assessing, among others, acceptance of genome-edited chicory (and derived) products for commercial development. Even with the current ECJ ruling, the legal framework for genome-edited plants in the EU could change. If such time comes, the project will adjust accordingly and find ways to commercialize the process within an accepted legal framework. We ask ourselves, do young people accept this new technology and allow for future research into genome editing if it solves one of many global problems that our society is facing today? Please join us in this exciting roundtable discussion and share your thoughts and opinions! Visit this page for more information and to register! European Researchers Night For more information about the project, please visit us at http://chicproject.eu/ Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## How AGREMSO3IL project mitigates soil and water pollution URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/agremso3il-project-mitigates-soil-water-pollution ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # How AGREMSO3IL project mitigates soil and water pollution ## As we celebrate World Water Week (WWWeek), we are always reminded by the importance of water resources in our daily lives. IDConsortium According to the Government of the Netherlands, “water is key to the wellbeing and resilience of people, societies, and our global economy. Covid-19 has reminded us that water is at the heart of a range of key challenges.”​ The event, according to its website, has developed into the “world’s most influential, innovative, and dynamic movement focused on transforming global water challenges.” The decades’ long conference has been promoting the exchange of views, experiences, and practices between the scientific, business, policy, and civil society. This year’s event, which is called WWWeek At Home (www.worldwaterweek.org), is to bridge the gap between 2019 and 2021 and bring its convenor-hosted, virtual adaptation sessions on water and climate change online. The WWWeek is an annual event organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (https://www.siwi.org/) where they hold different sessions addressing a different wide range of world’s water, development, and sustainability issues. More than 3300 participants have attended the conference since 2017 featuring experts and representatives from different entities including business, governments, water management, and science sectors as well as non-governmental organisations, research, and training organisations. Since its inception, the conference has featured several plenary sessions and panel debates scientific workshops, poster exhibitions, and seminars. The event on “Water Stewardship in Agriculture: Learnings from Implementing the AWS Standard” is based on the fact that agricultural supply chains are heavily reliant on water and face local challenges such as pollution, over-abstraction, and climate change. The project entitled “Agrochemical remediation of farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation techniques” (LIFE-AgRemSO3il – LIFE17 ENV/ES/000203 or AGREMSOIL – http://agremso3il.eu/) creates a solution for one specific problem in agriculture. The concentrations of pesticides exceeding the regulatory level in Europe are often detected in groundwater underlying areas of intensive agriculture. Pesticides are the only group of chemicals that are harming the environment, which aims to suppress plant and animal pests and to protect agricultural and industrial products. Environmental risks derived from such soil contamination include pesticide leaching and subsequent surface water and groundwater contamination, transport to the atmosphere, and even the presence of pesticide residues in untreated crops, such as organic crops, following the absorption of such residues by plants. Overall, intensive pesticide application often results in several negative effects in the environment that cannot be ignored. Most studies that evaluate soil contamination in UE are centered in Persistent Organic Pollutants because of their long-term pollutant character. Residues or metabolites of pesticides such as DDTs, dieldrin, endosulfan or HCH and other organochlorine pesticides (OCP), all of them forbidden -some for decades- are still found nowadays in farm soils in Spain, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Syria, Mexico or Brazil. Two-thirds of the European agricultural soils may be contaminated with OCP, in line with similar studies in Asia and South America. The toxicity of these products means that farm soil remediation strategies are necessary to protect consumers from exposure to unacceptable levels of their residues in food and water. The AGREMSOIL project is designed to achieve better soil management reducing pesticide contamination at the farm level. The project’s main target is how to solve the remediation of farm soils polluted with pesticides for years. The lack of a technology or method to degrade these residues in farm soils -not only in Europe- causes the impossibility of effective decontamination of such soils. EU LIFE Programme is particularly interested in developing an innovative cost-effective solution, which did not exist before, in supporting soil functions as part of the wider ecosystem: agriculture soil, groundwater, water flows, and the impact on food and feed products with their consequential effects on human health. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Learn more about Ronald! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/learn-more-about-ronald-team-member ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Learn more about Ronald! ## We are pleased to welcome Ronald Tipan as our new Marketing and Communications Manager in charge of all communication-related tasks for IDConsortium. IDConsortium He is a skilled communication professional with a strong interest in EU and international affairs and extensive professional experience working at international organizations, NGOs, or companies in the area of public, policy, and advocacy affairs. He also has strong project management, external and donor relations, project research, marketing, and communication experience that will allow him to utilize within the company. He has acquired a variety of skills including project and finance management, content production, data analysis, donor relations, event coordination, and supervising interns and staff throughout his career. He has also obtained an EU Project Management Training certificate. He has a master’s degree in European Studies from KU Leuven in Belgium and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago in the United States. In the last 10 years, he has volunteered all over the world where he gained expansive working experience and newfound skills while immersing himself in the local culture. He went diving in Malaysia, snowboarded in Switzerland, played baseball in Belgium, and hiked Mt. Everest base camp. He is adventurous and likes the outdoors. In his spare time, you will see him hike in the nearby forest or explore his neighborhood on a bike. Visit his LinkedIn page for more information: click here Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## AGREMSO3IL Project Prototype Transfer URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/agremso3il-project-prototype-transfer ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # AGREMSO3IL Project Prototype Transfer ## The prototype has been transferred to the pilot farm​. IDConsortium On June 26th a very important milestone of the Agremsoil project took place. The designed prototype was transferred from the experimental farm of Torreblanca to the “Cuesta Mula” pilot farm in Águilas (Murcia). In this way it is possible to see the satisfactory progress being made in the project during the testing period in Torreblanca. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## CHIC vs. Covid-19 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-vs-covid19 ### NEWS | Chic > # CHIC vs. Covid-19 ## In CHIC we join the fight against coronavirus and want to research whether compounds from the root of chicory can be developed into drugs against the virus. IDConsortium #### We are looking for research partners to test this activity. #### If you need more information, please write us through our contact form.   **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Hanne Cooreman Álvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## Biotechnology from the Blue Flower URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/biotechnology-from-blue-flower ### NEWS | Chic > # Biotechnology from the Blue Flower ## Artists Anna Dumitriu and Alex May are working with CHIC Consortium members to develop a new sculptural and bio-digital installation entitled “Biotechnology from the Blue Flower” and will be spending time on site with consortium members over the life of the project. IDConsortium In 2019 the artists attended the consortium meeting in Madrid and have been working with chicory roots in their studio, and in February 2020 they will be visiting Wageningen Plant Research, Sensus and KeyGene as part of their research with more visits to come. Dumitriu and May are exploring the internal and external morphology of chicory plants and well as the history and cultural impacts of the plants throughout history, for example as an ancient remedy, a natural dye, or a coffee additive in times of crisis and they aim to make links between those earlier histories and the cutting edge contemporary research being explored today by the CHIC Consortium, especially and the potential future benefits of working with new plant breeding methods techniques such as CRISPR to provide future healthcare and food security benefits.  Chicory was one of the plants (along with the cornflower) that inspired the idea of the Blue Flower in German Romanticism – a central symbol of the movement. The romantic movement was in part a reaction to the industrial revolution and held nature and emotion in high esteem. The artists told us “we feel that we are now experiencing a biotechnological revolution and it’s fascinating again this idea of the blue flower becomes an important symbol again, but this time in a more complex position at the interface of nature and technology. Central to societal explorations of what may be acceptable in terms of synthetic biology and how ‘nature’ and ‘natural’ may be defined in the future.” The artists are focussing on the areas of the use of chicory for dietary fibre and its impact on human health and the human microbiome, antibiotics, and the uses of inulin and medicinal terpenes extracted from Cichorium intybus (common chicory). They are working with the plants themselves: the roots, the flowers, chicory flour and chicory inulin and terpenes, as well as other potential materials they might discover. These sculptural, physical materials will be fused with video footage from the laboratory and data visualisations derived from the research processed through 3D scanning and modelling techniques to create a final installation with outcomes being developed throughout the life of the project. The artists are especially keen to work with CRISPR, as a development to Anna Dumitriu’s earlier works with synthetic biology, such as “Make Do and Mend”, which the CRISPR Journal described as “Perhaps the First Application of CRISPR gene editing technology in BioArt” Keep up to date with the artists at www.annadumitriu.co.uk and www.alexmayarts.co.uk Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## PFR INDIGENOUS URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/pfr-indigenous ### NEWS | Chic > # PFR INDIGENOUS ## Māori tribes, or “Iwi”, are well integrated into modern society but generally retain very strong links to their traditional land and communities. Those that have remained rural, have been very reliant on agricultural and forestry for their livelihoods. IDConsortium Many individuals who have migrated to the cities have maintained strong links to regional areas. Uptake of new technologies by Māori has usually been quick, except in cases where economic hardship has prevented uptake. However, as far as genetic techniques are concerned, the literature suggests there are more Māori positioned on the anti-GM end of the spectrum. **Māori are innovative.** As traditionally they were agriculturally based, being farmers and harvesters of seafood, trying new things and approaches was and is important. However, GM or gene editing challenges several culturally-specific sensitivities. An example is a stronger sense of relatedness/genealogy (termed whakapapa) is a key concept for Māori communities. ***DNA, and its change, over the generations is therefore generally a more sensitive issue to Māori than European groups.*** Similarly, it is generally thought it is better to not change the essence (termed mauri) of a species as each species has its own unique qualities. Where Māori farmers are involved their agricultural practices are modern. One aspect to remember is that Māori farmers are unlikely to shift production to other places, as they are on a certain area of land long-term (due to their strong sense of belonging to the land, as well as owning the land). There is a wide range of farming practices amongst the Māori community from basic farming through to highly technological farming including organics. Many of the tools developed by CHIC for general audiences will transfer. More emphasis on open conversations and debate (meetings termed, “hui”); these are the practice by which Māori groups come to a consensus. However, centralized decision making (such as a Government law or policy) isn’t the best way of convincing Maori groups. Local and regional discussions are more important; catchphrase – Local issues, local solutions. **Long-term plans are more important than short-term gains. Climate change is a major concern. Māori have a strong sense of guardianship (kaitiakitanga) over their land and resources and climate change threatens this.** Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Commercial exploitation of chicory as a multipurpose crop URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/commercial-exploitation-chicory-multipurpose-crop ### NEWS | Chic > # Commercial exploitation of chicory as a multipurpose crop ## The aim of WP8 is to collect and analyse the information gathered from other WPs and finally to develop two strong business cases for NPBT chicory, where the other one is related to dietary fibre and the other for bioactive terpenes. IDConsortium Important dietary fibre component in chicory is inulin, which for example promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Inulin is produced in varying lengths in chicory and the longer the inulin chain, the more beneficial it is and less it causes unpleasant gas formation in the intestine. Terpenes, on the other hand, are small natural compounds, which are produced in chicory to compete in the environment and which have beneficial properties for humans, too, for example as antimicrobial compounds or anti-cancer drugs. In WP8, the NPBT chicory with improved inulin and terpene fractions are studied for they bioactivity as well as for safety. Improved inulin properties will be demonstrated by both inulin structure and chain length and in gut fermentation models, which mimic the conditions in human gut. These studies allow evaluation of the digestibility properties as well as alterations in gut microbiota after inulin intake. The terpenes possessing the most promising bioactivities, will be evaluated for their toxicity to ensure their safety. Exploitation potential of the most promising NPBT chicory variants will be further evaluated via different value chains models for business case development. Gut fermentation and microbiological models showed that the inulin length influences to gas formation and a slight increase in beneficial *Lactobacillus* gut bacteria can be seen after inulin intake. Various cell models for intestinal toxicity have been implemented and studies are currently on-going. Two values chains were defined: 1) for both inulin and terpenes and 2) only terpenes. Different food grade solvents for extraction of inulin and terpenes were evaluated and a hypothetical market price was calculated for the terpenes (inulin has a known market with a known market price). For both value chains a terpene market price was calculated that was in range with typical market prices for pharma ingredients, leading to the conclusion that in this phase both value chains appear to be feasible market options. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE-AgRemSO3il in the LIFE platform meeting on waste-water treatment URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-life-platform-meeting-waste-water-treatment ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE-AgRemSO3il in the LIFE platform meeting on waste-water treatment ## The LIFE-AGREMSO3IL project attended the LIFE Platform meeting on Waste-Water Treatment, held in Barcelona, at the Agbar Water Museum on January 29th-30th 2020. IDConsortium The visit started with a field trip to Barcelona Baix Llobregat WWTP with Cetaqua LIFE projects aWARE, WIRE, and ENRICH. AGREMSO3IL project was presented to the event’s audience during the speed presentation poster organized in the first plenary session of the meeting. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Learn more about Jesús! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/learn-more-about-jesus-team-member ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Learn more about Jesús! ## We are pleased to introduce Jesús Izquierdo Rivera, Innovation Project Manager at IDConsortium where he manages EU-funded and Spanish projects. IDConsortium For more than 8 years, Jesús has developed his professional career in the ICT sector. During his university study, he obtained a grant from the Spanish Ministry to work as a researcher. In the private sector, he worked in companies related to telecommunications infrastructures in business development departments. Soon after, he went to work for large corporations in the ICT infrastructure sector and then went on to provide technical training at an international level. Several years later, he moved to a management position in the Spanish Association of Telecommunications Engineers as a General Manager. **Jesús Izquierdo Rivera** is a Telecommunications Engineer graduate at the University of Seville and became an expert in innovation management at ESADE and UNIR, and digital marketing at a few business schools. His skills include business management, people management, event management, analytical, proactive, leadership, self-taught, creative, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. Currently, he is a Project Manager in IDConsortium where he performs financial, grant writing, and consulting tasks related to H2020, PRIMA, and LIFE projects. In addition, he trains and informs himself about Horizon Europe calls such as ERC and EIC, and the NextGeneration projects at the European and Spanish level. His experience and continued training make him a person with high digital and management skills. A profile that brings a lot of value during these times of digital transformation. Visit his LinkedIn page for more information: click here Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## Most efficient source of fuel may be tiniest organism URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/most-efficient-source-fuel-tiniest-organism ### NEWS | Prodigio > # Most efficient source of fuel may be tiniest organism ## Algae often gets a bad rap — for creating dead zones in the ocean and toxic pond scum when the “wrong” algae blooms. But it also has a talent that may help people around the world. IDConsortium The tiny single-celled, plantlike organisms known as algae are more efficient than other organisms at converting sunlight and carbon dioxide into the raw materials needed for foods, products and fuels. And not just a few specialized fuels. At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, scientist Lieve Laurens said algae biofuels can do almost everything that’s done by fossil fuels, including powering anything from trucks to cargo ships. ####   #### For the complete article, click here. Ana Sánchez Zurano, researcher at Almería University Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE-AgRemSO3il in the LIFE PureAgroH2O conference URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-life-pureagroh2o-conference ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE-AgRemSO3il in the LIFE PureAgroH2O conference ## The LIFE-AGREMSO3IL project atended the 1st LIFE PureAgroH2O Conference, held in Athens on January 17th 2020. IDConsortium This event was hosted by the Benaki Phytopathological Institute and organized in collaboration with the National Center of Research “Demokritos”. LIFE PureAgroH2O project is expected to deliver a novel solution on the purification of agro-industrial effluents and the cost-effective reclaim of the treated water by means of photocatalytic nanofiltration technology for pollutants removal and water re-use of these agro-industrial wastes. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## First results of LIFE-AgRemSO3il experiments with small prototype URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/first-results-life-agremso3il-experiments-small-prototype ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # First results of LIFE-AgRemSO3il experiments with small prototype ## Initial tests, performed during last year, using a small prototype of the LIFE-AgRemSO3il project have provided “very satisfactory” results, according to Dr. José Fenoll, scientific coordinator of the project. IDConsortium The last essays (May-August 2019) were carried out in pots containing 3 Kg of clay loam soil (2.2% organic matter content, 33.94% clay, 39.87% silt, 26.19% sand) spiked with 33 active ingredients to 1 mg Kg-1 of each one and placed in a greenhouse. Three different treatments were applied to the soil: solarization (placement of transparent plastic), ozonation + solarization (application of ozone while the soil is covered), and a control experiment were also conducted (without any treatment). The results showed degradations of 49% for control treatment, 69% for solarisation, and 82% for ozonation + solarisation. Regarding the effects on soil microbiota, the foreseen set of analyses was performed for every essay, and the results suggest that the assayed ozone conditions are not harmful in soil. These positive effects will be checked in the following stages of the project at a larger scale. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## FERTIPLUS URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/fertiplus-reducing-use-mineral-fertilisers ### NEWS | Fertiplus > # FERTIPLUS – Reducing the use of mineral fertilisers and agro-chemicals recycling treated organic waste as compost and bio-char ## A vast quantity of organic waste is produced annually within the EU. Agriculture is the biggest contributor in organic residues, followed by yard and forestry waste, sludge waste from water treatment plants, food processing waste, and an organic fraction in municipal waste. IDConsortium Urban and farm organic residues are a large source of nutrients and today not used to its full potential. Biochar, compost and biochar-compost blend are products that have a potential to be used commercially in agriculture as an alternative or partial substitution to synthetic fertilizers. FERTIPLUS has taken up the challenge to identify innovative processing technologies and strategies to convert urban and farm organic waste into valuable and safe products for use in agriculture and horticulture. We have focused on compost and biochar and a blend of both products. The most attractive options have been tested in lab and field trials. Based on our experiments we provide science based information on use, quality and safety of these products. This should allow industries to further develop these products. We have concluded and communicated with EU policy makers on the options for regulation and revision of the fertilizer legislation to enhance safe use of these recycled products in agriculture. Waste processing considered in FERTIPLUS included biological treatment, composting, or pyrolysis resulting in biochar and combinations of such products including anaerobic digestion. We have suggestions on what characteristics make a good biochar and what functionality biochar would add to sustain and enhance soil properties and soil quality once applied to soils. And we have tested how biochar can be used in combination with composting or added to compost or in combination with anaerobic digestion to enhance the nutrient retention and nutrient use efficiency. Our website at www.fertiplus.eu provides focused dissemination and communication with brochures and reports and findings from meetings on innovations with our stakeholders, farmers and extension services. FERTIPLUS has worked with 14 partners and it has been a great pleasure to work together and the support from the EU FP7 programme and other funding has been greatly appreciated by all of us. PETER KUIKMAN Fertiplus is coordinated by Dr. Peter Kuikman at ALTERRA at Wageningen University and Research Center. Check out FertiPlus’ project brochure and learn more about this amazing project! ### Project photos: Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## FUEL4ME – FUture European League for Microalgal Energy URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/fuel4me-future-european-league-microalgal-energy ### NEWS | Fuel4me > # FUEL4ME – FUture European League for Microalgal Energy ## To develop a sustainable, scalable process for biofuels from microalgae and to valorize the by-products by 2017. IDConsortium WHAT IS FUEL4ME? - European Project funded by the 7th Framework Program with a budget of 5,4 M€. - It was developed since 1st of January, 2013 until 31st of December, 2017. - The project coordinator was Wageningen Food & Biobased Research. The main Fuel4Me goals were: - To establish a sustainable chain for continuous biofuel production and valorize the byproducts using microalgae as a production platform, thereby making 2nd generation biofuels competitive alternatives to fossil fuels. - To contribute to the transition to a sustainable energy model. Check out FUEL4ME’s project brochure and learn more about this amazing project! ### Project photos: Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## AFTERTASTE project URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/aftertaste-project ### NEWS | Chic > # AFTERTASTE project ## Our artists Jill Scoot and Marille Hahne during 2019 have made several visits to our research partners to lay the foundations of their artistic project. IDConsortium AFTERTASTE is the name chosen for their project that is based on the health of the human olfaction and gustatory systems and the feedback between these systems and the content is based on the primary and secondary compounds found in the chicory root. If you want to know more, don´t wait to read the attached documents with the report of 2019 activities and the artistic project design plan. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Chic project – stakeholder engagement URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-project-stakeholder-engagement ### NEWS | Chic > # Stakeholder engagement ## In accordance with the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) to which the CHIC project is committed, the overall objective of WP6 is to engage stakeholders in the innovation process in order to consider their viewpoints on the planned innovation from the very beginning of the project. IDConsortium The WP uses various measures to ensure stakeholder engagement, the most important of which are described below. However, it should be noted that for all these methods, the same basic rules apply, as described in the Strategy Document for Stakeholder Engagement, Communication and Transparency (STECT, available here). A first measure to ensure stakeholder engagement in the CHIC project is establishing and engaging the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG), led by EPSO, the European Plant Science Organisation. The initial SAG was invited to the first project meeting in February 2018. At this and the subsequent meeting in November 2018, the SAG made suggestions to make project activities more useful for farmers, industries and end-users. The ensuing discussions with the project partners helped to clarify how each of the participants could contribute to increasing the outcome and impact of CHIC. In the meantime, the WP6 team continued to seek for additional SAG members, aiming at an SAG which is composed of 2-4 entities from each of the four subgroups representing industries, farming, academia and end-users. The SAG already includes four industry representatives (EuroSeeds, FoodDrinkEurope, Suedzucker and Portugal Foods), two entities from farming (Association of Dutch chicory growers and CopaCogeca), 2 reseachers from academia (IGZ Grossbeeren, chairing the EPSO Working Group on Horticulture and INRA, chairing the EPSO Working Group on Agricultural technologies), and one from the end-user side (from the European Economic and Social Council). The list of members can be found here. New stakeholders invited include the Head of the Science Policy Programme of EMBO for academia, the Belgian farmer organisation ‘Boerenbond’, and the European Public Health Organisation (EUPHA) for end-users. The SAG is invited to the next project meeting in March 2020 to further advice on the project and among other tasks, help preparing the stakeholder consultations for 2020 and 2021 (see below). A second measure is the social scientific research into the factors that might have an impact—positive or negative—on the acceptability of the chicory plants and products developed within CHIC. This includes in-depth interviews with selected experts and stakeholders across the chicory value chain, a historical case study on the first attempts in the 1990s to carry out field tests of GM chicory in Europe, and various other steps. Based on this knowledge, a third important measure of stakeholder engagement in CHIC project are stakeholder consultations (SHCs). SHCs will take place at three different levels, each involving different groups of stakeholders. National SHCs will take place in each of the important chicory growing countries, i.e. in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, between May and July 2020. Focusing on business perspectives, they will bring together actors from across the value chain. The National SHCs will be followed by a Regional SHC, scheduled for autumn 2020. This regional consultation will focus on the dimension of risk. It will therefore invite stakeholders from various interest groups and NGOs (including environmental and consumer organizations) as well as agencies concerned with the regulation of GE plants. Finally, two consecutive EU-level SHCs will bring together participants of the previous consultation rounds, and also involve other perspectives as well as EU-level stakeholder representatives. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Chic project – communication and dissemination URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-project-communication-dissemination ### NEWS | Chic > # Communication and Dissemination ## WP7 is focused on the communication and dissemination of the CHIC project. Communication means any activity aimed at defining the messages, the audiences and the means to use in order to have the maximum possible impact for the project. Dissemination consists of sharing research results with potential users, in order to contribute to the advancement of science. IDConsortium To maximize the impact and success of the project it is necessary that both communication and dissemination are fully aligned. This implies good mechanisms for identifying results, adequate management of the protection of the IP, defining communication strategies for each result, and once it has been communicated, there is a need to measure impact in order to have a continuous improvement. In CHIC we have a specific communication plan per type of audience. These are: researchers, industry and farmers, policy makers, consumers. A great effort is being made to reach all these groups in terms of the type of language and the tools to be used. Consumers are a very sensitive group in CHIC. The main objective is to provide them with the right arguments so they can make informed decisions about whether or not a food produced using gene editing techniques is healthy and sustainable To this end, partners are being very active participating in different types of events where interesting discussions on new plant breeding techniques are being held. During the 20th and 21st of July 2019, the CRISPRcon conference was organized by Wageningen University and Research and the Keystone Policy Centre in Wageningen, The Netherlands. The objective of the conference was to foster discussions about the future of CRISPR and related gene editing technologies across a variety of applications in agriculture, health, conservation and more. Researchers, industrial representatives, consumer organizations, organic farmers, traditional farmers, patients’ organizations, policy makers, EC representatives, environmental associations and students, took part in the conference. It was interesting to see that many of the topics that were discussed at CRISPRcon are addressed by CHIC such as the importance of hearing diverse voices, regulation of process or product, traits that are beneficial for consumers, large scale (staple crop farming) versus small scale local farming, access to CRISPR technology (IP and patents), safety assessment, regulation and who decides. The biennial international Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD) is an event encouraging people from around the world become fascinated and enthusiastic about plants. Coordinated by the European Plant Science Organization (EPSO), it takes place globally on May 18, every uneven year since. In 2019, for it’s fifth edition, FoPD was a huge success. If you want to know more, please press on this link Some partners have presented the CHIC project in the European Researchers Night. It was a great success because very nice experiments were made with children and their families. In October 2018 CHIC was invited to participate in the Euronews Science Program “Futuris”. After two intensive days shooting and making interviews at Wageningen University, Key Gene and Sensus, the documentary and a special bonus track made to the project coordinator were on air on October 14t. Both videos have received more than 10.000 visits in our CHIC youtube channel. **Art& Science activities**  Art& and Science activities started in 2019 and it is expected that very nice pieces of artwill be developed by our outstanding artists during 2020. Artists Anna Dumitriu and Alex May are working with CHIC Consortium members to develop a new sculptural and bio-digital installation entitled “Biotechnology from the Blue Flower” and will be spending time on site with consortium members over the life of the project. In 2019 the artists attended the consortium meeting in Madrid and have been working with chicory roots in their studio, and in February 2020 they will be visiting Wageningen Plant Research, Sensus and KeyGene as part of their research with more visits to come. If you want to know more press on the link  Jill Scott and Marile Hahneare developing “AFTERTASTE”. It is an art and science project that aims to stimulate reflection for different public audiences. The project is based on the health of the human olfaction and gustatory systems and the feedback between these systems and the content is based on the primary and secondary compounds found in the chicory root. If you want to know more about the work being developed by Jill and Marile please go to the following article. **Training Activities** With the University Carlos III of Madrid, in concrete with the “Interactive Systems Group”, CHICK is developing an educational and interactive game for CHIC project. During 2020 “MyCHIC Farm” is expected to be released. The plater (“the farmer”) have to consider how to improve his farm, having to decide to continue with the classic chicory crop production or to use biotechnology to improve the yield and to bring out new products that are more beneficial to society and for the economic performance of his farm. He will face numerous problems such as pests, droughts, regulations, price changes in the market… New technologies (virtual and augmented reality) will be used and will be presented at different schools and events related to education and science for and with society. Training programmes will be launched in 2020 for young researchers (university, phd and post doc) as well as farmers and workers in the sector who may be interested in the results of the project. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Implementation of NPBT in chicory for bioactive terpenes URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/implementation-npbt-chicory-bioactive-terpenes ### NEWS | Chic > # Implementation of NPBT in chicory for bioactive terpenes ## Root chicory is grown for inulin, but it also produces a number of compounds in its latex. These compounds belong to the class of terpenes and the most abundant of these are sesquiterpene lactones (STLs), which have a potential as antimicrobial and anticancer bioactives. IDConsortium However these compounds may interfere with the extraction of inulin. Therefore in CHIC we have the following twofold objectives: - To understand how these terpenes accumulate in the latex, how laticifers (the specialized cells that accumulate latex) develop and characterize the bioactivity of compounds that are present in the latex. With this knowledge at hand, chicory could be developed as a biofactory for the production of valuable sesquiterpene lactones. To reduce the impact of latex in the extraction of inulin, we aim to decrease the number of laticifer cells in the tap root. - Our data shows that the early steps of STLs biosynthesis take place outside of the laticifer cells and STLs accumulate inside of laticifers by transportation mediated process. Based on this information, candidate genes for the development of laticifers and biosynthesis of STLs have been selected. Preliminary bioactivity assays indicate the presence of anti-biofilm activities.   Furthermore, candidate genes involved in the accumulation of costunolide and parthenolide have been identified to generate modified plants with higher amount of parthenolide, an anticancer compound. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE-AgRemSO3il at LIFE Platform Meeting on Chemicals URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-life-platform-meeting-chemicals ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE-AgRemSO3il at LIFE Platform Meeting on Chemicals ## The LIFE-AGREMSO3IL project attended the LIFE Platform Meeting on Chemicals held in Vilnius (Lithuania) between 28th and 30th November. This event was hosted by the LIFE project “LIFE Fit for REACH” (LIFE14 ENV/LV000174). IDConsortium The project participated in the *Eco-innovation for reduced production and use of hazardous chemicals* workshop with the oral presentation: The silent problem of pesticide residues. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Merry Christmas! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/merry-christmas-2020 ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Merry Christmas! ## The world is in the hands of those who have the courage to dream, and who dare to risk living their dreams. We wish you a great 2020 full of new projects! IDConsortium ## More news about this company: --- ## Technical- and risk- and regulatory assessment of NPBTs URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/technical-risk-regulatory-assessment-npbts ### NEWS | Chic > # Technical -and risk- and regulatory assessment of NPBTs ## In CHIC project, NPBTs are applied to improve industrial chicory for better inulin and production of health-related terpenes. As part of CHIC, different NPBT approaches to edit chicory genomes were employed. IDConsortium We will technically evaluate these approaches and assess, whether chicory plants generated by the different techniques pose differences on a technical level such as off-target rate, efficiency, or fall under different regulations. Currently, CHIC partners generate chicory plants with different approaches. To ensure comparability between the different approaches, all partners work on the same target genes. These approaches are compared in terms of efficiency, time-frame needed, and costs. Furthermore, different approaches may show differences in potential off-target activity. We identified potential off-target sites in the genome of the chicory, which could be edited by the used NPBTs. In a first approach, we tested whether identified potential off-target sites were cleaved in vitro. The first results let assume is a high specificity of the tested NPBT, as none of the identified off-target sequences was cleaved so far. Furthermore, it has been screened the current literature systematically together with the ELSA-Gea project (www.dialog-gea.de) and identified thousands of studies wherein NPBTs was successfully applied in a diverse set of more than 40 plant species all over the world. Many studies let us assume, that the first products are soon touching the commercial market. In many countries, the regulation lags behind this success of NPBTs. Currently, the regulation of NPBT differs from country to country. In Member states of the European Union, due to a decision by the European Court of Justice in 2018, plants mutagenized using NPBTs are seen as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). NPBTs are not exempted from the strict European GMO regulation. However, there is an open-ended debate; whether this strict regulation is justified also for NPBTs. Outside Europe other regulations are represented: for several years now, the USA, Canada, Argentina, Israel, and Chile have a liberal position towards the use of NPBTs. Since the CHIC project began in 2018, five more countries clarified the legal position of NPBTs. Among these countries are Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, Japan, and Australia. A number of other countries, e.g. Russia and China, are expected to join soon. Different to Europe, in these countries usually assesses NPBTs derived plants in a case-by-case dependent manner. Mostly they fall out of the scope of regulation, when certain prerequisites were met, e.g. when no foreign DNA was integrated into the edited genome. We are constantly monitoring changes in legislation and follow closely the debate in European Union and its neighbours. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Implementation of New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) for dietary inulin URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/implementation-new-plant-breeding-techniques-dietary-inulin ### NEWS | Chic > # Implementation of New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) for dietary inulin ## Inulin is a dietary fiber with health-promoting characteristics mainly targeted on gut health. Inulin is extracted from root chicory and used in many food products. IDConsortium The yield and the length of the inulin molecule determines the value and health-beneficial character of this compound. Using NPBT we want to increase both the yield and the length of inulin. The natural production of terpenes in chicory makes the inulin extraction method less efficient and more costly. The other goal of WP2 is to reduce the production of natural chicory terpenes. The work done during the first two years of the project CHIC shows that we could generate mutant chicory plants in which the genes encoding the inulin break-down enzymes are blocked using genome editing techniques thanks to the small alteration the CRISPR tools made in the plant DNA. All mutated plants have been analyzed in great detail on DNA level using various methods. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Breeding chicory roots for health products URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/breeding-chicory-roots-health-products ### NEWS | Chic > # Breeding chicory roots for health products ## Don’t miss our new leaflet where we explain the main objective of CHIC project: To breed chicory roots to bring health products to the society! IDConsortium Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## The opportunity for algae in carbon utilization URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/opportunity-algae-carbon-utilization ### NEWS | Prodigio > # The opportunity for algae in carbon utilization ## A recent report by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) takes a close look at using carbon emissions as a feedstock to more efficiently decarbonize economies around the world. IDConsortium **A $320 billion market that could also capture 3 billion tons of carbon emissions** A recent report by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) takes a close look at using carbon emissions as a feedstock to more efficiently decarbonize economies around the world. The authors identify an enormous opportunity for algae. C2ES published “Carbon Utilization–A Vital and Effective Pathway for Decarbonization” to examine how carbon utilization processes *not* associated with enhanced oil production (EOR) might lead to emissions reductions. In other words, how CO2 can be captured and used to manufacture things like construction materials, fuels, plastics, chemicals and more. ABO worked closely with C2ES on the report, and the chapter on algae identifies some near-term opportunities as well as larger applications that will unfold over time.   #### To view the complete blog, please click here. Ana Sánchez Zurano, researcher at Almería University Alvaro Tamayo ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE-AgRemSO3il at Fruit Attraction 2019 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-fruit-attraction-2019 ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE-AgRemSO3il at Fruit Attraction 2019 ## The LIFE-AGREMSO3IL project was represented at the international fruit and vegetable trade show, Fruit Attraction 2019, held at IFEMA, Madrid, between 22th and 24th October. IDConsortium Project beneficiaries attended the country’s most significant agricultural sector event. The LIFE-AgRemSO3il project was represented at the trade show by IMIDA and NOVAGRIC. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## CHIC project at the science programme FUTURIS URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-project-science-programme-futuris ### NEWS | Chic > # CHIC project at the science programme FUTURIS ## On Monday, 14th October 2019, the science programme FUTURIS, from the Euronews channel, made a documentary about the CHIC project. IDConsortium They made several interviews to some of our partners and they also explained the benefits of implementing new plant breeding techniques, in chicory breeding, to convert it into a multipurpose crop and to obtain high value products for consumers’ health benefits. On the other hand, our project coordinator, **Dirk Bosch** had a special **interview in the Euronews Bonus Section**. He provided detailed information about why we selected chicory as a promising and a strong crop to be converted into a multipurpose one. The documentary has been translated into 12 languages and we want to thank the FUTURIS team for guiding us during the filming process and for bringing such a nice result.   ## Enjoy the documentary! 5,000 years ago, ancient Egyptians cultivated the chicory plants which are not only beautiful but health boosting. And even today, the plant’s healing qualit… Dutch biochemist Dirk Bosch explains why he sees such huge potential hidden in Chicory plant roots… **Source:** https://www.euronews.com/2019/10/14/chicory-roots-will-boost-your-gut-health-say-scientists https://www.euronews.com/2019/10/14/the-deep-rooted-truth-about-chicory-root Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## CHIC at the European Researchers’ Night in Indjija (Serbia) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-european-researchers-night-indjija-serbia ### NEWS | Chic > # CHIC at the European Researchers’ Night in Indjija (Serbia) ## IBISS, partner in CHIC Project worked on organizing the presentation regarding the results of our CHIC Project, though team member Jovana Petrovic directly participated in this manifestation. IDConsortium On September 27th, 2019, **Jovana Petrovic** from University of Belgrade, **Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković****“**, National Institute of Republic of Serbia presented knowledge gained so far on the health-beneficial effects of Cichorium intybus and its possibilities to be used on an everyday basis. People seemed very keen to get to know with facts how this plant that grows on meadows nearby, could exert useful effects as a tonic, coffee substitute, and prebiotic. Since this manifestation is dedicated to the popularization of science making it interesting to children of school age, retired people, and overall families with children, this Researchers’ Night was a unique opportunity for people to get familiar with new breakthroughs in research that they could directly benefit from on. The presentation of the Project took place at Indjija, the intersection city between Belgrade and Novi Sad. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Development of four conceptually different New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/development-four-conceptually-different-new-plant-breeding-techniques ### NEWS | Chic > # Development of four conceptually different New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) ## The objective of CHIC’s in this area is to develop four different methods for genome editing of chicory. These methods differ in their degree of ‘DNA invasiveness’: the extent to which CRISPR genes are introduced into the plant’s DNA. In the end, all four methods lead to identical genetic outcomes. IDConsortium **CHIC methods related to the presence of CRISPR DNA in the chicory plant’s DNA** These two methods are based on stable integration of CRISPR genes in the chicory genome, leading to so called transgenic chicory plants. After the CRISPR genes have done their work, the genes are removed from the genome. In the 1st method the crossing and selection will be used to select offspring plants without the CRISPR genes and with the desired mutation. In method 2, specialized enzymes will be used to remove the CRISPR genes from the plant’s DNA, so making crosses is not needed. During the 1st two years of the project, thanks to applying the 1st method we have obtained transgenic chicory plants. These plants are now being analyzed for functional edits in the chosen target genes: genes involved in the production of the enzyme germacrene A synthase. This enzyme is essential for the production of terpenes. **Methods related to the non-presence of CRISPR genes in the plant’s DNA** These two methods are based on administering CRISPR tools to chicory cells without incorporating CRISPR genes in the plant’s DNA. In method 3 plasmid-DNA that harbours CRISPR genes, is introduced into individual chicory cells. Plasmid DNA is best known from bacteria: circular DNA molecules that encode important traits. After introduction into a chicory cell, the CRISPR DNA is expressed and the CRISPR tools are being assembled in the cell. The plasmid DNA is eventually degraded. In method 4 the CRISPR tools, protein and guiding RNA, are assembled outside the plant cell and then introduced into plant cells. This way there is no CRISPR DNA entering the plant cells. For all methods we need to treat individual chicory cells (protoplast). The challenge then is to grow complete plants from these single cells. We have shown that this is indeed possible. We have also optimized techniques to introduce plasmid DNA and the CRISPR tools into chicory cells. This has already resulted in plant cells in which the genes involved in the production of the enzyme germacrene A synthase are permanently disabled, thanks to the small alteration the CRISPR tools made in the plant DNA. **Optimizing the CRISPR tools** One of the CRISPR tools is a guide RNA (gRNA) molecule. The other is an enzyme called Cas9. The gRNA guides the Cas9 enzyme to the place in the plants’ DNA where a mutation is desired. We have designed gRNAs and have shown that they indeed guide the enzyme, enabling it to temporarily break the DNA at the correct place. We have obtained plants with desired mutations in both chromosome sets (chicory is diploid) and in many or even all the gene copies chicory possesses. We are now testing the plants for the terpene content that may have some type of bioactivity. **Genome insight** The existing DNA screening techniques are not effective to screen plant material for small changes in the DNA in a high throughput manner. Therefore we are developing a new technique, based on techniques one of the partners developed for kiwi. During 2019, the partners decided to jointly invest into a better assembled genome sequence of chicory, as the available genomic databases were of insufficient quality for our research. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Networking with LIFE Ecosens Aquamonitrix Project URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/networking-life-ecosens-aquamonitrix-project ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # Networking with LIFE Ecosens Aquamonitrix Project ## On 8th October, IMIDA held a meeting with the researchers at the San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM) who participate in the LIFE Ecosens Aquamonitrix project. IDConsortium The project aims to demonstrate, through the design, construction, and setting up of a cost-effective portable water monitoring integrated solution for the Water sector. The innovative device will be able to carry out a near-continuous analysis of water sources, monitoring the indicators of water quality, in different environments and climates. Link: https://www.ecosensaquamonitrix.eu/ Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Learn more about Andrea! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/learn-more-about-andrea-team-member ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Learn more about Andrea! ## We are pleased to welcome Andrea Marí Sanchis as the new Innovation Project Manager Digital Services where she will manage innovation projects for IDConsortium. IDConsortium Since she began her professional career, she has always focused on generating profit through innovation for the entities where she has worked and those she has had as clients. With a multidisciplinary background, her work addresses: the identification of funding opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship projects, the competitive analysis of new technologies, products, and services, the design of new business models, the management and exploitation of intangible assets, the design of methodologies, processes, and protocols to improve the internal practices of the companies. She is fluent in the direction and management of project portfolios, highlighting her experience in innovation ecosystems such as the EIT Digital, EIT Climate KIC, and EIT Mobility and innovation networks such as the Technology Transfer Network of the European Space Agency (ESA) or the network of innovation HUBs in Chile, both focused on technology transfer.  She holds an MSc in Industrial Management Engineering and a BSc in Industrial Design Engineering. She has participated in several business incubators as an entrepreneur, receiving several recognitions and awards. Her work as a consultant has allowed her to work with different types of international entities (start-ups, universities, R&D Centers, SMEs, Corporates, Public administrations) working in different industrial sectors.   Her experience in the management of intangible assets allows her to design management methodologies and protocols according to the customer needs, and to work on the prioritization of portfolios of intangible assets, analyzing their marketability, defining the strategy of protection, exploitation, and commercialization of the assets. Visit her LinkedIn page for more information: click here Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## Great success of CHIC project in the exhibition held by Fondazione Edmund Mach in the 2019 European Researchers’ Night Edition URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/great-success-chic-project-exhibition-held-fondazione-edmund-mach ### NEWS | Chic > # Great success of CHIC project in the exhibition held by Fondazione Edmund Mach in the 2019 European Researchers’ Night Edition ## On Friday 27th of September, 2019 Fondazione Edmund Mach (partner in H2020 CHIC project) made an exhibition of CHIC project. IDConsortium University and school students, retired people and families could see in vitro cultures and protoplasts through the microscope and do some tasting of our nice CHIC products. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## The second big wave of crop domestication is happening within our lifetimes URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/second-big-wave-crop-domestication-happening-within-our-lifetimes ### NEWS | Prodigio > # The second big wave of crop domestication is happening within our lifetimes ## Microalgae are invisible to the human eye, and yet under certain circumstances, they can achieve densities visible from space. In keeping, we often overlook their vast influence on our most valuable ecosystems. IDConsortium ### These microscopic plants contribute at least half of the world’s primary oxygen production. They sustain the marine food chain as we know it. And yet, their current influence is only a fraction of their inherent potential. Just as the domestication of terrestrial plants in the Neolithic period was a necessary precondition for feeding humanity as we know it today, domesticating microalgae may be the key to sustainably feeding our ever-growing population in the future. If we harness and concentrate their power, these tiny mainstays of the marine food chain may soon become a pillar of our diets. **The Power of Microalgal Blooms** Microalgal blooms occur in upwelling waters, when nutrient-rich, deep water rises to the upper illuminated layers of the ocean. Not coincidentally, this is the 1% of the ocean where more than half of the world’s commercial fishing occurs. The open ocean is a desert by comparison, making these spaces small oases, which happen to have the primary productivity of terrestrial rainforests. Microalgae bloom under very specific conditions, nesting the marine food web, and triggering atmospheric carbon capture. And their blooming is a far more transient phenomena than in terrestrial plants. Their organic matter turnover time (2-6 days) is three orders of magnitude faster than terrestrial plants (19 years). They produce half of the world’s primary oxygen using only 0.2 % of the plant global biomass. If only we could harvest those microscopic plants quickly enough before they sink forever into their depths! ** These naturally-occurring microalgal blooms should be regarded with the same awe as a cornfield spontaneously growing in the middle of the jungle. An unlikely interaction of biology, physics, and chemistry produces this rare event in nature: the proliferation of a single, dominant, microbial species. In nature, most microbes (such as yeast, bacteria, fungi) bloom in a complex community, much in the same way wilderness areas are formed in a consortium of plant species. These naturally-occurring microalgal blooms should be regarded with the same awe as a cornfield spontaneously growing in the middle of the jungle. They pose a challenge: what if we could select a microalga with the right nutritional profile from the dizzying array in our oceans, and artificially mimic the “blooming” of a nutritional algae species? Harnessing Microalgae** A growing community of scientists and farmers has been working towards mastering and reproducing microalgal blooms in an agricultural setting. They are working on the assumption that this diverse and valuable resource can be domesticated like any other terrestrial crop. Microalgae domestication is a broad and evolving concept, which draws on many different technologies, some of which are common to the cultivation of other microbes in industrial microbiology, but ultimately are applied with the simplicity of a farming operation. As Vice-President of R&D of the microalgae company iWi, I have focused my efforts on the  *Nannochloropsis *species, because of its capacity to produce a nutritionally important omega-3 fatty acid that terrestrial plants are unable to make. This species produces eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA 20:5 n-3) attached to glycolipids and phospholipids, which is likely the most bioavailable form of omega-3. We have studied how, why, and under what conditions they express this product of interest, and we are continuously devising strategies to express as much of it as possible. We selected this strain of *Nannochloropsis *for its capacity to thrive under our target environmental conditions, using techniques such as high throughput screening and directed evolution. While those initial approaches to finding better strains are common to industrial microbiology, our goal is to grow algae using a simpler and more sustainable farming approach. We reproduce a microalgal bloom using open ponds all year-round in a consistent and repeatable way, while amplifying the intensity of those blooms beyond what we typically observe in nature. This is a new type of agronomy: instead of growing fields full of wheat or corn, we are farming microbes. **Microbial Agronomy** This new concept of “microbial agronomy” operates at the intersection of agriculture and industrial microbiology. We seek to reproduce and enhance monoalgal blooms like those that spontaneously occur in nature by studying the biology of not just our target microalga, but also the microbiome associated with the algal bloom. Producing commodity products from microbes may require a technology that can address microbial control in a manner different from what is common in industrial microbiology. Instead of physically separating our culture from contaminants using costly stainless steel fermenters and steam sterilization, our use of open ponds is an attempt to create an artificial microbiome that helps support the microalgal bloom. That means harnessing the natural capacity of microalgae and their hosts to thrive under exposed conditions. Growing microbes in open ponds is a farming practice rather than an industrial operation. In doing so, we are democratizing industrial microbiology into something that is closer to agriculture. ** A growing community of scientists and farmers are working towards reproducing nutritious microalgal blooms in agricultural settings. There are a wide range of techniques and biotechnological strategies that allow us to safely grow microalgae consistently throughout the year. We monitor our cultures, optimizing them for each season and geographical location. Fortunately, our algae like to grow in conditions that a lot of other microbes don’t like, which makes it a bit easier to protect from bad players. When necessary, we apply the same integrated pest control strategies one would apply to any other crop. We use techniques such as adjusting the pH or salinity of our cultures when needed, but we never use herbicides or pesticides. Transforming the role algae play in our society** Microbial agronomy fills an economic niche that no other food production process can, and does so in a highly sustainable way. Algae can take resources once seen as waste and turn them into plant-based food such as omega-3 and protein. At iWi, rather than drawing omega-3 from caught fish and krill, we “skip the middle fish” and go straight to the original source of this nutrient. Algae grown in shallow open ponds in geographical locations that receive a lot of sunshine (such as our site in the Chihuahua desert in New Mexico) can achieve much higher cell densities than in nature. This process utilizes arid land that can’t be used for other farming purposes, brackish water that eliminates our reliance on the planets already strained fresh water supply, and sunlight which is in ample supply on our farms. These are the first steps towards the domestication of microalgae in our lifetime. Just last year algae were included for the first time as a crop in the US Farm Bill. These steps are opening the door for new agricultural processes that will eventually transform the role microbes like microalgae play in our society. ## More news about this project: --- ## Plant Gene Edit­ing panel dis­cus­sion URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/plant-gene-editing-panel-discussion ### NEWS | Chic > # Plant Gene Edit­ing panel dis­cus­sion ## On 11 September 2019 Michiel de Both (KeyGene) visited the Vikki Plant Science Centre of the University of Helsinki (Finland), to give a seminar as an invited speaker in their seminar series in plant science. The seminar covered genome editing technology in crop plant breeding, as well as the CHIC program, and was attended by ~80 people. IDConsortium Because of the strong concerns in the Finnish plant science community about the 2018 Court of Justice ruling, the institute organized a panel discussion to debate issues of regulation, IP and science policy related to genome editing. The panel consisted of a representative of the Finnish seed company Boreal Plant Breeding Ltd., of the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, of Kirsi-Marja Oksman-Caldentey of CHIC partner institute VTT, of Michiel de Both on behalf of KeyGene and of Alan Schulman, the current president of the European Plant Science Organization EPSO. Journalists and politicians present in the audience took part in the discussions, which concluded with the realization that **any change in the European regulation must be instigated by the EU member states, supported by informing stakeholders and the general public of the importance of plant breeding and innovation for the European economy.** Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il Noticeboard has been installed outside one of the greenhouses in Finca Torreblanca – Murcia, Spain URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-noticeboard-installed-greenhouses-finca-torre-blanca-murcia-spain ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il Noticeboard has been installed outside one of the greenhouses in Finca Torreblanca – Murcia, Spain ## The AgRemSO3il noticeboard has been installed outside one of the Finca Torreblanca greenhouses, where some of the implementation actions will be taking place for the following months to come. IDConsortium The noticeboard was designed in a way that it can be moved easily from one place to another so that stakeholders visiting the pilot site or going to the demonstration activities can understand what the AgRemSO3il project is about. The noticeboard contains general information about the project, the starting and completion dates, and a graphical representation of what the project’s technology will be performing in the soil. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## CHIC at the European Researchers’ Night 2019 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-european-researchers-night-2019 ### NEWS | Chic > # CHIC at the European Researchers’ Night 2019 ## During the night of September 27th the Museum of Science in Trento (MuSe) will be part of the European Researchers’ Night 2019, and it will host the staff from Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM) to talk about their research topics. IDConsortium The event is free and open to all the people, from kids to elderlies, starting from 6PM and lasting until midnight. It will consist both of short talks and demo/hands-on sessions, where the public will be involved with different science topics and invited to ask any question related to the research activity. For CHIC project, scientists will talk about New Plant Breeding Technologies and Cas9 delivery inside plant cells, showing in vitro material (plants, protoplasts at the microscope) and explaining the challenges faced while doing Genome Editing in industrial crops. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Fascination of Plants Day 2019 success stories URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/fascination-plants-day-2019-success-stories ### NEWS | Chic > # Fascination of Plants Day 2019 success stories ## The biennial international Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD) is an event encouraging people from around the world become fascinated and enthusiastic about plants. Coordinated by the European Plant Science Organization (EPSO), it takes place globally on May 18, every uneven year since 2012. IDConsortium **In 2019, for it’s fifth edition, FoPD was a huge success gathering ****862 events across 5****2** **countries****!** Thanks to our 56 national coordinators, thousands of enthusiastic event organisers, partners, 5 national patronages and sponsors we have created real success stories. To know more about them, check our Fascination of Plants Day Success Stories 2019 publication. In 2021, Fascination of Plants Day will be back for a new adventure. While waiting for its launch you can follow us on Twitter (@PlantDay18May), Instagram (@fascinationofplantsday), Facebook, Youtube and on our website: http://www.plantday18may.org We welcome you to join us in preparing for Fascination of Plants Day 2021! Get organizing events in your country and keep tweeting about plants (#PlantsDay, #FoPD). **We look forward to seeing you ****all** **in 2021!** Ronald Tipan Global Coordinators: Alexandra Barnoux, EPSO, BE; Trine Hvoslef-Eide, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO, Przemysław Wojtaszek, Adam Mickiewicz University, PL; Karin Metzlaff, EPSO, BE. ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il at the International Conference on Catalysis, Advanced Chemical Engineering and Technology URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-international-conference-catalysis-advanced-chemical-engineering-technology ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il at the International Conference on Catalysis, Advanced Chemical Engineering and Technology ## Researchers from IMIDA presented the work entitled “Degradation of twelve pesticides in soil by intermittent ozonation treatment”. IDConsortium LIFE AgRemSO3il participated in the International Conference on Catalysis, Advanced Chemical Engineering and Technology, ICCA 2019, held in Valencia, Spain, between 5th and 7th September. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Experiment in greenhouse with AgRemSO3il small prototype URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/experiment-greenhouse-agremso3il-small-prototype ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # Experiment in greenhouse with AgRemSO3il small prototype ## On August, 2019, it has started the solarization/ozonation experiment in a greenhouse with 8 lysimeters located in IMIDA experimental farm “Torreblanca” (Dolores de Pacheco, Murcia). IDConsortium The soil, which was previously spiked with a mixture of pesticides, will be exposed to both processes during a month. The effects of these technologies on pesticide content, nematode population, and soil microbiota will be checked at the end of the essay. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Check out our first piece of art in CHIC project! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/check-out-first-piece-art-chic-project ### NEWS | Chic > # Check out our first piece of art in CHIC project! ## We already have our 1st CHIC piece of art. The CHIC – animation created by artist Jakub Kaczmarek with ASSF/Art & Science Node. IDConsortium CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. For more information, visit our website at chicproject.eu  Ronald Tipan Global Coordinators: Alexandra Barnoux, EPSO, BE; Trine Hvoslef-Eide, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO, Przemysław Wojtaszek, Adam Mickiewicz University, PL; Karin Metzlaff, EPSO, BE. ## More news about this project: --- ## A debate on the Future of Gene Editing: CRISPR Science, Society and Policy URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/debate-future-gene-editing-crispr-science-society-policy ### NEWS | Chic > # A debate on the Future of Gene Editing: CRISPR Science, Society and Policy ## During the 20th and 21st of June, the CRISPRcon conference was organised by Wageningen University and Research and the Keystone Policy Centre in Wageningen, The Netherlands. IDConsortium The objective of the conference was to foster discussions about the future of CRISPR and related gene-editing technologies across a variety of applications in agriculture, health, conservation and more. Researchers, industrial representatives, consumer organizations, organic farmers, traditional farmers, patients’ organizations, policy makers, EC representatives, environmental associations and students, took part in the conference. The conference consisted of a mix of panel discussions, round tables (more than 30) on topics brought in by the audience and short lightning presentations on CRISPR applications. Students and farmers organised side-events to discuss their perspectives. Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis, gave his view about the new gene-editing techniques emphasizing the importance of the dialogue on this matter in Europe. An inspiring talk was given by geneticists, writer and BBC broadcaster Dr. Adam Rutherford who made a comparison about the genetic evolution and the evolution of hip-hop music. It was interesting to see that many of the topics that were discussed at CRISPRcon are addressed by CHIC such as the importance of hearing diverse voices, regulation of process or product, traits that are beneficial for consumers, large scale (staple crop farming) versus small scale local farming, access to CRISPR technology (IP and patents), safety assessment, regulation and who decides. #### **Involvement of CHIC** Several CHIC partners contributed to the meeting. **Katarina Cankar** presented the **CHIC project** in her lightning presentation on “Breeding Healthier Crops: Dietary fibers and medicinal terpenes from chicory roots”. Other CHIC partners paticipated in round table discussions on “CRISPR Education and Outreach”, “Indigenous Perspectives on CRISPR technology”, “If we edit it, will you eat it?”, “Transparency approaches” and “Lets’s avoid a trench war on CRISPR food”. Through these discussions, we gained new insights and established many contacts with divers stakeholders and the new links to research projects around the world that align well with CHIC. Ronald Tipan Global Coordinators: Alexandra Barnoux, EPSO, BE; Trine Hvoslef-Eide, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO, Przemysław Wojtaszek, Adam Mickiewicz University, PL; Karin Metzlaff, EPSO, BE. ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il at the 6th IDIES Congress URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-6th-idies-congress ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il at the 6th IDIES Congress ## Students from IES Juan Carlos I (Murcia) presented the communication “Application of ozonation technique for the removal of thiamethoxam residues in farm soils” in the 6th edition of IDIES congress, held at Auditorio Víctor Villegas (Murcia) on 25th June. IDConsortium The work was tutored by J. Fenoll (LIFE-AgRemSO3il, IMIDA), M. Aliste (IMIDA) and A.A. Sánchez (IES Juan Carlos I). *IDIES* is an educational project of *initiation to research* focuses on secondary school students. The main objective is that students learn what is research and how must be performed, collaborating with researchers of different institutions. After a training period, students will disseminate their results (via oral and poster communication) in the IDIES congress. At the moment it participates 10 secondary schools (from Mazarrón, Murcia, Alcantarilla, San Javier, Molina de Segura, Archena and Lorca) and 5 institutions: 2 research centers (CEBAS-CSIS, IMIDA) and 3 universities (UMU-Murcia, UPCT-Cartagena and UMH-Elche). Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il in the EIP-AGRI of the European Commission URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-eip-agri-european-commission ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il in the EIP-AGRI of the European Commission ## Information about the AgRemSO3il project has been published in the European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI) of the European Commission. IDConsortium Click on the following link if you would like to read about it: https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/find-connect/projects/agremso3il-agrochemical-remediation-farm-soils Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il at the third International Congress of Chemical Engineering URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-third-international-congress-chemical-engineering ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il at the third International Congress of Chemical Engineering ## LIFE AgRemSO3il participated in the 3rd International Congress of Chemical Engineering, ICCE3, held in Santander, Spain, between 19th and 21th June. IDConsortium Researchers from IMIDA presented the work entitled “Removal of eight triazole and amide pesticides in soil by intermittent ozonation”. The presentation covers the degradation of residues of eight pesticides (difenoconazole, myclobutanil, tebuconazole, triadimenol, cyflufenamid, flonicamid, napropamide, and propyzamide) in two different clay-loam soils applying intermittent ozonation treatment for 6 days. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Third CHIC General Assembly in Madrid URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/third-chic-general-assembly-madrid ### NEWS | Chic > # Third CHIC General Assembly in Madrid ## The 3rd CHIC General assembly was held in Madrid during the 27th and 28th of May, 2019. IDConsortium During this meeting, the 1st results of the project were presented to the project partners. The new artists, to be engaged in the “Artists in Residence CHIC program”, presented themselves to the consortium as well as their most popular art pieces, which were beautiful pieces!!! A productive workshop, to design the 1st CHIC game, was held and all partners gave great ideas to develop a very fun game for secondary school students. This game will be launched in 2020. Finally, many thanks to Diego Orzaez for his great presentation on our sister H2020 project Newcotiana. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## CHIC project at the 63rd International Fair of Technics and Technical Achievements (UFI) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-project-63rd-international-fair-technics-technical-achievements-ufi ### NEWS | Chic > # CHIC project at the 63rd International Fair of Technics and Technical Achievements (UFI) ## International Fair of Technics and Technical Achievements is the most important economic and technological event in Serbia and the South East Europe, which has got a great influence upon the future industrial development in the country and region. IDConsortium Our partner, the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, was present in this Fair to promote CHIC project in Belgrade, May 21-24. This is a traditional (since 1937) meeting and business contact point, which enables numerous exhibitors and visitors to satisfy their business expectations. - Specialized fairs and exhibitions forming the contents of the TECHNICAL FAIR, at the same place and time. - The latest technologies for all industry branches included by the exhibiting program. - Presentation of national economies of many countries, provinces and regions, professional side events, exhibitor presentations, product and service demonstrations, panel discussions of the exhibitors and experts contribute to a successful participation in the TECHNICAL FAIR and development of the international cooperation. - Many press conferences and accredited journalists are there to report about your products and services. The TECHNICAL FAIR is a venue visited by tens of thousands of professional visitors, decision makers, investors, experts… The synergistic effect of the TECHNICAL FAIR creates the possibility of meetings between the exhibitors and visitors, as well as mutual contacts of the exhibitors from various industry branches and many countries. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## IDConsortium will be at #DES2019! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/idconsortium-will-be-at-des2019 ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # IDConsortium will be at #DES2019! ## Digital Enterprise Show is a global expo with over 300 world’s top tech companies, Congress with 450 world’s best digital experts, and 21,000 visitors, who gather every year in Madrid to discuss how the digital changes the business, to acquire the crucial knowledge, skills and solutions to shape their industries’ future. IDConsortium ** Macarena Sanz** (General Director) and **Sebastian Puculek** (Open Innovation Manager) will be present during the three days of the event. We will be at DES | Digital Enterprise Show **IFEMA Hall 8 Stand D407** to meet any one who is interested in brief discussions about #openinnovation, #H2020projects, #innovationprojects, #Clusters, #INNOSUP DES has been the framework chosen by the European project ACTTiVAte to celebrate its final conference.The ACTTiVAte initiative, promoted by the European Commission (Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nº 691473), with a duration of three years (ends next May 31), aims to boost the development of business ecosystems integrated by innovative SMEs and in which the transfer of technology among different key sectors is favored.The Consortium is composed by thirteen members. IDConsortium is Linked Third PartyACTTiVAte has contributed to the development of 50 cross-sectoral technology transfer projects, involving five participating countries (Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, Ireland and Poland) and four sectors (Aerospace, Agrofood, Health and ICT), with 1.5 million euros of direct financing to SMEs and an extra 4.3 million euros in Business Support Services such as information, training and networking / access to stakeholders…All projects have achieved important progress in several fields linked to SME development mainly in relation to training, strategic skills development, networking and innovation process improvement.Coinciding with the end of this initiative, ACTTiVAte’s Final Conference will be held on May 22, under the title ‘Fostering cross-sectoral technology transfer in Europe: Lessons and prospects from the European project ACTTiVAte‘ with the assistance of the most relevant actors and a selected number of companies funded by this initiative, which will present their projects.More information: http://acttivate.eu/final-conference-des2019  Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il participates in the International Symposium on Green Chemistry URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-participates-international-symposium-green-chemistry ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il participates in the International Symposium on Green Chemistry ## LIFE AgRemSO3il was present at the International Symposium on Green Chemistry, ISGC 2019, held in La Rochelle, France, between 13th and 17th May. IDConsortium Researchers from IMIDA presented a work entitled “Remediation of soils contaminated with neonicotinoid insecticides by intermittent ozonation”. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## CRISPRcon 2019 – Conversations on science, society and the future of gene editing URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/crisprcon-2019-science-society-future-gene-editing ### NEWS | Chic > # CRISPRcon 2019 – Conversations on science, society and the future of gene editing ## Meet us at CRISPRcon on June 20-21, and join the conversation on science, society and the future of gene editing. CRISPRcon creates a forum in which a broad selection of diverse voices come together. Will you join us? IDConsortium **CRISPRcon 2019** is a program of Keystone Policy Center and will be hosted by our project coordinator Wageningen University & Research. #### What is CRISPR-Cas? CRISPR-Cas is a new technology that makes it possible to change genetic material from viruses, bacteria, cells, plants and animals in a relatively simple, very accurate and efficient way. This technology can make an enormous contribution to the quality of our environment, our health, agriculture and economy. At the same time there are concerns regarding ethical aspects, integrity of life, unfair distribution of property, security and who benefits. #### What is our aim at CRISPRcon? The aim of CRISPRcon is to stimulate open dialogue about precisely these aspects: exchanging opinions, visions and concerns. The conference is aimed at the largest possible cross-section of society. Wageningen University & Research hosts this dialogue and underlines the importance of an open dialogue about the CRISPR technique. At the event, you can join sessions on several aspects of gene editing. #### Sessions: Panel 1: Personal Reflections: The Promise and Perils of Gene EditingPanel 2: CRISPR Cures: Gene Editing in Personal and Public HealthPanel 3: The Evolution of Innovation: What Drives Societal Embrace or Rejection of Emerging Technologies?Panel 4: Growing for Good?: Gene Editing and AgriculturePanel 5: Double Helixes and the Circular Economy: Gene Editing and Environmental StewardshipPanel 6: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: Globalization, Governance and Power #### More about speakers, programme and registration: crisprcon.org/crisprcon-2019 Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Entrepreneurial, a vital tool to empower young people URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/entrepreneurial-a-vital-tool-to-empower-young-people ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Entrepreneurial, a vital tool to empower young people ## European Union as the leading power of innovation and technological progress is, by all means, a great idea. But what are we doing today to achieve this vision of tomorrow? IDConsortium I believe that in order to make the EU a competitive and resilient partner, we must invest in people and focus on education now more than ever, writes Martina Dlabajová. *Martina Dlabajová is a member of the European Parliament. *Facing considerable demographic, social, and economic challenges, the EU should pay particular attention to its most exceptional asset – the Europeans, starting with the youth. In my previous text published last year, I focused on the problematic lack of digital education. I concluded that in a rapidly changing global world, it is mainly skills that will become the engine of our competitiveness. There is a change in the way we are working and education can no longer lag behind. This is equally valid even for entrepreneurial skills, which I will be focusing on today.In the past years, the European strategy on youth employment has been widely amended taking into consideration these challenges, for example by the New Skills Agenda for Europe that I was a rapporteur to in the European Parliament.   This programme was launched to introduce concrete actions aiming at improving the quality and relevance of training, with many activities specifically focused on skills and tackling their mismatches, which is still a considerable obstacle on the labour market. In many EU Member States the education institutions are often not building reliable pathways between theoretical knowledge obtained at school and needed skills in practice. Therefore, many young people, after several years of study at university or after obtaining vocational training, finally enter the labour market for the first time only to discover that their knowledge and skillset does not correspond with the market’s demand.   Understandably, it is complicated to propose a comprehensive study plan, which would allow us to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, when we do not know what those will be.I am often asked how to provide grounds for the young generation for their successful future employment, while the labour market as well as the required skillset, is constantly changing. I believe the right answer is the focus on teaching entrepreneurial skills on all educational levels. Developing an entrepreneurial mindset does not automatically mean that every young individual must become a businessman or businesswoman. It is rather a new way of dealing with upcoming challenges that inevitably arise as the digital revolution progresses. Digitalization will affect the way of working in terms of job content, job dynamics, forms of work, job profiles, or location. Due to technological advances, the skills that we teach at school today might be considered outdated tomorrow. There is and will be an obvious need for specific technical IT and digital skills, but we also cannot forget about the increasing importance of soft skills, strong interpersonal and cognitive skills such as creativity and emotional intelligence or adaptability. Moreover, such features as being a free-thinker, a problem solver, being willing to take risks, and being innovative must become crucial elements in a youngster’s education scheme. For me, an entrepreneurial mind and skill set, which we should promote in schools today, is the way of always searching for the most efficient way of completing any task. Entrepreneurs are people who try to think outside the box and outside the pre-established frameworks. People who are also creative and dedicated to the cause. I believe teaching our children these values is crucial for the EU’s competitiveness and our future. There are many ways how the entrepreneurial attitude can be fostered. Primarily by motivating students from a very young age, since it is our collective and societal responsibility to take on the mentoring role, to give them concrete examples, and to show them what awaits them after leaving school. In order to ensure a smooth transition from school to work, young people should be able to get in touch with the responsibilities and the work-life experience even before they finish their studies. There are different formats of how to make this happen, including various apprenticeships and traineeships. For me, it is extremely important to put in place concrete measures and actions to motivate our youth to be more pro-active, to stimulate their curiosity, to strengthen their confidence, and to encourage them to adopt a ‘can do’ attitude. By close cooperation of the private sector, policymakers, and education institutions, we should be able to anticipate and reduce the current skills gap. All the relevant stakeholders should have a say in this. About 40% of companies are struggling to find qualified staff and at the same time, the unemployment rate among young people aged from 15 to 25 in Europe is alarming. This means that governments, businesses, and the world of education and training all need to be involved in the establishment of educational programmes and modules. In order to keep up with the pace of innovation and changes, it is necessary to reform the logic of our education systems and to establish a much closer link between theoretical and practical knowledge. To better align the skills we teach our youngsters with labour market needs. I personally believe in the power of European youth, which has always been the driving force of the EU evolution. Young people are our future and I believe it is our duty to ensure they are obtaining the best education possible. Martina Dlabajová Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## Table human rights due diligence law, MEPs tell Commission URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/table-human-rights-due-diligence-law-meps-tell-commission ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Table human rights due diligence law, MEPs tell Commission ## MEPs have launched ambitious plans for an EU law requiring companies to carry out human rights due diligence in their supply chains. IDConsortium The demand of the next European Commission is at the heart of the shadow EU Action plan launched on 19 March by the European Parliament’s Responsible Business Conduct Working Group which covers the five-year term of the next EU executive. Such a law would require companies to carry out checks on their supply chains and look at risks that their activities may be harming human rights. By publicly reporting on these risks, and on what they have done to deal with them, companies can show investors, consumers, and local communities that they are committed to responsible and sustainable business. The Action Plan seeks to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on Business and Human Rights. Almost half of all major EU companies have been the subject of documented accusations of human rights violations. However, lawmakers believe that the attitude of companies is shifting both in terms of business practice and due diligence law.“There are more and more companies who say ‘we want to be responsible but we don’t want irresponsible to reap the profits. We want a level playing field,” said Green MEP Heidi Hautala, a member of the Parliament Working Group. Hautala added that modern patterns of trade mean that corporate due diligence is the best way to monitor supply chains.“We cannot trace international trade between states and regions anymore, it is between companies in very long and complex supply chains. The groundwork that has been laid…will lead to the adoption of an EU-wide law on human rights accountability and due diligence,” added Hautala. Virginie Mahin, global social sustainability and human rights lead for Mondelez International, said it would be “beneficial to have a binding law at EU level to provide a level field. Businesses stress the need for a level playing field and a harmonised approach to avoid overlapping EU and national laws. The European Commission has welcomed the Action Plan but has so far refused to commit to tabling new legislation. On 20 March, the Commission published its own Staff Working Document assessing progress towards meeting the UNGPs. The EU executive had been “encouraging companies to carry out appropriate due diligence, including with respect to human rights protection along their supply chains”, the paper argues.A 2011 commitment from the European Commission to develop an Action Plan on responsible business conduct has been left unfulfilled for almost a decade and is likely to lapse yet again with the outgoing Commission. In the meantime, fourteen member states have developed their own National Action Plans, triggering national processes on the establishment of safeguards for human rights against business-related abuse. France’s ‘duty of vigilance’ law and the Netherlands’ Child Labour Due Diligence bill requires companies to show a ‘duty of care in their operations, investments and supply chains.MEPs say it is time for the EU executive to stop dragging its feet, although both they and activists are keen to stress that they are not ‘castigating’ companies.“It is not about castigating companies but unless you have binding regulation, companies will not change their habits,” said Hannah Mowat, campaigns coordinator of FERN, an environmental and social justice NGO.“We’ve been doing a lot of finger-wagging at companies but actually, we need to take responsibility…they are part of the solution but they cannot carry the entire solution. That’s why we believe it’s so important for the EU to take action,” Mowat said. However, civil society activists and companies are also anxious to ensure that any new due diligence regulation is not just based on ‘knowing and showing’, and that there are sanctions for non-compliance. Campaigners also say it is important to improve access to remedy for victims, alongside increased protection for human rights defenders.“One crucial part of the Action Plan is a call for collective redress. For a form of class action mechanism that should be available to all victims of corporate abuse,” says Filip Gregor, head of the responsible companies section at lawyers Frank Bold. Benjamin Fox | EURACTIV.com Zoran Radosavljevic ## More news about this company: --- ## Industry calls on EU member states to show ‘clear commitment’ in smart farming URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/industry-calls-eu-member-states-show-clear-commitment-smart-farming ### NEWS | Chic > # Industry calls on EU member states to show ‘clear commitment’ in smart farming ## The EU manufacturers of agricultural machinery (CEMA) have called on member states to indicate a “clear commitment” to the digitisation of European agriculture as the only way to face the current environmental and economic challenges. IDConsortium This message has also been acknowledged by the European Commission, which submitted to the EU member states earlier this month a draft declaration titled “A smart and sustainable digital future for European agriculture and rural areas”. According to the document, EU member states recognise the “urgency” to speed up the introduction of new technologies in order to address increasing challenges related to the environment, economy and society. “Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, the Internet of Things, High-Performance Computing and fast broadband, including 5G, are already causing profound transformations in our economies and societies, and will be particularly critical for smart farming,” the document reads. Precision or smart farming is based on the optimised management of inputs in a field according to actual crop needs. It involves data-based technologies, including satellite positioning systems like GPS, remote sensing, and the Internet, to manage crops and reduce the use of fertilisers, pesticides and water. Based on the need to “produce more with less”, precision farming is emerging as an innovation-driven solution and the introduction of the new technologies helps farmers to manage their farms in a sustainable way taking into account the “slightest detail” of everyday farming. The post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plans to introduce a new delivery model, granting EU member states more space to come up with their own national strategic plans adjusted to their various agricultural needs. However, this also poses a challenge, considering that there are still doubts whether the member states will manage to digitise their farming sector if there is no overall coordination led by the Commission. “The Draft Declaration is the opportunity for a clear commitment from the EU member states in that direction,” Jerome Bandry, secretary-general of CEMA, the European trade association representing the manufacturers of agricultural machinery, told EURACTIV.com. “The European Commission has placed access to digital farming tools at the top of its agenda for the future CAP. We hope that horizontal strategic objectives, such as the digitisation of the agri-food sector, will be kept as one of the drivers to make European agriculture more competitive, sustainable and economically viable,” it added. The draft declaration was presented on 11 March at the Special Committee on Agriculture, which is one of the preparatory bodies of the AgriFish Council. However, the declaration was not on the agenda of the AgriFish meeting on 18 March. A source from the Romanian EU Presidency told EURACTIV.com that it is not yet sure if it’s going to be on the agenda of a meeting in April as the agenda still has not been made available. **Building digital skills** A key factor in enhancing the digitisation of EU agriculture is digital skills. For CEMA’s Bandry, the role of farm advisers in the adoption of smart farming technologies is crucial. “Today, agricultural advisory services greatly differ among European countries and it might also vary at the regional level. Hence, a realistic way for the quick adoption of digital farming technologies must include highly skilled farm advisors who interpret the data, make agronomic recommendations and design and analyse on-going experiments at the local level,” he said. Jean-Paul Beens, the head of public affairs and industry relations at fertiliser company Yara, said digital connectivity and knowledge transfer via advisory services will help attract young people and at the same time, improve the livelihood in existing rural communities. “Although urban farming may prove to be an interesting experiment and knowledge source, the true custodians of sustainable food production and supply are operative elsewhere, often at remote farm locations, which need to be connected to research and the market,” Beens said. “Local governments do recognise this need for national cohesion, to build bridges between rural and urban communities, to prevent the feeling of isolation and life in a straightjacket, no matter whether they are yellow, pink or purple,” he added. Sarantis Michalopoulos | EURACTIV.com Zoran Radosavljevic ## More news about this project: --- ## New global standard counts the cost of environmental damage URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/new-global-standard-counts-cost-environmental-damage ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # New global standard counts the cost of environmental damage ## Environmental damage costs society enormous amounts of money and often leaves future generations to foot the bill. IDConsortium Now, a new ISO standard will help companies valuate and manage the impact of their environmental damage, by providing a clear figure for the cost of their goods and services to the environment. We know what goods and services cost us, but what does the environment pay? For many years now, this question has been the focus of several global companies and researchers at the Swedish Life Cycle Center, a competence centre hosted by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. For as long as 30 years, they have been using the so-called ‘EPS tool ‘ to place a monetary value on environmental damage.Over the past three years, Bengt Steen, Professor Emeritus at Chalmers, has led the development of a new ISO standard for monetary valuation. The work has been in collaboration with AB Volvo, Essity, Nouryon (formerly Akzo Nobel Specialty Chemicals) and the IVL Swedish Environmental Institute. The initiative was taken by Swedish Life Cycle Center.”One reason why sustainable development does not move fast enough is that it is not linked to the economy,” says Bengt Steen. “Experts speak one language, and business leaders another. The negative environmental effects often remain just figures on paper. But by translating environmental issues into a monetary value, it becomes much easier to present the whole picture to an organisation and influence their strategic decisions.”Unlike many other tools, EPS weighs different types of environmental impacts, not just the effect on climate. For example, a given course of action may be beneficial for the climate but damaging for biodiversity or public health. With this approach, an overall picture is reached of what impact a product or service has on the environment, throughout its entire life cycle. A large variety of aspects are covered. Until now, this has been complex work, requiring a lot of manual input and expert knowledge.”With this standard, we can remove several of the obstacles to increased usage of monetary valuation. In a few years, when users can routinely assess the total environmental damage cost for a given investment, supplier, product design and so on, environmental issues can occupy a more central place in the boardroom. Costs to the environment can be presented side by side with profits for the company,” says Bengt Steen.Emma Ringström, Sustainability Manager at Nouryon, says that monetary valuation has given the company much valuable insight.”We have made monetary valuation of a number of our value chains and included the results of this in our annual report. The analyses include financial, social, human and environmental capital, where environmental capital is partly calculated with life cycle assessment and with EPS as a valuation method. The tool has also been used to see which activities in the value chain have a large total environmental damage cost compared to profit, and therefore need to be prioritised to become more sustainable.”Although tools such as EPS have existed for 30 years, and many companies like Nouryon use them to calculate their costs to the environment, Bengt Steen believes their development moves too slowly. There is no standardised framework, and few databases exist that enable their use in a uniform manner.Therefore, in 2015, the idea of a new ISO standard was born within Swedish Life Cycle Center. Together with SIS — the Swedish Standards Institute — a proposal was written that now after just over three years of work, together with many internationally recognised experts, is launched.”Few things yield such an impact as these type of heavyweight, international standards,” explains Bengt Steen. “When companies in the future can see where there are clear environmental benefits, investments are stimulated for a sustainable business.”The ISO standard contains a guide for how monetary valuation should be made, defines terms, and sets requirements for documentation. By extension, the standard is expected to lead to increased collaboration between experts of various kinds, as well as helping to create credible databases and software. **How to calculate a monetary valuation of environmental impacts: **With a monetary valuation of environmental impacts, many different aspects are taken into consideration. These can include energy consumption, climate impact, material use, and emissions into water, air, and soil. During a product’s lifetime, the number of emissions generated, and the number of resources expended can also be measured. These lead to many demonstrable environmental effects, such as reduced crop yields, lower fish stocks, and shortened human life spans, due to floods and heatwaves. Finally, using generally accepted sources, such as the OECD’s estimate of people’s productivity value, and market prices for cereals, fish, and meat, the cost of the impact can be ascertained. The end result is a concrete figure, calculated in Euros. In some cases, the figure represents a real incurred cost for the company, in the form of taxation or fees. In other cases, the figure signals possible future economic liabilities or is simply a sign that the product results in environmental damage that the company wants to avoid. **A simple example of environmental impact valuation: **Imagine a wooden chair, which is worn out and needs to be disposed of. The chair weighs 12 kg. There are two options: - Throw the chair into a nearby rubbish bin, after which it ends up in a landfill. - Drive the chair to a heating plant 10 km away, where it will be burned, and used for local heating instead of fossil fuels. In the first case, the cost of transport and the landfill is low — 0.40 Euros and the emissions from the transport are largely negligible. But, the degradation of the wood in the landfill takes place under oxygen-poor conditions, resulting in 4 kg of methane being formed. This leaks into the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect. The environmental cost of methane emissions has been calculated at EUR 3.80/kg using the EPS methodology. In total, therefore, there is a conventional cost of 0.40 Euros, and an environmental damage cost of 4 X 3.80 = 15.20 Euros.In the second case, the transport costs 5 Euros. The transport gives an emission of 3.8 kg carbon dioxide, but the thermal energy derived from the chair means that 6 kg of coal does not have to be burned for the heating plant to produce the heat needed. This results in a saving of about 20 kg of carbon dioxide emissions, and 6 kg of the finite natural resource, coal. With EPS, the environmental damage cost for carbon dioxide has been calculated at EUR 0.135/kg and the natural resource value of coal at EUR 0.161/kg. Therefore, this method of disposal results in a total conventional cost of 5 Euro, but a saving of environmental damage costs, an actual environmental gain, of 0.135 X (20 — 3.80) + 0.161 X 6 = 3.153 Euros. Link to the standard: https://www.iso.org/standard/43243.html Link to the EPS tool: https://www.lifecyclecenter.se/projects/environmental-priority-strategies-in-product-design-eps/ **Source:** Materials provided by the **Chalmers University of Technology**. Chalmers University of Technology. “New global standard counts the cost of environmental damage.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 March 2019. Benjamin Fox | EURACTIV.com Zoran Radosavljevic ## More news about this company: --- ## Europe ring fences 35% of research budget for clean tech URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/europe-ring-fences-35-research-budget-clean-tech ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Europe ring fences 35% of research budget for clean tech ## European Union negotiators struck an agreement late on Tuesday (19 March) to set aside 35% of the bloc’s research funding for climate-friendly technologies, despite ongoing doubts about the overall size of the EU future budget after Brexit. IDConsortium Negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, representing the 28 member states, reached an agreement last night on the shape of the proposed Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation. The decision to ringfence 35% of EU research for cleantech is consistent with European Commission plans, tabled in November 2018, to boost the bloc’s research funding and refocus efforts on mission-oriented, disruptive innovations. The rule was in fact already written in the EU’s current research programme, called Horizon 2020. But the overall size of the pie is set to grow dramatically under the Commission plan, with a proposed budget of €100 billion in 2021-2027 – despite Brexit – up from €78 billion in the current seven-year period, which included the UK as a full member.“Thanks to the 35% share of funds going to climate-related projects, Horizon Europe will make a good contribution to climate and energy,” said Léa Pilsner, a campaigner at E3G, a climate think tank. **A “mission-based” approach to research** One of the main changes in the EU’s new programme is that it will support a “mission-based” approach to research, focusing on clearly-defined objectives. Pilsner hailed in particular “the possibility of having a mission on carbon-neutral cities,” saying this “shows a new and promising approach” to research and innovation. However, the agreement on Horizon Europe did not formally exclude fossil fuels from EU research funding, Pilsner said. And doubts linger about the overall size of the EU’s research and innovation budget after the UK’s expected departure from the EU.“It is hard to say whether the budget increase for research will actually happen,” Pilsner said, noting that research and innovation policy has no clear defenders among EU countries. Moreover, the 35% ringfencing is considered insufficient by clean energy campaigners. Total funding for climate-related research and innovation – coming from both EU and private sources – needs to increase by at least a third if Europe is to spur the innovation required to reach its net-zero emissions goal by 2050, according expert analysis by Climate Strategy & Partners. Carlos Moedas, the EU Commissioner in charge of research, science and innovation, welcomed the agreement reached last night. “We are now on track to launch the most ambitious ever European research and innovation programme in 2021, shaping the future for a strong, sustainable and competitive European economy,” he said in a statement. In its long-term budget plan, the European Commission proposed reserving 25% of the EU’s overall expenditure on climate-friendly technologies, up from 20% in the current budget. Frédéric Simon | EURACTIV.com Zoran Radosavljevic ## More news about this company: --- ## Organic farming improved but still flaws with traceability URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/organic-farming-improved-still-flaws-traceability ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Organic farming improved but still flaws with traceability ## Despite improvements in the control of organic farming, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) said more work is needed to prevent food fraud and ensure that organic standards are met, as traceability is causing continued issues for foodstuffs bearing the bio label. IDConsortium The new report released on Thursday (14 March) followed up another audit in 2012 when the ECA found serious issues with organic farming system control. At that time, the EU Auditors reported that supervising authorities were not exchanging information, traceability was challenging between EU countries and even more so between third countries, while only 40% of the products examined could be traced back to the producer. Since the 2012 audit, the EU has recognised several countries for having equivalent organic farming rules and controls, but all other countries must be checked. The member states may now choose between a public or private certification system and the time it takes to trace products has been reduced from six months down to three with an improved percentage of results.“When consumers buy organic products, they rely on the fact that organic rules have been applied at every stage of the supply chain, whether they are produced in the EU or imported,” said Nikolas Milionis, member of the ECA responsible for the report. Determining whether a product is organic is not scientific so the entire sector has to rely fully on systematic checks and controls that, while improved in the last six years, are hard to regulate across all member states and stages of production. **Traceability** Traceability, which was highlighted by the report, is one of the best ways of ensuring that farming is organic. Organic products have seen a 69% increase in sales from €18.1 billion in 2010 to €34.3 billion in 2017. The EU imported organic products from more than 100 countries in 2018. But many products in the recent audit still couldn’t be traced back to the producer or the process took longer than three months. Furthermore, if issues are found within imports, it is difficult and time-consuming to find solutions even though rules have been put in place to facilitate this process, the report said. While some countries have responded to the audit with changes in the legal framework, coordination, and procedures, these are not EU-wide and vary between the member states, the auditors added. The report recommended having more thorough traceability checks, improved supervision, cooperation, transparency, and communication. The Commission responded to the report by accepting all the recommendations and saying it would carry out a specific number of traceability exercises every year. It also invited the member states to present the results of their analysis and enforcement. The Commission also said it was going to take the necessary steps to extend the system to third countries. **Risks of fraud** The control and monitoring system have seen improvement in the new study but that does not mean that organic farming is without weakness, according to the report.“Organic products are being marketed at prices up to 150% higher than the price of comparable conventionally produced goods,” the Commission said on 7 March. This increase in prices drives an increase in production but also an increase in fraud. Mafia ties were found in Italy related to wheat imports from Romania that had been labeled as organic, the Financial Times reported.  Another example of fraud is 40 tonnes of German strawberries labeled as organic, which were found to contain 25 pesticides, German media outlet Taz reported this month. Amanda Lee | EURACTIV.com Gerardo FortunaZoran Radosavljevic ## More news about this company: --- ## European Union bets on innovation to secure energy transition URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-union-bets-on-innovation-secure-energy-transition ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # European Union bets on innovation to secure energy transition ## Breakthrough climate-change-busting technologies are set to benefit from €10 billion in EU funding over the next decade, as the European Commission confirmed its punt on a major new innovation fund. IDConsortium Last November, the EU executive unveiled its plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions drastically by 2050, and national leaders are expected to decide what direction to go in this year.If the member states select the Commission’s full-fat scenario, which would mean Europe absorbing all of the emissions it produces, the continent’s energy-intensive industries will have to make sweeping changes in order to adapt. Enter the new Innovation Fund, which was given the green light by the Berlaymont last week. By selling millions of carbon allowances from the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme, the Commission plans to put together a war-chest of €10 billion that can be used to develop, test and eventually market low-carbon technologies.EU climate boss Miguel Arias Cañete said the Commission’s strategy of making the economy ‘climate neutral’ “will need deployment of clean innovative technologies on an industrial scale”.“This is why we are investing in bringing to the market highly innovative technologies in energy-intensive industries, in carbon capture, storage, and use, in the renewable energy sector and in energy storage,” the Spanish Commissioner added. The Fund will also absorb any money left over from its predecessor, the NER 300 programme. EU auditors concluded last year the programme had failed to help any projects scale up to the industrial level because of a lack of coordination and long-term planning.NER300 and the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) both pooled resources of nearly €4 billion and nearly half a billion of that amount is still unspent.  **Leaky carbon** At a EURACTIV event on the challenges faced by heavy industry last week (27 February), Commission official Peter Handley said efforts should be focused on “preventing cherry-picking of innovative tech by India and China”.The resource efficiency and raw materials expert added that each industry “has to develop one large demonstration project and bring it to scale” and that “the next decade is absolutely crucial”.Environmental researcher Gauri Khandekar told the same event that a lot of breakthrough technologies are now related to the circular economy but warned that a lack of infrastructure and strategic planning are the main challenges ahead. Energy-intensive industries like the steel and aluminum sectors are worried that if EU regulators push too hard on emissions cuts, it will lead to the phenomenon known as carbon leakage. Panelists explained that the electro-intensive sectors, such as aluminum, are faced with massive indirect emission costs, i.e. carbon costs passed on through electricity prices, carbon, and investment leakage is already happening. Europe has had 10 smelter shutdowns over the past ten years, which could be to a large extent attributed to electricity prices and not to the lack of investment in new capacity. At the same time, China has risen from almost 10% to a staggering 60% in global aluminum production over the past 15 years, mostly relying on coal-powered smelters. Ultimately, it will depend on whether industries see the costs of adapting to stricter climate measures as worth the investment over simply upping sticks and setting up shops in a country with laxer standards. In the meantime, panelists admitted that establishing a level playing field globally by effectively offsetting climate costs borne exclusively by the EU industry was absolutely imperative. The Innovation Fund and other financial tools provided by the Commission, including InvestEU, Horizon 2020, and cohesion funding, are all offered in the hope that industries will plump for the first option. In terms of competition, the Commission’s Peter Handley concluded that industries should not worry about other parts of the world seizing a march on the European sector because “the internal market is our competitive edge” and the rest of the world follows where we lead.That prognosis could be put to the test as early as September at what is being touted as a watershed United Nations summit in New York. EU leaders are hopeful of turning up to the meeting with a firm roadmap to 2050 in their pocket to show other major players where Europe is heading. Sam Morgan Zoran Radosavljevic ## More news about this company: --- ## How art and science are helping chicory URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/how-art-science-helping-chicory ### NEWS | Chic > # How art and science are helping chicory – An inside look at the new chic project ## Root chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is an under-utilized crop. It is currently used for the commercial production of inulin, which is added to many food products as a dietary fibre and sweetener. IDConsortium The CHIC project aims to develop chicory varieties that can be used to produce dietary fibre with enhanced prebiotic effects to promote gut health. At the same time, given its biosynthetic capacity, high yields, and low agronomic requirements, chicory has significant potential as a versatile production host in molecular farming for the production of many additional health-related products with benefits for consumers. CHIC also aims to harness this potential for the extraction of other types of health-related compounds such as terpenes as potential lead molecules for drug development. To achieve this, new chicory varieties must be developed. However, chicory breeding is currently exceptionally time-consuming. Since it is an obligatory outcrossing species, no true varieties can be obtained, and germplasm is maintained by in vitro propagation. Macarena Sanz, project coordinator – CHIC Dissemination and Communication Manager, says CHIC aims at developing chicory varieties as a crop to increase the diversity and sustainability of agricultural production while serving consumer needs. These varieties will require less agrochemical and shall produce improved dietary fibres and medical compounds. “CHIC also aims to facilitate a transparent discussion and create awareness about new plant breeding techniques (NPBT) such as CRISPR,” she says. “We will compare their efficacy, potential risk, evaluate socio-economic consequences and develop business plans for commercialization.” Why was chicory chosen for this project over other crops? The idea of the European Commission was to address minor utilised non-food crops that produce interesting compounds and have the potential for molecular farming. Chicory is just like that – it is a crop that grows in the north of Europe, predominantly in France, The Netherlands and Belgium. It is already used for the commercial production of inulin and the processing pipeline is in place. Chicory can become a multipurpose crop, since it also produces interesting terpenes. The project plans on using new plant breeding techniques. However, the ECJ recently ruled that such techniques should be regulated, as GMOs. Isn’t that a drawback for the project? Sanz says this shows the importance of projects like this, and perhaps they are needed now more than ever. By using NPBT, CHIC will develop chicory plants with consumer benefits. They will assess the products as well as the methods used, their safety and their possible socio- and economic impact. “We will do this by enhancing interactions and open communication with stakeholders, including the public. In doing so, we aim to boost awareness and take into consideration all the needs and concerns we will detect during the whole length and development of the project.” **PUBLIC AWARENESS** Sanz says in their project, they will reach out to the public by engaging them with several activities. A solid publication strategy will be developed and implemented, which will allow them to disseminate publishable data to researchers by using traditional channels (such as symposia, journals, presentations at conferences etc.) and to engage with key stakeholders. Communication with stakeholders and the general public will be crucial since their objective is to increase public awareness and appreciation of NPBTs to generate valuable natural products – this is particularly relevant in case of potential consumers and new products. Training activities aimed at school children and households will be organised allowing researchers and interested stakeholders to gain knowledge and skills in the NPBTs relevant to the project. “To this purpose, we will organise four CHIC days in different European schools for teenagers (age 14 – 16) to educate them about ‘hot topics’ such as new plant breeding techniques,” she says. “Moreover, the educational material will be designed for teenagers and disseminated through smartphones/tablet applications. This will include demos and games to explain in education, the visual and interactive way the relevance of these topics, such as the positive impact of NPBTs, GMOs on human health and increasing food demands.” In addition, Sanz says they will have an active presence on social media channels and organise initiatives to involve artists, since art is an effective ´language´ when it comes to transmitting knowledge, values and a stronger connection with the audience. “Both science and art are human attempts to understand and describe the world around us. Art can not only provide the audience with information, but also elicit visceral, emotional responses and engage the imagination in ways that prompt action and a positive attitude towards such complex topics that could be hard to explain with words and scientific notions,” she states. “For these reasons, involving artists in the project could attract a broader audience, such as people that would otherwise not be interested in scientific developments, since it´s a more evocative and effective way of communicating.” **IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY** Within the CHIC project, a socio-economic and environmental assessment will be performed. Regarding socio-economic impacts, there will be assessments on how different NPBTs will influence economic and social indicators such as GDP (Gross Domestic Product), production volume, growth, competitiveness, and employment as well as the distribution of wealth and income between different sectors and regions within the EU. The assessment of environmental issues will be done with the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which is an established method of environmental assessment providing information about environmental aspects over the whole life cycle. The LCA will be performed on the NPBTs and based on the whole value chain from breeding, cultivation, harvesting, processing to the final products (inulin and terpenes). The most relevant environmental aspects and parameters (e.g. GHG emissions, primary energy consumption, land use aspects, water issues) with their influencing factors will be identified and compared to a conventional reference system. **Of Note:** • The private sector are partners in the project. Stakeholders from the private sector will be involved throughout the project (e.g. farmers, processors, food companies etc). • The outcome can be translated to other crops. • CRISPR is the main technique that will be used. We will use different variants and see which ones best fit chicory. **Link to the magazine and the article:** https://european-seed.com/docs/books/volume-6/issue-1/?page=26 Marcel Bruins Zoran Radosavljevic ## More news about this project: --- ## Oak and beech, climate change modifies the competitiveness URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/oak-beech-climate-change-modifies-competitiveness ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Oak and beech, climate change modifies the competitiveness ## Researchers from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid are participating in a project to determine how climate change modifies the natural dynamic of forests. IDConsortium A research study carried out by several institutions, including Universidad Politécnica de Madrid is participating in a project to determine how climate change modifies the natural dynamic of forests. The study results, which have been published in the Forest Ecology and Management, suggest that oak will benefit from the current increase in temperature due to its resilience to new climate conditions. As a result, oak forests will have a competitive advantage versus beech forests. Beech trees appeared in the Iberian Peninsula after the last glaciation and since then they have grown considerably around the country. This species needs shades to grow in the first stages of its development, thus they expand under the shadow of other trees. Beech is more shade-tolerant, has a greater production of seeds, and is more competitive than other species. The oak geographical distribution is similar to the beech distribution and is common to find a mixed forest where both species coexist. Oak is less shade-tolerant and has lower production of seed and thus this species is naturally displaced to areas of lower altitude, with worse soil and close to the forest margins. However, oak is a more drought-resistant species than the beech species. Could climate change attenuate the dominance of beech and improve the competitive capacity of the oak? To answer this question, a team of researchers carried out a study in a forest located in the “Picos de Europa” National Park. Álvaro Rubio, a researcher from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, says “our aim is to learn the influence of climate change on the competitive relationship between both species. They used a dendroecological approach, based on the measure of the tree-rings, to reconstruct the competitive capacity of beech and oak and developed a projection for the 21st century based on forecasted climate for this period. To carry out this study they performed a field survey consisting of 98 sampling plots occupying an area of 800 ha in the “Picos de Europa” National Park. Thus they obtained wood samples of each species. After drying and sanding the wood samples, researchers measured the size of each ring. An index of competitive advantage was developed from these measures. This index measures the periods of time in which oak trees grow better or worse than beech trees. After, researchers studied the link between this index and the climate in order to project the values according to different climatic forecasts that have been made for the 21st century. Competitive advantage of oak compared to beech throughout the 20th century The results show that the periods of time in which oak trees grow better than beech trees have been increasing throughout the 20th century, especially since 1970 and this change is related to the change in temperature and rainfall during the 20th century.“Our results show that oak trees will be less likely to be affected by the climate change than beech trees”, said Álvaro Rubio. The progressive expulsion of oak trees that occurs when they coexist with beech trees can trigger that forests lose their competitive capacity to climatic disturbances. “In order to improve the competitive capacity is recommended carrying out active management of mixed oak and beech forests to avoid the expulsion of oak, which is better adapted to the climate conditions”, says Rubio. The institutions involved in this project are the following: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural (ETSIMFMN-UPM); Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE-CSIC); Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA); Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Gestión Forestal Sostenible (iuFOR), Universidad de Valladolid–INIA; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC). **Reference**: Rubio-Cuadrado, A, et al. 2018. **Drought modifies tree competitiveness in an oak-beech temperate forest**. *Forest ecology and management*, 429: 7-17. DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2018.06.035 ## More news about this company: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il First visit from the external monitoring team NEEMO URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-first-visit-external-monitoring-team-neemo ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il First visit from the external monitoring team NEEMO ## On February 28th, 2019 the first visit from the external monitoring team NEEMO took place in the IMIDA facilities located in Murcia, Spain. IDConsortium The purpose of this visit was to monitor the progress of the AgRemSO3il’s actions since the beginning of July 1st, 2018. In order to do so, each partner made a detailed presentation of the progress of the actions that they have been developing since the date mentioned previously as well as they presented all the supporting documents, like timesheets, deliverables, invoices, and internal procedures to the monitoring team NEEMO. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## How art and science are helping chicory: an inside look at the new CHIC project URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/how-art-science-help-chicory-inside-look-new-chic-project ### NEWS | Chic > # How art and science are helping chicory: an inside look at the new CHIC project ## Among the various projects which are supported through the EU Horizon 2020 funding programme is the CHIC research and innovation project. IDConsortium It plans to establish a responsible innovation pathway for developing and using New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) for chicory as a multipurpose crop for the production of inulin and terpenes. Root chicory (*Cichorium intybus* L.) is an under-utilized crop. It is currently used for the commercial production of inulin, which is added to many food products as a dietary fibre and sweetener. The CHIC project aims to develop chicory varieties that can be used to produce dietary fibre with enhanced prebiotic effects to promote gut health. At the same time, given its biosynthetic capacity, high yields and low agronomic requirements, chicory has significant potential as a versatile production host in molecular farming for the production of many additional health-related products with benefits for consumers. CHIC also aims to harness this potential for the extraction of other types of health-related compounds such as terpenes as potential lead molecules for drug development. To achieve this, new chicory varieties must be developed. However, chicory breeding is currently exceptionally time-consuming. Since it is an obligatory outcrossing species, no true varieties can be obtained, and germplasm is maintained by in vitro propagation. *European Seed* sat down with project coordinator Macarena Sanz, CHIC Dissemination and Communication Manager. **European Seed (ES): Macarena, can you tell me a bit more about the CHIC project?** Macarena Sanz (MS): CHIC aims at developing chicory varieties as a crop to increase the diversity and sustainability of agricultural production while serving consumer needs. These varieties will require less agrochemical and shall produce improved dietary fibres and medical compounds. CHIC also aims to facilitate a transparent discussion and create awareness about new plant breeding techniques (NPBT) such as CRISPR. We will compare their efficacy, potential risk, evaluate socio-economic consequences and develop business plans for commercialization. **ES: Why was chicory chosen for this project over other crops?** MS: The idea of the European Commission was to address minor utilised non-food crops that produce interesting compounds and have potential for molecular farming. Chicory is just like that – it is a crop that grows in the north of Europe, predominantly in France, The Netherlands and Belgium. It is already used for the commercial production of inulin and the processing pipeline is in place. Chicory can become a multipurpose crop, since it also produces interesting terpenes. **ES: The project plans on using new plant breeding techniques. However, the ECJ recently ruled that such techniques should be regulated as GMO’s. Isn’t that a drawback for the project?** MS: This shows the importance of projects like this, and perhaps they are needed now more than ever. By using NPBT, CHIC will develop chicory plants with consumer benefits. We will assess the products as well as the methods used, their safety and their possible socio- and economic impact. We will do this by enhancing interactions and open communication with stakeholders, including the public. In doing so, we aim to boost awareness and take into consideration all the needs and concerns we will detect during the whole length and development of the project. **ES: Will the CHIC project be using mainly techniques based on CRISPR-Cas, or also using other techniques?** MS: Yes, CRISPR is the main technique that will be used. We will use different variants and see which ones best fit chicory. **ES: How are you planning to raise awareness and improve the interaction with the public?** MS: In our project we will reach out to the public by engaging them with several activities. We will develop and implement a solid publication strategy which will allow us to disseminate publishable data to researchers by using traditional channels (such as symposia, journals, presentations at conferences etc.) and to engage with key stakeholders. Communication with stakeholders and the general public will be crucial, since our objective is to increase public awareness and appreciation of NPBTs to generate valuable natural products – this is particularly relevant in case of potential consumers and new products. Training activities aimed at school children and households will be organised allowing researchers and interested stakeholders to gain knowledge and skills in the NPBTs relevant to the project. To this purpose, we will organise four CHIC days in different European schools for teenagers (age 14 – 16) to educate them about “hot topics” such as new plant breeding techniques. Moreover, the educational material will be designed for teenagers and disseminated through smartphones/tablet application. This will include demos and games to explain in an education, visual and interactive way the relevance of these topics, such as the positive impact of NPBTs, GMOs on human health and increasing food demands. In addition to this, we will guarantee an active presence on social media channels and organise initiatives to involve artists, since art is an effective ´language´ when it comes to transmit knowledge, values and stronger connection with the audience. **ES: You plan on using artists to better convey the relevant messages. What will be the additional benefits of using artists?** MS: Because art and science are more closely related than we think. Both science and art are human attempts to understand and describe the world around us. Art can not only provide the audience with information, but also elicit visceral, emotional responses and engage the imagination in ways that prompt action and a positive attitude towards such complex topics that could be hard to explain with words and scientific notions. For these reasons, involving artists in the project could attract a broader audience, such as people that would otherwise not be interested in science developments, since it´s a more evocative and effective way of communicating. **ES: How do you plan to assess the impact on the sustainability of the CHIC project?** MS: Within the CHIC project a socio-economic and an environmental assessment will be done. Regarding socio-economic impacts, we will assess how different NPBTs will influence economic and social indicators such as GDP (Gross Domestic Product), production volume, growth, competitiveness, and employment as well as the distribution of wealth and income between different sectors and regions within the EU. The assessment of environmental issues will be done with the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which is an established method of environmental assessment providing information about environmental aspects over the whole life cycle. The LCA will be performed on the NPBTs and based on the whole value chain from breeding, cultivation, harvesting, processing to the final products (inulin and terpenes). The most relevant environmental aspects and parameters (e.g. GHG emissions, primary energy consumption, land use aspects, water issues) with their influencing factors will be identified and compared to a conventional reference system. **ES: In certain fields there is a feeling of growing opposition against innovation, including in agriculture and the seed sector. How can we overcome this opposition?** MS: I am not sure there is growing opposition against innovation. There are many innovation projects going on in the food and agriculture fields, and we need at all costs to better interact with the target we want to reach, if we want to be successful. **ES: How will the private sector be involved in the CHIC project?** MS: The private sector are partners in the project. Stakeholders from the private sector will be involved throughout the project (e.g. farmers, processors, food companies etc). **ES: Do you expect that the outcome can be translated to other crops?** MS: Yes, we do. Both the technologies and the ways to interact with society. **Source:** https://european-seed.com/2019/02/how-art-and-science-are-helping-chicory-an-inside-look-at-the-new-chic-project/ Marcel Bruins Zoran Radosavljevic ## More news about this project: --- ## Europe: An industrial society of the future URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/europe-industrial-society-future ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Europe: An industrial society of the future ## This article is part of Euractiv’s special report on A renewed Europe: Innovation in technology industries. IDConsortium “As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris Accord and the draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country.”These were the words of US President Donald Trump on 1 June 2017, as he announced his country’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the accord that aims to limit global warming to temperatures well below 2°C. More recently, in December 2018, the Trump administration entered the debate on the ‘Yellow vests’ movement, stating that the protests across France were a direct result of the “fatally flawed” Paris Agreement goals. In addition, Brazil’s new President Jair Bolsonaro has previously threatened to pull out of the Paris Agreement targets, and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte called the climate deal “absurd” before later signing up to the plans. In the EU, the rise of Germany’s far-right AfD has concerned many environmental campaigners, because the party believes climate change to be a hoax. Along this axis, the polls for May’s European Election are predicting a heavy swing to the right, with groups across the continent cut from the same cloth as Germany’s AfD estimated to be some of the biggest winners. If this is to be the case, policymakers in the European Parliament, at least, are likely to be less concerned with the global problems that the Paris targets aim to appease: rising temperatures worldwide, heavy pollution of metropolitan centers across the EU, a poor recycling track record, and mass littering of Europe’s seas. Amid this context, the responsibility for pursuing long-term sustainable goals falls upon those in the wider community who can stake a claim in the climate debate. One such player is Europe’s tech industry, who made their intentions clear during last week’s Industry Days conference in Brussels.“It is not what Europe can do for the industry, but what industry can do for Europe,” Malte Lohan, director-general of Orgalim, a leading EU trade association, said on stage during the conference.“The challenges are broad and far-ranging,” he said. “How do we address the issue of climate change in a resource-constrained world, how do we adapt to changing demographics – people living and working longer, how do we reinvigorate our citizens’ belief in the European project?”The Industry Days conference brought together a host of high-level policymakers and key stakeholders in business and manufacturing to discuss the sector’s position in a rapidly changing world, in pursuance of answers to the questions such as these. And policymakers do acknowledge the need for innovation to happen in a sector that has transformed itself dramatically since the onset of a free market strategy in the latter half of the twentieth century. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker reflected on this change during a more personal insight as part of his keynote speech at Industry Days: “The steel plant was the heart and soul of our local community in the deep south of Luxembourg,” he said. “What I saw growing up still shapes the way I see the world today.” Of course, the industry today looks very, very different. Technologies have changed, ways of working are different. Climate change poses as many major challenges as it does opportunities for European companies to take the lead globally. But ultimately, Europe is still an industrial society – both at heart and in practice.”In bygone days in which industrial steelworks were common over the continent, Europe’s industrial clout was supported by a diligent and willing workforce. Today, for Europe to truly be considered an industrial society, innovation in the technologies that can assist in achieving productivity targets in line with wider sustainable goals, become the earmarks for success. Last week, during Orgalim’s panel at the EU’s Industry Days conference, in which the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was discussed, some participants drew attention to the fact that many remain suspicious of AI and its use in the industry. Radu Surdeanu, senior director for the digital economy at Siemens, said that AI is fundamentally misunderstood by many in the industry. He implored stakeholders “to not act out of fear for AI.”In this context, Lucilla Sioli, director for digital industry at the European Commission’s DG Connect, said that for AI to be demystified, it needs to be “brought closer to reality” and that would require the consideration of a code of standards in order to regulate the use of these technologies in the workplace. In 2018, the Commission established a High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence, consisting of 52 independent experts from academia, industry, and civil society. In December, the group put forward the first draft AI ethics guidelines, which looked into a broad range of issues and challenges for the future, including privacy and personal data protection, consumer protection, liability, and non-discrimination. While the industry doesn’t scream out for harsher regulatory frameworks in the future roll-out of AI across the continent, discussions on the sidelines of last week’s Industry Days praised recent EU legislative efforts as giving the bloc a competitive advantage against global competitors. For example, Orgalim’s Lohan cited the example of how the General Data Protection Regulation has allowed the EU to stand out as a leader in privacy law in the wider marketplace. Laurent Zibell, policy adviser at IndustriAll Europe believes that AI, in particular, has the potential to substantially boost output.“One of the most stand-out benefits to AI will be the opportunity to increase yields in industrial processes,” he said. Future benefits that will come as a result of increased innovation across the EU industry will be extensive, and will not benefit only firms themselves. Should the EU meet its 2050 climate goals of becoming a “competitive and climate-neutral economy” then benefits will be seen across civilizations the world over. If EU industries are able to fulfill a social purpose, it will be achieved by way of the appropriate investment into innovative technologies such as AI, which allow for greater levels of efficiency and less reliance on industrial processes that harm the environment.   Immediately after Juncker’s recollection of his father’s career as a steelworker, the Commission chief spoke about the importance of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the necessity of “equipping people with the right skills in the changing world of work.”If Europe is to truly become an industrial society of the future, then it is in this vein that they will be able to do so. Not only do burgeoning technologies and sustainable goals need to become a central tenet of its policy agenda, but trust in the efficacy of the European project must also be prioritised, by guaranteeing jobs and high standards in the workplace and ensuring that nobody is left behind by the coming revolution of Europe’s technology industries. Samuel Stolton | EURACTIV.com ## More news about this company: --- ## EU’s push to ‘raise global ambition’ on climate change URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/eu-push-raise-global-ambition-climate-change ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # EU’s push to ‘raise global ambition’ on climate change ## A special UN summit scheduled in New York next September will provide “an essential opportunity to mobilize political will to raise global ambition” on climate change, according to a draft EU statement due to be adopted on Monday (18 February). IDConsortium Foreign ministers from the 28 EU members are meeting in Brussels on Monday, with international climate diplomacy high on the agenda. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has convened a global climate summit in New York on 23 September and Europe wants to use the opportunity to spur world nations into action on climate change.“Climate change is a direct and existential threat, which will spare no country,” the draft EU statement warns, and its impacts already being felt across the globe.“Yet action to stem it remains insufficient,” it adds, urging all countries to “join in this necessary raising of ambition”.Guterres has already reached out to some G20 leaders to encourage them to step up their ambition. Countries such as China and Canada are expected to follow that call, raising the pressure on the US, which decided to pull out from the 2015 Paris Agreement. The draft statement by EU foreign ministers makes repeated references to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which for the first time charted pathways to limit the global rise in temperature to 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Agreement.“We are not moving fast enough to prevent irreversible and catastrophic climate disruption. In this context, it is a matter of extreme urgency to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change,” the statement reads, saying the EU considers the upcoming UN climate summit in New York “as an essential opportunity to mobilize political will to raise global ambition for the Paris Agreement goals”. **Aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050** Green activists hailed the EU Council’s draft conclusions, saying the UN climate summit in September will test the global leader’s resolve to tackle global warming.“The big question for the UN summit is whether governments will ramp up climate action or continue ignoring the changes happening all around us,” said Wendel Trio, director of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.“Time to avoid the climate breakdown is running out and citizens are demanding meaningful action now,” he added, referring to the youth climate marches that have been taking place across the globe in recent weeks. For Europe, the UN climate summit will also provide an opportunity to flesh out its long-term climate strategy for 2050. The European Commission published the draft EU strategy in November, inviting all interested parties to comment on its main recommendation to aim for net-zero emissions by 2050. The strategy is now being debated in EU capitals, with a final decision on the EU’s 2050 objective expected to be taken by EU heads of states in October, or even possibly in May. **2030 targets** But while 2050 appears light-years away for most politicians, a trickier debate has started in parallel on whether the EU should raise its climate objectives for 2030. All signatories of the Paris Agreement have indeed committed to revising their 2030 climate targets by 2020, including the EU and its 28 member states. And the ongoing debate in Europe about the 2050 objective is beginning to weigh on this process. The head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has called on the EU to raise its climate target for 2030 in order to keep in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.“Our numbers show that the EU is currently set to fall short of its 40% objective by 2030,” said Joyce Msuya, the acting executive director of UNEP. “But this goal needs to be revised to 55% if the EU wants to stay within the 1.5°C global warming objective,” she told EURACTIV in a recent interview.“So there is work to be done, there is a commitment to reach that goal and we are partnering with the European Union to see how we can support it,” Msuya said. Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, a renowned Belgian climate scientist and former IPCC vice-chair, also believes the EU’s 2030 objectives are “outdated”, and inconsistent with the Paris goals. The European Parliament shares that view. It voted a resolution in October calling on the EU to increase its emissions pledge to 55% by 2030. However, EU member states – led by Germany – are reluctant to depart from the EU’s 40% emissions reduction objective, even though they signed up to EU legislation on renewables and energy efficiency last year that “de facto” commits Europe to a 45% target by  2030.“For the EU, the UN summit must be a culmination point for the discussion of the new EU long-term climate strategy,” Trio said, calling on the EU to “move forward the debate on the need to increase the EU’s 2030 climate target.”  Frédéric Simon | EURACTIV.com ## More news about this company: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il at LIFE-EMPORE workshop URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-life-empore-workshop ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il at LIFE-EMPORE workshop ## Members of the LIFE-AgRemSO3il project were present at the workshop “TRATAMIENTO Y ELIMINACIÓN DE CONTAMINANTES EMERGENTES EN EFLUENTES DE ESTACIONES DEPURADORAS URBANAS”, held on 12th February at Complejo Deportivo – Cultural La Petxina (Valencia). IDConsortium The event was organised by the project LIFE-EMPORE (LIFE15 ENV/ES/000598) to present their results and compare their achievements with other LIFE projects (Clean-Up and Aquemfree). IMIDA was invited to take part in the presentation: LIFE AQUEMFREE. Descontaminación in situ de aguas residuales de procedencia agrícola mediante fotocatálisis solar. As a part of the communication, IMIDA included the presentation of the project LIFE- AgRemSO3il, the objectives and first steps of its implementation, once it is in the line of treating emerging pollutants though in this case, from the soil. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## European Parliament votes for much greener cohesion policy URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-parliament-votes-greener-cohesion-policy ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # European Parliament votes for much greener cohesion policy ## The European Parliament’s committee on regional development has voted on Cohesion policy regulation, and there is the clear intention of making Cohesion much greener from 2020. For the first time, there is also to be a ban on providing support for fossil fuels. IDConsortium EURACTIV Germany reports. It was only a minor vote but it could set the course for Europe’s regions. Last week, the Parliament’s committee on regional development (REGI) voted on the framework regulation for the EU structural fund after 2020. Behind the regulation is the set of rules specifying the guidelines used by the EU to provide support for its regions. Cohesion policy, which represents more than €350 billion, constitutes almost a third of the total EU budget. The funds are invested in infrastructure,  social and educational projects, as well as projects supporting the local economy. **Excluding fossil fuels from support, a historic step** The unusual thing about the parliament’s proposal, which has now been adopted, was that it stipulated wide-ranging measures for climate protection. The Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, a coalition of organizations fighting climate change, was pleased about the Parliament’s progressive proposals. “Some points really blew us away,” said Markus Trilling, finance and subsidies policy coordinator at CAN. For instance, the framework regulation explicitly mentions climate protection as a priority of cohesion policy and puts first the principle of energy efficiency in the supported projects. In order to promote “climate-proofing,” regional projects should preferably be given support if they cause as little environmental damage as possible and are “climate change-resistant.”Moreover, in a new development, projects which use fossil fuels will no longer be supported, according to the European Parliament. “If this gets through, Cohesion policy would be the first policy area in the EU where fossil fuels are categorically excluded. This would be a historic step,” Trilling explained. In addition, the national programmes for regional support should be aligned with respective member states’ climate plans and contribute to achieving the national climate goals for 2030. This would involve a perceptible shift, particularly in Eastern Europe, where traditionally many billions of euros are invested in infrastructure projects.“The EU has learned its lesson: We have seen that the climate goals for 2020 have hardly influenced some countries’ investment landscape. This should change in the new Cohesion policy from 2020,” Trilling said.This raises the question of the extent to which Cohesion policy can make a real contribution to climate protection. Originally, it was intended to level out the living conditions of the regions, and not necessarily to combat greenhouse gases. Trilling believed that the structural fund could certainly make a valuable contribution. “The money’s there and it’s spent anyway. It’s a question of where to set priorities,” Trilling said.“For example, in Portugal, structural funding represents more than 80% of all public investment. Whether I use these funds to support the energy transition or instead continue to cement my dependency on fossil fuels, is a conscious political decision,” he added. **European Parliament stronger than thought in environmental protection** The European Parliament’s rapporteur for the framework regulation was Constanze Krehl (Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats). She said that, while the strong focus on environmental protection was not a foregone conclusion, it received strong support in the committee.“The Commission plans to invest 25% of its funding into climate protection anyway. Incorporating this into cohesion policy was a given,” Krehl added. However, the European Council could still represent a hurdle to the process. This body also has to approve the proposal once the European Parliament has adopted it, which is expected to happen on 13 February. Krehl said that some member states may be less pleased about the new guidelines.“I’m hopeful that we can get this through the Council as it is. But, of course, it’s not possible to predict” said MEP Krehl. “But we have seen recently that the European Parliament is stronger than we thought when it comes to environmental protection and reducing CO2,” she added. Florence Schulz | EURACTIV.de ## More news about this company: --- ## No water, no reuse URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/no-water-no-reuse ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # No water, no reuse ## The European Parliament can save the entire water reuse project, or render the whole exercise until now worthless when it votes on 12 February, writes Roberto Mazzini. IDConsortium *Mazzini is the chair of Joint Working Group on Water Reuse in EurEau, the association representing Europe’s water sector (EurEau). *The Parliament is on the point of threatening the entire practice of water reuse in Europe. It boils down to one amendment; the full liability for the safety of reused water cannot lie only with reclamation facility operators. We are surrounded by water. We have a plethora of rivers and lakes and seas around us in Europe. It seems like we have a lot, but in reality, we don’t. Water is a finite resource, and in order to ensure that we have enough to meet our future needs, it is sometimes necessary to reuse treated wastewater, for example in agriculture, to reduce pressure on water resources and keep it available to provide us all with drinking water. The water that is to be reused must be treated to make it safe. By regulating for this, the Commission is creating the basis for a harmonized approach to water reuse in agriculture and increases the trust and the development of the practice across the continent. The European Parliament’s ENVI Committee voted on their report on the Regulation for Minimum Requirements for Water Reuse last month. This regulation sets out the quality parameters for reclaimed water and the requirements that need to be put in place for safe water reuse in agricultural irrigation. The water quality requirements are stringent and will guarantee the safety of the practice for our health and the environment, as demonstrated in the last years by the numerous case studies of agricultural water reuse already existing in the different member states. The European Parliament’s position advances the European Commission’s proposal by explicitly setting the responsibility of the reclamation facility operator until the point of compliance, where the reclaimed water is delivered to the next actor in the chain. This was an important step for the proper functioning of the regulation and the European Parliament worked well to deliver this. However, MEPs voted for one amendment that introduces a strong threat to reclamation facility operators and may put current and future water reuse at risk. This amendment states that the reclamation facility operator should be responsible and liable for any kind of pollution of the soil or agricultural products if farmers use reclaimed water. This is simply not acceptable. The reclamation facility operator cannot be held liable for any possible contamination. No reclamation facility operator will take the risk to produce reclaimed water under the threat of having to compensate for the pollution they are not responsible for. It would result in exorbitant costs linked to the prohibitive insurance policies necessary to cover the risks for any possible damage. If no reclaimed water is produced, no reuse will happen. The regulation needs to limit the liability of the reclamation facility operators to what they can control: the production of reclaimed water. If the water is compliant with the regulation, its liability should not be automatically engaged. This has to be clearly stated in the regulation or it will kill water reuse. We count on MEPs to be realistic when they vote on Tuesday (12 February). We need to reuse water and a sensible and logical decision by the Parliament will realise this. Roberto Mazzini | EurEau ## More news about this company: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il at Fruit Logistica 2019 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-fruit-logistica-2019 ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il at Fruit Logistica 2019 ## Fruit Logistica opened its doors once again this year at the exhibition grounds in Berlin between 6th and 8th February for what has become known as the most significant agricultural trade show in Europe. IDConsortium The presence of Spain – and Murcia, of course – stood out and Fruit Logistica once again displayed its ability to draw in the crowds with the presence of representatives from all five continents. The LIFE-AgRemSO3il project was represented at the trade show by IMIDA. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Degradation experiments in controlled conditions URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/degradation-experiments-controlled-conditions ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # Degradation experiments in controlled conditions ## IMIDA was invited to take part in the Final conference of the project LIFE-DRAINUSE (LIFE14 ENV/ES/000538) held at the University of Murcia Scientific Park on 29th November. IDConsortium This project has demonstrated, through the design, construction, and setting up of a complete recirculation pilot system, the technological possibility of re-using drainage in Euro-Mediterranean regions. Fulgencio Contreras López (Head of the Office of Technology Transfer) participated in the presentation “IMIDA’s recent projects: LIFE-Aquemfree and LIFE- AgRemSO3il”. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE-AgRemSO3il technical meeting URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-technical-meeting ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE-AgRemSO3il technical meeting ## A technical meeting between some of the LIFE-AgRemSO3il beneficiaries – IMIDA, CEBAS-CSIC and NOVAGRIC – was held on 10th January. IDConsortium During the meeting, the results of tests carried out during the summer on IMIDA facilities (Murcia) were discussed and decisions on the study of new materials, design of the next experiments, and improvements to the equipment were taken. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Meet Macarena Sanz, IDConsortium’s Managing Director! URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/meet-macarena-sanz-idconsortiums-managing-director ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Meet Macarena Sanz, IDConsortium’s Managing Director! ## We are pleased to introduce our Managing Director, Macarena Sanz. She has been shaping IDConsortium’s future and building its vision in the last few years and continues to lead the company’s successes and goals. IDConsortium Macarena Sanz received her Agricultural Engineer degree from University Politécnica in Madrid and her Executive Master in Business Administration from IESE in Madrid. Her working life began at Accenture where she worked as a consultant. After almost 5 years of working in international consulting on projects for clients such as EADS and BP, she joined the IDAction team and founded IDConsortium. The main motivation to take this leap was to bring interesting international projects like the ones she had experienced in Accenture to Andalusia (her homeland). Within the first 3 years, she won 2 relevant European projects for the region, Fertiplus, and Fuel4ME. Now, Macarena is the managing director of IDConsortium. She is a mother of two amazing children of 4 and 6 years old and her family is her passion and number one priority in her spare time. She also has several hobbies such as swimming, Easter week in Seville, skiing, gardening, flamenco dancing, reading, traveling, photography, playing guitar, and going to the cinema. Visit her LinkedIn page for more information: click here **About IDConsortium** IDConsortium is a consultancy firm founded in Seville, Spain, in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and businesses to internationalise and showcase their R&D by joining international consortiums to pursue different lines of research, development, and innovation. The firm is an offshoot of IDAction S.L., a company with a wide range of experience in managing R&D, innovation, and investment projects. We help promote clusters and sectorial organizations reach their potential at a national and international level. With our experience and involvement in various international innovation projects, we provide strategic advice in the following areas: Industrial Biotechnology, Advanced production systems in Agriculture, Livestock and Aquaculture based on Industry 4.0., and Innovative systems while promoting an active, healthy, and sustainable aging. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this company: --- ## Patents, trademarks, industrial designs reach new records URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/patents-trademarks-industrial-designs-reach-new-records ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Patents, trademarks, industrial designs reach new records ## Worldwide demand for intellectual property (IP) tools reached record heights in 2017, with China driving the growth in filings for patents, trademarks, industrial designs and other IP rights that are at the heart of the global economy. IDConsortium Innovators across the globe filed 3.17 million patent applications in 2017, up 5.8% for an eighth straight yearly increase, according to WIPO’s annual World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) report. Global trademark filing activity totaled 12.39 million, while that for industrial designs reached 1.24 million. China recorded the highest application volume for each of these IP rights as innovators and creators inside the country, as well as foreign entities, seek to protect and promote their work in one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. ## More news about this company: --- ## LIFE-AgRemSO3il at LIFE Drainuse Final Conference URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-life-drainuse-final-conference ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE-AgRemSO3il at LIFE Drainuse Final Conference ## IMIDA was invited to take part in the Final conference of the project LIFE-DRAINUSE (LIFE14 ENV/ES/000538) held at the University of Murcia Scientific Park on 29th November. IDConsortium This project has demonstrated, through the design, construction, and setting up of a complete recirculation pilot system, the technological possibility of re-using drainage in Euro-Mediterranean regions. Fulgencio Contreras López (Head of the Office of Technology Transfer) participated in the presentation “IMIDA’s recent projects: LIFE-Aquemfree and LIFE- AgRemSO3il”. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## CHIC scientists and artists meeting at Keygene URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-scientists-artists-meeting-keygene ### NEWS | Chic > # CHIC scientists and artists meeting at Keygene ## Scientists and artists meet at KeyGene -an independent biotechnology company- in Wageningen, last week. IDConsortium The CHIC project aimed at implementing New Plant Breeding Techniques in chicory, in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for sustainable molecular farming of products with consumer benefits. Chicory contains many healthy substances which can, for example, slow down the growth of fungi and bacteria. The crop is very difficult to breed using the current technologies, breeding, and selection, and it is also hard to increase production of the healthy components. New breeding techniques such as CRISPR-Cas can be used to develop new chicory varieties, which contain more fibers and components suitable for medicinal applications. ### **New approach** CHIC aims to implement innovative communication tools, including cultural communication and linking art to science, to improve understanding of **New Plant Breeding Techniques** by the public and for informed decision making. Learn more: http://chicproject.eu/what-is-chic/ Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il kick-off meeting with the contracting authority URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-kick-off-meeting-contracting-authority ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il kick-off meeting with the contracting authority ## On November 6th and 7th, 2018 two of the AgRemSO3il partners attended the kick-off meeting for ENV and GIE LIFE17 projects with the Contracting Authority representatives in Brussels, Belgium. IDConsortium The two partners mentioned previously, IMIDA and IDC, were represented by Isabel Garrido and Rodrigo Arandi-Klee respectively, who are responsible of the technical, administrative and financial management. The purpose of this kick-off meeting was to provide relevant policy topics, the LIFE programme rules, the role of the external monitoring team -NEEMO- in the projects’ implementation, and communication and dissemination matters. IMIDA and IDC made a short presentation regarding the background, objectives, impacts, policy implication, and technology transfer approach of AgRemSO3il. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## European observatory for clusters and industrial change URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-observatory-clusters-industrial-change ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # European observatory for clusters and industrial change ## About 100 representatives from the 52 European Strategic Cluster Partnerships to exchange experience and gather good practices. IDConsortium Last week we were in Brussels, at the European Observatory for Clusters and Industrial Change partnering event and INNOSUP Coordination meeting, with ACTTiVATe and other INNOSUP cluster projects for new industrial value chains supported under Horizon 2020 EU Research and Innovation programme. ## More news about this company: --- ## CHIC project at the European Researchers’ Night in Belgrade (Serbia) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-project-european-researchers-night-belgrade-serbia ### NEWS | Chic > # CHIC project at the European Researchers’ Night in Belgrade (Serbia) ## The Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” has presented the CHIC project at European Researchers’ Night 2018, held in Belgrade, september 28th – 29th. IDConsortium The Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” team members, dr Jovana Petrović and Marija Smiljković, presented the beneficial effects of chicory plants and chicory products on human health, available at local markets (coffee substitute etc.). And dr Milica Bogdanović and dr Milan Dragićević, presented chicory plants grown in vitro, chicory root cultures and explained the visitors the main goals of the Project. The presentation was set at “European Corner”. **The European Researchers’ Night** is an event dedicated to popular science and fun learning. The Researchers’ Night is a unique opportunity to meet researchers, talk to them, and find out what they really do for society, in interactive and engaging ways such as hands-on experiments, science shows, learning activities for children, guided visits of research labs, science quizzes, games, or competitions with researchers. The European Researchers’ Night takes place every year all over Europe and in neighbouring countries the last Friday of September. This year, the Night will take place on Friday 29 September in over 300 cities. The events are supported by the European Commission as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which is an EU funding programme to boost the careers of researchers. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## ACTTiVAte general assembly in Kraków (Poland) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/acttivate-general-assembly-krakow-poland ### NEWS | ACTTiVAte > # ACTTiVAte general assembly in Kraków (Poland) ## The ACTTiVAte team met in Kraków, Poland on October 4th and 5th for the General Assembly of the project invited by Technology Partners. IDConsortium The overall concept of the ACTTiVAte project is to support innovation in SMEs and foster the smart reindustrialization of Europe. This will be achieved by enabling the emergence of new cross-border and cross-sectoral value chains resulting from the translation of advanced technologies among selected sectors with strong synergies. These new value chains will be created through the interaction between the following sectors: aerospace, agrifood, health, and ICT. Two Polish SMEs participating in the ACTTiVAte project – HealthSens and Fine Bubble Technologies were invited to pitch their solutions. After the pitch session, one of the Polish Mentors – Agnieszka Klucznik-TӧRŐ talked about the mentoring process and some recommendations to the project regarding work with the SMEs.The meeting was also an opportunity to learn about the beautiful culture and history of Poland.  **Kraków**, is the second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century and its Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ## More news about this project: --- ## CHIC project at European Researchers’ Night in Madrid (Spain) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-project-european-researchers-night-madrid-spain ### NEWS | Chic > # CHIC project at European Researchers’ Night in Madrid (Spain) ## The European Researchers’ Night is a Marie Sklodowska Curie (MSCA) action, under the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020. It consists of a pan-European event taking place on the last Friday night of September. IDConsortium In this edition, we were presenting **CHIC project** at Fundación Giner de los Ríos, together with Newcotiana and Lluis Montoliu from SEBBM – Sociedad Española de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular. The **European Researchers’ Night Madrid** is managed by Fundación para el Conocimiento madri+d. Education, Youth and Sports Regional Department of Regional Government of Madrid. **Objectives:** • Bring the researchers closer to the general public. • Increase awareness of the research and innovation activities with a view to supporting the public recognition of researchers. • Create an understanding of the impact of researchers’ work on daily life. • Encourage young people to embark on scientific careers Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## The circular economy and the bioeconomy URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/circular-economy-and-bioeconomy ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # The circular economy and the bioeconomy ## ‘The circular economy and the bioeconomy — Partners in sustainability’ is the third European Environment Agency (EEA) report on the circular economy that aims to support the framing, implementation and evaluation of European circular economy policy from an environmental perspective. IDConsortium Europe uses natural resources unsustainably and the European Union has put in place policies on circular economy and bio-economy in response. A new European Environment Agency (EEA) report argues that implementing these two concepts in tandem, by applying specific design principles within a systemic approach, would improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental pressures. The EEA report ‘The circular economy and the bioeconomy — Partners in sustainability‘ shows that the two policy agendas have similar objectives and areas of intervention, including food waste, biomass and bio-based products, and that they would benefit from stronger links, particularly in product and infrastructure design, and collaboration throughout the value chain. According to the report, the increasing demand for food, feed, biomaterials and bioenergy resources could worsen the over-exploitation of natural resources. By extending the lifetime of products and recycling materials, a circular, bio-economy approach can help retain material value and functionality for longer time as well as avoid unrecycled biowaste. Promising innovations and strategies for circular biomass use include biorefinery, 3D printing with bioplastics, multi-purpose crops, better use of residues and food waste, and biowaste treatment. Consumers can also contribute to bioeconomy’s sustainability, for example, by eating less animal-based protein, preventing food waste and separating biowaste from other waste streams, the report says. The report argues that biobased approaches should be tailored to the specific use context in order to maximise the benefits of biobased and biodegradable products. The technological innovation, covering product and infrastructure design, should be embedded in a wider system innovation that also tackles consumer behaviour, product use and waste management. ‘The circular economy and the bioeconomy — Partners in sustainability‘ is the third EEA report on the circular economy that aims to support the framing, implementation and evaluation of European circular economy policy from an environmental perspective. The two previous reports were: - Circular economy in Europe – Developing the knowledge base; and - Circular by design – Products in the circular economy. The bioeconomy encompasses the production of renewable biological resources and their conversion into food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy. It includes agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food, and pulp and paper production, as well as parts of the chemical, biotechnological and energy industries. ## More news about this company: --- ## What is CRISPR? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/what-is-crispr-chic-project ### NEWS | Chic > # What is CRISPR? ## CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaces Short Palindrome Repeats. The gene editing tool makes it easier for scientists to edit DNA strands that are cancerous or malignant. IDConsortium CRISPR has been developed over the past 30 years. The tool has already produced revolutionary breakthroughs in the treatment of genetic diseases and in the future, it could change agriculture forever. CRISPR introduces new traits into a plant by simply rewriting its genetic code. Genome editing techniques, such as Crispr can be used to generate plant varieties that are better adapted to our changing climate or that can contribute to improving our environments such as robust crops that require less or no agrochemicals or nutrients. Also, European consumers could benefit from e.g. genome-edited healthier or better-tasting vegetables. On a global scale, genome-edited plants would be a powerful tool to help to increase our food production by 70% which is the forecasted need by 2050. For developing countries, the necessary increase will be even about 200% in order to prevent further food shortages along with their socio-economic consequences and even famine. #### CHIC project: Chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fiber and medicinal terpenes **CHIC **is an innovation project aimed at implementing **New Plant Breeding Techniques** in chicory, in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for sustainable molecular farming of products with consumer benefits. Chicory contains many healthy substances which can, for example, slow down the growth of fungi and bacteria. The crop is very difficult to breed using the current technologies, breeding, and selection, and it is also hard to increase production of the healthy components. New breeding techniques such as Crispr-Cas can be used to develop new chicory varieties, which contain more fibers and components suitable for medicinal applications. **Source:** http://71republic.com/2018/09/01/crispr-change-agriculture-forever/ http://www.wur.nl/en/newsarticle/Breeding-chicory-for-medicine.htm **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## The SMEBOOK Platform: The networking solution for technology-based companies URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/smebook-platform-networking-solution-technology-based-companies ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # The SMEBOOK Platform: The networking solution for technology-based companies ## Find the most suitable partners to boost your business potential. IDConsortium After several months of hard work, we are glad to present SMEBOOK platform: A business-intelligence-based platform providing tech companies with tailored recommendations to find the best partners and interplay with supporting entities. #### IDConsortium participates in this new project led by Q4i Consulting. The SMEBOOK platform has been devised as a “social venue” for technology-based tech companies, with the intention to promote collaboration towards a fruitful partnership in terms of innovation. SMEBOOK’s major assets are: - An insightful characterization and parametrization of key features of the client company (value chain, business model, etc.), - The use of proprietary algorithms able to provide a pool of tailored partners for each client - Connection through directed interactions between identified matching companies, that is, automatic recommendations based on an accurate compatibility rank. The main goal of the platform is to foster innovation among companies by exploiting the predictive classification power of a smart matchmaking layer that will evolve (learn) over time. **Take advantage of the time-limited offer for the first entities that join the project!** ## More news about this company: --- ## Preliminary experiments with AgRemSO3il small prototype URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/preliminary-experiments-agremso3il-small-prototype ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # Preliminary experiments with AgRemSO3il small prototype ## On August 2018, soil decontamination tests began on a greenhouse located in IMIDA facilities, Murcia. IDConsortium In this initial stage, several treatments were conducted in two different soils contaminated with pesticides in order to evaluate and define the optimal conditions for the remediation technologies involved in the project: ozonation and ozonation in combination with solarization. The ozone was generated by a small-scale prototype designed and manufactured by NOVAGRIC. The experiment will be carried out during the summer season (August-October). The project’s team will also assess the influence of these technologies on the nematode population and the soil microbiota. In addition, the efficiency of the small prototype design will be checked and this information will be used in the engineering and design of the big-scale prototype. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## CSIC is evaluating the influence of ozone in the soil microbial quality URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/csic-evaluating-influence-ozone-soil-microbial-quality ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # CSIC is evaluating the influence of ozone in the soil microbial quality ## CSIC is using different approaches to evaluate the influence of ozone (O3) in soil microbial quality. IDConsortium For example, the biomass of the soil microbial communities is analyzed through the extraction and quantification of fatty acids from the soil by gas cromatography (Pictures 1). In addition, the activity of microbial communities is measured through different soil enzyme activities, such, urease, alkaline phosphatase, and β-glucosidase (Picture 2), which are related to the cycles of nitrogen (N), phosphous (P), and carbon (C) in terrestrial ecosystems, respectively. The results indicate that ozone may impact the biomass of the soil microbial community, but also the activity of soil enzymes. Ozone also enhanced the decomposition of soil organic matter and, hence, increased the content of water-soluble C and N fractions. In some cases, the greater availability of water-soluble compounds in treated samples can be responsible for the reduced enzyme activity by negative feedback mechanisms. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Commissioner Carlos Moedas presents Horizon Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/commissioner-carlos-moedas-presents-horizon-europe ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # Commissioner Carlos Moedas presents Horizon Europe ## ESOF (EuroScience Open Forum) is the largest interdisciplinary science meeting in Europe. It is dedicated to scientific research and innovation and offers a unique framework for interaction and debate for scientists, innovators, policy makers, business people and the general public. IDConsortium Created in 2004 by EuroScience, this biennial European forum brings together over 4 000 researchers, educators, business actors, policymakers, and journalists from all over the world to discuss breakthroughs in science. More than 40% of the participants are students and young researchers. The 8th edition of ESOF takes place in Toulouse, France, from 9 till 14 July 2018. Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science, and Innovation delivered a keynote speech on Tuesday 10 July at the plenary session on Horizon Europe, the next EU research and innovation programme for 2020-2027. Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this program: --- ## LIFE AgRemSO3il Kick-off meeting with the Consortium URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il-kick-off-meeting-consortium ### NEWS | LIFE AgRemSO3il > # LIFE AgRemSO3il Kick-off meeting with the Consortium ## On July 3rd, 2018 the AgRemSO3il consortium, IMIDA, CSIC, NOVAGRIC and IDC, gathered together in the IMIDA facilities in Murcia, Spain. IDConsortium The purpose of this kick-off meeting was to have the first face-to-face meeting and to speak about the general scope of the project, the consortium’s structure, the role of each partner in each action of the project and the administrative and financial management procedure to be followed for the entire duration of the project. **About LIFE+ AgRemSO3il** The LIFE AgRemSO3il pilot project aims to develop new innovative technology, at a large farm-scale, using agrochemical remediation in farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. This innovative solution involves building new technological applications (giant equipment) and using methods that advance oxidation processes, which are called ozonation and H2O2; or solarization. The project provides a new cost-effective solution for this ongoing, silent problem while supporting the soil’s true function as part of the wider ecosystem positively impacting the feed and food products produced, which have consequent effects on human health. The project also plans to integrate into its work Common Agriculture Policy’s environmental objectives and promote EU’s agriculture and environmental policies. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## European Innovation Scoreboard 2018 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-innovation-scoreboard-2018 ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # European Innovation Scoreboard 2018 ## The 2018 edition of the Scoreboard highlights that the EU’s innovation performance continues to improve, that progress is accelerating, and that the outlook is positive. IDConsortium Since 2010, the EU’s average innovation performance has increased by 5.8 percentage points, and it is expected to improve by an additional 6 percentage points over the next 2 years. The EU continues to improve its position relative to the United States, Japan, and Canada. However, China is catching up at three times the EU’s innovation performance growth rate. Within the EU, innovation performance increased in 18 countries and decreased in 10 countries since 2010. Sweden remains the EU innovation leader, followed by Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, the UK, and Luxembourg. Lithuania, the Netherlands, Malta, the UK, Latvia, and France are the fastest growing innovators. ## More news about this company: --- ## FDA confirms dietary fiber status of inulin URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/fda-confirms-dietary-fiber-status-inulin ### NEWS | Chic > # FDA confirms dietary fiber status of inulin ## The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes inulin-type fructans derived from chicory root as dietary fiber for the new nutrition facts label. The recognition consolidates the fiber status of chicory root fiber in the US and supports further opportunities for healthy food applications in the US. IDConsortium The announcement follows a joint citizen petition requesting the addition of chicory root fiber to the list of dietary fibers accepted in the US as well as a comprehensive response to the FDAs scientific review of inulin-type-fructans and data request. In 2015, the FDA issued new Nutrition Facts labeling regulations for food and supplements to be implemented by January 1st, 2020. In the new regulation, dietary fibers are defined as naturally occurring fibers that are intrinsic and intact in plants, or as isolated or synthetic fibers that have demonstrated a beneficial physiological effect. Carl Volz, President Sensus America, states: “inulin/oligofructose has been clearly shown to support physiological health benefits as assessed by the FDA’s strict criteria”. He adds: “The FDA’s inclusion of chicory root fiber as a dietary fiber in its new food labeling regulations allows our customers to continue marketing their products as sources of dietary fiber and to continue to use chicory root fiber as a tool to reduce calories and added sugar.” **CHIC project** aims to develop chicory varieties that can be used to produce a dietary fiber with enhanced prebiotic effects to promote gut health.   **Source:** http://www.inspiredbyinulin.com/news.html#249 **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Food 2030 Conference: Research & Innovation for Food and Nutrition Security URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/food-2030-conference-research-innovation-food-nutrition-security ### NEWS | Chic > # Food 2030 Conference: Research & Innovation for Food and Nutrition Security – Transforming our food systems ## CHIC project will be at Food 2030 Conference, June 14-15 in Plovdiv (Bulgaria). IDConsortium During this event, the European Commission will present an update of the FOOD 2030 process and vision towards shaping tomorrow’s food and nutrition systems. The event will aim at answering how the drivers of sustainability, resilience, responsibility, diversity, competitiveness, and inclusiveness, can deliver on the FOOD 2030 priorities and Sustainable Development Goals. #### **Live streaming** The event will be streamed live: Conference Day 1 will begin at 09:00 and will end at 18:00 (local time, UTC +3) on 14 June 2018. Conference Day 2 will start at 08:30 and will end at 13:00 (local time, UTC +3) on 15 June 2018 **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Third International Society of Plant Molecular Farming Conference (ISPMF) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/third-international-society-plant-molecular-farming-conference-ispmf ### NEWS | Chic > # Third International Society of Plant Molecular Farming Conference (ISPMF) ## The 3rd International Society of Plant Molecular Farming Conference (ISPMF) took place in Helsinki, Finland, from June 11-13, hosted by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. IDConsortium 150 experts from 22 countries discussing new solutions for global challenges. Dirk Bosch from Wageningen University & Research, introduced CHIC project. **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Cichorei als basis voor voeding en medicijn URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/cichorei-basis-voor-voeding-medicijn ### NEWS | Chic > # Cichorei als basis voor voeding en medicijn ## Cichorei is een gewas met veel potentie. Het zou mooi zijn als we op beide fronten – als bron van voedingsvezels en medicinale stoffen – slagen kunnen maken. Dat is de doelstelling van het CHIC-programma’, zegt onderzoeksleider Dirk Bosch van Wageningen University & Research. IDConsortium Dirk Bosch, DLO Groepshoofd Applied Metabolic Systems bij Wageningen University & Research, is in zijn nopjes dat het CHIC-project (zie tekst onderaan artikel) de financiële EU-injectie definitief kreeg toegekend. ‘We hebben er veel werk ingestoken om al die laboratoria en bedrijven uit twaalf landen op één lijn te krijgen. Formeel zijn we in januari al begonnen, op 6 februari was de officiële kick-off in Brussel.’ CHIC is vooral een veredelingsproject. ‘Cichorei is nu moeilijk te veredelen, moeilijk kruisbaar. Tegelijkertijd is het een gewas met veel potentie. We isoleren nu inuline uit de wortel van de cichorei, maar willen via veredeling een beter type maken, met betere voedingsvezels’, zegt Bosch. #### Nieuwe soorten antibiotica ‘Daarnaast zitten er ook andere medicinale stoffen in cichorei die interessant zijn, zoals stoffen die aan de basis zouden kunnen staan van nieuwe soorten antibiotica, ontstekings- en tumorremmers en dergelijke.’ Eerdere onderzoeken brachten al aan het licht dat de bitterstoffen in de cichorei zowel een antimalaria-effect hebben als ook een antiwormeffect bij schapen. #### **Nieuwe soorten antibiotica** ‘Daarnaast zitten er ook andere medicinale stoffen in cichorei die interessant zijn, zoals stoffen die aan de basis zouden kunnen staan van nieuwe soorten antibiotica, ontstekings- en tumorremmers en dergelijke.’ Eerdere onderzoeken brachten al aan het licht dat de bitterstoffen in de cichorei zowel een antimalaria-effect hebben als ook een antiwormeffect bij schapen. *Het lijkt een utopie om alle bitterheid uit cichorei te halen.MATTHEW DE ROODE, INNOVATION MANAGER BIJ **SENSUS*** Bosch: ‘In de eerste fase van het project gaan we uitzoeken welke medicinale stoffen erin zitten en welke daarvan de meeste potentie hebben; zijn dat antibiotica, ontstekingsremmers of iets anders? Pas als we daar antwoord op hebben, kunnen we gaan veredelen.’ Hij noemt het ‘de inventariserende fase, waarbij de nodige protocollen zullen worden opgezet’. Daarna komt pas de fase van ‘verbeteren, veredelen en testen’. #### **Crispr-Cas** Het verdere veredelen (dat de EU wel ziet zitten, gezien de verstrekte subsidie) is dankzij Crispr-Cas vereenvoudigd. Deze nieuwe veredelingstechniek kan erfelijk materiaal van onder meer planten relatief eenvoudig genetisch veranderen, wat leidt tot aangepaste of geheel nieuwe eigenschappen. ‘Uiteindelijk moet het project leiden tot meerdere, hoogwaardige types cichorei, met een nuttige verbetering voor de consument of patiënt. Die moeten er iets aan hebben’, aldus Bosch. Ook projectdeelnemer Sensus kijkt met een gretig oog naar het beter verwaarden van cichorei. Innovation manager Matthew de Roode: ‘Wij zijn niet alleen inulineproducent, maar actief bezig om de hele keten op een hoger plan te brengen en nauw betrokken bij de telers. Dat zijn wij als onderdeel van de coöperatie Royal Cosun aan onze stand verplicht.’ **Inulineproductie** De Roode hoopt dat de cichoreiteelt qua opbrengst per hectare ‘dezelfde sprongen’ kan maken als de suikerbiet en dat de inulineproductie minder grillen vertoont. ‘De hoeveelheid inuline is geen constante factor in de campagne die van september tot januari loopt. De piek ligt in oktober en november. Daarvoor, in de opgroei en daarna is die lager. Onder meer door koudere weersomstandigheden, waardoor de plant de voorraad inuline sneller aanspreekt’, vertelt hij. ‘Wij vragen ons af: zou het mogelijk zijn om een cichorei te kweken die zijn inuline dan niet afbreekt? Een hele campagne een constante kwaliteit, dat zou mooi zijn.’ Daarnaast is De Roode zeer geïnteresseerd in de uitkomsten van het onderzoek naar de terpenen (aromatische stoffen met een medicinaal en beschermend effect tegen planteneters) in de plant. ‘De bitterheid in de wortel is best lastig, dat wil je niet in je eindproduct hebben. Met nieuwe veredelingstechnieken kan de bitterheid omlaag, al lijkt het een utopie om alle bitterheid eruit te halen.’ **Maatschappelijk debat** De Roode realiseert zich dat de maatschappij nauwlettend kijkt naar het via gerichte mutaties verbeteren van het gewas en verhogen van gezonde inhoudsstoffen. ‘We weten niet hoe de Nederlandse burger denkt over deze veredelingstechnieken die geen vreemd DNA inbouwen. Het maatschappelijk debat tijdens het CHIC-project is belangrijk. Naast een veredelingsproject is dit ook een opinievormend project.’ Het is een van Sensus’ taken om een businesscase uit te werken, de commerciële potentie van nieuwe cichoreitypes duidelijk te maken en vanuit de telers feedback te geven. De Roode: ‘In dit project zijn twee dingen mogelijk: óf we staan aan de start van een veredelde cichorei, óf dat is om technische redenen niet mogelijk. Ik hoop op het eerste, al is een onderzoeksperiode van 4,5 jaar zeer kort. Ik verwacht niet dat er meteen een nieuw soort cichoreizaad ligt.’ **WUR, Sensus en KeyGene in breed gedragen onderzoek** De Europese Unie steekt 7,3 miljoen euro vanuit het Horizon 2020-programma in het onderzoeks- en innovatieproject CHIC (CHicory Innovation Consortium) . In CHIC slaan zestien universiteiten, onderzoekscentra en -laboratoria, bedrijven en non-profitorganisaties uit twaalf landen (elf Europese – België, Duitsland, Finland, Frankrijk, Italië, Nederland, Oostenrijk, Polen, Portugal, Servië en Spanje – plus Nieuw-Zeeland) de handen ineen om met behulp van nieuwe, verantwoorde veredelingstechnieken gezonde voedingsvezels en medicinale stoffen uit cichorei te winnen. Daarbij heeft het project ook oog voor het draagvlak en de maatschappelijke acceptatie ervan.Bij het project zijn drie Nederlandse partijen betrokken: Wageningen University & Research (WUR, kartrekker en coördinator), Sensus en KeyGene (R&D-bedrijf in gewasveredeling). Het project is in januari 2018 begonnen en zal 4,5 jaar in beslag nemen. ***Source: http://www.nieuweoogst.nu/nieuws/2018/05/24/cichorei-als-basis-voor-voeding-en-medicijn*** Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Europe’s innovation kitchen – SME instrument report URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/europes-innovation-kitchen-sme-instrument-report ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Europe’s innovation kitchen – SME instrument report ## The 2018 edition of the SME Instrument report reveals the ins and outs of Europe’s most wanted innovation funding programme for small businesses and presents you with its best successes. IDConsortium Since its start in 2014, the SME Instrument has invested €1.3 billion in a unique selection of 3 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to get their breakthrough innovations faster on the market. With a network of 750 international business coaches and a growing community of global business and finance partners from the corporate and VC world, the SME Instrument gives the right business support and coaching to get companies ready to scale up and go global. In 2017 SME Instrument-funded companies accounted for 10% of all tech IPOs in Europe and the follow-up equity investments into companies funded by the SME Instrument doubled within one year only. Each €1 invested by the SME Instrument generated €1.6 of private investment and this is just a glimpse of the companies’ potential. Companies funded under Phase 2 of the programme have benefitted from a 118% increase in turnover and a 158% increase in employment two years down the line. Looking ahead, in 2018 the SME Instrument has become a central pillar of the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot that focuses even more on market-creating innovation. The SME Instrument brings forward a new evaluation process involving a Jury of investment experts responsible for selecting the most innovative small businesses for funding. This report offers first-hand insights into growth trends and profiles of the companies funded under the SME Instrument. The report presents cumulative data from 2014 to the end of 2017. ## More news about this company: --- ## From Horizon 2020 to Horizon Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/from-horizon-2020-to-horizon-europe ### NEWS | Horizon Europe > # From Horizon 2020 to Horizon Europe ## Horizon Europe is the new name for the next European Reserch and Innovation Framework Programme (2021-2027). IDConsortium The European Commission proposed yesterday a “pragmatic and modern”, long-term budget for the 2021-2027 period, increasing investment in research and innovation by 50%, with €100 billion set aside for the flagship programmes Horizon Europe and Euratom. Ronald Tipan Jesús Izquierdo Rivera ## More news about this program: --- ## Plant breeding techniques in a new era URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/plant-breeding-techniques-new-era ### NEWS | Chic > # Plant breeding techniques in a new era ## Scientists of Wageningen University & Research have published a concise booklet that gives some new insights into several aspects of plant breeding techniques such as CRISPR-Cas: ‘Plant breeding techniques in a new era’. IDConsortium In recent years a range of New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) has been developed that can assist breeders in a more efficient and precise adjustment of the genetic constitution of crops. These techniques include genome editing techniques, which have made tremendous progress since the introduction of CRISPR-Cas in 2012. These new techniques will support plant breeders in improving important crop traits that always have been difficult to improve via cross-breeding. Worldwide, agriculture is facing serious sustainability issues which need to be addressed through an integrated approach that covers the entire production chain. Plant breeders and plant breeding companies are at the base of that chain. Plant breeders will need to develop new varieties in a shorter period of time to keep up with changes in climatic conditions, soil quality, and pathogen & pest pressures, increasing food demand, and the evolving preferences of consumers. Plant breeders are eager to apply new plant breeding techniques. Society wants to know more about the techniques. That is why scientists of Wageningen University & Research have made a booklet giving a brief overview of recent developments in plant breeding techniques. In this booklet, the scientists describe examples of techniques and of desirable crop traits that may be improved using genome editing. They also discuss societal, legal, and economic aspects of new plant breeding techniques. **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## What is inulin? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/what-is-inulin ### NEWS | Chic > # What is inulin? ## CHIC project aims to develop chicory varieties that can be used to produce a dietary fibre with enhanced prebiotic effects to promote gut health. IDConsortium **Inulin** is also called chicory root fiber and is present in many fruits and vegetables. Is it safe to eat and what are the benefits? Learn more about the natural source and the versatility of this ingredient in this video: **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## Do you want to know more about chicory? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/do-you-want-know-more-about-chicory ### NEWS | Chic > # Do you want to know more about chicory? ## Chicory is a crop that is similar to sugar beet and related to endive. IDConsortium **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## What are New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs)? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/what-are-new-plant-breeding-techniques-npbts ### NEWS | Chic > # What are New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs)? ## NPBTs are innovative tools that enable plant breeders to develop novel plant varieties that may provide solutions for environmental and food quality as well as food supply challenges. IDConsortium Conventional plant breeding generally relies on techniques of which the outcome is difficult to predict, requiring between seven and twenty-five years, depending on the species, to generate the desired characteristics and to introduce these into stable and uniform new plant varieties. NPBTs allow the plant breeding industry to produce plant varieties in a similar – but more precise – manner compared to conventional breeding techniques, in a significantly shorter timeframe. The precise increase in speed depends on the species of plant, the desired property and in some cases, the technique used. For example, scab-resistant apples have been produced by use of cisgenesis in approximately 12 years, compared to an exceptionally long period of 50 years with conventional breeding techniques. A rough estimate is that NBTs decrease the breeding timeframe by 50%. It can be anticipated that, as science on NPBTs progress and breeders start practically using these techniques, further refinements and efficiencies will be found, which will lead to an additional reduction of the plant breeding lead time. Since research into novel techniques of plant breeding is ongoing and evolving continuously, there is no finite set of NBTs and future techniques may be put under the same ‘umbrella term’. The **NBT Platform **has chosen to focus on the seven principal NBTs as proposed by the EU Competent Authorities to the New Techniques Working Group[1], as well as by the Joint Research Commission in their respective reports on NBTs[2]. ###   ### **These seven techniques are:** - Site-Directed Nucleases (SDN) (as representative of a growing group of related techniques including amongst others Zinc Finger Nuclease-1/2/3, TALENs, Meganucleases and CRISPR systems) - Oligonucleotide Directed Mutagenesis (ODM) - Cisgenesis - RNA-dependent DNA methylation (RdDM) - Grafting (non-GM scion on GM rootstock) - Reverse breeding - Agro-infiltration (Agro-infiltration ‘sensu stricto’, Agro-inoculation)   NPBTs are of utmost importance for plant breeders in Europe, as they provide them with a ‘toolbox’ of innovative plant breeding methods alongside the traditional methods, which allow them to remain globally competitive. Most of the world’s research on NPBTs was done in Europe, totaling almost 46% of research published up to 2011[3]. [1] New Techniques Working Group. (2011). New Techniques Working Group Final Report. New Techniques Working Group/European Commission. [2] JRC/IPTS/IHCS. (2011). New plant breeding techniques. State-of-the-art and prospects for commercial development. Luxembourg: Publications office of the European Union. *[3] JRC/IPTS/IHCS. (2011). New plant breeding techniques. State-of-the-art and prospects for commercial development. Luxembourg: Publications office of the European Union; page 30, Table 1.* Source: http://www.nbtplatform.org/frequently-asked-questions Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## ACTTiVAte general assembly meeting in Granada (Spain) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/acttivate-general-assembly-meeting-granada-spain ### NEWS | ACTTiVAte > # ACTTiVAte general assembly meeting in Granada (Spain) ## The ACTTiVAte team met in Granada on April 11 and 12 for the General Assembly of the project invited by Fundación Parque Tecnológico de la Salud. IDConsortium **IDConsortium** has attended this week to the ACTTiVAte General Assembly in Granada.M Durance, DestiNA Genomics, CLOVER Biosoft and DNActive  had the opportunity to present their companies to the members of the European consortium.**ACTTiVAte** consists of supporting innovation in SMEs and fostering the smart reindustrialization of Europe by enabling the emergence of new cross-border and cross-sectoral value chains resulting from the translation of advanced technologies among selected sectors with strong synergies. These new value chains will be created from the interaction of the following sectors: **aerospace, agrifood, health, and ICT**. ## More news about this project: --- ## VentureEU: A €2.1 billion boost venture capital investment URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/ventureeu-2-billion-boost-venture-capital-investment ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # VentureEU: A €2.1 billion boost venture capital investment ## The European Commission and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have launched a Pan-European Venture Capital Funds-of-Funds programme (VentureEU) to boost investment in innovative start-up and scale-up companies across Europe. IDConsortium Venture capital (VC) is vital to a well-functioning Capital Markets Union but remains underdeveloped in Europe. In 2016, venture capitalists invested about €6.5 billion in the EU compared to €39.4 billion in the US. Moreover, VC funds in Europe are too small – €56 million on average compared to €156 million in the US. As a result, these companies move to ecosystems where they have better chances to grow fast. The number of companies reaching the “unicorn” status of more than $1 billion market valuation at the end of 2017 was 26 in the EU compared to 109 in the United States and 59 in China. **Venture EU** will provide new sources of financing, giving European innovators the opportunity to grow into world-leading companies. Around 1,500 start-ups and scale-ups are expected to gain access across the whole EU. The EU will provide cornerstone investments of up to €410 million – including €67 million of EIF own resources: €200 million from the Horizon 2020 InnovFin Equity, €105 million from COSME (Europe’s programme for small and medium-sized enterprises), and €105 million from the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) – the so-called Juncker Plan. The rest of the financing will be raised by the selected fund managers primarily from independent investors. The six funds will take stakes in a number of smaller investee funds and cover projects in at least four European countries each. These investee funds will help finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps from a range of sectors such as information and communication technologies (ICT), digital, life sciences, medical technologies, and resource and energy efficiency. The EU investment in Venture EU will be managed by the EIF under the supervision of the Commission and rolled out via six professional and experienced fund managers ensuring a fully market-driven approach. ## More news about this company: --- ## European Innovation Council pilot supports 257 SMEs URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-innovation-council-pilot-supports-257-smes ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # European Innovation Council pilot supports 257 SMEs ## The EU will support 257 small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from 31 countries who aim to get their innovations faster to the market. Spain is the country in which the European Union will support more SMEs: 45. IDConsortium The companies have been selected in the latest round of the SME Instrument, which is part of the recently launched European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot. The funding of €12.65 million in total comes from Horizon 2020, the EU research and innovation programme. Examples of the projects selected to receive EU funding include solar street lights, software that uses augmented reality to help industrial plants monitor their production chain, a diagnosis tool for sleep apnoea, an innovative mobile payment technology, a custom-made paint vending machine, and a wrapping machine for sustainable packaging. In this phase of the SME Instrument (the so-called Phase 1), each project will receive €50 000 to draft a business plan. There are 253 projects in total as several companies can team up to propose one project. The companies will also get three days of free coaching and business acceleration services. Most companies selected for funding work in the field of health, engineering, and information and communication technology (ICT). **Most companies are based in Spain (45)**, Italy (28), and Israel (23). The European Commission received 2009 proposals for this first Phase 1 cut-off of the SME Instrument this year. **The next application deadline for SME Instrument Phase 1 is in May 2018. ** The six funds will take stakes in a number of smaller investee funds and cover projects in at least four European countries each. These investee funds will help finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps from a range of sectors such as information and communication technologies (ICT), digital, life sciences, medical technologies, and resource and energy efficiency. The EU investment in Venture EU will be managed by the EIF under the supervision of the Commission and rolled out via six professional and experienced fund managers ensuring a fully market-driven approach. ## More news about this company: --- ## Are you wondering why this European project is called CHIC? URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/wondering-why-european-project-called-chic ### NEWS | Chic > # Are you wondering why this European project is called CHIC? ## CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products. IDConsortium ### **Its objective is:** - to implement **New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs)** in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers, and - to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. ###   ### **CHIC will develop four different NPBTs.** They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ongoing project activities and results will be discussed with stakeholders and communicated to the interested public using innovative methods including cultural communication and linking art to science. In this context, **CHIC will develop two business cases in different application areas:** - **inulin** as a healthy food ingredient and - **terpenes** as medicinal lead compounds This effort requires a highly interdisciplinary approach with expertise from molecular sciences, economy, arts, social sciences & humanities, and legislation. The partnership includes three SMEs and a chicory end-user, and international collaboration is established via a research institute in New Zealand. The SAG plays a crucial role in consultation in all phases and activities of the project. Via this co-innovation approach, we aim to contribute to leadership in responsible research innovation and to promote an improved understanding of plant biotechnology.   **Chicory** will be boosted as a robust multipurpose crop, tolerant to adverse environmental conditions from which bioactive compounds can be extracted, contributing to sustainable agriculture and a biobased economy. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## SME: 13 of the 57 Spain based companies selected for funding URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/sme-13-of-57-spain-based-companies-selected-funding ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # SME: 13 of the 57 Spain based companies selected for funding ## A total of 57 small and medium-sized companies have been selected for funding under the recently launched European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot. IDConsortium The companies, selected following face-to-face interviews with a jury of innovators, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, will receive a total amount of €94.25 million. Examples of the projects selected include a 3D printer for food; an innovative treatment for breast cancer; a virtual reality and augmented reality headset capable of human eye resolution; a multi-active cardboard packaging that extends the shelf life of vegetables by 40% and a new type of biodegradable bioplastic. In this phase of the SME Instrument (the so-called Phase 2), **each project will receive up to €2.5 million to finance innovation activities** such as demonstration, testing, piloting, and scaling up. In addition, the companies will also benefit from 12 days of free business coaching and business acceleration services. Most companies selected for funding are in the field of health, engineering, and information and communication technology (ICT), and are based in **Spain (13)**, the Netherlands (6), followed by France and Finland (both 5), and thirteen other countries across Europe. The next application deadline for SME Instrument Phase 2 is 14 March 2018. ## More news about this company: --- ## Postdoctoral position available at Lille University URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/postdoctoral-position-available-lille-university ### NEWS | Chic > # Postdoctoral position available at Lille University ## A postdoctoral position is available in the group Evolutionary genomics of plant mating systems of the Evolution, Ecology, and Paleontology laboratory of the Lille University, directed by Prof Dr Xavier Vekemans. IDConsortium Within the group, the Asteraceae self-incompatibility team, headed by Prof Dr. Theo Hendriks and Dr. Marie-Christine Quillet, studies the molecular-genetic mechanism underlying sporophytic self-incompatibility (SSI) in Asteraceae, using **chicory** (Cichorium intybus L.) as a model. In SSI pollen tube germination of pollen from the same plant is inhibited as the result of the recognition of self-pollen by the stigma. In chicory, SSI is under the genetic control of a single multi-allelic locus, the S-locus, harboring genes encoding the stigma and pollen determinants involved in the recognition. Genetic, genomic, transcriptomic, and population genetic analyses have allowed the identification of an S-locus candidate gene for the stigma determinant, and similar approaches to identify a candidate gene for the pollen determinant are in progress. The major task of the successful applicant is to validate the role of S-locus candidate genes in chicory by complementation and knock-out strategies. The project is part of a work-package in the EU H2020 project CHIC (2018-2023) that aims to develop chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fiber and medicinal terpenes using new plant breeding techniques and in which the development of self-compatible chicory is an important step. The successful applicant will be a member of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of molecular and population geneticists and evolutionary biologists. ### **What we ask for** – A Ph.D. in molecular biology or molecular genetics– Experience and practical skills in plant in vitro culture techniques– Experience in the application of a range of molecular biology methods, ideally including genetic transformation techniques in non-model plants– Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.– Ability to communicate effectively with team members and collaborators (French and English) ### **What we offer** – A fixed-term position for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.– Salary will commensurate with experience and includes full social benefits.– Excellent laboratory and greenhouse facilities– Stimulating scientific environment with colleagues having longstanding experience in SSI in Brassiceae and other mating systems (androdioecy, gynodioecy) **Interested candidates should send a CV, a cover letter describing research experience and interests, and contact information for at least two references to:** **theo.hendriks@univ-lille1.fr** **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## CHIC kick-off meeting in Brussels URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic-kick-off-meeting-brussels ### NEWS | Chic > # CHIC kick-off meeting in Brussels ## On February 6th and 7th 2018, several representatives from the CHIC consortium attended the Kick-Off Meeting held in Brussels. IDConsortium The meeting successfully served to set the guidelines of the project, meet with other consortium partners and stakeholders representatives. CHIC is a research and innovation project supported through the **EU Horizon 2020** funding programme. The €7.3 million project supports the establishment of a responsible innovation pathway for the development and application of New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) for chicory as a multipurpose crop for the production of high-value consumer products, in line with societal needs and concerns. The consortium includes SMEs, an industrial partner, non-profit organizations, and research institutes from 11 European countries and one from New Zealand. **About CHIC Project** CHIC is the Chicory Innovation Consortium. Its objective is to implement New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in chicory in order to establish it as a multipurpose crop for the production of health-related products with clear benefits for consumers and to develop co-innovation pathways with stakeholders for game-changing technologies, such as NPBTs. CHIC will develop four different NPBTs. They will be used to steer bioprocesses in chicory and mobilize its under-explored potential to produce immunomodulatory prebiotics and medicinal terpenes. The conceptually different NPBTs will be assessed with respect to technological potential, risks, regulatory framework, and their socio-economic impacts. This will be done in close consultation with a Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) composed of relevant stakeholders in industry and society. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## MIRACLES Newsletter URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/miracles-newsletter ### NEWS | MIRACLES > # MIRACLES Newsletter ## Check out MIRACLES newsletter and learn more about this amazing project! IDConsortium Successful scale-up of microalgae biotechnology requires reduction of production costs and enhancement of the economic output. The overarching objective of the MIRACLES project (2013-2017) was to contribute to this goal via innovation and technology development in algae production and processing and the development of new products. The project results are now available and they show that MIRACLES has successfully developed and demonstrated: - technological innovations that contribute to improving cost-effectiveness of algae production, harvesting and processing; - multiproduct biorefinery concepts and processes with a profitable business potential; - a range of new specialty products for application in food, aquaculture and non-food. The project has achieved practically all objectives and generated numerous exploitable results, ready for further development and commercialization. This Newsletter presents the scientific and technological progress in the final year of the project and the highlights in the area of product development. Please contact the consortium via one of the contact persons indicated below for more information. In the coming period the project results will be made available in more detail via publications and in the form of a public summary report by the European Commission and via the project website. Hans Reith Wageningen UniversityAgrotechnology & Food Sciences ## More news about this company: --- ## MIRACLES General Presentation URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/miracles-general-presentation ### NEWS | MIRACLES > # MIRACLES General Presentation ## Multi-product Integrated bioRefinery of Algae: from Carbon dioxide and Light Energy to high-value Specialties. IDConsortium Production of specialties for food, aquaculture and non-food applications via multi-product biorefinery of microalgae. #### Aims of the project Limited implementation algal biorefinery to date is mainly due to unfavourable economics. Major bottlenecks: - high costs of algal biomass production - absence of appropriate biorefinery technologies - lack of concrete product applications MIRACLES aims to address these hurdles via: - enhancing cost-effectiveness of algae production and processing through technology development along the production chain - development of true multiple-product biorefinery technology for specialties from algae - development of new products for food, aquaqulture and non-food Hans Reith Wageningen UniversityAgrotechnology & Food Sciences ## More news about this company: --- ## Intellectual Property (IP) in Europe: new publication by the European IPR helpdesk URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/intellectual-property-ip-europe-new-publication-european-ipr-helpdesk ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Intellectual Property (IP) in Europe: new publication by the European IPR helpdesk ## IDConsortium provides advice and support for clients in the development and implementation of strategies for the monetization and exploitation of technology and intangible assets. IDConsortium Intellectual Property (IP) in Europe: New Publication by the European IPR Helpdesk © European IPR Helpdesk In order to provide a compact and clear-cut collection of answers to some of the main IP issues often faced by SMEs, the European IPR Helpdesk has released their new guide “IP in Europe”. The new publication has been developed on the basis of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) submitted by users through the European IPR Helpdesk website and Helpline. Each section is dedicated to one specific IP right; covering essential aspects around its regulation in Europe as well as some additional questions the European IPR Helpdesk team experienced to be important to SMEs.The PDF version can be downloaded here. IDConsortium provides advice and support for clients in the development and implementation of strategies for the monetization and exploitation of technology and intangible assets. ####   #### Our services include:   - Valuation of intangible assets. - Auditing of industrial and intellectual property portfolios. - “Technology scouting” – development of technological maps, competitive analysis of technologies, identification of emerging technologies. - Consultancy in industrial and intellectual property management. - Development of policy for industrial property management and know-how management. - Advice on technology transfer. - Due diligence in technological transactions. - Definition of strategies for protection, collaboration, exploitation, defence, and internationalization of intangible assets. - Advice on management of industrial and intellectual property in R&D+i projects and in collaborative environments. Intellectual property (IP) management is a key element in improving the competitiveness of any company. Especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack the time, resources, or knowledge to address IP matters. ## More news about this company: --- ## 262 SMEs selected for funding under the latest round of Horizon 2020’s SME Instrument URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/262-smes-selected-funding-latest-round-horizon-2020-instrument ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # 262 SMEs selected for funding under the latest round of Horizon 2020’s SME Instrument ## Sixty-nine small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from 22 countries were selected for funding SME Instrument Phase 2. IDConsortium The total amount to be distributed between the SMEs working on 62 projects is € 104.587 million. In this phase of the SME Instrument, each project will receive up to €2.5 million (€ 5 million for health projects) to finance innovation activities like demonstration, testing, piloting, and scaling up. The companies will also benefit from 12 days of business coaching and free business acceleration services. Spanish SMEs were the most successful with 16 companies selected for funding. They were followed by 11 companies from Italy, 6 businesses from Sweden and 5 businesses from Germany. Most projects are in the field of transport (9 projects), energy (9 projects), and ICT (8 projects). #### 193 companies get support for a feasibility study 193 innovative SMEs from 28 countries were selected for funding under SME Instrument Phase 1. The total amount to be distributed between the SMEs working on 193 projects is € 9.65 million. In this phase of the SME Instrument, each project will receive a lump-sum of € 50.000 to carry out a feasibility study. The companies will also get 3 days of business coaching and free business acceleration services. Spanish SMEs were the most successful with 27 companies selected for funding and followed by 26 companies from Italy and 22 companies from Switzerland. Most projects are in the field of ICT (37 projects) energy (35 projects) and transport (28 projects). The European Commission received 2123 project proposals by the cut-off date of 18 October 2017 for Phase 2 and 2596 projects by 9 November 2017 for Phase 1. Since the launch of the programme on 1st January 2014, 843 SMEs have been selected for funding under Phase 2, and 2616 under Phase 1. An interactive map of all the projects is available in the SME Instrument data hub. #### Opportunities under the European Innovation Council pilot The SME Instrument is part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot that supports top-class innovators with funding opportunities and acceleration services. The main focus of the EIC pilot is on radical, market-creating innovations to improve productivity and international competitiveness and generate new jobs and higher standards of living. **The first SME Instrument cut-offs under the EIC are on 10 January 2018 for Phase 2 and 8 February for Phase 1.** The major changes brought by the EIC pilot are an intensified focus on market-creating innovation and improvements in the evaluation process. The selection will now be entirely bottom-up, meaning that small innovative companies from all sectors can apply. Projects will also pitch their idea to an innovation jury to be selected for funding under Phase 2. A total of 262 small and medium-sized companies have been selected for funding under the latest round of Horizon 2020’s SME Instrument. With this funding, companies will be able to finance their innovation activities ranging from feasibility studies to market launch. ## More news about this company: --- ## New tax guidelines for cross-border investors URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/new-tax-guidelines-cross-border-investors ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # New tax guidelines for cross-border investors ## The Commission has put forward new guidelines on withholding taxes to help Member States reduce costs and simplify procedures for cross-border investors in the EU. IDConsortium The new **Code of Conduct** offers solutions for investors who, as a result of how withholding taxes are applied, end up paying taxes twice on the income they receive from cross-border investments. A withholding tax is a tax withheld at source in the EU country where investment income such as dividends, interests, and royalties is generated. These levies provide a way for the Member States to ensure that taxes are being applied appropriately on cross-border transactions. Since the income is often taxed again in the Member State where the investor is resident, problems of double taxation can result. Investors do have the right to claim a refund when double taxation occurs but refund procedures are currently difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. These recommendations, developed alongside national experts, form part of the **EU’s Capital Markets Union Action Plan **and should improve the system for investors and the Member States alike. In particular, the Code of Conduct aims to reduce the challenges faced by smaller investors when doing business cross-border. It should result in quick, simplified, and standardised procedures for refunding withholding taxes where appropriate. Implementation of the Code of Conduct is voluntary for the Member States. It provides a snapshot of the problems faced by cross-border investors and explains how more efficient tax procedures can be put in place. The Code outlines a range of practical ways for Member States to address key issues including: - Measures to help smaller investors for whom the rules on the refund of withholding tax are overly complex; - The creation of user-friendly digital forms to apply for withholding tax relief in the case of overpayment; - A reliable and effective timeframe for tax authorities for the granting of withholding tax relief; - A single point of contact in Member State tax administrations to deal with questions from investors on withholding tax.   ## More news about this company: --- ## Call for proposal: The evaluation and selection has been completed URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/call-proposal-evaluation-selection-completed ### NEWS | ACTTiVAte > # Call for proposal: The evaluation and selection has been completed ## The evaluation and selection of the ACTTiVAte Call for proposal have been completed. All proposers have been informed about the evaluation results for their proposal for financial support. IDConsortium A total of **124 eligible proposals** were received for this call. -  30 proposals will receive funding for a total amount of 46.000,00 EUR plus a full package of business support services. -  In addition, 20 proposals will receive funding for a total amount of 6.000,00 EUR plus a limited package of business support services LIST OF SELECTED PROPOSALS   Should you wish to review the results of your proposal click below to access the proposal management platform with your username and password. ACCESS THE PROPOSAL MANAGEMENT PLATFORM ## More news about this project: --- ## Successful meeting at ‘Grow your Region’ conference in Valencia URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/successful-meeting-grow-your-region-conference-valencia ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # Successful meeting at ‘Grow your Region’ conference in Valencia ## Eugenio Fontan (Madrid Aerospace Cluster, ACTTiVAte Project Coordinator) presented the project during the H2020 Innosup Clusters Projects Meeting held in the 2nd edition of the ‘Grow your Region’ conference that took place in Valencia, Spain, on 8 and 9 November. IDConsortium Eugenio Fontan (Madrid Aerospace Cluster, ACTTiVAte Project Coordinator) presented the project during the H2020 Innosup Clusters Projects Meeting held in the 2nd edition of the **‘Grow your Region’ **conference that took place in Valencia, Spain, on 8 and 9 November. ## More news about this company: --- ## ACTTiVAte Evaluation Committee Meeting URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/acttivate-evaluation-committee-meeting ### NEWS | ACTTiVAte > # ACTTiVAte Evaluation Committee Meeting ## Brussels, 24-25 october 2017. Final results will be published the first week of November. IDConsortium If you have submitted a proposal and would like to review its status you may click here. The selected SMEs will receive **direct funding of up to EUR 46.000** to develop their innovative projects and will also benefit from additional business support services such as technology commercialization training workshops, mentoring, brokerage events, mobility exchange programs, investment forums, and investment readiness trainings to ensure the innovative projects develop a marketable product. ## More news about this project: --- ## ACTTiVAte first consortium meeting URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/acttivate-first-consortium-meeting ### NEWS | ACTTiVAte > # ACTTiVAte first consortium meeting ## Last week, 30-31 March, took place the ACTTiVAte first Consortium meeting in Wageningen, Netherlands. IDConsortium Fruitful meeting after presentation project accomplishments and overall status and discussion between ACTTiVAte partners of the next steps moving forward. ACTTiVAte Consortium has been created aiming for excellence and complementarities in the contributions of its partners. The expertise provided by the members and their leadership in their fields allows the consortium to cover a broad range of competences. That is why ACTTiVAte combines experience coordinating previous European projects as well as knowledge in clustering, competitive calls for SMEs, acceleration of innovative projects, training, technological research and impact assessment.13 partners comprise ACTTiVAte consortium 6 of which are clusters, 4 are RTDs (Universities or other research organisations), 2 are accelerators/facilitators and 1 is a SME specialized in impact assessment.ACTTiVAte has a good representation of Europe (2 countries from South of Europe (Spain and Portugal), 2 countries from North of Europe (Ireland and The Netherlands) and 1 country from East of Europe (Poland). ###   ### ID Consortium is ACTTiVAte’s linked third party. ####   #### Our role in the ACTTiVAte project - Participation in WP1 “Project Management” providing support to the Project Coordinator (MAC) in Task 1.1: General coordination - Participation in WP7 “Communication, dissemination and sustainability plan” being responsible for daily communication and dissemination activities, as well as for providing advice in IPR, exploitation and innovation management issues. If you want to know more about ACTTiVAte Consortium members, please click **here.** ####   #### The ACTTiVAte project will start publishing **calls for proposals** soon. Do you have an innovative project with a focus on technology transfer between Health, ICT, AeroSpace, AgriFood sectors?ACTTiVAte offers direct funding to innovative SME projects. For further information, please, **contact us.** ## More news about this project: --- ## ACTTiVAte project at INNOSUP-1 KOM URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/acttivate-project-innosup-1-kom ### NEWS | ACTTiVAte > # ACTTiVAte project at INNOSUP-1 KOM ## On September 12th and 13th 2016, several representatives from the ACTTiVAte project attended the INNOSUP-1 Kick Off Meeting held in Brussels by EASME. IDConsortium The meeting successfully served to set financial, administrative and operational guidelines, present the European Commission policy background and its cluster-related initiatives, meet with other INNOSUP project representatives and lay the ground for a successful project execution that will lead to the development new cross-sectoral industrial value chains across the EU, by building upon the innovation potential of SMEs. ## More news about this project: --- ## Socio-economic and environmental impacts on the whole value chain URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/socio-economic-environmental-impacts-whole-value-chain ### NEWS | Chic > # Socio-economic and environmental impacts on the whole value chain ## In CHIC we evaluate socio-economic and environmental impacts on the whole value chain of the new developed chicory crops. Therefore a socio-economic impact assessment and an environmental assessment of NPBTs and the whole value chain will be performed. IDConsortium In addition to these quantitative assessments, a qualitative research on societal issues hindering or facilitating chicory innovation will be applied. The first steps included collecting and screening information on the CHIC value chain and the current chicory cultivation and inulin, therefore a literature and database research was made. Information on current chicory cultivation, inulin production, terpenes and NPBTs was screened and summarized. Followed by the identification of socio-economic and environmental indicators. Statistics on international trade of root chicory and inulin from the UN COMTRADE and statistics on land-use, chicory production and yield from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have been analyzed. Figure 1 below shows the gross production value of chicory roots (including intermediate uses like seeds and feed) in 1,000 international Dollars. The five biggest producers of chicory roots, according to the available data, are Belgium, France, Netherlands, Poland, and South Africa. However, the main producer of chicory roots by far is Belgium. To identify environmental and socio-economic impacts of the new CHIC process and the resulting products (Figure 2) an environmental assessment using the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and a socio-economic impact assessment using an input-output modelling will be applied. The whole value chain (e.g. breeding, cultivation, processing) will be included in the assessment. The LCA will give information on e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, primary energy demand, water consumption, land use of the new value chain developed in CHIC. Within the socio-economic assessment, the impact of different NPBTs on economic and social indicators will be quantified such as GDP, production volume, growth, competitiveness, and employment as well as the distribution of wealth and income between different sectors and regions within the EU and the global economy. The results will be used to lead the development within the project in a sustainable direction. Ronald Tipan Ronald Tipan ## More news about this project: --- ## 101 millones de euros para la contratación de investigadores URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/101-millones-euros-contratacion-investigadores ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # 101 millones de euros para la contratación de investigadores ## El Consejo de Ministros ha autorizado a la Agencia Estatal de Investigación a convocar ayudas por 101 millones de euros para la contratación de investigadores mediante varias convocatorias del Programa Estatal de Promoción del Talento y su Empleabilidad. IDConsortium #### ‘Ramón y Cajal’ La Agencia Estatal de Investigación convocará 200 ayudas para contratos ‘Ramón y Cajal’ 2018, frente a las 175 de años anteriores, dotadas con un total de 61.720.000 millones de euros, un 14,2% más que en 2017. El objetivo de estas ayudas, cuyo número de plazas no había sido incrementado desde el año 2012, es promover la incorporación de investigadores españoles y extranjeros con una trayectoria destacada en centros de I+D a través de dos medidas: la concesión de ayudas de una duración de cinco años para su contratación laboral y una financiación adicional para la ejecución de la actividad de investigación que se realice y, por otra parte, la concesión de ayudas para la creación de puestos de trabajo de carácter permanente en universidades y centros del sistema español de ciencia, tecnología e innovación. La ayuda anual para cada uno de los contratos de cinco años de estos doctorados es de 33.720 euros y se destinará a cofinanciar el salario y la cuota empresarial de la Seguridad Social de los investigadores contratados durante cada una de las anualidades. Además, se concederá una ayuda adicional de 40.000 euros por cada investigador contratado para cubrir los gastos directamente relacionados con la ejecución de sus actividades de investigación. La ayuda para la creación de puestos de trabajo de carácter permanente consistirá en una dotación de 100.000 euros por cada plaza. #### ‘Juan de la Cierva – Formación’ 225 ayudas para fomentar la contratación laboral de jóvenes doctores por un periodo de dos años, con objeto de que los mismos completen su formación investigadora postdoctoral en centros de I+D españoles distintos a aquellos en los que realizaron su formación predoctoral. La ayuda anual para cofinanciar cada uno de los contratos será de 25.000 euros, siendo la cuantía máxima destinada a esta actuación de 11.250.000 euros.Personal técnico de apoyo a la I+D+IEstas ayudas tendrán una duración de tres años y tienen como objetivo la contratación laboral de personal técnico de apoyo en organismos de investigación. Este personal se encargará del manejo de equipos, instalaciones y demás infraestructuras de I+D+I a fin de incrementar y mejorar las prestaciones y rendimiento de las infraestructuras científico-tecnológicas. La cuantía máxima destinada a financiar esta actuación es de 7.020.000 euros. La ayuda anual para cofinanciar cada uno de los técnicos contratados será de 13.000 euros, en el caso de titulado universitario, y de 12.000 euros en el caso de técnico superior, en el marco de la formación profesional del sistema educativo.‘Juan de la Cierva – Incorporación’Estas ayudas, que dispondrán de una financiación máxima de 20.925.000,00 euros, tienen como objetivo fomentar la contratación laboral de jóvenes doctores para que los mismos afiancen las capacidades adquiridas durante una primera etapa de formación posdoctoral. Se convocan 225 ayudas con una duración de tres años cada una de ellas, incrementando una anualidad con respecto a las convocatorias de años anteriores. La ayuda anual para cada uno de los contratos será de 29.000 euros y, como en los casos precedentes, se destinará necesariamente a cofinanciar el salario y la cuota empresarial de la Seguridad Social de los investigadores contratados durante cada una de las anualidades. Además, se concederá una ayuda adicional de 6.000 euros por cada investigador contratado para cubrir los gastos directamente relacionados con la ejecución de sus actividades de investigación, una vez incorporado a su puesto de trabajo en el Centro de I+D.En resumen, entre estas cuatro líneas de financiación 2018 se alcanzan los 101 millones de euros, 13,5 millones más que en 2017, lo que supone un 15,4% más. Esta cantidad servirá para contratar a 830 investigadores y técnicos de apoyo, frente a los 805 de 2017. ## More news about this company: --- ## European Innovation Council pilot to support 257 SMEs with €13 million URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/european-innovation-council-pilot-support-257-smes-13-million ### NEWS | ID Consortium > # European Innovation Council pilot to support 257 SMEs with €13 million ## Spain is the country in which the European Union will support more SMEs: 45. IDConsortium The EU will support 257 small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from 31 countries who aim to get their innovations faster to the market. The companies have been selected in the latest round of the SME Instrument, which is part of the recently launched European Innovation Council (EIC) pilot. The funding of €12.65 million in total comes from Horizon 2020, the EU research and innovation programme. Examples of the projects selected to receive EU funding include solar street lights, software that uses augmented reality to help industrial plants monitor their production chain, a diagnosis tool for sleep apnoea, an innovative mobile payment technology, a custom-made paint vending machine, and a wrapping machine for sustainable packaging. In this phase of the SME Instrument (the so-called Phase 1), each project will receive €50 000 to draft a business plan. There are 253 projects in total as several companies can team up to propose one project. The companies will also get three days of free coaching and business acceleration services. Most companies selected for funding work in the field of health, engineering and information and communication technology (ICT). **Most companies are based in Spain (45)**, Italy (28) and Israel (23). The European Commission received 2009 proposals for this first Phase 1 cut-off of the SME Instrument this year. **The next application deadline for SME Instrument Phase 1 is in May 2018. ** ## More news about this company: --- ## H2BLUE URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/h2blue ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # H2BLUE ## Green hydrogen solutions for the blue economy. H2BLUE promotes the development, demonstration and market uptake of green hydrogen solutions for maritime, port, aquaculture and fisheries applications through interregional cooperation. IDConsortium --- ## FARM360TECH URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/farm360tech ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # FARM360TECH ## FARM360TECH introduces a comprehensive 360-degree approach, combining traditional farming practices with next-generation Agriculture 5.0 tools. Through IoT sensors, UAVs with multispectral imaging, and AI-driven insights, the project provides farmers with tools to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. IDConsortium --- ## GATE5.0 URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/gate5 ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # GATE5.0 ## GATE5.0 is a European initiative co-funded by the European Union under the SMP-COSME EUROCLUSTERS programme. The project drives the digital and green transition of the agrifood ecosystem by empowering SMEs to adopt Agriculture 5.0 technologies such as IoT, AI, robotics and data analytics. IDConsortium --- ## Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/cbe-ju ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME ↴ # Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) ## CBE JU is a €2 billion public-private partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) under the Horizon Europe framework. Its mission is to advance competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe by funding research and innovation projects that develop sustainable solutions based on renewable biological resources. IDConsortium --- ## I3 Instrument URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/i3-instrument ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME ↴ # Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument ## The Interregional innovation investments instrument as part of the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) aims at supporting interregional innovation projects in their commercialisation and scale-up phases giving them the tools to overcome regulatory and other barriers and bring their project to investment level. IDConsortium --- ## ERASMUS+ URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/erasmus-plus ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME ↴ # ​ERASMUS+ ## Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. IDConsortium --- ## Clients & partners URL: https://idconsortium.com/clients-partners # ID Consortium’s clients & partners ## Explore an overview of the clients we have supported in achieving their R&D&I goals and the trusted partners worldwide with whom we collaborate on innovative projects IDConsortium ## EUROPE Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects:FERTIPLUS Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects:BOOSTER Projects:PRODIGIO Projects:CHIC Projects:RUSTICA Projects:PRODIGIO Projects:FERTIPLUS Projects:BOOSTER Projects:RUSTICA Projects:FUEL4ME Projects: MIRACLES Projects:BOOSTER Projects:RUSTICABOOSTERFERTIPLUS Projects:RUSTICA Projects:RUSTICAMIRACLES Projects: PRODIGIO FERTIPLUS AGREMSO3IL MIRACLES Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects:RUSTICA Projects: MIRACLESProjects: MIRACLES Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects:RUSTICA Projects:CHIC Projects:BOOSTER Projects:FUEL4ME Projects: MIRACLES Projects:CHIC Projects:FUEL4ME Projects: MIRACLES Projects:FUEL4ME Projects: MIRACLES Projects:BOOSTER Projects:CHIC Projects:CHIC Projects:RUSTICA Projects:PRODIGIO Projects: MIRACLESProjects: AGREMSO3IL Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects:CHIC Projects:CHICFUEL4ME Projects:CHIC Projects:RUSTICA Projects:BOOSTER Projects:CHIC Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects: MIRACLES Projects:FUEL4ME Projects:PRODIGIO Projects:FERTIPLUS Projects: MIRACLESProjects: AGREMSO3IL Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects:RUSTICA Projects:FUEL4ME Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects:FUEL4ME Projects:BOOSTER Projects: MIRACLES Projects:CHIC Projects: MIRACLES Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects:RUSTICAFERTIPLUSACTTIVATE Projects: MIRACLES Projects:RUSTICAFERTIPLUS Projects:CHIC Projects:PRODIGIO Projects:BOOSTER Projects: MIRACLES Projects:RUSTICA Projects: MIRACLES Projects:FERTIPLUS Projects:CHIC Projects:ACTTIVATE Projects: MIRACLESProjects: MIRACLESProjects: MIRACLES Projects:BOOSTER Projects: MIRACLES Projects:FERTIPLUS Projects:CHIC Projects:CHICFUEL4MEFERTIPLUSACTTIVATEMIRACLES Projects:RUSTICA ## ASIA Projects: FUEL4ME Projects:PRODIGIO ## AFRICA Projects:BOOSTER Projects:BOOSTER ## AMERICA Projects:RUSTICA Projects:BOOSTER Projects:MIRACLES ## OCEANIA Projects:CHIC ### We assist our customers through the entire innovation project management cycle, from the idea to the commercial product. --- ## Andalucía: IER URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/andalucia-ier ### NOTICIAS, CONVOCATORIAS Y CAPACITACIONES SOBRE ANDALUCÍA IER ↴ # Andalucía: IER – Incentivos Económicos Regionales ## Los incentivos regionales son las ayudas financieras que concede el Estado a la inversión productiva para fomentar la actividad empresarial, orientando su localización hacia zonas previamente determinadas y contribuyendo así a paliar los desequilibrios interterritoriales. IDConsortium --- ## Interreg SUDOE URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/interreg-sudoe ### TODAS LAS NOTICIAS SOBRE ESTE PROGRAMA ↴ # Interreg SUDOE ## Interreg Sudoe es un programa de financiación de la Unión Europea para apoyar el desarrollo regional y la cohesión en las regiones del sudoeste de Europa. IDConsortium --- ## Interreg NEXT MED URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/interreg-next-med ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME ↴ # Interreg NEXT MED ## Interreg NEXT ‘Mediterranean Sea Basin’ (‘NEXT MED’) programme is the third generation of one of the largest cooperation initiatives funded by the European Union to enhance transnational cooperation in the Mediterranean area. IDConsortium --- ## PRIMA URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prima ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME ↴ # PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area) ## Groundbreaking initiative designed to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the Mediterranean region through joint research and innovation efforts. IDConsortium --- ## Programmes URL: https://idconsortium.com/programmes # Funding Programmes ## The list below provides an overview of the funding opportunities financed by the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and NextGenerationEU by heading, cluster, and programme or fund (most of the programmes implemented under shared management are called “funds”). IDConsortium ### We assist our customers through the entire innovation project management cycle, from the idea to the commercial product. --- ## EDIH URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/edih ### NOTICIAS, CONVOCATORIAS Y CAPACITACIONES SOBRE EDIH ↴ # EDIH – European Digital Innovation Hub ## EDIH MADRID REGIÓN nace con el objetivo de ser el centro de referencia para mejorar la digitalización tanto del sector público como de las pequeñas y medianas empresas de la región. IDConsortium --- ## BOOSTER URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/booster ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # BOOSTER ## Boosting drought tolerance in key cereals in the era of climate change. BOOSTER aims to improve drought tolerance in both maize and teff, while simultaneously exploring the potential for transferring species-specific drought responsive features. IDConsortium --- ## Epicentre URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/epicentre ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # EPICENTRE ## EmPowering Industrial eCosystems to boost clustEr facilitated greeN and digiTal tRansition in Europe Are you a SME or Startup? We invite you to submit project proposals that address a set of challenges. IDConsortium --- ## Press Room URL: https://idconsortium.com/pressroom # PRESS ROOM ## In this section you can find our press releases, media appearances, our business dossier and our contact related to the press and media. IDConsortium ## IDConsortium press releases: IDConsortium, the consulting “boutique” that turns ideas into innovative products and services. Their main objective is to turn research initiatives into R&D projects and they look for the best partners for their clients. press@idconsortium.eu twitterlinkedinyoutube --- ## Horizon Europe URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/horizon-europe ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME ↴ # Horizon Europe ## Horizon Europe is the 2021-2027 EU flagship programme for research and innovation which sets the best minds in Europe and the rest of the world to work to deliver excellent solutions to the key issues of our time, supporting the EU’s policy priorities and building a better future for the next generation in Europe. IDConsortium --- ## Next Generation EU URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/next-generation-eu ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM ↴ # Next Generation EU ## NextGenerationEU es un instrumento temporal diseñado para impulsar la recuperación. Una oportunidad única de salir reforzados de la pandemia, transformar nuestras economías y sociedades, y diseñar una Europa que funcione para todos. IDConsortium --- ## MIRACLES URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/miracles ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # MIRACLES ## Multi-product Integrated bioRefinery of Algae: from Carbon dioxide and Light Energy to high-value Specialties. MIRACLES is an industry-driven R&D and innovation project aimed at developing integrated, multiple-product biorefinery technologies for the production of specialties from microalgae for application in food, aquaculture and non-food products. IDConsortium --- ## Fuel4me URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/fuel4me ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # Fuel4me ## FUture European League for Microalgal Energy. The general objective of FUEL4ME is to create a sustainable production chain for the continuous production of biofuel (biofuel derived from biomass) using microalgae, generating a second generation of biofuels that can compete with fossil fuels. IDConsortium --- ## FertiPLUS URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/fertiplus ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # FertiPLUS ## Reducing mineral fertilisers and agro-chemicals by recycling treated organic waste as compost and bio-char products. IDConsortium --- ## PRODIGIO URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/prodigio ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # PRODIGIO ## The solar energy conversion into biogas by increasing the performance of microalgae production systems and anaerobic digestion systems thanks to the development of early-warning signals for improved systems monitoring and control. IDConsortium --- ## Rustica URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/rustica ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # Rustica ## A technical solution to convert organic residues from the fruit and vegetable sector into novel bio-based fertiliser products of high quality that address the needs of modern (organic) agriculture. IDConsortium --- ## ACTTiVAte URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/acttivate ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # ACTTiVAte ## Clusters for Technology Transfer and new Value chains. The overall concept of this project is to support innovation in SMEs and foster the smart reindustrialization of Europe. IDConsortium --- ## Chic URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/chic ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # Chic ## Chicory as a multipurpose crop for dietary fibre and medicinal terpenes. CHIC explores the interactions between technological potential and societal acceptance of modern plant breeding. IDConsortium --- ## LIFE AgremSO3il URL: https://idconsortium.com/news/life-agremso3il ### ALL NEWS ABOUT THIS PROJECT ↴ # LIFE AgRemSO3il ## Life AgRemSO3il is a pilot project, at farm scale, that intends to develop and tune a new technology, with its associated techniques, for agrochemical remediation of farm soils by combining solarization and ozonation in situ. IDConsortium --- ## News URL: https://idconsortium.com/news # News & Publications ## Keep up to date with our company’s latest achievements, including programmes, agreements, projects, events, calls, and collaborations.Access publications, press releases, our business dossier, media updates and contact details.We’re committed to helping our clients stay informed about the best opportunities and grants. # News & Publications ## Keep up to date with our company’s latest achievements, including programmes, agreements, projects, events, calls, and collaborations. Access publications, press releases, our business dossier, media updates and contact details. We’re committed to helping our clients stay informed about the best opportunities and grants. IDConsortium ## NEWS ### IDConsortium general news ### IDConsortium projects & funding programmes news ### IDConsortium general news ### IDConsortium projects & funding programmes news ## IDConsortium Publications IDConsortium, the consulting “boutique” that turns ideas into innovative products and services. Their main objective is to turn research initiatives into R&D projects and look for the best partners for their clients. press@idconsortium.eu linkedintwitterfacebookyoutube ### We assist our customers through the entire innovation project management cycle, from the idea to the commercial product. --- ## European Research Council Calls URL: https://idconsortium.com/european-research-council-calls # European Research Council Calls ## Established by the European Commission IDConsortium ## What is the European Research Council? The ERC’s mission is to encourage the highest quality research in Europe through competitive funding and to support investigator-driven frontier research across all fields, on the basis of scientific excellence. Being ‘investigator-driven’, or ‘bottom-up’, in nature, the ERC approach allows researchers to identify new opportunities and directions in any field of research, rather than being led by priorities set by politicians. This ensures that funds are channeled into new and promising areas of research with a greater degree of flexibility. ERC grants are awarded through open competition to projects headed by starting and established researchers, irrespective of their origins, who are working or moving to work in Europe. The sole criterion for selection is scientific excellence. The aim here is to recognise the best ideas, and confer status and visibility on the best brains in Europe, while also attracting talent from abroad. the best of the best in Europe across all fields of science, scholarship and engineering wholly investigator-driven, or ‘bottom-up’ frontier research the work of the established and next generation of independent top research leaders in Europe innovative proposals by placing emphasis on the quality of the idea rather than the research area the status and visibility of European frontier research and the very best researchers of today and tomorrow ## What is ‘frontier research’ and what are its benefits? Today the distinction between ‘basic’ and ‘applied’ research has become blurred, due to the fact that emerging areas of science and technology often cover substantial elements of both. As a result, the term ‘frontier research’ was coined for ERC activities since they will be directed towards fundamental advances at and beyond the ‘frontier’ of knowledge. The ERC aims to bring about a wide range of benefits in the following ways: - By creating open and direct competition for funding between the very best researchers in Europe, the ERC will **enhance aspirations and achievements**. It will enable the best ideas and talents to be recognised from a larger pool than exists at national level. - The ERC’s competitive funding will be able to **channel funds into the most promising new fields**, with a degree of agility not always possible in national funding schemes. - The ERC aims to stimulate research organisations to **invest more in the support of promising new talents** – the next generation of research leaders in Europe. - On the economic side, the ERC will help nurture science-based industry and **create a greater impetus for the establishment of research-based spin-offs**. - From a societal perspective, the ERC could **provide a mechanism for investing rapidly** in research targeted at new and emerging issues confronting society. ## The ERC funding principles The figure below taken from the “*Information document from the EC for Starting and Consolidator Grant Calls*” shows that: ## IDConsortium will help you with the European Research Council Calls ## How to write an ERC grant? You should frequently review the Funding and Tenders portal for updates on the call. Relevant information such as FAQs, topics updates…are usually uploaded and they might be relevant for the proposal. The ERC grants support individual researchers that are starting their own independent research team or programme and who can demonstrate the ground-breaking nature, ambition and feasibility of their scientific proposal. In certain fields (e.g. in the humanities and mathematics), where research is often performed individually, the ‘team’ may consist solely of the Principal Investigator. The ERC’s frontier research grants operate on a ‘bottom-up’ basis and applications can be made in any field of research with an emphasis on the frontiers of science, scholarship and engineering. In particular, the ERC encourages proposals of a multi- or interdisciplinary nature which cross the boundaries between different fields of research, pioneering proposals addressing new and emerging fields of research or proposals introducing unconventional, innovative approaches and scientific inventions. **The focus is on the PI and on the individual team**. Support for consortia is provided by other calls under Horizon Europe. Projects wholly or largely consisting of the collation and compilation of existing material in new databases, editions or collections are unlikely to constitute ground-breaking or frontier research, however useful such resources might be to subsequent original research. Such projects are therefore unlikely to be recommended for funding by the ERC panels. - A competitive STG PI must have already shown the potential for research independence and evidence of maturity, for example by having produced **at least one important publication** as **main author or without the participation of their PhD supervisor.****** **** - All PIs should also be able to demonstrate a **promising track record of early achievements appropriate to their research field and career stage**, including **significant publications (as main author) in major international peer-reviewed multidisciplinary scientific journal**s, or in **leading international peer-reviewed journals of their respective field.** They may also demonstrate a **record of invited presentations in well-established international conferences, granted patents, awards, prizes etc.** The HI must engage the PI for at least the duration of the project, as defined in the grant agreement. It must either be established in an EU Member State or an AC9 as a legal entity created under national law, or it may be an international European research organisation (such as CERN, EMBL, etc.), the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) or any other entity created under EU law. International organisations with headquarters in an EU Member State or AC will be deemed to be established in this Member State or AC. Any type of legal entity, public or private, including universities, research organisations and undertakings can host Principal Investigators and their teams. The ERC welcomes applications from PIs hosted by private for-profit research centres, including industrial laboratories. Normally the PI will be employed by the HI, but cases where, for duly justified reasons, the PI’s employer cannot become the HI, or where the PI is self-employed, can be accommodated. The specific conditions of engagement will be subject to clarification and approval during the granting procedure or during the amendment procedure for a change of HI. During the granting process, the financial capacity of applicant legal entities will be assessed, if required. ERC grants are open to researchers of any nationality who intend to conduct their research activity in any EU MS or an AC11. The research team may be of national or trans-national character. The PI does not need to be employed by the HI at the time when the proposal is submitted. If not already employed by the HI, the PI must be engaged by the latter at least for the duration of the grant. Grant proposals are submitted by the PI taking scientific responsibility for the project, on behalf of the host institution. The requirements in terms of PhD award date are as follows: The first PhD shall have been awarded: - 2 and ≤ 7 years prior to 1 January 2021 - Cut-off dates: PhD awarded: from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018 (inclusive) The eligibility periods set out in the table above can be extended beyond 7 and 12 years for the Starting and Consolidator Grants respectively for certain properly documented circumstances such as for maternity and paternity leave, clinical training, long-term illness or national service (see Annex 4.4 for further details). The ERC policy on PhD and equivalent doctoral degrees, including specific provisions for holders of medical degrees, is provided in Annex 4.3. With the support of the HI, the successful PIs are expected to lead their individual teams and devote a significant amount of time to the project. They will be expected to spend as a minimum 50% for STG of their working time on the ERC project and a minimum of 50% of their working time in an EU MS or an AC. Call Opening Date Deadline Overall EC budget for 2021 Maximum budget per project Number of projects to be funded (max.) Starting Grant Call ERC-2021-STG 25th of February 2021 08th April 2021 (17:00) 619.000.000 € 1.500.000 € Max. 412 projects Consolidator Grant Call ERC-2021-COG 11th of March 2021 20th April 2021 (17:00) 633.000.000 € 2.000.000 € Max. 316 projects ## What is the ERC starting grant success rate? According to the 2020 call data: Field of Science Field of Science Life Sciences Social Sciences and Humanities Total Submitted proposals 923 1409 940 **3272** Selected proposals 124 186 126 **436** A single submission of the full proposal is followed by a two-step evaluation. The peer review evaluation is handled by 27 peer review evaluation panels (ERC panels), covering all fields of science, engineering and scholarship (see panel details and ERC keywords in Annex 4.1) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. ## Some tips to write a successful ERC grant proposal: the Extended Synopsis (section a) and do not think of it as simply complementing Part B2. It is important that Part B1 contains all essential information. have already applied and won a grant. Ask them for recommendations and for the revision of the proposal. the support of your national contact point. - Present an excellent research idea with rigorous scientific approach. - Its ground breaking features. - Objectives - Scientific feasibility. - Underline the high risk and high gain of the project. compelling, informative, previous funding and other ongoing applications. - Practice the presentation with colleagues. - Be assertive & reviewer friendly - Provide if possible relevant scientific data. - Do not oversimplify the challenge of the proposal. - Do not over-stress the potential impact. - Remember: panel reviewers are eminent scientists, but not necessarily in your field of science. Don´t be afraid of their questions as they have a genuine interest. - Excellent Research Idea, - Rigorous scientific approach - Exceptional track record - Outstanding knowledge - Devote their time. - Creativity, ambition and boldness the panel that best fits the project. They only see parts B1 and B2, but all documents are needed. The 1st step after the submission of the application is the revision of the eligibility criteria by the EC. ## What are the advantages of having an ERC grant: - It offers independence and recognition. - The researcher can research a topic of your own choice with his/ her own team. - The researcher will have true intellectual and financial autonomy for up to 5 years. - Visibility, access to large facilities, negotiation of better working conditions. - Buy equipment, attract top talents to your team and bring additional funding. --- ## Open Calls! URL: https://idconsortium.com/calls # Open calls ! ## Open calls for funding for innovation projects focused on SMEs and startups. Funding programmes of the European Commission and Spanish institutions. IDConsortium # We work with international, European and Spanish Institutions calls: ## Next Generation EU The most relevant calls for research, development and innovation projects under the Next Generation EU programme are as follows ### Spain Next Generation Calls: ## Horizon Europe Programme The most relevant calls for research, development and innovation projects under the Horizon Europe framework programme are as follows ## Other Calls > OPEN ### Other Calls > CLOSED ### We assist our customers through the entire innovation project management cycle, from the idea to the commercial product. --- ## Projects URL: https://idconsortium.com/projects # European and international projects ## We promote the dynamization and internationalization of clusters and sectorial organizations in national and international scope. IDConsortium ## About the projects in which IDConsortium participates: Due to our experience and involvement in various international innovation projects we can provide strategic advice in the following areas: Industrial Biotechnology, Advanced production systems in Agriculture, Livestock and Aquaculture based on Industry 4.0, Innovative systems and practices to promote active, healthy and sustainable ageing. ## Finished projects with the participation of IDConsortium:   ### We assist our customers through the entire innovation project management cycle, from the idea to the commercial product. --- ## Services URL: https://idconsortium.com/services # We advice and support you ## In the search for new business opportunities related to R&D, innovation and other investment possibilities. IDConsortium ## How could we help you? We work side-by-side with our clients through the entire process of managing a project, so that clients can remain fully focussed on their core business activities:   - Analysis of the project idea and adaptation to national and European calls for proposals. - Preparation of the proposal and formation of the corresponding consortium of companies and research centres. - Implementation of the project once financing is secured. - We also offer support in the communication, diffusion and exploitation of results. ## Public Funding Management We support our clients in the analysis and search for the most appropriate financing for their innovation project. #### Preparation of proposals to public calls for proposals: 1) Search for partners. 2) Preparation of technical, financial and administrative documentation. 3) Interlocution with all the partners and stakeholders of the project for the preparation of a successful proposal. 4) Submission of documentation to the granting agency. ||||| #### Support in the negotiation of the project: 1) Support in the negotiation of the main aspects of the contract with the granting agency. 2) Support in the drafting of the consortium agreement in case it is necessary. ||||| #### Support in project management: 1) Interlocution with all project partners and stakeholders to ensure the correct implementation of the project. 2) Support in the financial and administrative management of the project. 3) Support in the technical management of the project 4) Support in the drafting of justification reports for the granting agency. 5) Support in the management of the communication, dissemination and exploitation of the project results. ## IP Management We support our clients in the management and valorization of intangible assets covering the technical, strategical, commercial, legal and economical dimension.   ### Intellectual Property (IP) management - Identification of intangible assets, risks and opportunities. Audit of intangible assets. Portfolio management. - Market assessment. Competitive analysis. - Strategic roadmap for exploitation. - IP protection strategies. - IP valuation. - Technology transfer advice. - Systematization of the innovation management. - IP management in EU Projects. ### Communication and dissemination of R&D&i results - Briefing - Design of the Communication and Dissemination plan. - Management and implementation of the communication and dissemination actions. - Metric analysis. ## Training Courses We provide courses on: 1) Horizon Europe and Life+ proposal preparation 2) Horizon Europe and Life+ project management 3) Cascade funding management 4) IP Management, technology transfer and intangible assets management ### (More information soon) ## Innovation Corner Some tips to help you make your innovation proposals and projects successful! ### Recommendations about our best practices in EU project management and public fund raising: ### Recommendations about our best practices in IP management: ### We assist our customers through the entire innovation project management cycle, from the idea to the commercial product. --- ## Home URL: https://idconsortium.com/ # IDConsortium We advice and support you in the search for new business opportunities related to R&D and innovation and other investment possibilities. ## What is IDConsortium? IDConsortium is a consultancy firm founded in Seville, Spain, in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and businesses to internationalise and showcase their R&D by joining international consortiums to pursue different lines of research, development and innovation. The firm is an offshoot of IDAction S.L., a company with wide experience in managing R&D, innovation and investment projects. To turn research initiatives into R&D projects   ## Our services We analyze the idea and look for national and European funding programs. We search for the key players to create a strong consortium and we prepare all the documents to the funding program. We give support in the project management, communication, dissemination and exploitation of results. We also advice on Intellectual Property Issues. ### We assist our customers through the entire innovation project management cycle, from the idea to the commercial product. ## Funding Programmes The list below provides an overview of the funding opportunities financed by the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and NextGenerationEU by heading, cluster, and programme or fund (most of the programmes implemented under shared management are called “funds”). ## Projects in which we are involved Due to our experience and involvement in various international innovation projects we can provide strategic advice in the following areas: Industrial Biotechnology, Advanced production systems in Agriculture, Livestock and Aquaculture based on Industry 4.0., Innovative systems and practices to promote active, healthy and sustainable ageing. ### We promote the dynamization and internationalization of clusters and sectorial organizations in national and international scope. ### What they say about us: IDConsortium is a partner in the CHIC Project (EU H2020 framework program), and they are responsible for the communication and dissemination of the project. They are very proactive and their contribution in this task is being very fruitful, as they are already reaching different audiences that will be very relevant for the project exploitation. IDConsortium is helping us with the project management of the PRECIMED project (PRIMA-MED Programme). Their support to the correct implementation of the project activities is being highly valued by all the partners of the consortium. We have collaborated with IDConsortium in different proposals to Horizon 2020. Their permanent search for excellence has made our experience with them quite successful both in terms of scores achieved in proposals and projects won. With IDConsortium we have worked on the preparation and submission of 1 European proposals for Single Market Program related to Cascade Funding and SME support. So far, our collaboration with them has been successful as we have received the evaluation and the project has been awarded. His experience and expertise in the field of cascade finance projects for the provision of services to third parties (SMEs) is very valuable to develope solid and highly innovative project ideas. Our collaboration with IDConsortium has been within the framework of the Life+ AgRemSO3il project. Their contribution to the project has been very valuable both in the project management and in the replicability and transferability of the results. With IDConsortium we have worked on the preparation and submission of 2 European proposals for Horizon Europe and Single Market Program related to Cascade Funding and SME support. So far, our collaboration with them has been successful as we have received 1 evaluation and the project has been awarded, that will contribute to increase our network and also our capacities and expertise as project coordinator. IDConsortium helped us with the ACTTiVAte project (H2020 program). Their level of involvement and commitment to the proposal and the project were essential for its success. It was a pleasure to collaborate with them. --- ## Contact URL: https://idconsortium.com/contact # We assist our customers ## Through the entire innovation project management cycle, from the idea to the commercial product. IDConsortium +34 · 911 25 03 11 info@idconsortium.es twitterlinkedinyoutubefacebook MadridValencia --- ## Company URL: https://idconsortium.com/company # ID Consortium – Just research it! ## A group of innovative professionals whose sole purpose is to solve global problems through innovation and technology. IDConsortium ## About IDConsortium IDConsortium is a consultancy firm founded in Seville, Spain, in 2009 with the aim of helping researchers and businesses to internationalise and showcase their Research and Development (R&D) by joining international consortiums to pursue different lines of research, development and innovation. The firm is an offshoot of IDAction S.L., a company with a wide range of experience in managing R&D, innovation and investment projects. ### Our main objective is to turn research initiatives into R&D projects. We use our proprietary «Just Research it!»​ (JRI) methodology to seek out the best partners for our clients, to secure the funding needed to develop the project, and to ensure that the initiative reaches society as groundbreaking products and services that can both transform and improve the way we live. ## Our Mission Our mission statement is a way of explaining how we do things. We believe that we can be what we want to be. We want to help solve society’s problems using technology and innovations. We do things differently. It is our duty to turn ideas into a solution, contribute to the global society, place all our resources into improving the world we live in, be efficient, and create simple solutions for today’s global problems. Bravery is not about diving head on into an empty swimming pool, it is about someone who evaluates a situation, analyses it from different points of view, and carefully taking a step forward. It is not a matter of having the genes, bravery is about having the attitude and be open to learning. That we acquire and not limit ourselves from our own surroundings but beyond the borders that we live in. This is our own legacy, to open our minds to others who will challenge us to make us better. and these global challenges require immediate action. So… let’s work together! It is our duty to use our skills and ideas to contribute to society. All places can become spaces for growth, where people would wish to live. We must put all our resources into improving our environment. But always with an eye on energy savings and efficiency. We should try to create simple solutions, making sure the wind is at our backs rather than just going with the flow. Always optimistic, visualizing success and believing in good luck. Future growth will not only happen in Madrid, Berlin, Chicago or Beijing. It will happen in each one of us, as we work for it and make our contribution to society. It will be our ideas, conviction and courage that guarantee the prosperity of our environment. Bravery is not the daredevil who dives headlong into an empty swimming pool, but the person who evaluates a situation, analyzes it from different points of view, and takes a step forward. Bravery is not a matter of genes, but of attitude and learning. Knowledge is power. Knowledge will shape our future, in a world saturated with cheap labour. For generations, we rarely looked beyond our own borders. Now, however, we find that we are inspired by encounters with other cultures. This is our only legacy.   We are facing challenges that require immediate action! Let’s work together! ## Meet the team Our team comprises a group of young professionals.**From technological, scientific, legal and economic backgrounds. ### The right people at the right time. linkedin #### Macarena Sanz #### FOUNDER AND GENERAL DIRECTOR** #### **BUSINESS & INNOVATION PROJECT MANAGER** #### Projects: All projects in which IDConsortium is involved   Macarena Sanz received her Agricultural Engineer degree from University Politécnica in Madrid and her Executive Master in Business Administration from IESE in Madrid. Her working life began at Accenture where she worked as a consultant. After almost 5 years of working in international consulting on projects for clients such as EADS and BP, she joined the IDAction team and founded IDConsortium. The main motivation to take this leap was to bring interesting international projects like the ones she had experienced in Accenture to Andalusia (her homeland). Within the first 3 years, she won 2 relevant European projects for the region, Fertiplus, and Fuel4ME. Now, Macarena is the managing director of IDConsortium. She is a mother of two amazing children, and her family is her passion and number one priority in her spare time. She also has several hobbies such as swimming, Easter week in Seville, skiing, gardening, flamenco dancing, reading, traveling, photography and playing guitar. linkedin #### Andrea Marí Sanchis #### **INNOVATION PROJECT MANAGER**:**Innovation Ecosystems, Business and Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer.** #### **IP & ****EXPLOITATION ****MANAGER** #### Projects: Epicentre | EDIH | Rustica | Prodigio   Andrea Marí holds a Master in Industrial Management Engineering and a Bachelor in Industrial Design Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. As an entrepreneur, she participated in several business incubators, receiving numerous recognitions and awards. Throughout her professional career, Andrea has consistently focused on driving profit through innovation for the organizations she has served. Her multidisciplinary background encompasses identifying funding opportunities for the development of innovation, business, and entrepreneurship projects. She excels in managing portfolios of innovation projects across various industrial sectors, with significant experience in innovation ecosystems, such as the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EITs). Andrea is skilled in Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property (IP) management and exploitation. She has led prominent innovation network projects, including the Technology Transfer Network of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the network of innovation HUBs in Chile, both centered on technology transfer. Her extensive experience enables her to design tailor-made exploitation strategies that enhance the value of R&D results, including IP management. linkedin #### Marina Predic #### **INNOVATION PROJECT MANAGER:****Agri-Food, Bioeconomy, Natural resources and Environment #### COMMUNICATION & DISSEMINATION MANAGER** #### Projects: Rustica | Prodigio | Booster   Marina Predic is an agricultural engineer with a Master of Science (MSc) in viticulture and enology from the prestigious Erasmus Mundus’ Vinifera EuroMaster. Specialising in wine economy, marketing, and communication, her academic journey included renowned institutions such as L’Institut Agro Montpellier, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Università degli Studi di Verona, and Cornell University. Marina’s research contributions are reflected in her publication of a study on wine marketing in the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly in 2019. In her professional journey, Marina has held diverse roles, serving as Communication and Project Manager at the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO). She also excelled as a Policy Advisor at COPA-COGECA, and her experience extends to her tenure at the European Commission, where she focused on the EU Organic Farming legislation. Her skill set includes certifications in EU funding and the LIFE Programme, along with proficiency in design tools such as InDesign and Photoshop. Additionally, Marina holds a diploma in Digital Video Production from the SAE Institute. She is fluent in multiple languages, including Serbian, Croatian, English, Spanish, and French. linkedin #### Sebastián Melgar #### **INNOVATION PROJECT MANAGER** #### Projects: EDIH | Epicentre   Sebastián Melgar is an Industrial Engineering grad from Texas A&M University with an MBA from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. His noteworthy contributions in the field are underscored by the publication of his thesis on the impacts of airport infrastructure developments.**He has a solid background in banking, where he’s honed his skills in project management, getting involved in the innovation field, from research and development projects to process digitalization, process improvement and more. His understanding of the ins and outs of the banking sector has deepened over time. Presently based in Spain and an integral part of the IDConsortium team, Sebastián has assumed a pivotal role in managing innovation projects. Operating on both European and regional scales, he brings a wealth of experience to the forefront, combining academic knowledge with practical application in the dynamic landscape of project management and innovation. linkedin #### Rosa María Hernández #### ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MANAGER** Rosa holds a degree in Economics from the University of Salamanca. She has always held positions related to the financial management of SMEs, carrying out accounting, administrative and management assistance tasks. It has a strong capacity for document management in applications for public funding. She currently provides administrative support in all projects in which IDConsortium is involved. ### We assist our customers through the entire innovation project management cycle, from the idea to the commercial product. ---