Lightweight switchable smart solutions for energy saving large windows and glass façades
	Area	Energy smart materials	Starting date	01/10/2019
	Budget	6.4 M€ (EU requested contribution 5.5 M€)	Duration	48 months

Abstract:

Between 25 and > 60% of total energy transfer through building envelopes is driven by glass based components such as windows, glass facades and glass roofs. In winter, heating energy demand of buildings with high window-wall ratio (WWR) in north- and east direction is up to 35% higher compared to buildings with only small windows. In summer, large windows and glass facades result in high heating of the building interior: cooling energy demand is increased by a factor ≈ 1.5 to 5 when WWR increases from 10% to 90%. Non-residential buildings often make use of large windows or glass facades for building-functional and representative reasons and therefore hardly suffer from increased energy demand. Switch2save targets active management of radiation energy transfer through glass-based building envelopes by integrating transparent energy smart materials with switchable total energy transmission values (g-value). Such materials are electro-chromic (EC) or thermo-chromic (TC) systems. Intelligent switching of those allows significant reduction of both heating energy demand in winter and cooling energy demand in summer. Switch2save’s unique and lightweight combined EC and TC smart insulating glass unit will be a breakthrough in performance (plus 20%); low-cost potential (minus 33% manufacturing cost) and increased design opportunities compared to state-of-the-art smart shading solutions. Switch2save prototypes will be demonstrated in two representative buildings – a hospital in Athens, Greece and an office building in Uppsala, Sweden by replacing > 50 windows and 200 m² glass façade area. Continuous monitoring of energy demand at thermal comfort levels inside the buildings for at least one year before and after TC/EC integration will verify energy saving potential of Switch2save solution. Switch2save increases the market and application potential of energy smart glass in buildings – targeting the whole building glass market of 4.7 billion square meters produced per year.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project it is responsible for administrative project management and for dissemination of results.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n°869929, project Switch2save.

	Controlled Organoids transplantation as enabler for regenerative medicine translation
	Area	Regenerative medicine: from new insights to new applications	Starting date	01/01/2020
	Budget	€ 6,03 M	Duration	36 months

 Abstract:

End-stage liver failure is a major healthcare challenge. Liver diseases account for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Liver transplantation is the most effective way to re-establish a liver with normal functions for various diseases including acute liver failure or liver malignancies. Currently, less than 10% of global transplantation needs are met and the gap between patients on transplant waiting lists and available donor organs is steadily increasing.

ORGANTRANS proposes a disruptive alternative to donor organs for patients with chronic or end-stage liver diseases who have still to isolate autologous liver stem cells. Driven by a need of leading European transplant centers, ORGANTRANS is tackling current obstacles for liver regenerative medicine by combining advanced know-how in cell biology, biomaterials, bioengineering, automation, standardization and clinical translation.

ORGANTRANS is developing a liver tissue printing platform that will be shortly deployed under the “compassionate use exemption” by three leading European transplant centers belonging to the consortium or the External Advisory Board. ORGANTRANS will not only deliver an ATMP, but also platform technologies that can be scaled to other organ systems, as organoid technology is one of the largest parts of regenerative medicine. The project covers the entire value chain (from cell source, tissue engineering, bioprinting, post-processing to testing) allowing for early adoption of its results (product & process) in clinical practice. The platform will first be scaled to Europe and then to the rest of the world.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project it is responsible for administrative and financial project management and for dissemination of results.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 874586, project ORGANTRANS.

	Photonics Solutions at Pilot Scale for Accelerated Medical Device Development
	Area	Photonics	Starting date	01/01/2020
	Budget	€ 17,14 M (EU contribution: € 14,99 M)	Duration	48 months

 Abstract:

Photonics technologies have become a key enabler in the realization of modern medical devices with applications ranging from diagnostics to surgical tools and therapeutics. The characteristic nature of both photonics and application fields is high diversity. Consequently, the more widespread use of photonics technologies in scattered ecosystems presents major challenges for both end-user companies and manufacturers. In conjunction with highly regulated validation and production, the timespan from the concept phase to product launch takes years. Addressing these challenges, MedPhab will serve as Europe’s first Pilot Line dedicated to manufacturing, testing, validation and upscaling of new photonics technologies for medical diagnostics enabling accelerated product launch with reduced R&D costs. MedPhab will bring high-quality infrastructure and extensive know-how within easy reach of the SME’s and other European Industry. Globally unique feature of MedPhab is its operation in medical domain setting requirements to meet regulations. The competitive differentiation is the seamless operation between ISO13485 certified companies and RTOs when the single-entry point can serve SMEs operating at different TRLs. Professional customer interface will be operated by staff with extensive experience in the field of medical devices. The technology readiness and MedPhab operation process will be validated by:

1) Use Case Validation program, upscaling and demonstrating the performance of 5 innovative medical diagnostics products;

2) Demo Case Open Calls program enabling early adoption of the technologies by an external user, demonstrating the pilot line services and validating the open-access business model.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project it is responsible for project management and organization of the open calls for pilot customers. Moreover, AMIRES is responsible for the community management platform and business development and exploitation.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 871345 , project MEDPHAB.

	Open Innovation Ecosystem for Sustainable Nano-functionalized Flexible Plastic and Paper Surfaces and Membranes
	Area	Digitising and transforming European industry and services	Starting date	01/04/2020
	Budget	€ 16,16 M (EU contribution: € 14,23 M)	Duration	48 months

 Abstract:

Plastic and paper based flexible materials and films are used in a wide range of daily life products e.g. in packaging, furniture surface finish, consumer electronic devices, architecture or in car windows. Applications represent well established multi-billion Euro markets. Key Enabling Technologies for a majority of these applications are based on nano-enabled functionalization of the surfaces. Today, Industry faces game-changing, critical challenges for societal acceptance and economic competitiveness: (1) Overcome plastic waste pollution and follow the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy towards the development of sustainable materials; (2) Keep pace with digitisation and get products ready for integration of smart systems and intelligent products.

FlexFunction2Sustain will be the first European Initiative to support the Industry in overcoming these challenges through a sustainable Open Innovation Ecosystem. FlexFunction2Sustain will develop dedicated services to boost innovation for nanofunctionalised flexible plastic and paper surfaces and membranes and offer those services to users, in particular SMEs, in all 28 EU countries through an independent single entry point (SEP) legal entity with multiple regional front offices.

FlexFunction2Sustain connects complementary pilot lines to a set of 9 connected lab-2-fab facilities covering all major nanosurface processing techniques for (flexible) plastic and paper surfaces and membranes. The facilities and novel surface functionality will be demonstrated in six relevant industrial application scenarios. 20 pre-commercial pilot cases will demonstrate the Services of the FlexFunction2Sustain OITB.

The FlexFunction2Sustain OITB is prepared to support the client at any point in the innovation chain from TRL4 to TRL7 with and integrated technological, business development and verification/pre-certification service portfolio that helps the client to progress quickly through the innovation chain.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project AMIRES is responsible for the project management, communication and dissemination of results and organization of the open calls for pilot customers.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n°862156, project FlexFunction2Sustain.

	Roll-2-Roll and Photolithography post-processed with LAser digital technology for FLEXible photovoltaics and wearable displays
	Area	Transforming European Industry	Starting date	01/05/2020
	Budget	€  5,79 M (EU contribution: € 4,7 M)	Duration	36 months

 Abstract:

RoLA–FLEX is an industry-driven project which provides innovative solutions to the existing OLAE challenges associated with performance and lifetime, through:

• (a) the fabrication and upscaling of organic semiconductors with high charge mobilities (up to 10 cm2/Vs) and high power conversion efficiencies (16% in OPV cell and 12% in OPV module);
• (b) the development of metal oxides for charge carrier selective contacts and metal nanoinks for highly conductive micropatterns with increased environmental stability;
• (c) the seamless incorporation of high speed laser digital processing in Roll-2-Roll OPV module fabrication and photolithography based OTFT manufacturing and
• (d) the demonstration of two TRL5+ OLAE prototypes enabled by the developed materials and innovative processes:

1. A smart energy platform for IoT devices powered by ITO-free and flexible OPVs operating at low indoor light conditions.
2. A new generation of bezel-less and fully bendable smart watches integrating FHD, ultra-bright OLCD/OTFT displays.

RoLA-FLEX will advance all the aforementioned technologies to at least TRL5 within its timeframe. RoLA-FLEX will create an opportunity for a yearly increase in revenues of almost €400 M only 6 years after its end, accompanied by hundreds of new jobs. A timely investment in the early days of these new markets can ensure significant market share for the SMEs and Industries involved and greatly boost EU’s competitiveness globally.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES is responsible for the project management role and leads the work package dedicated to dissemination and exploitation activities.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 862474, project RoLA-FLEX.

	Pilot-line providing highly advanced & robust manufacturing technology for optical free-form micro-structures
	Area	Photonics Manufacturing Pilot Lines for Photonic Components and Devices	Starting date	01/01/2020
	Budget	€ 17,54 M (EU contribution: € 14,98M)	Duration	48 months

 Abstract:

The urgent need to provide miniaturized optical components is at the origin of the exponential growth of the microoptics market over the last decade, with an increasing need for free-form micro-optics to address the challenges set by the photonics market for the five to ten years to come. The industrial demand for free form microlens arrays (FMLAs) is a current market reality. However, the high access barriers to pre-commercial production capabilities in Europe prevent companies, especially SMEs, from commercially exploiting the FMLA technology. Aim of the project is to set up a self-sustainable pilot-line for the design and manufacturing of FMLAs solutions and their integration into high added-value products. The consortium translates urgent and high-impact industrial needs into industrially relevant predictive software packages, manufacturing tools and processes, characterization methods for in- and off-line quality inspection, and integration schemes, all necessary for the successful demonstration in pre-commercial production runs. The objective of the project is 1) to mature the FMLAs manufacturing processes and functionalities from the current technology readiness level TRL 5 to TRL 7 and increase the overall manufacturing readiness level of the pilot line from MRL 5 -6 up to MRL 8-9 by adaptation of predictive algorithms into simulation packages, optimization of different ultraprecision micro-machining technologies for the origination of high-quality FMLAs, optimization of high-throughput UV imprint technologies, integration of a surface coating technique portfolio, optimization of the metrology procedure; 2) to implement six industrial use-cases demonstrating pilot manufacturing in their operational environment; 3) to establish an open-access, sustainable, distributed pilot line infrastructure with single entry point; 4) to validate the pilot line services through the implementation of 20 industrial pilot cases.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES assists CSEM in the project management and coordination role.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 871710, project PHABULOuS.

	NanoPhOtonic devices applying SElf-assembled colloIDs for novel ON-chip light sources
	Area	Nanophotonics	Starting date	01/01/2020
	Budget	€ 3,16 M (EU contribution: € 3,16M)	Duration	48 months

 Abstract:

Silicon photonics made tremendous progress in the last decade and promises far more cost effective photonic integrated circuits (PICs) than competing III-V semiconductors. However, a monolithically integrable, massmanufacturable light source is missing. All approaches of heterogeneous integration of III-V light sources are costly and not highly scalable, creating massive cost and complexity barriers for the commercialization of PICs. The groundbreaking aim of POSEIDON is to develop a radically new bottom-up approach towards multi-scale, on-chip self-assembly of active colloids based on low-cost colloid technology. For the first time, this encompasses the entire process chain of computer-aided design, controlled synthesis, hierarchical assembly, optoelectronic integration and device fabrication. By controlling and designing self-assembly processes directly on a device, addressing length scales from nm to 100’s of μm simultaneously, our approach allows to fabricate functional nanophotonic components with 3D, single-nm resolution integrated into complex PICs. The ambitious goal of POSEIDON is to thereby develop electrically pumped light sources which can be monolithically integrated into the back-end of CMOS chips. This breakthrough overcomes the limitations of top-down PIC fabrication and tears down the massive cost and complexity barriers initially mentioned. The short term benefits can be quantum leaps in data center energy efficiency and network performance, enabled by the project targeting the usual Datacom wavelengths, and cheap yet powerful optical sensors. In the long run a revolutionary platform for generic PICs consisting of monolithically integrated active colloidal components (light sources and detectors), Si/Si nitride photonics and CMOS electronics can emerge from POSEIDON. This will transform Europe’s industrial landscape and provide sustainable solutions to societal challenges across ICT, quantum technologies, energy, environment, health and security.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES is responsible for the project management role and leads the work package dedicated to dissemination and exploitation activities.

The project POSEIDON receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 861950.

	Multimodal X-ray and Hyperspectral Thin-Film Nano-material Evaluation and Quality Imaging
	Area	Real-time nano-characterisation technologies	Starting date	01/03/2020
	Budget	€ 4.99M (EU contribution: € 4.99M)	Duration	36 months

Abstract:

Functional performances of nano-materials and thin films with nano-scale thickness are determined not only by material selection but also by their nano-physical dimensions, nano-scale structure and their nano-scale chemical composition. Precise characterisation of these properties is critical to develop new functional nano-materials and optimise processes toward higher performance, improved reproducibility and yield and up-scaling to larger quantities.

X-ray characterisation techniques such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) or X-ray reflectometry (XRR) are widely used in research laboratories for this task but are rarely used in industrial material development and assessment of production processes due to technical limitations and required high level expertise.

The project NanoQI targets the development of an industry-suited, real-time and in-line capable technique to characterise nano-structure and nano-dimensions of (thin-film) nano-materials by optimisation of area-detector based XRR and XRD concepts and their multi-modal combination with a novel wide-angle hyper-spectral imaging (HSI) technique. Therewith, NanoQI will provide industry access to real time evaluation of nano-material geometry, structure and morphology and correlative imaging of deviations of these properties.

NanoQI technology will be demonstrated in three relevant industrial application scenarios: in-situ process assessment in manufacturing of perovskite solar cells; large-area vacuum roll-to-roll coating of polymer webs and industrial atomic layer deposition of dielectric and gas barrier layers.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project AMIRES is responsible for the project management and leads the work package dedicated to dissemination, training and exploitation activities.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 862055.

	Boost Of Organic Solar Technology for European Radiance
	Area	Photovoltaics	Starting date	01/09/2020
	Budget	€ 8.2 M (EU contribution € 6.1 M)	Duration	48 months

 Abstract:

Building applied photovoltaic (BAPV) systems utilise solar panels retrofitted onto building structures such as rooftops or facades to generate electricity. The EU-funded BOOSTER project plans to use flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) films, which are deemed suitable for BAPV applications. OPV modules feature a low energy payback time and use resources that are abundant, easily accessible and non-toxic. The project will bring OPV technology to TRL 7 by increasing module efficiency and lifetime while also optimising production costs. For successful proof of principle of the idea, researchers will demonstrate a “ready-to-stick” module and a textile-integrated product.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES is responsible for the project management role and leads the work package dedicated to dissemination and exploitation activities.

The BOOSTER project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 952911.

	Fabrication Of Sensor Packages Enabled by Additive Manufacturing
	Area	Assembly of micro parts (RIA)	Starting date	01/10/2020
	Budget	€ 10.2 M (EU contribution € 10.2 M)	Duration	36 months

 Abstract:

The vision of TINKER is to provide a new cost- and resource efficient pathway for RADAR and LiDAR sensor package fabrication with high throughput up to 250units/min, improved automation by 20%, improved accuracy by 50% and reliability by a factor of 100 to the European automotive and microelectronic   industry via additive manufacturing and inline feedback control mechanisms.

Autonomous driving and self-driving cars represent one prominent example for the use of microelectronics and sensor, most importantly RADAR and LiDAR sensors. Their respective markets have a big potential, e.g. it is estimated that the market size of LiDAR in automotive will double itself in the next two years (within 2020 to 2022). The public awareness and the industrial need for further miniaturization of such sensor packages is the main driver of ongoing efforts in the automotive sector to be able to integrate such devices into the car body like in the bumps and head lamps instead of attaching them (e.g. on top of the car in case of LiDAR device). Safety (for the driver and others) is the most important key aspect of the automotive sector. Therefore highly-value and high performance RADAR and LiDAR systems are required for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as well as robotic cars. Current bottlenecks are relevantly large size of such sensor devices, their weight and power consumption. Since these factors are highly limited within cars, further miniaturization and improving functionality and efficient use of resources is highly demanded.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES leads the work package dedicated to dissemination and exploitation activities.

The TINKER project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 958472.

	Evolving reversible iMmunocapture by membrane sensing peptides: towARds scalable extracellular VEsicLes isolation
	Area	Health and treatment	Starting date	01/11/2020
	Budget	€ 1.88 M (EU contribution € 1.88 M)	Duration	24 months

 Abstract:

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are submicron membrane vesicles released by most cells with a fundamental role in cell-to-cell communication. Much interest is flourishing towards their exploitation in regenerative medicine and diagnostics. However, the fulfilment of the EV promise is hampered by severe limitations in their isolation, characterization and manufacturing. A particularly arduous task is to move the isolation of specific EV subpopulations beyond the analytical scale and towards scalable processes. In this scenario, our project will leverage on DNAdirected reversible immunocapturing (rDDI), a new technology developed within FET-OPEN project “INDEX”. rDDI relies on the reversible EV isolation mediated by immunoaffinity followed by intact vesicles recovery upon enzymatic cleavage of a DNA linker used to anchor antibodies on solid supports. Despite unprecedented efficiency in the recovery of highly pure EVs, limitations inherent to antibodies (high costs, batch-to-batch variation and limited versatility of chemical manipulation) substantially impair the scalability of rDDI for any operating scale exceeding the analytical one. MARVEL targets a paradigm shift from antibodies to peptides as an alternative class of affinity ligands for EV capturing by introducing membrane-sensing peptides (MSP) as novel ligands for the size-selective capturing of small EV, unbiased by differential surface protein expression. MARVEL mission is to combine and implement rDDI and MSP technologies, towards the first and best performing ever affinity-based technology for scalable and reversible small EV (<200nm) isolation. The modularity in scaling-up of the novel protocols and kits will be demonstrated on medium/large sample volumes in relevant environments for therapeutic and diagnostics use of EVs and specifically: 1) In the manufacturing of GMP-grade EVs as a medicinal product for cardiac repair; 2) In urine-based liquid biopsy for bladder cancer diagnostics.

AMIRES role:

Medicinal product for cardiac AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES is responsible for the project management role and leads the work package dedicated to dissemination, communication, exploitation and tech transfer activities.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement № 951768, project MARVEL.

	COmbined suN-Driven Oxidation and CO2 Reduction for renewable energy storage
	Area	Energy	Starting date	01/11/2020
	Budget	€ 3.98 M (EU contribution € 3.98 M)	Duration	48 months

 Abstract:

Conversion of sunlight into fuels and mitigation of anthropogenic climate change are big scientific challenges. CONDOR addresses both of them by developing highly efficient solar-driven conversion of CO₂ into fuels and added-value chemicals. We propose a photosynthetic device made of two compartments (a) a photoelectrochemical cell that splits water and CO₂ and generates oxygen and syngas, a mixture of H₂ and CO; (b) a (photo)reactor that converts syngas into methanol and dimethylether (DME), via bi-functional heterogeneous catalysts. The proposed modular approach enables different configurations depending on the target product. The oxidation process is not limited to O₂ production, but entails chlorine and small organic molecules, such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, derived from the oxidation of low-cost and easily available precursors like salt water or alcohol derived biomass, respectively. Employed materials will be obtained through low energy/low temperature routes, mainly based on wet chemical procedures, such as sol-gel chemistry, mild hydrothermal processes, electrochemical processes at ambient temperature. Raw materials/precursors will not be limited by availability on a global scale, making use of organic species, silicon, earth abundant metal oxides, first row transition metals. The final target is a full photosynthetic device with 8% solar-to-syngas and 6% solar-to-DME efficiencies with three-months continuous outdoor operation.

This represents a large progress with respect to the state of the art and requires an international collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach, which integrates expertise in nanomaterials preparation and characterisation by operando microscopy and spectroscopy, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, photochemistry/photoelectrochemistry, PEC engineering and assessment of the environmental and socio-economic impact of the proposed technology, including life cycle assessment.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project, AMIRES is responsible for the project management and leads the work package dedicated to the communication and dissemination of results and exploitation activities.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101006839, project CONDOR.

	Pancreatic cancer AI for genomics and personalized Medicine
	Area	Health and treatment	Starting date	01/01/2021
	Budget	€8,24 M (EU contribution €8,24 M)	Duration	48 months

 Abstract:

The central PANCAIM concept is to successfully exploit available genomic and clinical data to improve personalized medicine of pancreatic cancer. PANCAIM’s concept is unique as it integrates the whole spectrum of genomics with radiomics and pathomics, the three future pillars of personalized medicine. The integration of these three modalities is very challenging in the clinic, but also with AI. PANCAIM uses an explainable, data-efficient, twostaged AI approach. AI biomarkers transform the unimodal data domains into interpretable likelihoods of intermediate disease features. A second AI layer merges the biomarkers and responds with an integrated assessment of prognosis, prediction and monitoring of therapy response, to assist in clinical decision making.

PANCAIM builds on four key concepts of AI in Healthcare: data providers, clinical expertise, AI developers, and MedTech companies to connect to data and bring AI to healthcare. Data quantity and quality is the main factor for successful AI. Partners provide eleven Pan European repositories of almost 6000 patients that are open to ongoing accrual. SME Collective Minds builds the GDPR data platform that hosts the data and provides a trustable connection to healthcare for even more and sustainable data. SME The Hyve builds tooling to connect to more genomic repositories (EOSC Health). Six Pan European academic centers provide clinical expertise across all modalities and

help realize a curated, high quality annotated data set. Partners also include expert AI healthcare researchers across all clinical modalities with a proven track record. Finally, Siemens Healthineers provides their AI expertise and tooling to bring AI into healthcare for clinical validation and swift clinical integration in 3000 health care institutes.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project it is responsible for administrative project management and for dissemination of results.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement № 101016851, project PANCAIM.

	InP on SiN Photonic Integrated circuits REalized through wafer-scale micro-transfer printing
	Area	Technologies for Digitising European Industry	Starting date	01/01/2021
	Budget	€4,98 M (EU contribution €4,98 M)	Duration	42 months

 Abstract:

INSPIRE aims to revolutionize photonic integrated circuit technology by combining two technologies, InP photonics and SiN photonics, in a single platform through wafer-scale micro-transfer printing technology. This platform will allow to combine high-performance III-V opto-electronic components (semiconductor optical amplifiers, high-speed phase modulators and photodetectors) operating in the C-band with the high-performance passive functionality of the SiN platform (high performance filters, 5dB/m waveguide loss), on 200mm wafers. The micro-transfer printing integration approach enables high-throughput integration of III-V devices on SiN photonic integrated circuits with better than 1 um alignment accuracy, resulting in high-performance, low-cost photonic integrated circuits. While being applicable in a wide range of mega-markets, the INSPIRE technology will be validated by three use cases: the case of a distributed fiber sensing readout unit based, the case of a microwave photonics RF pulse generator and a datacenter switch fabric. Compact models of the III-V opto-electronic components will be developed enabling designers to exploit this platform for a wide range of applications. INSPIRE will sustain Europe’s industrial leadership in photonics by combining the generic integrated foundry technology at the pioneering pure-play foundry SmartPhotonics, and the silicon photonics pioneer IMEC, with the micro-transfer printing technology at X-Celeprint, making this a worldfirst platform combining the strengths of all known PIC manufacturing platforms. It will also strengthen the European manufacturing base by developing and implementing processing steps that are key to removing expensive assembly steps in photonic IC based product realization. The methods will be developed for silicon nitride – indium phosphide integration. Since the optical coupling happens through a silicon intermediate layer the developed technology can be ported to silicon photonics as well.

AMIRES role:

Within the project AMIRES is actively involved in the administrative and financial project management. AMIRES is also responsible for dissemination activities.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement № 101017088, project INSPIRE.

	One-Stop-Shop Open Access to Photonics Innovation Support for a Digital Europe
	Area	Photonics Innovation Hubs	Starting date	01/01/2021
	Budget	€19,56 M (EU contribution €18,99 M)	Duration	52 months

 Abstract:

PhotonHub Europe will establish a single pan-EU Photonics Innovation Hub which integrates the best-in-class photonics technologies, facilities, expertise and experience of 53 partners from all over Europe, including the coordinators of EU pilot lines and local photonics hubs representing 18 regions, as a one-stop-shop solution offering a comprehensive range of supports to industry for the accelerated uptake and deployment of photonics. PhotonHub will provide European companies, in particular “non-photonics” SMEs and mid-caps that are first users and early adopters of photonics, with open access and guided orienteering to the following key support services: training and upskilling opportunities within PhotonHub’s Demo and Experience Centres throughout Europe and enhanced by digital tools for online learning; “test before invest” innovation support capabilities to engage with companies on highly collaborative Innovation Projects aimed at TRL acceleration from prototyping (TRL3-4) to upscaling (TRL5-6) to manufacturing (TRL7-8), and complemented by targeted business and IP advisory supports; and support to find investment through investment-readiness coaching and investor match-making organised in collaboration with major regional and European venture fora and deep tech Investor Days. PhotonHub will uniquely support cross-border innovation activities of European companies, while simultaneously working closely with the local photonics hubs to develop and roll out best practices of the “lighthouse” regions for ongoing regional financial support of SME innovation activities and to support the creation of new innovation hubs covering most regions of Europe. Finally, PhotonHub will fine-tune and implement its business plan for long-term sustainability in the form of the PhotonHub Europe Association as a durable entity which is deeply rooted within the wider ecosystem of local, regional and EUDIHs   for maximum leverage and impact on European competitiveness and sovereignty.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES will assist the project in building strong industry awareness of the photonics innovation hub through communications tools such as creating the public website and interactive community-building platform. Amires will also assist in the creation of the online catalogue of training offerings in photonics and fine-tune the business plan for long-term sustainability of the Photonics Innovation Hub.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement № 101016665, project PhotonHub Europe.

	Tumor and Lymph Node on Chip for cancer studies
	Area	Next generation organ-on-chip (RIA-LS)	Starting date	01/05/2021
	Budget	€5,77 M (EU contribution €5,77 M)	Duration	48 months

 Abstract:

The lymphatic system and lymph nodes (LNs) are an integral part of our adaptive immune system and many tumors exploit lymphatic vessels to spread and colonize downstream LNs. Tumor-LN-oC aims to offer a comprehensive solution for a robust, automated tumor-lymph node-on-chip platform that will connect primary surgically removed human tumors and LN tissue from the same cancer patient. This will allow us to study the interaction of primary tumors with lymph nodes, identify their chemical signature, and offer personalized treatment relying on molecular characterization of lymph node metastasizing cells. The project will significantly advance the fields of microfluidics, cell biology, cancer biology, physics, and computer programming and software development, by pursuing the following objectives: a) To introduce novel designs and develop robust, automated microfluidic chips optimized for tumor cell and LN culture enabling the study of their crosstalk, b) To integrate Quantum Cascade Laser based mid- IR spectroscopy for specific chemical signatures, c) To molecularly characterize both migrating tumor-derived cells attracted to the LN and the soluble signals driving migration, d) To demonstrate an advanced image analysis and signal processing platform using deep learning algorithms facilitated by a micro-optics module to monitor in real time the cells migration, e) To integrate all Tumor-LN-oC technologies in an automated platform prototype incorporating interfaces compatible with existing laboratory equipment. The Tumor-LN-oC platform, will be developed at TRL5 and will be validated using real patient samples. Regulatory pathways, standards and requirements compliance will be considered in order to facilitate exploitation and early market entry. The consortium encompasses key – industrial partners and experts in the aforementioned interdisciplinary fields and is expected to have substantial impact in EU’s economy and healthcare.

AMIRES role:

Within the project AMIRES is responsible for administrative project management and for dissemination of results.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 953234, project Tumor-LN-oC.

	Compact bio-based thermal energy storage for buildings
	Area	Thermal Energy Storage	Starting date	01/06/2021
	Budget	€4,19 M (EU contribution €3,99 M)	Duration	66 months

 Abstract:

Thermal end-uses (space heating, hot tap water, cooling) represent a major part of electricity consumption in Europe and cause consumption peaks, often when electricity is expensive. Hot tap water is the only thermal end-use provided as a base load over a year and that is stored. Space heating and air conditioning are thermal end-uses with a high residential electricity consumption. They are not stored at the buildings scale to allow peak shaving of the residential electricity consumption. These statements show the interest to develop appropriate thermal energy storages, suitable for buildings, to reduce the electricity bill of end users. ComBioTES will thus develop a modular compact thermal energy storage (TES) solution for heating, hot tap water and cooling fully adapted for electricity load shifting.

A first modular TES will be able to store hot tap water to be converted into ice storage during summer (cooling needs). A second compact latent TES, using high performances (ΔH≈260kJ/kg) bio-based non-aggressive PCM, will store high heating energy amount, for space heating or hot tap water demands. As thermal end-uses in buildings are different regarding seasonal needs, this concept combines the advantage of a modular TES (high utilization rate) with the high volumetric energy density of a latent TES using a bio-based PCM (high compactness: ≥ 100kWh/m³ ΔT=50°C). The ComBioTES consortium and associated External Advisory Board (Idex, Danfoss and Passive House) involve all relevant key players in energy storage and management: RTOs for development and testing infrastructure and SMEs for manufacturing & commercialization of the technology, and representative of potential customers and end users (building owners &operators). In line with IC7, two partners from CHINA (The Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and The Henan Province Guoan Heating Equipment Co., LTD) will promote the ComBioTES concept in this country.

AMIRES role:

Within the project AMIRES is responsible for administrative project management and for dissemination of results.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 864496, project ComBioTES.

	eHealth CAPsule for digestive disease diagnostics and therapy
	Area	Smart medical devices	Starting date	01/05/2022
	Budget	€ 5,56 M (EU contribution: € 4,75 M)	Duration	48 months

Abstract:

eCAP aims to deliver a novel medical device, which combines a smart capsule with an e-health platform for better diagnostics, patient empowered disease management and hence, improved outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Our project will create a modular and implantable capsule with multi-sensing capacity that enables GI physiology monitoring for a controlled time period, leveraging the minimally invasive surgical approach of flexible endoscopy. eCAP will use a worldwide ubiquitous smartphone communication standard, together with cloud computing technology and application interfaces to integrate, process and interpret longitudinal physiological data collected by the capsule. The digital platform is designed to improve the accuracy and clinical usefulness of standard test data by incorporating patient reported outcome measures. The clinician is able to personalize the test for the patient and receive accurate and meaningful results from this multi-stream data input with interpretation aided by Artificial Intelligence. The universality of the eCAP solution will allow dissemination of advanced GI disease diagnostics to patients and doctors worldwide, including low resource environments. During the project, we will demonstrate eCAP’s clinical value and cost savings using gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a worldwide, common, and extremely costly problem, as a clinical target. Clinical evaluation with health-economics analysis will be conducted in France, Ukraine and Kenya, and a specific education program will be developed to train practitioners to use the novel technology. eCAP builds on several years of R&D by our consortium in the field of implantable capsules for GI disease diagnostics. Its ambition is to facilitate a shift in GI diagnostics from its current unscalable analogue version to a patient centred e-health tool and to make Europe the leader in the rapidly growing field of connected medical devices for remote patient monitoring.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project it is responsible for administrative project management and for dissemination of results.

Co-funded by the European Union. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101057525.

	Innovative Value Chains for European Ceramic Oxide Fibres
	Area	Innovative value chains for sustainable products from raw materials	Starting date	01/05/2022
	Budget	Total cost: 8,609,238.75 €; EU Contribution: 7,110,470.25 €	Duration	36 months

Abstract:

Oxide fibre reinforced ceramics, so-called oxide ceramic matrix composites (O-CMC) have to be considered as strategic materials from now to the future, e.g. for use in next generation aero-engines, stationary gas turbines, power-to-X processes with concentrated solar power CSP, chemical industry, batch carrier for high temperature processes, etc. Today such high-end O-CMC components and the key raw material, the ceramic fibres as reinforcement component, are mainly exclusively produced in the United States. But as these are key components for the European manufacturing, energy and aerospace industry, there is a need to develop a European oxide fibre and O-CMC component industry, decreasing dependence on non-EU producers.

The InVECOF project addresses this need and provides a substantial contribution to sustainable product innovation action through the two following key activities:

1. to develop a European oxide ceramic reinforcing fibre equivalent to US fibres and to establish it among end users (ROF fibre) and
2. to develop and validate a next-generation fibre in parallel with improved thermos-mechanical properties (NGO fibre).

The ROF fibre will present an equivalent to the dominant 3M Nextel fibres with better availability, without dual-use restrictions from the US and possibly lower price is needed and the NGO fibre will have improved thermo-mechanical properties compared to the benchmark fibres in order to make processes, plants, turbines, etc. more energy efficient through higher application temperatures.

The project InVECOF Innovative Value Chains for European Ceramic Oxide Fibres covers the whole process chain beginning from fibre development and production over weaving these fibres to fabrics to O-CMC manufacturing, coupons and demonstrators for every end-user application, up to testing Ox-fibers and O-CMC components in relevant environments with project partners for every step from three countries in Europe.

AMIRES role:

Within the project AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and negotiations and is responsible for administrative project management and for communication and dissemination.

Co-funded by the European Union. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101058078.

	How to minimize the ecological footprint for functional electronics?
	Area	Functional electronics for green and circular economy	Starting date	01/09/2022
	Budget	Total cost: 4 999 000.25€; EU Contribution:4 999 000.25€	Duration	48 months

Abstract:

A growing desire for continuous data collection, real time information and connectivity has resulted in increased demand for electronic functionalities that are fully integrated in everyday objects. Consumer electronics, healthcare, wearable electronics, IoT and smart packaging are examples of market segments that follow this trend. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the state-of-the-art technologies used to create electronic functions. However, this technology creates an ever increasing strain on the environment because recycling and/or dismantling of the PCB can hardly be done. A radical sustainability improvement requires disruptive electronics manufacturing processes, technologies and materials. Printed electronics are more environmentally friendly than the traditional PCB, due to their additive character (printing instead of etching), the absence of chemical etching materials, low energy demanding process conditions and possibility for recovery or re-use of substrates and (metallic) inks. Thereto, in ECOTRON, flexible, organic & printed electronics are advanced through a multidisciplinary approach involving biobased materials, innovative (print) processes, and device and module dismantling technologies. Furthermore, recycling technologies and standards will be developed that are eventually integrated in a process design for a printed electronics recycling plant. Simultaneously, the lifetime of printed electronics is improved for larger implementation of printed electronics into everyday products. ECOTRON will create use-case demonstrators in existing state-of-the-art electronics products in consumer electronics, smart packaging, healthcare and wearable electronics market segments to demonstrate the potential environmental enhancements.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and negotiations. AMIRES is assisting the coordinator with project management and is responsible for communication and dissemination.

Co-funded by the European Union. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101070167.

	Sustainable materials and manufacturing processes for the development of high efficiency, flexible, all-Perovskite Tandem photovoltaic modules with low CO2 footprint
	Area	Novel tandem, high efficiency Photovoltaic technologies targeting low cost production with earth abundant materials	Starting date	01/10/2022
	Budget	Estimated Project Cost: 4 930 196, 25 €; EU Contribution: 4 930 196, 25 €	Duration	36 months

Abstract:

The SuPerTandem project aims to accelerate Europe’s transition to clean energy by developing innovative photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing technologies for 2-terminal tandem cells and monolithically connected modules on flexible foils using low cost solution-processed perovskite absorber layers. Such devices feature efficiencies above 30%, performance stability profiles comparable to c-Si technologies, and excellent sustainability profile. Important aspects are minimizing the use and impact of scarce and critical materials by employing sustainable, earth-abundant materials and applying encapsulation as well as recycling strategies to guarantee circularity. Application of scalable manufacturing processes on film substrates will enable low production cost (< 20 €/m2) and lower cost of electricity compared to current Si PV technology. This will be achieved by the partnership of leading European labs, industrial equipment makers and flexible PV module producing companies, building a coherent value chain of European innovation driven, cost competitive manufacturing to provide affordable innovative PV solutions. Dual use of land/surfaces will capitalize the application advantages of developed lightweight flexible free-form factor PV modules for integration into buildings, vehicles and agrivoltaics to facilitate net zero emission targets with affordable integrated systems. The overarching aim of SuPerTandem is to demonstrate technologies at TRL 5, while participating partners have interests to quickly implement the project outcomes for establishing roll-to-roll manufacturing plants in EU. The sustainability of the developed module technology will be validated from environmental and economic points of view by life-cycle and techno-economic assessments, highlighting its potential for low resource consumption and CO2 footprint and thus for salient contributions to a sustainable, secure, safe and affordable supply of renewable energy in Europe.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES steps in the project as a project and dissemination manager.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101075605, project SuPerTandem.

	Converting Facilities Network for accelerating uptake of climate neutral materials in innovative products
	Area	Climate Neutral and Circular Innovative Materials Technologies Open Innovation Test Beds	Starting date	01/01/2023
	Budget	Total cost: 12 470 685 €; EU Contribution: 11 383 136, 63 €	Duration	36 months

Abstract:

Convert2Green will establish an Open Innovation Test Beds (OITB) that enables material suppliers to integrate their innovative, circular and carbon neutral material solutions to the European Key Value Chains: Clean Autonomous Vehicles; Smart Health; Industrial IoT; Low Carbon Industry and Clean Energy. Thus, Convert2Green will provide innovative material suppliers new business opportunities in these value chains. Convert2Green will complement the European Open Innovation Ecosystem with services not present in other OITBs by now:

(1) Complete Eco-Impact Analysis from Raw Material to Product as a service including LCA, LCC, Safety and Toxicity;
(2) TRL4 to 7 Process Chains for Smart Textiles and Processing of Fiber based materials;
(3) TRL4 to 7 Process Chain for Electronics on Plastic, Paper and Textiles;
(4) Pilot Facilities for recovering critical raw materials from products;
(5) Pilot Facilities for Processing of recycled plastics and composites,
(6) Pilot facilities manufacturing of (nano)fibers and composites from bio-sources.

Furthermore, Convert2Green will be the first OITB that establishes and provides to the OITB ecosystem:

(1) procedures and contract models for licensing of joint IP through the Single Entry Point(s);
(2) multilingual digital platform to integrate and jointly promote the service portfolio of all OITBs as well as to interconnect relevant stakeholders and to allow fully digital project and knowledge management;
(3) novel financing models for SME combining a trust generating due-diligence structure with project based investment models and crowd-invest opportunities to accelerate market entry in all value chains given above.

Convert2Green will integrate its services with the whole European Innovation Ecosystem and continues the series of OITB events started by Safe-n-MedTech and FlexFunction2Sustain OITBs to unite and jointly promote the (currently 25) OITBs as a whole to European SME, Industry, Policy Makersand other relevant stakeholders.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES steps in the project as a project and dissemination manager, OITB helpdesk and open calls administrator.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101092347, project Convert2Green.

	PZT and Graphene MATerials innovations for advanced opto-Electronic applications in AR and biosensing
	Area	Optoelectronics and advanced materials	Starting date	01/01/2023
	Budget	Total cost: €3.2M €; EU Contribution: €3.2M €	Duration	42 months

Abstract:

Europe’s leading position in photonics and electronics can only be secured by adapting to the next generation of optoelectronic device requirements: high performance, multi-functionality and cost efficiency in miniaturized footprint. These can only be achieved if novel schemes for on-chip integration emerge. Among the established platforms for optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs), silicon nitride as a wide-band and low-loss material stands outs. However, Si3N4 itself has no active effect and the heterogeneous integration of active III-V and II-VI semiconductor chips is currently very complicated and costly. MatEl offers a unique solution to this challenge and promises to enable a novel on-chip integration scheme: Laser Digital Processing – Laser Transfer and Laser Soldering – will be employed for the accurate and fast alignment and bonding of any type of chip package (OEIC) on Si3N4. The hybrid platform will be enhanced by the monolithic integration of advanced materials (graphene and high-quality PZT), which will enable multiple functionalities in miniaturized footprint. MatEl will thus demonstrate two next-gen optoelectronic devices at TRL5:

1) 2D light source for AR displays with integrated RGB lasers and OEIC-based demultiplexers.
2) Bio-photonic sensor for antibodies detection with on-chip VCSEL at 850 nm featuring graphene photodetectors.

Overall, MatEl ’s hybrid platform will combine the wide bandwidth and high confinement provided by Si3N4 with the active functionality of III-V and II-VI lasers, supporting a broad spectrum of next-gen applications, extending far beyond these demo applications. Hence, MatEl will reinforce the existing collaborations within the consortium and introduce new eco-systems, estimated to strengthen the EU photonics and microelectronics industrial capability by generating multi M€ turnovers to the involved SMEs and more than 200 new employment positions by the end of its timeframe.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project, AMIRES is responsible for the project management and leads the work package dedicated to dissemination, training and exploitation activities.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101091774.

	Multi – Material design using 3D printing
	Area	Materials Engineering – HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions	Starting date	01/01/2023
	Budget	Total cost: 5 483 257.50 €	Duration	42 months

Abstract:

Additive manufacturing (AM) has the economic potential to complement conventional manufacturing processes, especially in the production of complex, multi-material (MM) components. To exploit the full benefits of optimized lightweight structures, it is usually required to use multi-materials with different physical properties.
Still, multi-material combinations from conventional processes are not transferable to AM, due to residual stresses, cracks, or thermal expansion rates of the different materials. Furthermore, geometric shape and position tolerances, as well as recycling strategies for powder waste, post-processed waste, and the component itself are not yet defined.
Based on the 3D printing processes PBF-LB and DED, this project aims at the concurrent engineering of designing processable multi-material optimized alloys, development of design concepts for multi-material structures with specific simulations for load cases and topology optimizations, and an extensive process adaption. Alloy and process development will be aided by advanced integrated computational material engineering approaches that combine thermodynamics, microstructure, and process simulations through machine-/active learning, resulting in shorter material development cycles. For bulk and powder materials, recycling of multi-material components via innovative concepts will promote the sustainability of multi-material additive manufacturing. This adaption will lead to increased process reliability and speed, enabling the dissemination of MM manufacturing in AM for the entire industry.
The consortium brings a wide range of international expertise to the table, from materials research and digitization to the manufacture of multi-material components. It consists of startups, research institutions and market leaders in additive manufacturing. Industrial end-users cover automotive, aerospace and aeronautic applications with specific use cases.

AMIRES role:

Within the project AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and negotiations and is responsible for administrative project management and for communication and dissemination.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101091911.

	Supporting experimental production capabilities for quantum technologies in Europe
	Area	Quantum Technology	Starting date	01/04/2023
	Budget	Total cost: €19M  EU Contribution	Duration	42 months

Abstract:

The Qu-Pilot SGA proposal consists of 21 partners from 9 different countries aiming to develop and provide access to the first, federated European fabrication (production) capabilities for quantum technologies, building on and linking together existing infrastructures in Europe. Qu-Pilot will implement the first stage of the capability innovation roadmap for providing experimental (pilot) production capabilities and a roadmap for transferring such capabilities to an industrial production environment, as was proposed in the awarded FPA. It will provide experimental production capabilities for quantum technologies in computing, communication and /or sensing through 13 service-provider organizations available to users, including industry, in particular SMEs and contribute to developing European standards in the field. Qu-Pilot will provide services for the development of a European supply chain of quantum technologies, provide European industry, especially start-ups and SMEs, with the necessary innovation capacity, and make sure that critical IP remains within the EU. The initial service offering will be validated through use-cases with companies within the SGA. A minimum of 20 such use-cases are expected and of those 11 are already part of this Qu-Pilot SGA proposal. The competence development, industrial use-cases and ecosystem building – all the activities identified and set out in the FPA will have first set of implementation through this first SGA.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES is leading WP9- Dissemination, communication & exploitation. Supporting coordinator in WP10 Project Management. Highly involved in WP7 Qu-Pilot operation, sales and customer relations, responsible for task 7.3 Ecosystem Management Platform and task 7.4 Business development, IP consulting and Investor Relations. In WP8 Business model validation via Open Calls is talking a lead of task 8.1 Application rules, open calls.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101113983.

	Supporting open testing and experimentation for quantum technologies in Europe
	Area	Quantum technology	Starting date	01/04/2023
	Budget	Total cost: €18,934,689.50 EU Contribution:	Duration	42 months

Abstract:

Qu-Test brings together 13 service providers for a federated network of testbeds and 11 industrial users from the European quantum community. The network brings together competences and infrastructures across Europe to offer testing and validation services. A first goal of this cooperation is to support the creation of a trusted supply chain through the validation of quantum devices, chips, components, and systems by the testbed network as an independent third party.
A second goal is to discuss and agree on unified sets of parameters to characterize quantum devices. Methodologies and procedures will be harmonized among the partners of the testbed network in a step towards establishing standards for quantum technologies. Qu-Test is aligned along three testbeds: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing. In more detail, the Quantum Computing Testbed will measure, characterise, and validate cryogenic quantum devices, cryogenic qubits such as superconducting and semiconducting qubits, photonics qubits and ion traps. The Quantum Communication Testbed will characterize devices for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG) and provide design and prototyping services to support innovation in the supply chain of quantum communication technologies.
Finally, the Quantum Sensing Testbed will benchmark sensing and metrology instruments provided by industry and use a large suite of quantum sensors (clocks, gravimeters, magnetometers, imagers) to validate industrial use cases aiming at generating new business cases for quantum sensing and metrology devices. With additional services of IPR support, business coaching and innovation management, Qu-Test supports the European quantum industry with a holistic one-stop-shop to move the full ecosystem forward.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES is leading WP8 Dissemination, communication & exploitation. Supporting coordinator in WP9 Project Management. Highly involved in WP6 Qu-Test operation, sales and customer relations, responsible for task 6.3 Ecosystem Management Platform and task 6.4 Business development, IP consulting and Investor Relations. In WP7 Business model validation via Open Calls is talking a lead of task 7.1 Application rules, open calls.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101113901.

	Research in eco-designed ballistic systems for durable lightweight protections against current and new threats in platform and personal applications
	Area	European defence	Starting date	01/09/2023
	Budget	Total cost: 10 004 286.32 €	Duration	42 months

Abstract:

ECOBALLIFE is a project that aims to strengthen European defence capabilities and industry by developing new materials and technologies for personal and military platform protection.
This initiative will research and identify innovative solutions that can resist new threats, such as blast overpressure, laser, microwaves and STANAG 5-6 level. ECOBALLIFE will optimise existing solutions to assure reliability, durability, recyclability and cost-effectiveness of existing protection systems, while ensuring Europe’s independence in the materials supply chain.
By involving a wide range of European stakeholders, from raw material industries to validation and test facilities, and inviting non-traditional players in the defence sector to join the effort, it will foster collaboration and innovation across the EU.
The project will showcase two proofs of concept: 1) personal protection systems ballistic vests and helmets; and 2) platforms protection spall liners and Add-on Armours (AoAs) to be installed over underbelly and the crew compartment areas of vehicles systems.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and negotiations. AMIRES is leading Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation. Supporting the project coordinator in Project Management.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101074905.

	The next generation of sensors and imagers enabled by 2D materials digital integration
	Area	New generation of advanced electronic and photonic 2D materials-based devices, systems and sensors	Starting date	01/10/2023
	Budget	Total cost: 5 134 570.50 €	Duration	39 months

Abstract:

Next-2Digits will tackle the challenges associated with Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits (OEICs) and 2D materials. It will introduce a direct wafer-scale integration of graphene in PICs using two additive technologies with significant advantaged in terms of cost, material and energy saving: semi dry transfer of Graphene layers, and Laser Digital Transfer (LDT) of intact 2DM pixels.
With a consortium of 11 partners from 8 different countries, Next-2Digits benefits from the presence of well-reputed academic, research and industrial teams, whose areas of work span from graphene and 2D materials synthesis, characterization, manipulation, and integration, as well as in the fields of photonics, material science, application-based integration technologies and validation.
Next-2Digits envisions to develop the first hybrid Graphene-based photodetectors (PDs) and modulators (MDs) which will be integrated in three device demonstrators: 1) A miniaturized LiDAR; 2) PIC greenhouse gas sensor; 3) An on-chip polarization diversity receiver (PDR).
Next-2Digits is also collaborating with the GrapheneEU project, a Coordination and Support Action project, under the framework of the Graphene Flagship Initiative, to contribute to increase the expertise in the graphene field and to spread knowledge among various stakeholders.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. Within the project, AMIRES is responsible for the project management and leads the work package dedicated to dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement No 101120651, project Next-2Digits.

	NetZero Artificial Intelligence Computerised Tomography
	Area	NetZero AI medical devices	Starting date	01/12/2023
	Budget	Total cost: 3 791 075.00 €	Duration	48 months

Abstract:

Computerised Tomography (CT) scan is one of the most common medical imaging procedures in healthcare. Each year, 300 million CT scans are performed globally. Of these, around 180M include radiocontrast media (RCM).
Contrast Enhanced CTs (CECT) create a significant environmental impact, namely 42,000 tonnes of single-use packaging, 900 Tonnes of surgical steel (needles), 90,000 tonnes of plastic tubing and 150,000,000 kWh in energy consumption. These generate, on average, 9.2 kg of CO2/ scan. In addition, CECTs generate 200,000 tonnes of iodine contamination in water/yr. This is a recognised form of ‘pharmaceutical pollution’. CECTs may also harm patients: needle insertion, toxicity of iodinated RCMs to kidneys (potentially kidney failure) and allergic reactions, which in some cases can be life-threatening.
Healthcare systems are responsible for 4.4% of global CO2 emissions (2 Giga tonnes/yr.). Of this, ~3 Mega tonnes/yr. are generated from CECTs. The EU has declared its NetZero targets by 2050 through the European Green Deal.
We showed feasibility that artificial intelligence (AI, deep learning methods) can extract high level information from non-contrast CT scans and synthesise contrast ‘digitally’. This avoids the need to administer RCM for CECTs. We seek to develop and validate 5 uses cases of CT ’Digital Contrast’ during this Horizon award. By implementing ‘Digital Contrast’ for scans globally, we aim to reduce 30% of the CO2e and iodine RCM waste generated from CECTs by 2033.
NetZeroAICT has a grand vision to define a reference framework for scalable development of AI health tools for a future of sustainable health systems. This builds on our prior efforts of AICT consortium, which was established to make CT imaging safer, more efficient, more equitable and more sustainable. NetZeroAICT will accelerate the EU’s trajectory towards NetZero and advance EU’s globally recognized leadership position on healthcare sustainability.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and negotiations. AMIRES is leading Dissemination and Communication. Supporting the project coordinator in Project Management.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101136679.

	Thermodynamics-driven control management of hydrogen powered and electrified propulsion for aviation
	Area	Sustainable Transport – HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions	Starting date	01/01/2024
	Budget	Total cost: 3 998 865 €	Duration	48 months

Abstract:

In order to mitigate the negative impact of human activity on the environment, significant efforts to lower carbon emissions are being pursued at both the global and European levels. Globally, the aviation industry aims for a 50% reduction of its carbon emissions by 2050, relative to 2005. In this transition towards net zero carbon emissions, novel powertrain technologies exploiting fuel cells and/or combustion systems that rely on hydrogen will play a significant role.
TRIATHLON will use the synergy between powertrain components to overcome the challenges associated with scaling up hydrogen powertrain technology to MW class. The ambition of TRIATHLON is the development of disruptive approaches to design more robust, low-maintenance, low-emmision, highly responsive hydrogen-electric powertrains for megawatt class aircraft. When the disruptive technologies developed by TRIATHLON are adopted by the industry beyond TRIATHLON, it will lead to:
1) Reduction of emissions by implementation of NOx reduction strategies like injection of exhaust water of the FC into the CC and by capturing vented and permeated hydrogen and recompressing it;
2) Elimination of the need for a cryogenic pump by using a high-pressure storage buffer for pressurisation of the fuel distribution system (making the fuel distribution more robust for turbulence as well);
3) Reduction of the power required for hydrogen conditioning using excess heat from FC and CC by means of 3D printed heat exchangers using innovative materials like ceramics, and smart thermal management;
4) Improvement of the gravimetric index of the entire powertrain by providing an effective heatsink to powertrain components, reducing the need for coolant, allowing design of a more compact and lightweight CC, as well as the need for insulation of the hydrogen storage whilst enabling a longer dormancy time.

AMIRES role:

Within the project AMIRES is responsible for communication and dissemination activities.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101138960.

	A universal spectral imaging sensor platform for industry, agriculture, and autonomous driving
	Area	Digital & emerging technologies for competitiveness and fit for the green deal HORIZON-IA LUMP SUM	Starting date	01/01/2024
	Budget	Total cost: 5 558 854.47 €	Duration	42 months

Abstract:

The HyperImage project will be the first initiative to develop a universal, fast, modular and cost-effective spectral image sensing technology platform suitable for both short- and long-range imaging applications. To achieve that, HyperImage will make use of innovative photonic components including electrically tunable liquid lenses, pixel shifters, fast steering mirrors, and configurable SMD style IR micro-emitter arrays. HyperImage will integrate these components into innovative, high-performance multi- and hyperspectral snapshot and line scan cameras. AI machine learning algorithms will translate spectral image data into relevant functional products properties and detect and classify objects for more accurate decision making e.g. in autonomous driving. The technology platform will be complemented with a cloud-based spectral image analysis platform and reference data repository that enables users to continuously improve image analysis accuracy and prediction models. The HyperImage technology platform will be validated in four industrial use cases: (1) quality control in manufacturing of high power electronics; (2) crop growth monitoring for fully automated vertical farming of salads, herbs and microgreens; (3) spectral image based vision and navigation in off-road autonomous driving; (4) light-weight, high-resolution hyperspectral vision system for unmanned geo-surveillance drones. Based on that, HyperImage will provide European Industry a universal, efficient and reliable solution for object recognition, detailed product and material analysis and reliable quality control in manufacturing. HyperImage solution will lead to strong benefits for the applications such as 10-20% increase yield and reduced cost in manufacturing and vertical farming, 20% fuel saving and up to 40% increased operation speed in autonomous offroad driving; and up to 10% drone weight reduction (25 kg MTOW class) yielding 50% increased flight time through space for a larger battery.

AMIRES role:

Within the project AMIRES was involved in the preparatory phase and negotiations. Thus, AMIRES is responsible for administrative project management and for communication and dissemination.

This project has received funding from European Union’s Horizon Europe Lump Sum programme under grant agreement No 101135827.

	Spin based quantum computer and simulator
	Area	Quantum technology	Starting date	01/01/2024
	Budget	Total cost: 10 166 376.25€	Duration	48 months

Abstract:

SPINUS project suggests a novel strategy for scalable solid-state quantum simulation and computation hardware based on nuclear spin networks and dipole-dipole entangled electron spin qubits. With a primary focus on scalability and overcoming the limitations of existing classical methods, SPINUS seeks to establish experimental platforms for quantum simulation (>50 quantum units) and quantum computation (>10 qubits).
SPINUS sets out two key goals:
1. Creation of Quantum Simulation Platform: Leveraging optically polarized NV centers, color centers, and nuclear spin networks in diamond or SiC and by enabling the exploration of a diverse range of strongly correlated models, unconstrained by current quantum simulator capabilities.
2. Creation of Quantum Computing Platform: Scaling up platforms for solid-state quantum computing to more than 10 fully programmable qubits at ambient temperatures and investigating various architectures and techniques for initializing, controlling, and reading out spin qubits.

The project focuses on utilizing optically polarized NV (nitrogen-vacancy) centers and color centers, along with nuclear spin networks in diamond or SiC. These technologies are intended to enable the investigation of a wide range of strongly correlated models without being constrained by the capabilities of existing quantum simulators. Lastly, SPINUS aims to foster and contribute to a European quantum ecosystem by collaborating closely with start-up businesses affiliated with the project team and cooperating with related Flagship initiatives.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and in the negotiations. AMIRES is leading WP6 Communication, dissemination, exploitation and supporting the coordinator in WP7 Project Management. In WP6, AMIRES leads T6.1: Dissemination and business development activities; T6.3: Exploitation and commercialization roadmaps; and T6.4: Standardization activities. Within WP7, it closely supports the project coordinator in T7.1: Strategic decision making via project General Assembly, in particular with the establishment of EAB and running its annual meetings. AMIRES spearheads T7.2: Day-to-day project management and contributes to T7.3 Data management.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101135699.

	Optimal Solar Systems for Industrial Heat and Power
	Area	Green research and innovation – Horizon Europe Energy	Starting date	01/01/2024
	Budget	Total cost: 6 998 983.13 €	Duration	48 months

Abstract:

Abstract: INDHEAP project will demonstrate at TRL7 that it is worth considering solar thermal (ST) and photovoltaic (PV) energiesin combination to address the heat and power needs of mid temperature industrial processes, up to 250°C. As for it, INDHEAP will highlight the synergy between the different technologies with the development and integration of a core flexible Thermal Energy Storage, boosted by electric heaters (named e-TES) that is the key for a rational use of thermal and electrical solar renewable energy. The project will rely on the development of specific methodology and tools, tested on different case studies from industrial project’s partners, as to : 1) reduce heat and power peak demands with an optimization of the current energy efficiency for the industrial process, (best use of waste heat and analyse of demand’s elasticity) 2) define the best share between ST and PV based on technical-eco-environmental criteria 3) define the ST-PV hybrid system’s architecture, the presizing of components, and the global control maximizing the use of solar heat and power. 4) develop the specific components for the best integration and use of ST and PV plants in synergy, e.g. the flexible e-TES, but also PV panels integration enablers, low cost / mid temperature solar collectors and a smart hybrid controller for heat and power joined management. A prototype (ST up to 300 kWth, PV up to 20 kWp, e-TES up to 1 MWh) will be installed on an industrial process of lubricants blending, owned by Total Energies in Spain, to validate the concept at TRL7 with a one-year test campaign. The replicability of the demo is hundreds of equivalent sites. Finally, from results gained, a global upscaling and replication potential across the South Europe and MENA areas will be achieved to assess the societal and economic benefits of the concept to meet the Net Zero by 2050 ambitions. INDHEAP will support the EU in reducing dependency to natural gas, while reaching climate targets.

AMIRES role:

AMIRES role: Within the project AMIRES was involved in the project’s preparatory phase and negotiations and is responsible for administrative project management and for communication and dissemination.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101136140.

	Quantum-enhanced benchtop NMR spectrometer
	Area	Quantum sensing	Starting date	01/01/2024
	Budget	Total cost: 2 556 603.75 €	Duration	36 months

Abstract:

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the workhorse of modern molecular structural analysis with countless scientific applications, from materials science to drug discovery. Nevertheless, even the most modern NMR spectrometers still employ the same principles as 80 years ago, induction coils and high magnetic fields, making them bulky, expensive, and inaccessible to many potential users. However, a novel type of NMR sensor emerged recently from solid-state spin quantum systems: the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, which has demonstrated unparalleled sensitivities in detecting NMR signals. In this proposal, we aim to significantly enhance the sensitivity of modern benchtop NMR spectrometers by several orders of magnitude. We will achieve this improvement by combining the NMR technology field with cutting-edge quantum sensing, employing improved NV-diamond materials, advanced microwave antennas, novel pulse sequences, and quantum control protocols. The goal is to achieve complete control and protection from the environmental noise of the NV-spin state, incorporating quantum memories and logical operations to reach radiofrequency sensitivities well beyond those of classical NMR sensors. The quantum-enhanced benchtop NMR
spectrometer will be applied and validated in an analytical chemistry lab environment to demonstrate record sensitivities in molecular analysis enabled by quantum technology, with potential applications in quality control, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, online monitoring of chemical reactors, and materials discovery.

AMIRES role:

Within the project, AMIRES is responsible for the project management and leads the work package dedicated to dissemination.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101135742.