National Projects

Dynamic control cabin testing. DYCCAT addresses the challenge of automating dynamic testing on train cab control desks, removing the need for precise pre-positioning. Through 3D vision and geometric registration algorithms, the system developed in DYCCAT recognises the geometry of the desk and accurately locates its controls, regardless of their initial position. This enables the robot to autonomously identify each element and intelligently manipulate the desk’s controls. A key feature of DYCCAT is its flexibility: the solution is agnostic to the position and type of test desk, as long as its digital model is available. This allows [...]

Climate huts to adapt the coast and its activities to future conditions BARRACLIM monitors hydro-morpho-ecological interactions along the land–sea gradient in the Ebro Delta, both under current conditions and simulated future scenarios. Based on this knowledge, the project assesses the impacts on agriculture and aquaculture and proposes nature-based and integrated management solutions to enhance the resilience of the Delta to climate change. In addition, BARRACLIM quantifies the Blue Carbon potential by studying vertical accretion and carbon sequestration, with the aim of defining a specific strategy for the territory. The project also includes the deployment and standardisation [...]

Consolidation of reclaimed water as a safe and reliable source in Catalonia, improving the quality of water bodies and strengthening resilience against the impacts of climate change. DECIDEIX provides tools to safely plan direct and indirect potable reuse schemes, proposing and applying innovative strategies to increase public acceptance of reclaimed water use. The project improves and expands the tool developed in the SUGGEREIX project for decision-making in treatment and monitoring systems for reuse schemes. This updated and expanded tool will include both direct and indirect potable uses, as well as new protective values for reclaimed water [...]

MICROWORLD PUERTOS identifies microorganisms capable of biodegrading micro- and nanoplastics in the waters of the Port of Tarragona and La Pineda beach, through the analysis of plastic-degrading microbial strains. These strains are identified from plastic debris found in the waters and beaches of Tarragona to ensure they are well adapted to local Mediterranean conditions. In addition, the study assesses the potential toxicity of plastics through experimental, microbiological, and bioinformatic models. Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental concerns today, as microplastic polymers are persistent, widespread, and can affect ecosystems and human health by entering [...]

Obtaining new protein sources through fermentation of agri-food by-products for the development of high value-added products. NOVAFERM studies the valorisation of by-products of plant origin, from organic farming, through solid-state fermentation. The objective is to obtain new ingredients and/or value-added products, applicable to the development of hybrid meat products. This contributes to reducing environmental impact and promoting the circular economy. With the pilot-scale development of the inclusion of mycoprotein in the different meat formations, companies could diversify their range of products, which will allow them to reach the alternative protein market that is increasingly expanding. This [...]

Development of new ester-based oils and additives, as well as lubrication strategies for electric mobility. The 2E4GREEN project boosts a smart-lubrication strategy based on the selective activation of microencapsulated additives to reduce friction and wear, increase lubricant efficiency and extend service life. It does so by taking into account both the improvement of friction losses and the working conditions of electric mobility, to respond as a whole to the new concept of green mobility. The addition of additives to base oils improves the tribological performance of the system. In this sense, 2E4GREEN develops a solution based [...]

Reduction of nitrate pollution, recovery of organic waste and environmental monitoring SERENA reduces nitrate diffuse pollution in ecosystems through the research of innovative technologies for the denitrification of groundwater, the recovery of organic waste and the development of systems for monitoring the concentration of nitrates in water. The project addresses the decontamination of aquifers through bioremediation and chemical reduction technologies, combined with research into denitrifying enzymes. In addition, the anaerobic co-digestion of slurry and vegetable water is explored together with the use of nanoparticles with the aim of mitigating the inhibition problems of current technology. SERENA [...]

New tools and methodology to increase cavities in trees, generated artificially for various species or groups of forest fauna. CAVIFOREST transfers new tools for the forestry sector, knowledge of cavity-forming species and methodologies for the creation of new cavities in trees, and the monitoring of long-term occupancy. For forest fauna, the scarcity of tree cavities is a major shortcoming in many forests. Globally, it is shown that there is a need to test alternative techniques to improve the provision of artificial cavities. The construction of shelters or cavities in trees, with adapted systems, is an emerging [...]

Smart manufacturing, deep learning, and artificial intelligence ecosystem. FIDELIA consolidates an inclusive innovation ecosystem that fosters technological development and the implementation of artificial intelligence and deep learning in advanced manufacturing to improve efficiency and competitiveness. The project maps the ecosystem to identify key players and their capabilities, detecting specific needs and activating collaboration within the sector. Furthermore, FIDELIA promotes knowledge exchange through workshops, events, and specialised activities, as well as increasing visibility and promoting the expansion of the network of stakeholders involved. Furthermore, the initiative boosts talent and training, developing technical capabilities and promoting transnational cooperation. [...]

New concept of direct sowing seeder for sustainable agriculture. ISEMBRA develops and validates of an innovative direct broadcast seeder for extensive crops. The machine features a newly designed seeding train that enables precise seed placement at the required depth while minimizing soil disturbance. This design substantially reduces the power demand on the tractor and limits both soil compaction and disruption. The ISEMBRA seeder also includes a versatile dosing system capable of handling seeds of various sizes. This flexibility supports crop rotation (including cereals, legumes, and other herbaceous species) and enables cover crop sowing in nut tree [...]

Revolutionising post-3D printing treatments through the use of the DryLyte technology. DryTi3D research, studies and demonstrates strategies to obtain Ti6Al4V parts with improved surface quality in additive manufacturing for the biomedical and aerospace industries, optimising the dry electropolishing process. The project investigates a design of new solid-state electrolytes (with different electrolyte particle size, acid media and concentration), electrical parameters and polishing strategies to offer greater profitability and efficiency to the process. Dry electropolishing surface finishing process is proposed to be the most efficient surface treatment to produce mirror-like workpieces with tailored surface and near surface characteristics. [...]

Highlighting the lack of recycling of auxiliary materials used in the composite production. IMPLICIT develops a circular economy system for the recycling of auxiliary materials such as vacuum bags, breather fabrics and bleeding cloths, using a combination of mechanical, physical and chemical recycling methods to recover the original polymers. Despite advances in the recycling of the composites themselves, these auxiliary materials are primarily disposed through landfill or incineration. This poses a significant challenge to achieving the European Union's 2030 recycling targets. IMPLICIT seeks to close the life cycle of these auxiliary materials by reintroducing the recovered [...]

Program of technological and innovative entrepreneurship of proximity. Local Products Hub supports entrepreneurs through specialized training and mentoring to foster the creation and growth of companies based on innovation, technology, and new business models in the agri-food sector. The program promotes food production using local resources, linked to the values ​​of the region, and fosters new, more innovative, digital, and sustainable business models. Specifically, the program addresses the entire value chain of the agri-food sector, including agricultural production, food processing, marketing, and logistics of agri-food products in the Empordà region. The program offers 100 hours of [...]

Technological and innovative entrepreneurship program in Girona. Benestar i Salut Girona Hub supports entrepreneurs through specialised training and mentoring to promote the creation and growth of companies based on innovation, technology and new business models in the field of well-being, which includes food, health and sports. This progam promotes entrepreneurship in the wellness sector, based on innovation and technology and supports the creation of new companies and/or new products and services through levers, platforms, support and training that help to respond to challenges, needs and opportunities present in the territory. The program offers 100 hours of [...]

Technological and innovative entrepreneurship program in Lleida. EMPRÈN BIO 4.0 promotes technological and innovative entrepreneurship as a driver of new sustainable business models in Lleida. The project boosts the economic and business fabric through the bioeconomy and its value chains: agri-food, biomaterials, bioenergy, biofertilizers, biofuels, bioproducts, bioplastics and the economic and social valorisation of ecosystem services. EMPRÈN BIO 4.0 supports entrepreneurs through specialised training and mentoring to promote the creation and growth of companies based on innovation, technology and new business models in the field of bioeconomy. The objective is to promote the valorisation of renewable [...]