Consortium

CSIC (AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS)

SPAIN

The Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM) (Marine Science Institute), based in Barcelona (Spain), is the fourth largest research institute of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the largest dedicated to marine research. Under the motto “Ocean Science for a Healthy Planet,” the ICM conducts frontier research and foster both knowledge and technology transfer on topics related to ocean and climate interactions, conservation and sustainable use of marine life and ecosystems, and impact mitigation of natural and anthropogenic hazards. In-depth knowledge, determined action, and coordinated management are essential to confronting these global challenges, thereby driving sustainable development of humankind.

CORONIS (CORONIS COMPUTING SL)

SPAIN

Coronis Computing SL is a spin-off company of the Computer Vision and Robotics group (VICOROB) of the University of Girona, in Spain. It is mainly focused on research, development and technology transfer activities, specialized in computer vision and machine learning technologies. In particular, Coronis Computing has strong experience in the design and development of underwater technologies, including hardware and data processing tools. In Digi4Eco project, CORONIS will be involved in all WP. CORONIS will lead WP3 - Data assessment, sleeping-inaccessible data inside Digi4Eco project.

UNIVPM (UNIVERSITA POLITECNICA DELLE MARCHE)

ITALY

Polytechnic University of Marche is an Italian University with five Faculties: Engineering, Environmental and Life Sciences, Agriculture, Economics and Medicine. The Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DISVA) own highly-qualified laboratories and infrastructures operating in the fields of marine ecology and biology, nature conservation, restoration of marine ecosystems and more. DISVA carry out studies in different ocean sectors, from coastal ecosystems to deep-sea trenches, from polar to tropical latitudes, and collaborate with many institutions all over the world. An interdisciplinary research group from DISVA covers the topics of relationships between ecology and social sciences.

In Digi4Eco project, UNIVPM will be involved in all WPs, being task leader for T 2.3, T. 5.3, T 7.4 and WP leader for WP7.

ATU (ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY)

IRELAND

The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is a multi-campus technological university in the west and northwest of Ireland that delivers a rich combination of academic and research excellence, quality of life and opportunity. ATU has a student population of over 20,000 learners, spanning 600+ academic programmes from pre-degree to doctoral level. Nested within ATU's Galway campus, the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC) conducts applied research on enabling sustainability, conserving biodiversity and improving productivity. MFRC's research projects are policy relevant and aim at developing innovative solutions to natural resource management challenges and support evidence-based decision making. MFRC research is supported by industry and a diverse range of National and European funding programmes.

TUCO (TUCO YACHT VAERFT APS)

DENMARK

At Tuco, we specialize in cutting-edge maritime solutions for professional use. Our expertise includes the development of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for both civilian and defense sectors. Our ProZero series features advanced USVs and fast boats, all produced using state-of-the-art vacuum technology and composite materials. This results in lightweight, high-performance vessels that require less engine power, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. We are dedicated to providing innovative, reliable, and efficient maritime solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

UPC (UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA)

SPAIN

SARTI is a UPC (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) research group that focuses on developing equipment and systems for remote data collecting, with a particular emphasis on virtual and oceanographic instruments. The group research focuses on OBSEA (www.obsea.es), an underwater laboratory located 4 kilometers off Vilanova beach at a depth of 20 meters that collects environmental data to study climate change. As one of the few wired observatories providing real-time data, OBSEA has enabled SARTI's participation in several European projects since 2010.

UNIC (University of Nicosia) - EDEX - EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE CORPORATION LIMITED

CYPRUS

The University of Nicosia (UNIC) is ranked among the top universities worldwide. In DIGI4ECO, UNIC's contributions focus on blockchain technologies, implemented through the Department of Digital Innovation and the Institute For the Future (IFF). UNIC was the first to offer an MSc program in Blockchain and Digital Currency, while the IFF was established to explore the impact of exponential technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence, on accelerating societal changes.

ESI ENGITEC SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

CYPRUS

ESI Limited is a dynamic company which provides advanced inspection services, remote condition monitoring, development of customised data acquisition systems, advanced signal processing methods, software for industrial applications, and metallurgical expertise to its customers. The company also specialises in design and analysis of structures, including marine, offshore, underwater, wind and aerospace sector. ESI is participating in 12 R&D projects and is also commercially involved with the maritime and oil & gas sector. We are involved in commercial projects as well as in national and international R&D projects related to transportation, oil and gas and renewable energy sectors.

GEOMAR (HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR OZEANFORSCHUNG KIEL)

GERMANY

The GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is one of the world’s leading institutes in the field of marine sciences. The institute investigates the chemical, physical, biological and geological processes of the seafloor, oceans and ocean margins and their interactions with the atmosphere. With this broad spectrum GEOMAR is unique in Germany.

The working group of Dr. Sascha Flögel focuses on robotic infrastructure and energy supply for deep-sea applications, while the working group of S. Sommer is related to chemical sensor systems.

UGOT

SWEDEN

Project partner University of Gothenburg will focus on the development of a digital twin for robotic monitoring of the impact of elevated particle loads (plumes). The project will use Kristineberg Center for equipment tests and demonstrations, as well as for summerschools. Missions of two tele-operated seafloor robots from the sedimentology lab at Kristineberg will be planned using a digital twin, and executed at a station in the Gullmarsfjord which is regularly trawled for Norway lobsters.

GT (GRAAL TECH SRL)

ITALY

Graal Tech has studied, realized, and commercialized underwater mechatronic systems since 1998.

The company started as a spin-off from the University of Genoa and it has become an important player in the Research and Development sector, by bringing value to different kinds of customers through the realization of configurable robotic solutions.

The Graal tech contribution will consist of providing underwater autonomous vehicles equipped with a suite of sensors capable of collecting data for the digital twin.

Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN)

ITALY

The Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN, http://www.szn.it) is the oldest research institute in Italy (founded in 1872) and its primary mission is to understand marine biological systems and the evolution of marine life to enhance the sustainable use of marine resources. SZN's activities are dedicated to both basic and applied research in marine biology and ecology, demonstrating a highly multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach that encompasses ecology, oceanography, genetics, cell and developmental biology, physiology, neuroscience, behavioral biology, microbiology, zoology, and botany. These research and development activities, pursued through the most advanced technologies and biotechnologies.

SPARTAN (SPARTAN SPACE)

FRANCE

Spartan Space, a NewSpace startup founded in 2021 and headquartered in France, specializes in developing smart habitats for space and underwater environments. As part of the DIFI4ECO project, Spartan Space will be responsible for developing the docking systems for different assets, which will be integrated into the physical twin fleet of hardware for the demonstration campaign.

SPACEAPPS (SPACE APPLICATIONS SERVICES NV)

BELGIUM

Space Application Services (SPACEAPPS), is an independent Belgian company focused on Research and Development in aerospace & security sector. It covers manned/unmanned spacecraft, launch/re-entry vehicles, control centers, robotics and a wide range of information systems. Through its Robotics Software & Intelligence division, the company offers a consolidated expertise in control center for ground, aerial and maritime applications, mission planning, decision autonomy, data fusion and localization.
SpaceApp will be mainly contributing to WP4 (Physical Twin and real time data) providing the onshore Mission Control Center for the data collection, monitoring and command of all involved platforms. Additionally, it will support all data management activities and related post-processing tasks.

NCSRD (NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - DEMOKRITOS)

GREECE

The National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” participates in DIGI4ECO through the involvement of researchers from the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and the Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety having a well-established expertise in hydrogen technologies with emphasis on the development and testing of hydrogen storage and hydrogen compression solutions and their integration into power systems.

The main role of NCSRD in DIGI4ECO involves the development of the power system for the vessels (e.g. USV, Lander) to be used in the demo-mission activities.

RSE (ROBUST SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SCC LTD)

CYPRUS

The main object of our company is the development of software related to robotics technologies such as the implementation of communication protocols, the development of interfaces (API) for the communication of measuring materials as well as the implementation of user interfaces (UI) for the visual display in real time of data related to the status of robotics systems.

MI (MARINE INSTITUTE)

IRELAND

The Marine Institute is Ireland's national agency for marine research, technology development, and innovation. Its goals include assessing Ireland's marine resources’ economic potential, promoting sustainable marine industry, as well as safeguarding the marine environment through research and environmental monitoring. To this end, it provides scientific, advisory, and economic development services to inform policy-making, regulation, and sustainable management of Ireland's marine resources. While marine research and development are conducted, coordinated, and promoted by the Institute to achieve a sustainable ocean economy, protect ecosystems, and inspire ocean understanding.

STRATA (STRATAGEM ENERGY LTD)

CYPRUS

STRATAGEM Ltd is an independent research and innovation SME that offers technical services and research on engineering solutions. In the context of DIGI4ECO, STRATAGEM leads the Work Packages about communication, dissemination and business plan as well as the techno-economic analysis and stakeholders engagement.