The main objective of COMPAS is to develop a compact, inexpensive and ultrasensitive PIC sensing platform (PSP) for air and water monitoring, relying on the co-integration of light source, detectors and electronic IC for on-chip signal processing. The PIC sensor principle will be based on interference between two guided light modes, one of which interacts with analytes and the other being a reference. The resulting intensity changes offers excellent sensitivity to changes in concentration of analytes in air or solution. Multiple light paths can be placed on the same device offering multi-analyte sensing in an ultracompact device. COMPAS builds a first-of-a-kind fully integrated system around this principle (including light source, detectors and signal processing). The COMPAS PSP begins at TRL2 and will end with TRL5 validation in relevant environment by end-users towards air and water monitoring. The project will - Define sensing parameters for validating developed PIC Sensor Platform (PSP) towards three use-cases in relevant environments, being in line with the European Green Deal’s zero pollution ambition - Develop core photonic technology for implementing photonic based sensing. These include a novel photonic IC material system (Aliminium Nitride), BiModal waveguide interferometers that show superior temperature stability and sensitivity, novel material coating systems for enhanced sensing selectivity and innovative nano structured metasurfaces for novel mode engineering for increased sensitivity and optimized light coupling to facilitate the use of low power laser diodes. - Develop a Chiplet approach to co-integration of photonic sensor with microelectronic IC and photodetectors, and a coherent light-source. This will combine heterogeneous integration of a laser light source and monolithically integrated photodetector in the silicon base material.

The current plant inspection process is labour intensive due to visual assessments, low detection throughput and the need for physical sampling for molecular- or antibody-based detection kits. SenseApest will address these challenges by screening imported plant material systematically and efficiently with a non-contact portable detection unit (PDU), based on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Plants release VOCs in response to pest attacks, while pests emit their own distinctive VOCs. In senseApest, we propose to exploit these VOC biomarkers to develop a high throughput PDU equipped with VOC sensors, an algorithm, and a database. The PDU will enable rapid (<15 min), non-invasive and non-destructive screening of imported plant material for serious pests. The project emphasizes high-accuracy, user-friendliness, cost and time-efficiency, and portability in the design of the PDU. Two analytical modules will be developed to detect a wide range of VOCs, adding a layer of specificity to broaden the spectrum of detectable pests. Miniaturized components will be integrated into the PDU, ensuring high analytical performance while maintaining portability. The PDU will be validated into operational environments (TRL7). The collected data will train an algorithm in recognizing pest specific VOC biomarkers, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and applicability. The project aims to reduce false positives and false negatives in pest diagnostics while providing a method prioritizing efficiency in terms of analysis time and unit cost. Ultimately, the PDU is intended to be a cost-effective, user-friendly, adaptable, and efficient tool for plant health inspectors during import controls. To achieve this, a multi-actor interdisciplinary approach will be implemented. Adopting the PDU is expected to save the EU €0.31–1.08 billion a year, while inspecting 90% of imported plants to limit the risk of plant pest invasions.

The GEOFLEXheat project aims to revolutionize the European geothermal energy sector by introducing an innovative suite of technologies to enhance the extraction, efficiency and application of geothermal heat across diverse industrial sectors. This initiative is driven by a consortium that synergizes leading research institutions, SMEs, and industry experts to tackle the challenges of scalability, integration, and social acceptance associated with geothermal systems. At the core of project lies the development of a Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger coupled with an advanced Scaling Reactor to improve heat recovery from geothermal brine while simultaneously providing valuable mineral byproducts. This is complemented by a novel High-Temperature Heat Pump that delivers cost-effective and high-temperature heat, crucial for a wide range of industrial processes and beyond. The project will also deliver a state-of-the-art Control Strategy and Digital Twin, optimizing system performance and enabling real-time management of geothermal plants. Through comprehensive simulation and modelling, the project will showcase the full potential of geothermal energy to provide stable, affordable, and sustainable heat supply. The ambitious goals include fostering Europe's global leadership in renewable technologies, ensuring reliable energy supply for industries and households, and accelerating the integration of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage with geothermal systems. To ensure the project's outcomes have a lasting impact, GEOFLEXheat will execute robust commercialization strategy, including the establishment of a spin-off company, extensive environmental and economic assessments, and the creation of a Social Acceptance Guide to facilitate policy influence and community engagement. Embracing a future where geothermal energy is a cornerstone of Europe's renewable energy mix, GEOFLEXheat is poised to become a catalyst for energy sustainability, economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Geothermal drilling industry faces various challenges such as poor overall drilling confidence and performance, and lack of bottom hole awareness resulting in NPT, tripping time etc. OPTIDRILL concept was born to address and solve problems in drilling for geothermal resources that increases uncertainty and well construction costs. OPTIDRILL ´s innovative drilling advisory system is based on a combination of enhanced monitoring systems, multiple data-driven ML modules, each being responsible for either analysis, prediction, or optimization of one aspect of drilling or completion process. OPTIDRILL consortium, brings together highly experienced drillers, drilling project managers, engineers and operators, each having a different, yet complementary set of expertise in differing geological conditions, operating parameters and production end-goals. They will be providing data from various wells around the world. An enhanced monitoring system will be developed based on real time MWD systems as well as acoustic and vibration sensors. The automated machine learning analysis method will predict drilling parameters, using a real-time monitoring and optimization tool, as a unified system combining existing data and the newly developed methods, and finally, a coupled drilling optimization models to reduce overall geothermal drilling and production cost. The goal is to advise and support drilling operators in making informed decisions through real-time data, reducing many of uncertainties associated with drilling, which in term leads to less NPT, as the drilling can be more readily optimised to maintain good ROP, borehole control and address possible drilling issues, before they could impact operation. The OPTIDRILL Advisory System is NOT an attempt to just fully automate drill rig operations, but rather to enhance and digitize decision making and reporting, instrument and optimize the drilling process, and share and transfer this learning across subsequent future application.