Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SeaTecHub (Croatia-Cyprus Excellence Hub on Eco-Innovative Technologies for Healthy and Productive Seas)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2023-06-01 do 2024-08-31
The main goal of the SeaTecHub project is to strengthen Croatian and Cyprus place-based innovation ecosystems and improve access to excellence for Research & Innovation (R&I) actors by cross-border collaboration on a common strategy and alongside value adding chains within the area of eco-innovative technologies for healthy and productive seas, focusing on five sectors:
1. Aquaculture and fisheries
2. Smart ports
3. Maritime security and protection
4. Research & Education and
5. Maritime technologies
which are aligned with Croatian and Cypriot Smart Specialization Strategies and have been identified as emerging and established sectors in the EU Blue Economy Report 2021.
The overall objectives of the SeaTecHub project are:
1) to facilitate long-term cross border and inter-sectoral collaboration to advance eco-innovative technologies for healthy and productive seas
2) to perform joint research work to close knowledge gaps, consolidate and reinforce quadruple-helix linkages, and validate strategy and Action and Investment Plans (AIPs)
3) to implement a set of mutual learning and skills development measures, and
4) to raise visibility of Croatian-Cyprus innovation ecosystems by implementing strategic measures in the form of organizing networking, knowledge and experience transfer events
1. Aquaculture and fisheries
2. Smart ports
3. Maritime security and protection
4. Research & Education and
5. Maritime technologies
which are aligned with Croatian and Cypriot Smart Specialization Strategies and have been identified as emerging and established sectors in the EU Blue Economy Report 2021.
The overall objectives of the SeaTecHub project are:
1) to facilitate long-term cross border and inter-sectoral collaboration to advance eco-innovative technologies for healthy and productive seas
2) to perform joint research work to close knowledge gaps, consolidate and reinforce quadruple-helix linkages, and validate strategy and Action and Investment Plans (AIPs)
3) to implement a set of mutual learning and skills development measures, and
4) to raise visibility of Croatian-Cyprus innovation ecosystems by implementing strategic measures in the form of organizing networking, knowledge and experience transfer events
Regarding technical and scientific work performed so far, progress has been made in:
1. Developing a blockchain-based digital platform designed to support collaborative R&I efforts. The platform includes advanced AI-powered tools for data extraction, contextual searches, and project ideation. The dual-database system has been implemented to store and retrieve global and organization-specific data, laying the foundation for future collaborations
Also, key technologies that will be developed are:
1. A proof-of-concept Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) tool, a decision-support tool that will use advanced algorithms and geospatial data, and will help stakeholders in maritime planning, integrating data on marine resources and environmental parameters to optimize spatial use
2. Smart buoys and maritime IoT (Internet of Things) systems. These innovative sensing technologies (IoT devices) will be equipped with environmental sensors for monitoring water quality, noise pollution, and other parameters in real-time, supporting sustainable maritime activities and environmental protection
3. Environmental monitoring system for boats for the distributed tracking of pollution. This system will allow a wider geographical coverage of pollution tracking, by communicating with a cloud-based platform, providing real-time data aggregation across marine regions
4. Acoustic noise monitoring system. This system will measure and analyze underwater noise levels near ports to comply with environmental guidelines
1. Developing a blockchain-based digital platform designed to support collaborative R&I efforts. The platform includes advanced AI-powered tools for data extraction, contextual searches, and project ideation. The dual-database system has been implemented to store and retrieve global and organization-specific data, laying the foundation for future collaborations
Also, key technologies that will be developed are:
1. A proof-of-concept Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) tool, a decision-support tool that will use advanced algorithms and geospatial data, and will help stakeholders in maritime planning, integrating data on marine resources and environmental parameters to optimize spatial use
2. Smart buoys and maritime IoT (Internet of Things) systems. These innovative sensing technologies (IoT devices) will be equipped with environmental sensors for monitoring water quality, noise pollution, and other parameters in real-time, supporting sustainable maritime activities and environmental protection
3. Environmental monitoring system for boats for the distributed tracking of pollution. This system will allow a wider geographical coverage of pollution tracking, by communicating with a cloud-based platform, providing real-time data aggregation across marine regions
4. Acoustic noise monitoring system. This system will measure and analyze underwater noise levels near ports to comply with environmental guidelines
The SeaTecHub project is developing a suite of cutting-edge eco-innovative maritime technologies, including smart buoys, distributed pollution tracking systems, MSP tools, acoustic noise monitoring solutions, and a blockchain-based digital platform. These technologies integrate IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and blockchain to revolutionize how marine resources are monitored and managed. While the project will bring these innovations to a proof-of-concept stage, their full potential will be realized through commercialization and collaboration with external partners after the project’s completion.
Potential impacts:
The technologies developed by SeaTecHub are set to significantly impact blue economy sectors, including aquaculture, fisheries, smart ports, and maritime security. The smart buoys, supported by IoT systems and the MSP tool, will enable real-time, data-driven decision-making, optimizing marine resource use while reducing ecological footprints. The blockchain-based platform will enhance transparency and security in cross-border data sharing, providing a robust infrastructure for maritime collaboration. Additionally, the acoustic noise monitoring system will help operators comply with evolving environmental regulations, particularly those addressing underwater noise pollution
Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success:
To fully unlock the potential of these innovations and achieve wide-scale adoption, the following steps are critical:
- Further Research and Development: Continued refinement and demonstration of smart buoys, pollution tracking systems, and other technologies will be essential to ensure their effectiveness in diverse marine environments. This will enhance robustness and readiness for commercial application
- Commercialization and Investment: SeaTecHub aims to position these technologies for commercialization. Following the project, engaging new partners and investors from various sectors will be key to advancing the development and market entry of these innovations, ensuring they are extended to new applications and industries
- AIPs: The AIPs developed during the project will establish the groundwork for long-term collaboration and investment. Post-project, the AIPs will serve as a blueprint for attracting new partners to further develop and implement the technologies, guiding future growth
- IoT, AI, and Blockchain Integration: The integration of these advanced technologies will offer unprecedented capabilities for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and secure data exchange. Scaling these systems for broader maritime ecosystems will be a focus of future development
- Policymaker Engagement: Policymakers will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of SeaTecHub’s innovations. The project will provide evidence-based recommendations and strategic insights to guide policy decisions on maritime technologies, environmental regulation, and cross-border collaboration. Working with policymakers will help establish regulatory frameworks, standards, and incentives to support widespread adoption
- Partnerships and Internationalization: Expanding partnerships beyond Cyprus and Croatia to include EU and international stakeholders will be vital for scaling these innovations. These collaborations will open new markets, secure funding for continued R&I, and support the global impact of SeaTecHub technologies
- Regulatory and Standardization Support: Ensuring alignment with international standards, such as the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the European Green Deal, will be key to successful technology adoption. Aligning with these frameworks will help secure government support and public funding, facilitating broader deployment
Potential impacts:
The technologies developed by SeaTecHub are set to significantly impact blue economy sectors, including aquaculture, fisheries, smart ports, and maritime security. The smart buoys, supported by IoT systems and the MSP tool, will enable real-time, data-driven decision-making, optimizing marine resource use while reducing ecological footprints. The blockchain-based platform will enhance transparency and security in cross-border data sharing, providing a robust infrastructure for maritime collaboration. Additionally, the acoustic noise monitoring system will help operators comply with evolving environmental regulations, particularly those addressing underwater noise pollution
Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success:
To fully unlock the potential of these innovations and achieve wide-scale adoption, the following steps are critical:
- Further Research and Development: Continued refinement and demonstration of smart buoys, pollution tracking systems, and other technologies will be essential to ensure their effectiveness in diverse marine environments. This will enhance robustness and readiness for commercial application
- Commercialization and Investment: SeaTecHub aims to position these technologies for commercialization. Following the project, engaging new partners and investors from various sectors will be key to advancing the development and market entry of these innovations, ensuring they are extended to new applications and industries
- AIPs: The AIPs developed during the project will establish the groundwork for long-term collaboration and investment. Post-project, the AIPs will serve as a blueprint for attracting new partners to further develop and implement the technologies, guiding future growth
- IoT, AI, and Blockchain Integration: The integration of these advanced technologies will offer unprecedented capabilities for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and secure data exchange. Scaling these systems for broader maritime ecosystems will be a focus of future development
- Policymaker Engagement: Policymakers will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of SeaTecHub’s innovations. The project will provide evidence-based recommendations and strategic insights to guide policy decisions on maritime technologies, environmental regulation, and cross-border collaboration. Working with policymakers will help establish regulatory frameworks, standards, and incentives to support widespread adoption
- Partnerships and Internationalization: Expanding partnerships beyond Cyprus and Croatia to include EU and international stakeholders will be vital for scaling these innovations. These collaborations will open new markets, secure funding for continued R&I, and support the global impact of SeaTecHub technologies
- Regulatory and Standardization Support: Ensuring alignment with international standards, such as the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the European Green Deal, will be key to successful technology adoption. Aligning with these frameworks will help secure government support and public funding, facilitating broader deployment