Project description
Sustainable and biodegradable architecture for a circular IoT ecosystem
The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) is driving a steep increase in global energy demand and electronic waste, challenging the sustainability of today’s digital infrastructure. The EIC-funded GAIA project is pioneering a radically new IoT paradigm based on ambient communication and biodegradable electronics. GAIA will develop transient, ultra-low-power microelectronic systems that operate without batteries, persistent microcontrollers or active radios, instead harvesting energy from the environment and communicating through ambient cellular backscatter. By embedding sensing, computation and connectivity directly into everyday objects using bio-based and dissolvable materials, GAIA aims to enable a truly circular, maintenance-free IoT ecosystem fully aligned with existing network infrastructures, opening a pathway towards sustainable, infrastructure-integrated digitalisation.
Objective
GAIA reimagines the Internet of Things (IoT) by leveraging breakthroughs in biodegradable electronics and ambient communication to deliver a transformative vision: a seamless, sustainable, and circular IoT ecosystem. It introduces a new class of transient, ultra-low-power microelectronic systems that combine sensing, computation, and communication in a single biodegradable architecture--free from batteries, active radios, or persistent microcontrollers. Using 6G Ambient IoT backscatter concepts, GAIA devices operate autonomously and interface natively with existing cellular infrastructure. Designed to degrade naturally after use, they offer a battery-less, zero-waste solution that unites infrastructure compatibility with environmental responsibility. This marks a key step toward an infrastructure-aligned IoT that avoids long-term ecological impact while maintaining advanced digital functionality. Over three years, GAIA follows a phased strategy--from component validation to system-level verification--culminating in a disruptive proof of concept. This demonstrator, focused on smart logistics and cold chain tracking, will showcase a fully transient IoT system with ultra-low cost, power consumption, and seamless cellular interoperability. GAIA enables transformative applications in human and industrial contexts requiring (near) real-time tracking, sensing, and identification, without compromising sustainability. The project adopts a vertically integrated approach--from biodegradable materials to system design and telecom infrastructure--paving the way for digital objects at near-zero cost and minimal environmental impact. GAIA aligns with the EU’s strategic goals, advancing high-impact innovation, strengthening sovereignty in critical technologies, and pioneering a new class of IoT. Its expert consortium builds on a strong record of collaborative research to shape Europe’s sustainable digital future.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2025-PATHFINDEROPEN
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08018 BARCELONA
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.