Advanced ICT Risk Assessment Tool to Increase Climate Resilience, Water-Use Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability of Agricultural Production

Project Information

SMARTQUA

Grant agreement ID: 744140

DOI

10.3030/744140

Project closed

EC signature date 7 November 2016

Start date 1 November 2016

End date 28 February 2017

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

ZETA AMALTEA SL
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SMARTQUA (Advanced ICT Risk Assessment Tool to Increase Climate Resilience, Water-Use Efficiency andEnvironmental Sustainability of Agricultural Production)

Reporting period: 2016-11-01 to 2017-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

SMARTQUA is the first service that gathers the most advanced European water management IT tools and climate scenarios to simulate the combined effects of climate and agricultural management, following a risk-analysis approach based on ISO 31000. SMARTQUA operates taking into account the farmer’s objectives for crops by making use of several key data sources. It will provide timely information increasing the farmer’s operation efficiency by 20%-35% and enable rapid and accurate decision-making via web (online platform) or mobile application.

In June 2016 we presented a proposal to the H2020 SME Instrument (Phase 1) under the topic SMEInst-07-2016-2017. Our proposal was selected and granted for the preparation of a Feasibility Study in order to guarantee technical, commercial and financial feasibility of the SMARQUA project implementation. The objectives of the Feasibility Study were defined in Phase 1 Proposal, as follows:

(1) Technical Feasibility
- Define necessary upgrades for platform full process performance for different input sources.
- Consolidate stipulations and procedures for the platform integration and develop process validating tools.
- Define field measurements to be performed (soil samples and data obtained through field sensors), laboratory analysis and in-situ validations in agricultural areas in defined target EU countries.
- Define characteristics and complete functionalities for BASIC and PREMIUM services.
- Prepare a SMARTQUA technical risk assessment, define mitigation and contingency plans.
(2) Commercial Feasibility
- Update expected benefits for each type of end user (BASIC vs. PREMIUM).
- Develop a detailed commercial strategy identifying all key relevant stakeholders.
- Evaluate commercial risks and create mitigation strategies.
- Review current IPR restrictions, patentability or other further protection issues for SMARTQUA platform.
- Involve key stakeholders in the planning and decision-making process through our platform (e.g. European, national and local entities to disseminate SMARTQUA among the farmer community and for future SMARTQUA market access.
(3) Financial Feasibility
Carry out a full cost/benefit analysis
Prepare a robust Business Plan for our first targeted countries (Spain, Italy, France and Germany) and further expansion.
Evaluate the total investment requirement and financial risks and mitigation strategies.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

As a result of the Feasibility Study, we believe that the goals we had set when submitting the SME instrument Phase 1 Proposal have all been met completely. The expected activities have been undertaken successfully taking into account the project timeframe and deadlines.

The main result of the Project is the preparation and delivery of a well-supported Feasibility Study that concludes positively about the viability of SMARTQUA. Our estimation on the project sales forecast; its projected impact in the company´s balances; the estimated project cost; the company´s financial and human capabilities; and the potential financing that could be obtained from the H2020 SME instrument, lead us to consider the project we have designed is feasible and therefore, decided its submission as a Phase 2 Proposal to the H2020 SME Instrument.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

During the Feasibility Study we have been able to mature our proposal with a comprehensive analysis of our solutions, the market and other key elements. We also have had the opportunity of approaching potential partners for the implementation of SMARTQUA.

Now we feel that our capacities are reinforced and we fell in a better position to prepare a solid Phase 2 Proposal. We would like to take advantage of the opportunity of presenting the SMARTQUA project as a Phase 2 Proposal to the H2020 SME instrument in order to receive funding to support the execution of the Project. At this moment, we estimate a SMARTQUA Phase 2 Project with a total duration of 24 months and a total budget of 1.8 million Euros.

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