Quantum sensors use the properties of quantum physics, a theory that describes phenomena at the atomic scale. We now know how to perfectly manipulate photons, atoms and electrons and place them on demand in a given quantum state. These states can be extremely sensitive to the slightest disturbance. It is on this principle that quantum sensors are based to detect, with great precision, quantities such as acceleration, rotation, magnetic field ... Their unparalleled sensitivity allows them to detect tiny variations but also to make very precise recordings over very long periods, thus opening the way to applications ranging from the measurement of the gravitational attraction of a buried object to the mapping of the magnetic fields emitted by our brain. The VeQSeNse project focuses on laser-cooled atomic inertial quantum sensors. At a temperature below microKelvin, it is thus possible to create waves of matter. By then using a laser pulse, we can form copies of these waves which will move away from each other in the direction of the laser beams. We thus create a quantum superposition of matter waves whose trajectories we will control using a series of light pulses, to form an interferometer with the possibility of observing interference fringes in the probability of detecting atoms at the exit of the interferometer. These fringes will be sensitive to accelerations along the laser, and it is possible to detect tiny changes, on the order of a billionth of the acceleration, and record these variations over very long periods of time. All these properties open the field of new applications, such as positioning without GPS, resource management without drilling or monitoring with a view to preventing disasters such as earthquakes. These sensors have been studied extensively and are commercially available today, but they are also very limited. Only one direction is measurable, whereas three-dimensional vector-type measurements would be required. In addition, there is still a lot of “dead time” in the measurement which degrades the accuracy, especially over long term use. The VeQSeNse project will study and develop a new generation of vector quantum sensors which will be used via a network of correlated sensors to meet the two challenges of vector measurement and reduced “dead time”. Vector sensors already exist by sequentially interrogating atoms on three axes, but this only partially solves the problem as it increases “dead times”. A series of correlated measurements can also be created by interrogating many clouds of atoms with the same laser, but this can only be done at short scales and therefore cannot be deployed over large areas as surveillance would require. and disaster forecasting. Through close collaboration between European and Canadian research institutes, we propose to develop a quantum link between “classic” vector sensors in order to improve sensitivity and precision and to develop a new 3D quantum manipulation tool that will lead to to a new generation of multi-axis quantum sensors. The combination of these two methods will increase the ability of these networks to record an acceleration vector map for geosphere monitoring applications. The aim is to set up a consortium of experts on aspects of sensors, synchronization networks and geophysical application. The work established in this context will also make it possible to foreshadow a consortium led by industrial partners aiming to accelerate the commercial development of gravimetric sensors.

The CRM Act, together with other EU policies towards the green and digital objetives of the CE, and the EU current context pose some challenges and needs to the extractive and processing industries: improve and facilitate access to raw materials and reduce EU dependency; increase circularity, ensure recycling into secondary raw materials and recovery from extractive waste; ann also, the mining and processing industry must be sustainable, thus competitive, socially responsible and efficient in terms of cost, reducing energy consumption and gas emissions. BLOOM aims to develop and demonstrate extraction and processing technologies to facilitate exploitation of the primary raw critical raw materials. For this, th ecollaboration with both Ukraine and Canada is envisioned 2 and 3 partners from these countries respectively); clustering activities are envisioned through key partners and a a business case and exploitation strategy. BLOOM will tackle the challenges through its Strategic Objective which is to facilitate exploitation of the primary CRM (minerals and metals only) for the EU to strengthen the EU supply chains, by increasing the efficiency on extraction and processing with a smart and modular solids analysis system consisting on an online mineral liberation analysis, which enables the integration on mining sites of advanced control loops in different stages of the processing, based on ML and AI techniques, or data-driven extraction operations based on accurate mineralogy information from the site. These actions are oriented to lowering the costs of extraction and processing, increasing the financial viability, thus also contributing to making profitable low-grade deposits, giving access to new supplies. BLOOM consortium is composed of a multidisciplinary group of 15 partners, from 4 European countries, 2 from Ukraine, 3 from Canada and 1 from Brazil, one of the resource-richer countries in the world and lead by UPC.

The overall objective of AquaVitae is to increase aquaculture production in and around the Atlantic Ocean in a sustainable way by developing new and emerging low trophic species and by optimising production in existing aquaculture value chains. The value chains that AquaVitae will focus on include macroalgae production, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, and production of new echinoderm species as well as existing shellfish and finfish species. A series of cross-cutting Work Packages (WPs) will include research on biosensors, Internet of Things (IoT), product characteristics, consumer attitudes, market potential, sustainability, environmental monitoring, risk assessment, analysis of value chains, profitability, and other socioeconomic aspects. AquaVitae will contribute to various policy dialogues and produce briefs on policy and governance issues. The AquaVitae consortium consists of 36 full partners from Europe and countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, in addition to an Industry Reference group, a Policy Advice Group, and an External Advisory Group. AquaVitae supports extensive communication and outreach activities, employs a multi-actor approach to ensure stakeholder engagement in all phases of the project, and will set up a durable aquaculture industry and research network around the Atlantic Ocean. Industry partners are present in all case studies, and they have a special responsibility for exploitation and commercialization of the project research results and outcomes. AquaVitae will have a lasting impact on society through the introduction of new species, and through the development of new processes and products based on a circular economy / zero waste approach with improved sustainability. AquaVitae will produce Good Practice standards, facilitate industry apprenticeship and student exchange, support extensive training programs for industry, academia, and the public, and contribute to the implementation of the EU-Brazil-South Africa Belém Statement.