SMART-X is a multidisciplinary and intersectoral network aiming at the training of scientists who will bring X-ray ultrafast spectroscopy beyond the current state of the art as a standard technique for investigation in crucial sectors of material science, with a particular emphasis on the investigation of charge carrier dynamics in materials relevant for novel energy supply and storage. The network will recruit 15 early stage researchers (ESRs) to work towards the ambitious goal of the development of tabletop X-ray ultrafast spectroscopy in the condensed phase. Within SMART-X, a generation of creative, innovative, well-connected scientists will work towards unveiling the special physics of future and emerging material platforms, by implementing a research program at the physics/chemistry interface with partners from 7 European countries. This network will enhance the career perspectives of the ESRs by training them in a broad range of scientific, technical and transferable skills, through a unique combination of projects, secondments, and tailored courses provided by 8 world-leading academic institutions, two large scale facilities and 2 high-tech companies. Our goal is to establish long-lasting cooperation among the ESRs that will strengthen European competitiveness and innovation capacity.