“Machine Learning for Tailoring Organic Semiconductors” (MALTOSE) connects fundamental materials research with machine-learning (ML) techniques, focusing on the electronic properties of organic semiconductors. The aim of this innovative project is to discover and design novel materials with exciting properties, the prime example being the design of compounds for better organic photovoltaic cells, i.e., that reach higher power-conversion efficiencies and are more stable and more environmentally friendly. The methodology relies on a deep tensor neural network, the so-called PredictNet, that is designed and trained to predict electronic properties of molecules and polymers, at a fraction of the numerical cost compared to density-functional theory (DFT) computations, not to mention experimental measurements. PredictNet will be particularly fruitful in combination with a genetic algorithm that will be developed to propose candidate compounds from crossover and mutation from previously successful compounds. MALTOSE will enable the identification and design of promising compounds, out of the immense pool of imaginable molecules and materials, for future technological applications in fields like organic photovoltaic solar cells, large-area electronic displays, flexible organic electronics, or sensors. The project will bring together the fellow, a recognized quantum physicist and data scientist with academic and industry research experience, and a top research host institution under the supervision of a leading expert in materials science, genetic algorithms, modelling, simulation and knowledge transfer. The fellow will receive an advanced training programme in research skills and complementary non-research-oriented skills in order to enhance his future career prospects and to provide a strong basis for an independent career.

Selective recovery of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) from underexploited mining side streams can contribute to reducing the European dependence on imports of these refractory metals. RUMBA: “Selective Recovery of CRMs (Nb, Ta, W) by Using MOFs Based Adsorbents” aims to improve the efficiency of conventional hydrometallurgical methods. These methods require the digestion of ores under strong acid or alkaline conditions and the recovery of CRM via liquid-liquid extraction. RUMBA innovative approach is based on the use of solid adsorbents known as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are crystalline materials with porous and flexible frameworks. Their properties (porosity, flexibility, adsorption capacity, chemical and thermal stability) make them capable of extremely fast sorption with unprecedentedly high selectivity toward targeted ionic species. Despite their suitability for heavy metals capture, MOFs have never been used for recovering CRMs. RUMBA involves the first study of the interactions CRM-MOF to guide the design of frameworks with high affinity/selectivity toward target CRMs. Extraction experiments will be performed in samples from real mining streams. Additionally, the CRM-MOF systems will be studied for possible added-value applications of environmental relevance. The feasibility for succeeding in the scientific and training objectives pursued in RUMBA is supported by the strong expertise of the host institution (ICAMCyL) in advanced mining technologies and the solid background of the researcher in synthesis and characterization of MOFs. RUMBA offers the researcher the opportunity of resuming her research career through the exploration of a completely different application for materials she is familiar with. She will gain scientific skills in mineral processing, CRMs regulation, and catalysis. Furthermore, her profile will grow in IPR management and patent exploitation thanks to the supervisor expertise in mining industrial innovation.

MOSAIC will look for the interaction with talented SMEs and start-ups working on critical technologies and deep tech, to help reaching Industry 5.0 while creating an innovation ecosystem. These companies will enrich the value chains in digital and deep-tech innovation, clean technologies, and net-zero technologies. Like this, MOSAIC will create an excellence hub established in different major pillars of deep-tech innovation, where the partners bring and exchange knowledge and technology transfer. Involving local, regional and national stakeholders MOSAIC will call for better coordination at all levels for better synergies between EU funds and programs that aim to stimulate resilient innovation and circularity. Collaborations between the public sector, universities, businesses and society will be acknowledged as critical to innovation and to increase the competitiveness of regions' different development levels to bring solutions tailored to regional and local needs. As a result, MOSAIC will provide a Design Options Paper showing the outcomes of the execution of the ecosystem actions providing guidance to future developments of the innovation ecosystems, including the compilation of conclusions from mapping & integration of MOSAIC stakeholders and regions for the generation of the hub-network, selection of 4 deep-tech and critical technology enterprises based on the potential for the ecosystem and the analysis of the agencies and agents that count on EIC Accelerator certification to apply to the Plug-in scheme.

The concept of integrated knowledge centre UMA3 (Unique Materials for Advanced Aerospace Applications) is based on creation a value chain of knowledge of research entities in the scope of powder metallurgy process, additive manufacturing, surface technology (coatings) and fully 3D investigations. In this period of disruptions when innovation is redefining future success of organizations, it is extremely important to provide a coherent network, allowing for transnational cooperation for researchers and industry. The project members join forces to develop new material systems and create new solutions, while using their competencies (knowledge, human resources, infrastructures) and cooperating in synergistic. The multi-step process of the project (from theoretical elaboration and experimental engineering to computational modelling) will remarkably contribute to existing know-how and concept-driven, market-based innovation and scientific & research progress as well. Knowledge transfer between partners is realized on each topic, led by an internationally recognized researcher. The implementation of the UMA3 is linked to the Regional Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) for Advanced Vehicle and Machine Engineering Technologies and Intelligent Technologies for Research and Development of Special Materials at county level. The implementation of the project is fitted on Institution Development Plan of the University of Miskolc in the framework of Centre for Excellence of Advanced Materials and Technologies and carried out by Special Materials Scientific Workshop: in Modern materials, Nanotechnology, Aerospace Applications topic.

There is a general lack of awareness of the importance of mineral raw materials in today’s society and an (overall) negative view on the concept of mining, strongly related to the use of non-modern, less environmentally-friendly and even outdated methods and technologies. This is particularly relevant for SMEs, which lack the tractor effect of big industries and therefore suffer from innovation deficit, cross-sector fertilisation and disruptive potential. In order to adapt to current trends and technologies, promote industrial modernisation and digitalisation of the sector, and embrace, interact and profit from other emerging industries, the mining & raw materials sectors must undergo a cross-sectoral and cross-fertilisation exercise, with a particular emphasis on SMEs, in order to develop novel industrial value chains that can support the integration of novel materials, techniques and processes. In this respect, industrial clusters and associated entities are therefore the ideal vehicle to promote and accelerate investments in order to develop innovation capacity and product development in SMEs. The overall aim of MINE.THE.GAP is to provide a support platform for the reinforcement of existing value chains and the development of new industrial value chains in the raw materials and mining "target" sectors by means of cross-sectoral and cross-regional innovation and support services in cluster-related SMEs through synergies and interactions with providers and facilitators from the existing and emerging fields of ICT, circular economy, resource efficiency and advanced manufacturing ("provider" sectors"). A well-balanced consortium comprising of 9 Clusters, 1 RTO and 1 Association from 9 regions and 7 European countries representing over 500 SMEs participate in the project to develop a three layered management structure, methodology and strategy including direct financial support to SMEs, additional business support services and access to new investments.