The overall objective of the project is to boost green and digital transition of European manufacturing SMEs through the uptake of advanced technologies and social innovation. To that end, MANTRA will create and demonstrate an effective and highly scalable European-wide capacity building and demonstration programme to provide SMEs with the required assistance, network of partners and experts, and financial support to elaborate and implement tailored transformation journeys leading to sustainable business models and, more competitive and resilience SMEs. This innovation support ecosystem will be built on the capacities of a strong consortium and of available EU support networks and SME support initiatives.

Surface functionalisation is present in a wide range of sectors, improving the performance of multiple components and systems in many applications. However, when considering the application of such functionalisation in complex industrial parts, several challenges must be faced. The difficulty of reaching all surfaces of complex 3D parts is significative, especially in those with considerable size and weight. At the same time, uncertainty about the regulatory compliance of functionalised parts in some sectors makes a straightforward integration of this process more difficult. As a result, this limits the potential of some companies in terms of opening up new markets or attaining a competitive edge. Additionally, the creation of functional surfaces has traditionally relied on processes such as chemical reactions and/or the complete coating of the native surfaces (e.g. aerofoils). Due to their very nature, these processes generate unwanted by-products thereby leaving a significant environmental footprint, which go against the “do no significant harm” principle of The European Green Deal. In order to avoid these setbacks, a new functionalising process for complex 3D shaped parts in which the environmental footprint is reduced and where new guidelines are generated to complement the manufacturing standards of target sectors, could be a game changer. BILASURF aims at developing and integrating a process for high-rate laser functionalization of complex 3D surfaces using tailored designed bio inspired riblets to reduce friction and improve the environmental footprint of industrial parts, assuring a high throughput with the help of inline monitoring capabilities. This solution can provide European industry with a key tool to use a more efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing process.

RespiceSME will reinforce the innovative capacity of Europe’s photonics SMEs, clusters and national platforms by stimulating increased collaborations in and beyond photonics. RespiceSME proposes new approaches for stronger innovative effectiveness using a 3-dimensional approach, led by an experienced, representative, interdisciplinary team. In the 1st dimension, the project will develop a measure of the innovative potential for Photonics SMEs; the index will be integrated with a methodology for auditing innovative SMEs. Coaching on these tools will lead to their diverse application; enhancing the innovative capacity of 30+ photonics SMEs is targeted in the project. In the 2nd dimension, RespiceSME will develop new approaches for analysing value chains in close collaboration with clusters and national platforms. Empowering photonics SMEs and cluster managers to undertake early stage analyses of value chains, in the 3 separate domains of commercial intensity, technology readiness and innovative potential, will lead to more effective penetration by European photonics SMEs in global non-photonics sectors. Approaches will be demonstrated by new business collaborations in photonics, and using photonics, in manufacturing, energy and transport sectors. Harnessing the full innovative capacity of the European photonics infrastructure is the objective of the 3rd RespiceSME dimension. Best practices for enabling photonics SMEs access European and regional infrastructures, harness educational and training programmes aligned with their specific needs, determine next generation regional innovative smart specialisation strategies, and be better resourced by efficient public and private financial supports, can be transformative. RespiceSME will disseminate results using face to face and multimedia tools. 6 events, spanning cluster/national platform, inter-sectoral meetings, and B2B brokerage events and multimedia tools will lead to an intensification of research collaborations.