The GELCLAD project aims at creating a novel cost-effective, durable, industrialised and easy to install composite insulation cladding system, based on a single multi-meso-structured panel with excellent insulation properties, made from functional bio-polymer composite (ecoWPC) as skin coupling with unique advanced foamable extrudable aerogel (FEA) as insulation core/layer. The GELCLAD is produced using a single co-extrusion procedure in which both ecoWPC framing skin and FEA core are simultaneously formed such that no discontinuity is formed between them. Using a multilayer effective continuous extrusion allows the benefits of high quality multi-meso-structured systems and productive production to be obtained without the traditional drawbacks of existing bonding lamination of extremely high embodied energy insulation materials, and high labouring and skilled installation of multi material layers. By combining also this biopolymer based ecoWPC/aerogel with passive pre-programed materials responding dynamically to ambient stimuli and control the air flow, GELCLAD wants to target the market as a novel environmentally friendly multi-functional smart cladding solution, to be used as an ecological alternative to the current cladding and ventilated façade systems. The foreseen impacts of the novel GELCLAD will be 20% lower embodied energy and carbon than traditional oil based panels, attain more than 40% reduction of energy savings due to GELCLAD refurbishment, reduce costs of 40% over traditional façade thanks to single panel systems, less installation and maintenance expenses, while providing functional building envelope solutions for a life span over 50 years. Full scale demonstration of the application of the novel cladding generation will be performed in demo and public building in Spain and Slovenia for ready uptake and spreading of new technologies, and many other building systems will follow after the success of GELCLAD.

Our proposed research initiative seeks to propel machine learning into the forefront of geotechnical engineering, with a vision to address critical challenges and revolutionise the field for the betterment of society. The overarching goals of our project align with the need to confront uncertainty, combat climate change through zero carbon emission strategies, address soil parameter heterogeneity, expedite finite element (FE) calculations e.g., for reliability analyses, and enhance design efficiency to reduce material consumption, particularly in the context of concrete. By undertaking this multidimensional approach, our research aims not only to apply machine learning in geotechnical engineering but to fundamentally transform the field, ushering in a new era of efficiency, sustainability and resilience. Through collaboration and innovation, we aspire to make machine learning an integral and indispensable tool for addressing the complex challenges faced by geotechnical practitioners in the 21st century.

BIO-INTEL-MOB aims to revolutionize peri-urban mobility, logistics, and governance through AI-driven, citizen-centric, and climate-neutral solutions. Addressing fragmented mobility networks, inefficient logistics, and governance gaps, the project integrates Advanced Mobility Data Space (aMDS), Peri-Urban Mobility Hubs (PUMHs), Green-Safe Routing Algorithm (GSRA), bio-packaging logistics units (bioPLU), and Digital Twin ecosystems. By leveraging AI-powered risk detection, emission monitoring, real-time analytics, multimodal transport optimization, and VR/AR-enabled participatory governance, BIO-INTEL-MOB enhances urban-peri-urban accessibility and connectivity, reduces private car dependency by 35%, and optimizes multimodal transport efficiency by 35%. The project’s interventions will lead to a 30% reduction in urban-peri-urban congestion, a 25% decrease in logistics-related emissions and packaging waste. Further, BIO-INTEL-MOB will cut VRU-related accident risks by 35%, improve air quality and noise pollution by 20%, and reduce the human health impact of transport-related pollution by 30%. The project conducts large-scale pilot demonstrations in Rome, Cascais, Riga & Vilnius, alongside satellite pilots in Melsungen, Ciampino, Urla, and Rhodes, ensuring scalability and transferability. Through policy-aligned smart city governance (SCGo) with policy engine, citizen-voice-app and knowledge-hub, and AI-driven multimodal transport innovations, BIO-INTEL-MOB strengthens citizen participation in city planning by 40%, creating data-driven and participatory ecosystems. The project’s AI-driven models will ensure a 40% increase in participatory governance efficiency, 25% faster policy compliance processes, and a 35% improvement in co-designing of city policies and infrastructure. The outcomes contribute to the EU Green Deal, Digitalization Strategy, and Climate-Neutral Cities Mission, positioning peri-urban areas as resilient, connected, and low-emission living spaces.

Freight transportation is responsible for large share of total GHG emissions in Europe. So far, majority of companies have concentrated on their primary emissions and those caused by their energy use, while indirect emissions from e.g. logistics services have received limited attention. It is obvious that a systemic socio-technical change is vital. The business models for sustainable sourcing and offering multimodal low-emission transport chains are missing. ADMIRAL project aims to have a systemic socio-technical approach. The vision of ADMIRAL is to change the mindset to take the emission level minimization as the main target by providing tools for companies. The main result is the Admiral marketplace, which manages the whole supply chain infrastructure and related emissions. It also works as a channel for developers to distribute innovative and sustainability-focused solutions in EU. The marketplace will be demonstrated and piloted by ADMIRAL partners in 4 pilots: Portugal-Spain, Slovenia-Croatia, Lithuania and Finland. ADMIRAL is focusing on the following objectives: 1) Evolve seamless operation within supply chains; 2) Enable better utilization of current assets and infrastructure to decrease emissions; 3) Embrace systemic change towards sustainability with sustainable sourcing; 4) Develop and pilot solutions that have altogether energy and emission reduction potential. The marketplace will also work as an innovation platform for new services, as software and solution developers have clear guidelines to include the invented services to be available in the platform. The marketplace will improve the value of the B2B logistic platforms. The B2C platforms are dominated by non-EU companies, e.g. Google, but the dominance for B2B platforms is yet to be determined. ADMIRAL will make contributions to the expected outcomes and impacts of the work programme e.g. by aiming to reduce emissions more than 20% and improving transparency and resilience.