Α series of synergies and joint initiatives are secured to boost our potential!

Following the path of forging connections with key stakeholders

Over the last months, the Smart Droplets team has intensified its efforts to enhance the potential of the project. Connecting with other innovative projects with similar backgrounds and characteristics provides network expansion opportunities, while enabling our project to maintain or even accelerate its momentum. Parallel networks and initiatives offer numerous avenues to strengthen communication pathways and engage in joint activities. Let’s take a closer look at what Smart Droplets has been up to lately in the realm of synergies, and joint initiatives.

Impactful alliances with innovative HE projects

The alliances with innovative Horizon Europe (HE) projects, which share a similar approach and common goals, are an important field for strengthening the potential of Smart Droplets. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the QuantiFarm project was announced in July 2024. The latter aims to support the deployment of Digital Agriculture Technologies (DATs), enhancing the agricultural sector’s sustainability and competitiveness. The HE project aligns perfectly with the Smart Droplets’ core concept for a holistic, sustainable crop-spraying solution empowered by digital technologies. Our project coordinator, Dr. Spyros Fountas, from the Agricultural University of Athens, commented on the MoU: “The QuantiFarm project is vital in advancing Digital Agriculture Technologies by addressing key barriers and providing essential data. Their approach complements our Smart Droplets goals of sustainability and competitiveness in agriculture. We look forward to our fruitful collaboration”.

Smart Droplets has also joined forces with the ICAERUS project, another HE innovative initiative with great potential. This collaboration further strengthens our network and has a potential impact on the digital agriculture and sustainability sectors. The ICAERUS vision is to explore drone-based opportunities and provide a more complete and interconnected account of their potential and impacts as multi-purpose vehicles in EU agriculture, forestry, and rural areas. This vision is aligned with the European Green Deal policy and its goals for more sustainable agriculture. This synergy represents a great opportunity to accelerate Smart Droplets’ impact.

Katerina Kasimati, project manager of ICAERUS commented on the occasion of the synergy: “AI and robotics are revolutionising agriculture by enabling precision farming techniques that significantly reduce resource use, enhance crop yields, and improve environmental sustainability. By integrating these advanced technologies, we can support the EU Green Deal’s goals of reducing pesticide and fertiliser use, while also promoting resilience and sustainability in farming practices. Both ICAERUS and Smart Droplets demonstrate how cutting-edge innovations can drive positive change in the agricultural sector, ensuring that farming not only meets today’s demands but is also sustainable for the future.” The two projects are planning a series of joint initiatives in the months to follow.

Joint initiatives and synergies with important stakeholders

Apart from the synergies with other research programs, Smart Droplets has signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and has received Letters of Interest (LoIs) from key stakeholders, such as members of the agricultural machinery industry, farmers’ associations and Digital Innovation Hubs. These joint initiatives facilitate cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the integration of innovative solutions developed by Smart Droplets. In addition, they also ensure that the project’s advancements in AI, data, and robotic technologies are effectively utilized and supported by key stakeholders, fostering a sustainable and scalable implementation of Smart Droplets’ objectives. Indicative examples include the LoIs with EdenCore Technologies, AMP SPRAYERS SL,  the Aragonese Cluster of Agricultural and Livestock Means of Production, Smart Agro Hub and the the Hellenic Association of Agricultural Affairs (PSATH).

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.