We are thrilled to announce that SeaTecHub had the honor of being presented during the WIDERA Excellence Hubs event, held on the 20th of February 2024. This transnational workshop, co-organized by the METACITIES Excellence Hub and NCP_WIDERA.NET, brought together innovative minds from the Mediterranean and South-East European Region to foster mutual learning and exchange of best practices.

This collaborative effort was made possible with the backing of the PRAXI network, the Research and Innovation Foundation of Cyprus, the Foundation for Science and Technology within the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education in Portugal, and the Xjenza, the journal of the Malta Chamber of Scientists.

The workshop focused on key elements of projects like the joint Research and Innovation (R&I) strategy, R&I projects and pilots, action and investment plans, and accompanying measures. It served as a valuable platform for participants to gain insights that can enhance the quality of their proposals in response to upcoming calls within the Horizon Europe program.

SeaTecHub was given the opportunity to showcase its Excellence Hub during the Plenary Session of the workshop. The Plenary Session featured presentations from various Excellence Hubs across sectors, addressing thematic areas and partnerships. These sectors included the blue economy, smart cities, digital technologies, energy, food, agriculture, and health.

One of the highlights of the event was the engaging panel discussions on joint R&I strategies and projects, as well as investment and action plans. These discussions provided a rich environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration, helping to strengthen the bonds between Excellence Hubs in the region.

The workshop concluded with specifications for pilots, emphasizing the practical aspects of implementing R&I initiatives. It was truly an enriching experience, and SeaTecHub is grateful to have been a part of such a dynamic and insightful gathering.

We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers, METACITIES Excellence Hub and NCP_WIDERA.NET, the network of national contact points of the WIDERA program area of Horizon Europe. Their efforts in orchestrating this transnational workshop played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and advancing the goals of the Excellence Hubs in the Mediterranean and South-East European Region.

As SeaTecHub continues its journey of excellence, we look forward to further collaboration with our peers, leveraging the knowledge gained at this workshop to contribute to the collective success of the Horizon Europe program.