ICT AppliCaTions for sustaInable enVironmental protEction (ACTIVE) project is focused on capacity building by training multidisciplinary engineers on using information and communication technologies (ICT) for mitigating the environmental and climatic issues faced by the urban and rural areas of Pakistan. Many universities offer bachelor and master degrees on ICT engineering topics or environmental sciences, but using different approaches: ICT engineers are trained for the design and implementation of ICT technologies with little or none knowledge of environmental aspects, so it’s difficult for them to deal with this kind of applications. On the other hand, environmental sciences and engineering degrees are focused on those topics, with a basic use of ICT tools, but digital technologies could have a higher and disruptive impact on environment management, requiring more advanced knowledge and skills in ICT. The main objective is to address this particular need, with capacity building activities to train highly qualified ICT engineers with a good background on environmental science. This can be achieved with partner universities by offering a master degree and expert courses on different promising technologies (machine learning, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, IoT and sensor networks, wireless communication, embedded systems, etc.) applied to environmental issues and climate change in Pakistan. The four university partners in Pakistan are geographically located in different areas of the country, facing different problems: from air pollution in big cities (Karachi) to water use at Indus river, Bolochistan agriculture needs or Rawalpindi location, near mountains at north of the country, which provides a unique collaboration opportunity in areas with different degree of economic development. Also, we will propose to create four research centres with focus in local problems to offer practical training and to contribute to mitigate environmental challenges.

The BRIDGE initiative addresses the growing disconnect between academic training and industry requirements in digital technologies in Pakistan. By uniting leading European and Pakistani higher education institutions, the project aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for digital innovation and skills development.The initiative centers on specialized bootcamps covering technological domains including cyber-physical systems, healthcare, smart manufacturing, edge computing, AI, human-centered robotics, and extended reality. During its lifetime, BRIDGE will reach 10,150 persons (4340 women) which includes training of 4200 graduates (with 1260 women) and 250+ academic staff members, 2100 professional and 3600 other persons (with 1800 schoolgirls). BRIDGE plans to sustain annual training of 2500 participants. Bootcamp content will be integrated into UG/PG curricula, extending its impact to thousands of students.A cutting-edge Center of Excellence for Industry 5.0 and Digital Innovation will be established, featuring specialized facilities such as a FabLab, XR Lab, GenAI Lab, and spaces for Business, Ideas, and Exhibitions. This center will serve as a collaborative hub for innovation and research, bridging academia and industry.Led by the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, the consortium includes European partners from Dublin City University and the National Technical University of Athens, along with Pakistani universities representing all provinces. European partners will share advanced expertise to enhance Pakistani institutional capabilities.BRIDGE will deliver significant outcomes, including improved graduate employability, modernized curricula for 15 undergraduate/postgraduate courses, and PEC-certified Continued Professional Development courses for industrial professionals. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to accelerate Pakistan's digital transformation while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and gender inclusivity in the technology sector.