BIGALPS aims at creating a market breakthrough in the soil stabilization field by offering a unique bio-technology for soil treatment, a complete environmentally friendly solution with the capacity to treat some of the most critical soil stability problems related to current societal challenges (landslides, erosion, foundation soil stabilization, etc.). Bio-cementation is an innovative nature-inspired soil improvement technique, based on the metabolic activity of microorganisms to produce calcium carbonate that binds the soil particles together. The technology has the potential to substitute energy-intensive and polluting soil improvement methods currently available that are hazardous to the natural environment, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The project builds up on two previous ERC projects (Advanced ERC and Proof of Concept) that allowed among others the development of three patents. BIGALPS is the natural continuation of previous accomplishments and will further mature and validate the bio-cementation technology to achieve full compatibility with real environment, existing norms and industry standards while explore the most efficient business model. The work will address two interconnected objectives: (1) mature and validate the bio-cementation technology in solving real engineering problems related to current society needs (landslides, erosion and foundation soil stabilization) and (2) achieve the market uptake as an alternative to traditional cement-based soil improvement techniques. Three pilot sites will be used to mature and demonstrate the technology in real environment as well as to introduce the technology in specific markets of Europe with direct feedback and help from main players of the industry. The goal is to have a market-ready solution which will be investment ready and “de-risked” to ultimately create a market breakthrough and grow into the next big thing in geo-technical and geo-environmental engineering.

The overall aim of MVDC-ERS is to investigate the next generation railway electrification systems, DC power electronic traction transformers and technologies for integrating renewable sources, to challenge the traditional rail approach to develop innovative and breakthrough technological concepts. The key objectives of the project are to: RO1: To introduce new high-efficiency topologies of power conversion systems to convert medium-voltage AC power into medium-voltage DC power with the capability of limiting the short-circuit current. RO2: To introduce high-power density topologies of power converters for on-board DC transformers. RO3: To investigate the impact of the forthcoming wide band-gap semiconductor devices in terms of efficiency and voltage level for the converters of the feeder stations and in terms of weight and volume for the traction converters. RO4: To understand how the new railway electrification system should be controlled and protected when renewable power sources are integrated. RO5: To understand how on-board energy storage can be exploited and how it can optimise the operations of the network. RO6: To work with industrial stakeholders to investigate the marketability of the new electrification system and trains.

The overall aim of the AMaTUC project is to boost the scientific excellence and innovation capacity in additive manufacturing of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (TUCN) and its high-quality Twinning partners for the benefit of the automotive industry and personalised products markets. To achieve this aim, the 3 year project will build upon the existing strong research and innovation base of TUCN and its twinning partners Loughborough University (LbU), FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (ACUAS) and Intelligentsia Consultants (Intelligentsia). The AMaTUC project aims to boost TUCN and twinning partners' scientific excellence and innovation capacity in additive manufacturing, as well as implementing a research and innovation strategy focused on three sub-topics: 1. Improve existing AM technologies, 2. Integrate the AM technologies with suitable Rapid Tooling methods, and 3. Design for competitive manufacturing of personalised products and computer planning (CAE-FEM) analysis and simulation The research and innovation strategy takes into account the recent SWOT analysis of TUCN as well as the national Romanian research priorities and Smart Specialisation Strategy. The specific objectives of the AMaTUC project are presented below: • Objective 1: Strengthen TUCN’s research excellence in AM • Objective 2: Enhance the research and innovation capacity of TUCN and Twinning partners • Objective 3: Raise the research profile of TUCN and the Twinning Partners • Objective 4: Contribute to the research and innovation priorities of Romania • Objective 5: Support research and innovation on a European level