AI-Empowered Innovation in Natural Science and Engineering for the Circular Economy

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence as a transformative force to drive sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship at universities

Project Overview

The AI-Empowered Innovation in Natural Science and Engineering for the Circular Economy project (AI-InnoScEnCE) aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative force in research, particularly within the context of the Circular Economy. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across natural sciences and engineering, AI has the potential to drive sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship at universities.

This proposal focuses on redefining and using AI-supported research methodologies that enable practice-oriented solutions to global environmental challenges, from waste minimization to resource-efficient production and sustainable material development. Integrating AI into curricula and training programs will equip students, researchers and non-academia with critical future skills, strengthening a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship on campus.

This approach not only cultivates real-world problem-solving capabilities but also contributes to the growth of start-ups aimed at a sustainable, resource-efficient economy. By promoting interdisciplinary AI applications within the Circular Economy, this project will bridge academic research and industry needs, ensuring meaningful contributions to both sustainable development and economic resilience.

Core Objectives

AI as a General Method of Invention

AI/ML is harnessed to support research and innovation in the circular economy domain. By equipping natural and engineering science departments of universities with state-of-the-art AI best practices, the project aims to facilitate novel and relevant research outcomes that promote circularity. With the use of state-of-art AI as a research tool in Natural Science and Engineering Research, we enhance problem solving in domains like waste reduction, material lifecycle optimization, and renewable resource management, helping universities generate impactful solutions for society.

AI as an Opportunity Identification Tool

We aim to leverage AI to connect HEIs within the Circular Economy ecosystem. Through the AI-InnoScEnCE initiative, we use AI and Machine Learning to map and utilize existing capabilities and expertise. This enables students to find suitable courses, researchers to discover complementary insights, and startups to identify potential business partners, fostering a collaborative environment that accelerates technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

AI as an Innovation Driver

Research Acceleration

AI analyzes vast datasets to uncover hidden patterns, optimize experimental designs, and enhance predictive capabilities, allowing researchers to focus on high-level problem-solving. For example, in drug discovery and genomics, AI algorithms sift through enormous datasets to identify promising candidates, reducing years of research to mere months.

Resource Optimization

AI-powered approaches analyze production data to optimize raw material usage and reduce waste. For example, in the food industry, AI algorithms predict demand to prevent overproduction, thereby minimizing food waste and enabling the repurposing of waste into valuable products.

Product Design

AI significantly enhances engineering efforts by optimizing product design and manufacturing processes. It aids engineers in creating products that are easier to disassemble and recycle, ensuring materials remain in the economic cycle longer through modular designs.

Material Discovery

By leveraging machine learning, engineers and material scientists can simulate potential materials at the molecular level, predicting their properties before physical manufacturing. This accelerates materials research, reducing time and cost in developing more durable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials.

Project Framework

The AI-InnoScEnCE project structure integrates AI as an enabler for innovation and opportunity identification within the circular economy ecosystem, connecting HEI research with practical applications and stakeholders.

AI-InnoScEnCE Project Framework

Work Packages

  • Project management and financial management
  • Quality and technical management
  • Data management and ethics
  • Diversity & inclusion management
  • Data-driven best-practice identification
  • Best-practice curation
  • Validation of best-practice recommendations
  • Community-of-best-practice exchange
  • Research training programs
  • Setting up physical and virtual labs
  • Pilot experimentation projects
  • Demo-days
  • Stakeholder identification and data collection
  • Develop AI-based ecosystem mapping tool
  • Stakeholder engagement workshops
  • Regional ecosystem reports
  • OI workshop scenarios
  • OI creativity workflows
  • AI-workshop assistant
  • OI workshop execution
  • Communication infrastructure
  • Communication and dissemination planning
  • Exploitation of project results

Circular Economy Ecosystem

Key Focus Areas

The project specifically targets research and innovation in natural sciences and engineering disciplines that contribute to the circular economy:

  • Waste Reduction
  • Material Lifecycle Optimization
  • Renewable Resources
  • Food Tech & Processing

By connecting key stakeholders including students, researchers, startups, companies, and NGOs, we create a vibrant ecosystem where AI accelerates innovation in circular economy solutions. This approach fosters innovation intensity and creativity, leading to the emergence of new start-ups focused on increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and supporting the transition to a sustainable, resource-efficient economy.

Circular Economy Ecosystem

Expected Outcomes

Research Papers

Academic publications demonstrating AI applications in circular economy challenges and methodological innovations, documenting best practices and success stories.

Patents

Protected intellectual property resulting from AI-driven innovations in sustainable technologies. The project will contribute to "innovative products, processes, and methods & IPP".

Spin-offs

New startup ventures bringing AI-enhanced circular economy solutions from academia to market. The project aims to establish at least two start-ups by the end of Phase II.

Products

Innovative products designed for disassembly, recycling, and resource efficiency using AI methodologies, contributing to the circular economy ecosystem.

Processes

Optimized manufacturing and recycling processes that minimize waste and maximize resource utilization through AI-driven simulations and modeling.

Network

A robust ecosystem connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and sustainability advocates, with the creation of at least 3-4 new partnerships between participating institutions.

Contact Information

More Information Coming Soon

Thank you for your interest in the AI-InnoScEnCE project. We're currently setting up our communication channels. Please check back later for contact details and additional information about our project.

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Consortium Partners

Our project brings together leading universities, research institutions, and industry partners across Europe.

Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH)

The Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), established in 1978, is one of Germany's youngest and most dynamic technical universities. Located in the Harburg district of Hamburg, TUHH emphasizes interdisciplinary research and innovation, guided by its motto, "Technology for Humanity."

TUHH offers a diverse array of engineering-focused degree programs, ranging from traditional disciplines to emerging fields. The university's research is organized into five interdisciplinary fields: Advanced Materials & (Bio-)Processes, Aviation & Maritime Technologies, Cyber Physical & Medical Systems, Environmental & Energy Systems, and Logistics, Mobility & Infrastructure.

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Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad (FTS-UNS)

The Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad (FTS-UNS) is a prominent educational and research institution. Established in 1960, it is the largest faculty within the University of Novi Sad, enrolling approximately 16,000 students.

FTS-UNS comprises 13 departments, 10 administrative units, and 31 research centers, supported by over 4,000 staff members. The faculty is recognized for its significant contributions to scientific research and innovation, housing numerous laboratories and centers of excellence.

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State University of Cahul (USC)

The State University of Cahul enhances the consortium with its dual focus on economic sciences and applied engineering. The university's participation is anchored by the Department of Economic Sciences and the Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

The Department of Economic Sciences specializes in analyzing and optimizing regional economic systems, while the Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences focuses on developing practical, technology-driven solutions for the circular economy.

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TUTECH Innovation GmbH

Tutech Innovation GmbH is a private-sector subsidiary of the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) which provides services relating to technology and knowledge transfer at the interface between academia and industry. Since its foundation in 1992, TUTECH has successfully connected research, business, and society.

The company offers a range of services tailored to various stakeholders, including IP Management, Startup support, and Outreach to relevant SMEs and other stakeholders addressing the circular economy.

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Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research and Development of Serbia (IVI)

The Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research and Development of Serbia (IVI) is a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing AI through research, innovation, and collaboration. Established by the Government of Serbia in March 2021, IVI aims to position Serbia as a global leader in AI.

IVI's research groups focus on various AI domains, including Human-Computer Interaction, AI in Healthcare & Life Sciences, Computer Vision & Remote Sensing, Green AI, and Smart Factory.

Website

Inotek EU Innovation Centre Cahul

Inotek, officially known as the Inotek EU Innovation Centre Cahul, is a pivotal institution dedicated to fostering innovation and technological advancement in southern Moldova. Established within the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" State University in Cahul, Inotek was created with the support of the European Union and the Government of Sweden.

The center's mission is to enhance skills within the IT sector, thereby creating high-quality, well-paid jobs and reducing the emigration of young talent. Inotek focuses on promoting gender equality in STEM fields, with over 60% of participants in its initiatives being girls and women.

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Business Incubator Cahul (IACH)

The Business Incubator Cahul (IACH) is a pivotal institution in Moldova's entrepreneurial landscape, offering essential support to emerging businesses in the Cahul region. Situated in a three-story building spanning 1,494.37 square meters, the incubator provides both office and production spaces.

Since its establishment, IAC has supported 22 resident companies, created 80 jobs—37 of which are for young people and 19 for women—and facilitated the development of 18 startup companies.

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