Barcelona/Brussels – PRIMA made a strong presence at this year’s European Innovation Fair in Brussels, showcasing the power of Mediterranean collaboration in turning research into tangible solutions for pressing regional challenges.
The PRIMA delegation brought together the full spectrum of actors that make the programme a success: from the PRIMA Secretariat, Director, and Co-Chair to project coordinators, researchers, members of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), representatives of national funding agencies, and members of the Board of Trustees. This diverse representation underscores the collaborative spirit at the heart of PRIMA’s mission—enabling innovation, fostering impact, and building bridges between science and society across the Mediterranean.
Innovation That Makes a Difference
At the heart of PRIMA’s participation were four groundbreaking projects pitching their innovations to the European innovation community, demonstrating how Mediterranean research translates into real-world solutions:
💧 SmaCuMed – Bringing solar-powered smart irrigation systems to sustainable agriculture (presented by Edgardo Cañas)
🍯 TECHONEY – Using blockchain technology to ensure traceability and authenticity in the honey supply chain (presented by Christoph Stahl)
🥗 SWITCHtoHEALTHY – Promoting healthy Mediterranean diets for better public health outcomes (presented by Marco de La Feld)
🐟 Fish-PhotoCAT – Developing innovative water treatment solutions for sustainable aquaculture (presented by Gian Luca Chiarello)
These pitches represent more than just project presentations—they are opportunities to connect science with innovation and people, helping projects gain visibility, build strategic partnerships, and take critical next steps toward market readiness and societal impact.
Bridging Ecosystems, Enabling Impact
Held under the theme “Enabling that step forward,” the Innovation Fair highlighted collaboration among European, African, and Mediterranean innovation ecosystems. The event’s focus on impact, solutions, innovation, and research-to-business aligns perfectly with PRIMA’s mission to address the Mediterranean’s most pressing challenges—from water scarcity and food security to climate adaptation.
PRIMA’s presence at the Fair reaffirms its role as a catalyst for innovation in the Mediterranean, demonstrating that regional collaboration, scientific excellence, and commitment to solutions can drive meaningful change even in complex geopolitical times.
About PRIMA PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area) is the largest joint programme supporting research and innovation in the Mediterranean basin, bringing together 19 countries from both shores of the Mediterranean to tackle common challenges in water management, agri-food systems, and climate resilience.
