In recent months, the team of the European Union-funded research project, Smart Droplets, has stepped up its efforts to strengthen the project’s capabilities. Interfacing with other innovative projects with similar backgrounds and characteristics provides opportunities to expand our network while allowing the project to maintain or even accelerate its momentum. Networking offers numerous opportunities to strengthen communication channels and participate in joint activities.

Dynamic Alliances with Innovative Projects

Alliances with innovative Horizon Europe projects, with a similar approach and common goals, are an important field for strengthening the dynamics of Smart Droplets. In July 2024, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoU) with the QuantiFarm project was announced. This project aims to support the development of digital agriculture technologies, enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the agricultural sector. The project is perfectly aligned with Smart Droplets’ core concept of a holistic, sustainable crop spraying solution supported by digital technologies. The coordinator of the project, Prof. Spyros Fountas, from the Agricultural University of Athens, commented on the MoU: “The QuantiFarm project is vital for advancing digital agriculture technologies by addressing key barriers and providing data. Its approach complements our own goals for sustainability and competitiveness in agriculture. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

In addition, Smart Droplets joined forces with the ICAERUS project, another innovative initiative of Horizon Europe. This collaboration further strengthens our network and has an impact in the fields of digital agriculture and sustainability. The vision of ICAERUS is to explore drone-based opportunities and provide a more complete and interconnected description of their capabilities and dynamics as multi-purpose vehicles in EU agriculture, forestry and rural areas. This vision is aligned with the European policy of the “Green Deal” and its goals for a more sustainable agriculture. This synergy is a great opportunity to accelerate the actions of Smart Droplets.

Katerina Kasimati, ICAERUS project manager, from the Agricultural University of Athens, said the following about this synergy: “Artificial intelligence and robotics are revolutionizing agriculture by enabling precision farming techniques that significantly reduce resource use, increase crop yields and improve environmental sustainability. By incorporating these advanced technologies, we can support the EU’s Green Deal goals to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers while promoting resilience and sustainability in agricultural practices. Both ICAERUS and Smart Droplets demonstrate how technological innovations can drive positive change in the agricultural sector, ensuring that it not only meets today’s demands, but is also sustainable in the future.” The two projects are planning a series of joint initiatives in the coming months.

Joint initiatives and synergies with important agencies

In addition to synergies with other research projects, Smart Droplets has signed a number of MoUs and letters of interest with key stakeholders such as members of the agricultural machinery industry, farmers’ associations and digital innovation hubs. These joint initiatives facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing and integration of innovative solutions developed by Smart Droplets. In addition, they ensure that the project’s developments in artificial intelligence, data and robotics technologies are effectively leveraged and supported by these actors, promoting the sustainable realization of Smart Droplets’ objectives. Indicative examples are the letters of interest with: EdenCore Technologies, AMP SPRAYERS SL, Aragonese Cluster of Agricultural and Livestock Means of Production, Smart Agro Hub and Panhellenic Association of Agricultural Issues (PSATH).