PASSENGER addresses to the topic CE-SC5-10-2020 on raw materials innovation under subtopic d) Pilots on substitution of critical and scarce raw materials (2020). PASSENGER aims to develop innovative pilots to address an aspect of high economical, technological, social and environmental relevance: a solution for the EU dependency on rare-earths (REs) for permanent magnets (PMs), avoiding bottlenecks in the material supply-chain and diminishing the environmental impact. Considering the importance of PMs in present and emerging technologies, PASSENGER will develop up scaled alternatives based on widely available resources and innovative technologies. PASSENGER has a clear industrial orientation involving key end users and SMEs/LEs (13 industrial partners) from 8 EU countries. PASSENGER will develop a sustainable substitution pilot in PMs subdivided in 8 innovative pilot activities covering the complete value chain to finish at TRL7 and to guarantee implementation across the EU after the project is finished. The choice of PMs is based on realistic (envisioned up-scaling, low cost and environmental impact) projects results and patents (proven at TRL 4-5) achieved by the partners in successful EU projects: Improved Strontium ferrite (Sr-ferrite), Manganese-Aluminum-Carbon (MnAlC) and related technologies. These RE-free PM alternatives will substitute bonded NdDyFeB-magnets, which are constituted by diverse critical raw materials: REs (Nd and Dy, and Pr in some compositions); Metal (Cobalt). Electromobility has been chosen as a main key-driving sector with three application areas: Class 1: e-scooter; Class 2: e-bikes and e-motorbikes; Class 3: e-cars. The project will be done under premises of sustainability and reduced environmental impact, including Standardisation activities, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis, recyclability and social-life cycle assessment of PASSENGER’s products and technologies.

The concept of integrated knowledge centre UMA3 (Unique Materials for Advanced Aerospace Applications) is based on creation a value chain of knowledge of research entities in the scope of powder metallurgy process, additive manufacturing, surface technology (coatings) and fully 3D investigations. In this period of disruptions when innovation is redefining future success of organizations, it is extremely important to provide a coherent network, allowing for transnational cooperation for researchers and industry. The project members join forces to develop new material systems and create new solutions, while using their competencies (knowledge, human resources, infrastructures) and cooperating in synergistic. The multi-step process of the project (from theoretical elaboration and experimental engineering to computational modelling) will remarkably contribute to existing know-how and concept-driven, market-based innovation and scientific & research progress as well. Knowledge transfer between partners is realized on each topic, led by an internationally recognized researcher. The implementation of the UMA3 is linked to the Regional Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) for Advanced Vehicle and Machine Engineering Technologies and Intelligent Technologies for Research and Development of Special Materials at county level. The implementation of the project is fitted on Institution Development Plan of the University of Miskolc in the framework of Centre for Excellence of Advanced Materials and Technologies and carried out by Special Materials Scientific Workshop: in Modern materials, Nanotechnology, Aerospace Applications topic.

“Machine Learning for Tailoring Organic Semiconductors” (MALTOSE) connects fundamental materials research with machine-learning (ML) techniques, focusing on the electronic properties of organic semiconductors. The aim of this innovative project is to discover and design novel materials with exciting properties, the prime example being the design of compounds for better organic photovoltaic cells, i.e., that reach higher power-conversion efficiencies and are more stable and more environmentally friendly. The methodology relies on a deep tensor neural network, the so-called PredictNet, that is designed and trained to predict electronic properties of molecules and polymers, at a fraction of the numerical cost compared to density-functional theory (DFT) computations, not to mention experimental measurements. PredictNet will be particularly fruitful in combination with a genetic algorithm that will be developed to propose candidate compounds from crossover and mutation from previously successful compounds. MALTOSE will enable the identification and design of promising compounds, out of the immense pool of imaginable molecules and materials, for future technological applications in fields like organic photovoltaic solar cells, large-area electronic displays, flexible organic electronics, or sensors. The project will bring together the fellow, a recognized quantum physicist and data scientist with academic and industry research experience, and a top research host institution under the supervision of a leading expert in materials science, genetic algorithms, modelling, simulation and knowledge transfer. The fellow will receive an advanced training programme in research skills and complementary non-research-oriented skills in order to enhance his future career prospects and to provide a strong basis for an independent career.

There is a general lack of awareness of the importance of mineral raw materials in today’s society and an (overall) negative view on the concept of mining, strongly related to the use of non-modern, less environmentally-friendly and even outdated methods and technologies. This is particularly relevant for SMEs, which lack the tractor effect of big industries and therefore suffer from innovation deficit, cross-sector fertilisation and disruptive potential. In order to adapt to current trends and technologies, promote industrial modernisation and digitalisation of the sector, and embrace, interact and profit from other emerging industries, the mining & raw materials sectors must undergo a cross-sectoral and cross-fertilisation exercise, with a particular emphasis on SMEs, in order to develop novel industrial value chains that can support the integration of novel materials, techniques and processes. In this respect, industrial clusters and associated entities are therefore the ideal vehicle to promote and accelerate investments in order to develop innovation capacity and product development in SMEs. The overall aim of MINE.THE.GAP is to provide a support platform for the reinforcement of existing value chains and the development of new industrial value chains in the raw materials and mining "target" sectors by means of cross-sectoral and cross-regional innovation and support services in cluster-related SMEs through synergies and interactions with providers and facilitators from the existing and emerging fields of ICT, circular economy, resource efficiency and advanced manufacturing ("provider" sectors"). A well-balanced consortium comprising of 9 Clusters, 1 RTO and 1 Association from 9 regions and 7 European countries representing over 500 SMEs participate in the project to develop a three layered management structure, methodology and strategy including direct financial support to SMEs, additional business support services and access to new investments.

The fact is that the lithium deposits within the EU are associated with different mineralizations in solid host rocks, except from the lithium brines of South America and Australia. These mineralizations require a special approach when processing and purifying happen up to battery grade lithium carbonate. Li4Life proposal creates of an efficient technology for the extraction of lithium from poor or complex ores of underutilised deposits, as well as post-mining tailings, as the basis for the development of future clean energy. Reference objects is potentially viable lithium projects have been identified in Europe from Finland in the North, through Germany, Austria and Czech Republic in Central Europe, to Spain and Portugal in the South-West. To cover the needs of the EU Battery Industry, Li4Life is aim to contribute an ambitious objective to increase the EU domestic supply of local raw materials by at least 5% to upcoming 2030. This is possible by creating an innovative value chain for domestic lithium raw materials. Li4Life's pathway to this ambition - novel processing methods, and purification up to battery-grade lithium carbonate to overcome existing barriers, namely the lack of a sustainable social licence to operate (SLO) and compliance with strict EU environmental laws.