Connecting the dots to unleash the innovation potential for the digital transformation of the European agri-food sector
Start date: 1 November 2018
End date: 31 October 2022
In a nutshell:
SmartAgriHubs, is a H2020 project that aims at making effective the digitization of European agriculture in five sectors: aquaculture, arable farming, livestock, fruits and vegetables. With a €20M budget, SmartAgriHubs brings together a consortium of 160 partners from the European agri-food sector. The heart of the project is formed by 28 flagship innovation experiments (FIE) serving as benchmarks for other Innovation Experiments to strive towards where technology solutions are put into practice. Flagship Innovation Experiments are conducted with the help of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs*) which facilitate access to the latest knowledge and expertise, and technology support provided by Competence Centres (CC).
Open calls – join the network
Open Calls with a total budget of ±6 M€ will expand the network and ensure that technological developments and emerging challenges of the agri-food sector are incorporated in the DIH service portfolio. SmartAgriHubs’ inclusive structure and ambitious targets will bring the entire European ecosystem together, connecting the dots to ensure global leadership for Europe in the AgTech market. Open calls will be launched in the course of the project, then stay tuned for more information soon!
The SmartAgriHubs Innovation Portal
The SmartAgriHubs Innovation Portal connects the network of key AgriTech stakeholders across Europe. It has two main goals:
- Foster mutual knowledge exchange and collaboration Agrifood actors in Europe;
- Make the link with players holding digital skills in the agri-food sector.
The SmartAgriHubs Innovation Portal is the right tool for:
- Finding other organizations to help you with technical or business advice e.g. Competence Centres, SMEs, Digital Innovation Hubs;
- Expending and sharing your knowledge in the search of a digital solution for your project;
- Learning skills you need to succeed and engaging in discussion;
- Joining events to network grow and learn more about digital technology.
Check this video for more information. Register to the portal and benefit here!
CEMA’s role:
In SmartAgriHubs, CEMA will be involved in two main tasks:
- One CEMA representative will be appointed to participate in the project Strategic Guidance Board. Thanks to its pan-European network and considering that farmers are the main customers of its members, CEMA will contribute to asses farmers' needs and practices across Europe. The farm equipment industry is considered as one of the most innovative manufacturing sectors in Europe providing adapted equipment and technology solutions to farmers. Therefore, CEMA will contribute to the project presenting the role that modern machines play in agriculture today being the central hub in terms of data exchange, interconnectivity and autonomous operations.
- Moreover, thanks to its consolidated network of ag machinery manufacturers across Europe and its links with 7500 agricultural equipment manufacturers across Europe, the most innovative technology developers in the ag machinery industry, CEMA will participate in the Ecosystem Building, thus:
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- Supporting the WP leader in the communications activities;
- Participating in events and meetings;
- Contributing to the dissemination of the project;
- And ensuring a direct link with existing relevant international initiatives in the field of digital farming and equipment.
Check more on this unique project and follow SmartAgriHubs on social networks:
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 818182
* DIHs: are one stop shops that are based upon technology infrastructures (Competence Centres) and provide access to the latest knowledge, expertise and technology to support their customers with piloting, testing and experimenting with digital innovations. DIHs also provide business and financial support to implement these innovations, if needed across the value chain. As proximity is considered crucial, they act as a first regional point of contact, a doorway, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem. A DIH is a regional multi-partner cooperation (including organizations like RTOs, universities, industry associations, incubator/accelerators, regional development agencies and even governments) and can also have strong linkages with services providers outside of their region supporting companies with access to their services.