3IF.be & 3IF.be Fieldlab

Belgium: Flemish Region

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

3IF.be is the intiative in Belgium to support the digital transformation of manufacturing companies into Industrie 4.0, Industrial Internet and Industrial IoT. The platform connects manufacturers in different industries (process and discrete manufacturing), Digital Platform providers, IoT technology providers, connectivity and system integrators and advisory. Our role is to support the industry as a whole and to foster the development of the market, facilitate collaboration and drive the interest of the industry. We work together with research facilities such as KU Leuven, IMEC, Flanders Make, Flanders Food and SIrris in Flanders. We operate a fieldlab on Condition Based Maintenance and we are a partner of the Industrial Internet Consortium, the Industrial Data Space Association, the regional (Flanders) Industrie 4.0 initiative (https://www.industrie40.vlaanderen/), AIOTI, ECSO and we are an executive partner for Security guidance in the Connected Factories CSA coordinated by EFFRA for the Factories of the Future projects in Europe and the European Commission Connected Factories activities (https://www.effra.eu/connectedfactories), . 

Flanders Industry 4.0 strives to become a leader in new technologies and concepts in industry 4.0 such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, robotics, cybersecurity and other innovations. In so doing, it can strengthen its competitiveness and maintain prosperity in a rapidly changing world. (https://www.vlaanderen.be/nl/publicaties/detail/vision-2050)

3IF.be supports manufacturing and related companies in Europe, but mainly in Flanders in successfully managing the digital transformation. On the basis of experiences and methodologies, companies are being guided with advice and support in selection of technologies and processes towards the utlization of digital technologies throughout the production and supporting processes. The 3IF.be fieldlabs support this with practical implementations of demonstrators and use cases, amongsts other for condition based maintenance. 

3IF.be is a non-profit initiative, part of the non profit organization lsec.eu, with a physical presence in Belgium - Leuven - Heverlee and Brussels. Details of our activities can be found at http://www.3if.be

3IF is aligned with, and supports the smart specialisation strategies according to the S3 priorities in Flanders (http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/regions/BE2/tags/BE2) of specialised manufacturing solutions, innovative work organization and smart systems. 3IF.be operates as a neutral entity, but supports different SME technology companies such as VersaSense, Factry, AllThingsTalk, Yazzoom, Cresent - Cloudgate, Factorythings and many others. 

3IF.eu operates multiple fieldlabs on Condition Based and Predictive Maintenance and Industrial Data Space.

3IF.eu has supported digital transformation of many organizations, including Reynaers Aluminium, Engie, Suez, Dymo, Ontex, Ordina, ... 

  Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

3IF - Industrial Internet In Flanders

Belgium: Flemish Region

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

3IF.eu is the Belgian Industrial Internet, Industrial IoT and Industrie 4.0 knowledge and expert centre. 

3IF.eu provides knowledge and experience sharing, use cases and advisory services for digital transformation for Manufacturing companies, mainly in Flanders. 3IF is aligned with and supports the smart specialisation strategies according to the S3 priorities in Flanders (http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/regions/BE2/tags/BE2) of specialised manufacturing solutions, innovative work organization and smart systems.

3IF.eu supports the development of technology companies active in Industrial IoT, Analytics, Cloud services and supporting service

3IF.eu is the Industrie 4.0 innovation hub in Belgium and Flanders, connecting to SmartIndustry Netherlands, Industrie 4.0 in Germany, Industrial Internet Consortium and AIOTI. 

3IF.eu operates multiple fieldlabs on Condition Based and Predictive Maintenance and Industrial Data Space.

3IF.eu is a non-profit initiative, part of the non profit organization lsec.eu, with a physical presence in Belgium - Leuven - Heverlee and Brussels. Details of our activities can be found at http://www.3If.be 

3IF.eu has supported digital transformation of many organizations, including : 
Reynaers Aluminium (www.reynaers.be), Citrique Belge (www.citriquebelge.be), Tenneco Belgium (www.tenneco.com). Digital technologies.

Sectors
Technology

National Technological Centre for the Food and Canning Industry, CTNC

Spain: Murcia

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

CTNC is a private non-profit research association of companies, which is recognized by the Spanish Government as Innovation and Technological Centre, Transfer Office of Research Results and it is declared of Public Use (collaborations with NGO, social inclusion activities, etc). CTNC works in all fields of the food sector: from agriculture to final processed products taking into account containers, natural ingredients, valorisation of wastes, environmental impact, etc. CTNC has a staff of 32 persons. Four labs with more than 60 accredited analytical methods and a pilot plant with the most important food technologies. www.ctnc.es 

CTNC works closely with the Agrofood sector to improve sustainable technologies to process both traditional and brand new food products. Valorization of food secondary raw materials that some years ago were considered as wastes or residues is one of CTNC’s main research and development lines. High experience in the green extraction of valuable biocomponds from these secondary raw… Pilot Plant: Membrane filtration, Spray dryer, Lyophilizer, Vacuum concentrator, Ultrasound equipment, Clean Room (Slicer, Bag and trails thermosealer, Washer), Crusher, Centrifugal separator, Cross Flow ultrafiltration, N2 Freezer tunnel, Formulation equipments (Finisher, Mixer Tank, Colloidal Mill, Homogenizer), Rotational and still retort, Crusher, Aseptic processing and packaging, etc. 

Laboratories: Physicochemical lab (including Quality, Packaging and Sensory lab.), Microbiology lab (including Food Safety lab), Instrumental lab (GC and HPLC both MS/MS QQQ, AA, ICP, etc)
. Management, treatment and recovery of waters, circular economy, technological innovations, development of healthy products, food safety, shelf life and consumers preferences studies, packaging, energy and the environment, prototype scaling, new conservation technologies, process and product improvement, analytical control, technology surveillance and transfer, training, R + D + I support, technical assistance and advice, etc. 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

CIC nanoGUNE

Spain: Basque Country

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

CIC nanoGUNE is a Research Centre where the generation and transfer of scientific and technological knowledge is one of the driving forces of its activity. NanoGUNE works on the optimisation of processes or materials` properties that indirectly can lead to a cost reduction. Some case studies are surface treatments to optimise the rugosity, metallic or insulating coatings, optimisation of magnetic components, electrical properties characterisation at different temperatures and a whole range of physical and chemical characterisation of materials. We also offer a very effective and innovative solution to metal corrosion. In addition, we are at moment entering the field of quantum technologies.

Members of ESA-STAR, INAM, Nanomedicine Platforme (ETPN), Packaging Cluster, Materplat, AFM Cluster, Basque Health Cluster. 
Microscopy Platform

• ESEM

• FIBs

• TEM

A range of coating equipments to optimize materials´properties
. Methods

• ESEM - non-conducting and wet samples

• FIB fabrication

• HR TEM + in-situ

• 3D TEM and FIB imaging

• Gpix imaging

• EDX and EBSD

• In-situ machining

• FE simulations

• MD simulations

• Image simulation and analysis

 

Research lines

• Liquid phase TEM

• Nanoscale structure and properties of metals

 

Thin film coatings

Monitoring via multi spectroscopy combined with AI
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

LORTEK

Spain: Basque Country

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

LORTEK is a non-profit private research institute with a strong knowledge and capabilities in materials science, processing, engineering, structural integrity and Digital technologies (artificial vision, data analytics, IIoT, sensors, connectivity, simulation, robotics, etc.) applied to manufacturing. Its main specialization fields are:

Additive manufacturing
Joining Technologies
Industry 4.0 technologies, including non-destructive testing

The generated knowledge is transferred to the industrial sector by its application to industrial products and processes. Thus, it is clearly industry oriented, developing integral solutions for manufacturing technologies. The added value of LORTEK is to promote the capacity of innovation and industrialization of its customers in order to improve their competitiveness and sustainability.
-Robotized welding cells for laser, arc, friction and resistance welding, equipped with monitoring systems and different power sources

-Additive manufacturing-SLM cell: 3 machines for LPBF, including one with 4 lasers and monitoring capacity

-Additive manufacturing-LMD cell: DED robotized cell and 3-axis Cartesian kinematics station with monitoring capacity. Different laser sources

-Additive manufacturing-WAAM cell: robotized cells with various power sources

-Intelligent robotized cell

-CAD/CAM software for all above mentioned processes as well as simulation and distortion prediction software.

-Process control equipment

-Non-destructive inspection laboratory: ultrasound, thermography, artificial vision

-Process monitoring and sensing laboratory

-Dedicated servers for AI and Data intelligence

-Metallic materials testing laboratory
. R&D projects

We research and develop technology knowledge and capabilities to face real challenges. We develop new products, processes or services and improve the efficiency of industrial plants providing them with disruptive technology. Our aim is to explore new business models and improve company’s positioning in the market.

Transference

It is aimed at implementing customised solutions for today’s challenges and needs in manufacturing. Specially focused on companies requiring the implementation of short-term improvements to their production processes, as well as companies seeking new opportunities and needing qualitative improvement in their processes. Our value proposal is:

Diagnosis and feasibility studies for industrialisation
Customised industrial solutions
Consultancy
Quality assurance in welding

Technological services

LORTEK’s testing laboratory is certified according to UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025

Quality assurance in welding
Metallic materials testing and analysis

. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM

Germany: Baden-Württemberg

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM develops tailor-made measuring techniques and systems for industry. Many years of experience with optical technologies form the basis for high-tech solutions in the fields of production control, object and shape detection, gas and process technology as well as thermal energy converters.

Fraunhofer IPM has some 240 employees working in the fields of science, technology and administration. With scientific expertise, engineering creativity and a high level of commitment, each and every one of them works towards project success with partners from research and industry.

In the beginning there is an idea. After all, only really good ideas lead to convincing solutions. Fraunhofer IPM links the know-how and creativity of its employees to create something new – to the benefit of our customers and development partners.

Flexible and customer-focused:

We develop technologies, measurement techniques and systems to meet customer wishes.

… A producing company that can manage without sophisticated measuring technology is rare indeed. Measurements make it possible to monitor and optimize. Our scientists and engineers develop solutions in line with your ideas – from small sensors to complex turnkey systems.

Robust, powerful systems for industrial use from Fraunhofer IPM focus on the interplay of optics, mechanics, electronics and software.

Research at the Institute is organized in five business units with different technological focuses and application areas.
. Fraunhofer IPM supports its customers from the first idea, via a study or test measurement, through to the product ready for market launch. In order to take this route in a spirit of partnership and with your interests at heart, we offer you a range of very individual services and development assistance.

Fraunhofer IPM draws up studies in line with your wishes and specifications, develops solutions, builds prototypes and entire systems or transfers know-how to your company. In addition to this, we adapt standard systems and service our measurement systems professionally on site – and we do this around the world.
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

fortiss GmbH

Germany: Bavaria

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

foritss is the bavarian reseach institute for software intensive systems. It has been conducting first-class research activities, with a highly-recognized level of expertise, into the development of software-intensive systems, an issue that plays a central role for Bavaria’s high-tech industry. These systems are increasingly based on closely-related technologies in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Several aspects have special significance, including:

a pioneering role in the manageable development of reliable and safe software, AI and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
a multifaceted, direct correlation to industry partners for the solutions-oriented implementation of the results of the research and development activities.
an attractive service offering for the transfer of knowledge related to current developments in software, AI and IoT.
internal, expertise-oriented structures that offer talented researchers the best development opportunities.

fortiss is building up a series of living labs to explore and experience the newest technological developments through live demonstrators. 

As part of our research projects, the demonstrators in our fortiss lab visualise the prototypical implementation before the realization in practice. Here we offer you different possibilities to implement and evaluate first solution concepts and ideas.

 
. fortiss is offering a variety of services, especially to local SMEs through our transfer department fortiss Mittelstand (SME). 
These services are divided into 6 service categories: 

- Information Events

- Qualification

- Individual Advancement

- Prototypes

- Research Networks

- Contract Research
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

Alexandra Institute

Denmark: Central Jutland

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

The Alexandra Institute helps companies and organisations apply world-class IT research in practice. Since 1999, we have been on a mission to bring research outputs to market through partnerships and project collaboration with universities and companies.

WE BELIEVE THAT: Data-driven solutions create new business opportunities in all industries

Over the years, we have helped more than 1000 public and private organisations develop innovative data-driven products and services that enhance sustainable growth and societal wellbeing.

Our R&D specialists cover a wide range of academic disciplines, so when working with us, you can rest assured that our advice is based on the latest research findings. 
We provide research-based knowledge within these business areas:

Artificial intelligence
Computer vision
Cybersecurity
Digital green transition
Digital health
IoT and smart products

. Our services include:

- Software and product development

- Protoyping and proof of concept

- Pilot production

- Business development

- Research and innovation
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

Helsinki XR Center

Finland: Helsinki-Uusimaa

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

Helsinki XR Center (HXRC), home of Extended Reality is a centre of AR/VR research, development and start-up hub based in Helsinki and operated by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences  and FIVR (Finnish Virtual Reality Association).

Main activities of Helsinki XR Center are research and development actions under Metropolia RDI Services, startup support by offering inhouse XR teams office space, equipment, community and mentoring, and showcasing the Finnish XR industry through showroom activities and events.

The 8 people team of the center have diverse competencies ranging from startup and business development, event management and service design through state-of-the-art XR technologies and industry knowledge.

Our latest projects have concentrated on developing VR applications for citizen activation in decision-making and urban development, developing multiplayer VR applications for nurse training and accessibility studies, developing AR applications for building solutions and researching new…
HTC Vive Pro
Varjo XR1, Varjo XR3
Valve Index
Oculus Rift S
Hololens 2
HP Reverb
Samsung Odyssey
Oculus Quest 1(wireless)
Oculus Quest 2 (wireless) 
Oculus Go (wireless)
iPhone for AR applications
Azure Kinect cameras 
360 cameras
Haptic Gloves 

 
. VR Pavilion Finland - Virtual 3D venue for organizing events in Altspace, including expo area for partners and Amfi theatre 

XR Showroom for testing and visits

XR workshops (2 hours, 4 hours, 1 day) 

Consulting services 

Coaching and mentoring for startups 

Motion Capture Studio (Metropolia University of Applied Sciences) 

Green Screen and Multicam studios for development (Metropolia University of Applied Sciences) 

Photography studios (Metropolia University of Applied Science) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology

Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH - Wood K plus

Austria: Upper Austria

Overview

Mission/Objectives of the cluster organisation

We are a leading research organisation in the area wood and wood-related renewable resources in Europe. Our core competences are materials research and process technology along the complete value chain – from raw material to finished products. We develop methods and basics and perform applied research on the economy-science interface, in order to enable resource-efficient management in the circular bioeconomy.

Wood K plus analyzes in cooperation with industrial partners and SME the demand for innovation, organizes the demand in technological issues and identifies promising approaches to the problems that can be implemented in specific research projects. If necessary, Wood K plus also acts as project manager from project definition, preparation of applications for projects, integration of partners over processing to clearing and communication with sponsors.
Wood K plus has at its disposal a comprehensive infrastructure from laboratory scale up to pilot scale in the areas of

Wood Chemistry and Biotechnology
Wood Materials Technologies
Wood and Paper Surface Technologies
Biobased Composites and Processes
Market Analysis and Innovation Research

The specific equiment within the listed areas can be checked directly on our website.
. Wood K plus provides various service opportunities for cooperation:

Service agreements are provided in our framework for

material and process development
feasibility studies
expert reports
business consultancy

Joint research cooperation in collaborative (funded) international and national R&D&I-projects
. Yes. service.

Sectors
Technology