At a glance
The UFO project is based on two main assumptions.
First, business opportunities lie in the combination of space data with digital technologies and other sources of data. Embedded Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) into small flying objects (SFOs – drones, small satellites, high altitude platforms) represent a great opportunity to collect additional aerospace data, especially to drive the Artificial Intelligence revolution for various global applications.
Second, the value added applications in Europe are mostly driven by SMEs. Thus, the UFO project aims at fostering the development of cross-sectoral industrial value chains between 6 emerging industries (Mobility, Environment, Blue Growth, Finance and Insurance, Climate, Digital and Creative/Gaming), SFOs, embedded KETs and data analysis and exploitation solutions stimulating the development of new products and services by SMEs.
To achieve this, the consortium provides a systemic and strategic vision. Clusters, which gather SMEs, large groups, R&D actors, and other innovation entities, are crucial to create links between different value chains, basically the data providers and the information product providers that turn raw data into valuable information.
The UFO consortium and associate partner consisting of 8 emerging industry clusters including 5 SFOs, embedded KETs, ICT clusters, representing more than 1000 SMEs throughout 5 different EU countries and sectors. The partners have the capacity to carry such actions as they will foster partnerships between the different links (their members) of value chains and provide them incentives through the launch of call for proposals providing Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) and innovation services provided by clusters. They represent some of Europe’s most dynamic clusters including Gold and Bronze labelled ones with a history of cooperation, a track record of supporting innovation actions for SMEs.
The overall approach of the UFO project is to foster collaboration between SMEs from different sectors (SFO / embedded KETs / ICT and emerging industries) and from different countries across Europe to benefit from the full diversity gathered by the consortium, using the open innovation principles as guidance, from idea generation to actions. Furthermore, the UFO project will be based on the good practices of the successful INNOSUP-1funded project NEPTUNE, coordinated by Aerospace Valley (2015-2018): foster involvement of end-users and potential customer’s, remote on-line cross-sectoral and cross-border emergence of ideas and remote online matchmaking, simplicity of the direct support services to SMEs (lump sum FSTP, only a few types of services, open to SMEs members of the clusters or established in their territories, as clusters have a better knowledge and close relation with them).
The selected projects and SMEs will be supported further on to discover additional public or private funding opportunities. In this context, the UFO consortium will design an acceleration program tailored for each of the SMEs’ specific needs, involving international experts, investors and potential collaborators.
The UFO consortium and associate partner consisting of 8 emerging industry clusters including 5 SFOs, embedded KETs, ICT clusters, representing more than 1000 SMEs throughout 5 different EU countries and sectors. The partners have the capacity to carry such actions as they will foster partnerships between the different links (their members) of value chains and provide them incentives through the launch of call for proposals providing Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) and innovation services provided by clusters. They represent some of Europe’s most dynamic clusters including Gold and Bronze labelled ones with a history of cooperation, a track record of supporting innovation actions for SMEs.
The overall approach of the UFO project is to foster collaboration between SMEs from different sectors (SFO / embedded KETs / ICT and emerging industries) and from different countries across Europe to benefit from the full diversity gathered by the consortium, using the open innovation principles as guidance, from idea generation to actions. Furthermore, the UFO project will be based on the good practices of the successful INNOSUP-1funded project NEPTUNE, coordinated by Aerospace Valley (2015-2018): foster involvement of end-users and potential customer’s, remote on-line cross-sectoral and cross-border emergence of ideas and remote online matchmaking, simplicity of the direct support services to SMEs (lump sum FSTP, only a few types of services, open to SMEs members of the clusters or established in their territories, as clusters have a better knowledge and close relation with them).