1. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLITEHNICA BUCHAREST (UNSTPB), Romania – project coordinator, academic sector

 

www.upb.ro

UNSTPB, established in 1948, is Romania’s most prestigious engineering institution. It comprises 15 faculties offering undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs across various engineering disciplines. As a member of international associations such as the European Association for International Education (EAIE), the European University Association (EUA), and the Council of Universities of Science and Technology in Europe (CESAER), the university actively participates in global academic and research communities.

UNSTPB’s strategic vision focuses on fostering innovation, enhancing civic engagement and social inclusion, diversifying learning through technology, and increasing mobility for students, faculty, and researchers. It actively collaborates with global academic and industrial partners, advancing cutting-edge research and technological development. Collaboration with industrial partners from the country and abroad is key and promotes innovation through technological transfer from academia to industry.

  1. UNIVERSITY OF RUSE ANGEL KANCHEV (UR), Bulgaria – project partner, academic sector

 

https://www.uni-ruse.bg/en

UR is a state-funded higher education institution with approximately 8,000 students and over 400 highly qualified lecturers. As one of Bulgaria’s 10 largest universities and the leading multi-profile institution along the Danube, UR plays a key role in international cooperation. Actively participating in EU programs like Erasmus+, Horizon 2020, and Interreg, it ranks among Bulgaria’s top three universities for international projects, mobility, and external funding. With over 500 bilateral agreements across 51 countries, UR fosters global collaboration. Its research projects focus on regional and cross-border cooperation, addressing inter-regional partnerships, sustainability in the Danube River basin, and the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage while strengthening European education and science networks.

  1. MOLDOVA STATE UNIVERSITY (MSU/USM), Republic of Moldova – project partner, academic sector

 

www.usm.md 

MSU/USM is the country’s oldest and largest university, offering a wide range of study programs and research fields. As a member of international organizations such as the International Association of Universities (IAU), the Francophone University Agency (AUF), and the Eurasian Association of Universities (AEU), MSU/USM has extensive experience in global collaboration through Tempus and Erasmus+ projects. Its strategy focuses on modernizing curricula, fostering creativity, promoting innovation, and strengthening international partnerships within the framework of European integration. Research is a core pillar of the academic process, positioning USM among the top institutions in national rankings. With a strong academic community of approximately 800 teaching and research staff, USM continues to drive excellence in education and scientific advancement.

  1. BRNO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (BUT), Czechia – project partner, academic sector

 

https://www.vut.cz/en/  

BUT is among the largest technical universities in the Czech Republic and one of the country’s leading institutions for engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Founded in 1899, BUT has a long tradition of academic excellence, innovation, and research, offering a diverse range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across its eight faculties. These cover fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil, and IT engineering, as well as architecture, business, and fine arts.

A key player in international collaboration, BUT is actively involved in programs like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and other global research initiatives. It maintains partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide, fostering student and staff mobility and joint research projects. The university emphasizes industry collaboration, bridging the gap between academia and business through technology transfer, startup incubation, and applied research projects.

  1. POLITECHNIKA LODZKA (TUL), Poland – project partner, academic sector

 

https://p.lodz.pl/en

TUL is one of Poland’s leading technical universities, recognized for its high-quality education, innovative research, and strong industry collaboration. Established in 1945, TUL has grown into a prestigious institution offering a wide range of engineering, science, and technology programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. With nine faculties, the university provides diverse fields of study, including mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, as well as IT, biotechnology, and management.

TUL is a key player in international academic cooperation, actively participating in programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and various bilateral research initiatives. It has partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide, fostering student and faculty exchanges, double-degree programs, and collaborative projects. The university is also a member of several global academic networks, enhancing its research visibility and international impact.

  1. THE INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION AND RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT (INNOWO), Poland – project partner, academic sector

 

https://www.innowo.org/en  

The Institute of Innovation and Responsible Development (INNOWO) is a research organization and action-oriented think tank dedicated to driving innovation and implementing systemic changes for sustainable socio-economic development. As a key player in promoting circular economy solutions, INNOWO is a member of the Coordination Group of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform and leads the Leadership Group for Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainable Food Chains. Through strategic initiatives, research, and collaboration, the institute fosters innovation-driven sustainability and transformative policies at both national and European levels.

  1. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY (IU), Tukey – project partner, academic sector

 

https://www.istanbul.edu.tr/en/

Founded in 1453, IU is among the first and longest-standing institutions in Türkiye. Located in various Campuses and Research Centres in and around the city, Istanbul University is a public academic institution comprising: 17 Faculties, 1 Conservatory, 2 Vocational Schools, 2 Colleges, 14 Graduate Institutes and various research units. The research centers and units are specialized in various fields such as Circular Economy, Economy Policies, Career Development, the European Union, Women Studies, Lifelong Learning, Disability and Immigration. Istanbul University is among the top ten research universities in Türkiye. Serving more than half a million students, with more than 5000 scholars, the university is a leading public institution in research, funding, innovation, and teaching. IU Alumni include CEOs, presidents, and two Nobel prize winners.

  1. INFOR ELEA (INFOR), Italy – project partner, non-academic sector

 

https://www.inforelea.academy/

INFOR is a well-known professional training institution specializing in innovative learning solutions for individuals and businesses. With decades of experience, the academy has established itself as a key player in vocational education, corporate training, and digital learning, offering a wide range of courses designed to enhance professional skills and career development.

INFOR actively participates in EU-funded programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and lifelong learning initiatives and fosters knowledge exchange, innovation, and skill development at a European and global level. It also maintains partnerships with universities, research institutions, and enterprises, creating opportunities for students to gain international exposure and professional mobility. INFOR integrates modern teaching methodologies, including e-learning, blended learning, and immersive training experiences. Its commitment to excellence in education, continuous innovation, and close industry ties make it a top choice for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and adapt to the rapidly changing job market.

  1. ROMANIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION (ASRO), Romania – project partner, non-academic sector

 

https://www.asro.ro/

ASRO is a private body of public interest acting as an organizational host for the Romanian standardization activity and serves as the country’s key entity in ensuring that products, services, and processes align with international and national quality, safety, and environmental requirements. It participates actively in standardization efforts at both European and global levels, fostering the modernization of the Romanian economy, ensuring competitiveness, and enhancing consumer safety.

Through its extensive network, ASRO offers certification, training, and consultation services to industries across Romania. It also acts as an advisor to governmental bodies, ensuring that the country’s policies and regulations are consistent with internationally recognized standards.

  1. INSTITUT EUROPEEN D’ETUDES DU DEVELOPPEMENT (IEED), France – project partner, non-academic sector

 

https://ieedeveloppement.org/

The Institut Européen d’Études du Développement (IEED) is a think tank dedicated to actively engaging in debates on the economic, social, and political development of contemporary European societies. Many of its team members are experts in Central and Eastern European countries with a strong focus on development issues. Development, as understood by the IEED, encompasses the economic, social, and political dynamics shaping modern societies. The institute’s research follows an interdisciplinary approach, combining fields such as Institutional Economics, Economic Sociology, Behavioral Economics, Ethnography, History, Philosophy and Ethics, and Political Science.

  1. BEIA GMBH (BEIA), Austria – project partner, non-academic sector

 

https://beia.at/

Beia GmbH offers advanced IoT-based telemetry services across various industries, such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, smart cities, cybersecurity, and energy. The service integrates time-critical cloud computing for industrial IoT and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) within the context of Industry 4.0. The company’s fields of activity include service innovation and information technologies, communication technologies learning and training, as well as standardization, communication/dissemination/marketing, business development, market access, consultancy, and project management.

Beia GmbH has established numerous partnerships across the Balkan/Danube region with a wide range of entities, including government bodies (cities, regions, national and regional agencies, municipal organizations, public transport companies), industry leaders, SMEs, critical infrastructure operators (telecom, energy, water, food, nuclear, chemical industries, etc.), first responder organizations (firefighters, ambulance, Red Cross, volunteer groups, CERT/CSIRT), law enforcement agencies (police, border guard, customs, coast guard, ports administration), NGOs, and research/education institutions like TU Wien, JOANNEUM, AIT, BOKU, WU Wien, University of Tuebingen etc.