Project Partners
The Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world, paves the way for innovation through an increasingly rich programme catalogue, cutting-edge research, a constant and increasingly broad international perspective and a strong third mission.
Since it was founded in 1088, the Alma Mater Studiorum has been student-centred, hosting prominent figures from the science and arts communities. With five campuses (Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, Rimini) and a branch in Buenos Aires, it offers a diversified course catalogue that is tailored to the needs of present-day society: over 200 degree programmes among its 32 departments and 5 schools are offered to over 82,000 students. 3,600 graduates are enrolled in PhDs and other 3rd-cycle programmes.
Ranked in the top 200 on the two most prestigious international university rankings, considered the leading university in Europe for student mobility (Erasmus+), the Alma Mater invests in sustainable development and contributes to the achievement of the 17 sustainable development goals proposed as part of the 2030 Agenda adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. As a comprehensive research university, it invests in a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural approach and in the inseparable connection between research and teaching. One of the most active in terms of leadership and participation in European research and academic cooperation projects, the University of Bologna has formed alliances with industry and public/private organizations. It is also a hub of international networks: beyond its close European links, it enjoys multiple connections with America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
APRA (Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association) is the only global association that has been representing the interests of automotive remanufacturing companies since 1941. APRA’s Europe Middle East Africa division (EMEA) is well-known as APRA Europe and based in Brussels, Belgium. The association’s approximately 600 members worldwide are primarily tier 1 suppliers and independent remanufacturers as well as core brokers. Together with FIRM, which merged into APRA Europe, we represent approximately two-thirds of all employees in the European automotive remanufacturing industry.
Bax & Company is a specialised consultancy firm dedicated to definition and facilitation of Open Innovation strategies for large industrial corporations as well as smaller high-tech companies, research institutes and governments. Bax & Company has over 20 years of experience in setting up and managing collaborative R&D projects and supporting in the commercialization and exploitation of R&D project results, as well as in the engagement with external stakeholders, citizens and public administration.
Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Ltd. (BZN) is a Hungarian research centre focusing on applied research and development. Through active participation in EU framework programmes over several decades, BZN has gained significant experience in translating research results into practice. As an applied research institute, BZN offers scientific and technical competence, technology upscaling and technology transfer services to its national and international partners.
BENTELER Automotive Raufoss, a distinguished arm of the globally renowned BENTELER International AG, spearheads the automotive sector with its cutting-edge aluminium extrusion-based solutions, situated amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Raufoss, Norway. From the intricate engineering of high-performance alloys to the meticulous final assembly, this facility stands as a pioneering force, continuously raising the bar for quality and innovation in automotive component manufacturing.
With a breadth of expertise encompassing chassis, safety, and structural systems, BENTELER Automotive Raufoss serves as an unrivalled bastion of excellence, driving forward the evolution of automotive engineering. Through a relentless commitment to precision and advancement, it not only meets but exceeds industry standards, setting new benchmarks that resonate across the automotive landscape.
CRF, founded in 1978, has the mission to develop and transfer innovative products, processes and methodologies in order to improve the competitiveness of the products of Stellantis. Also through the cooperation with a pan-European and increasingly global network of more than 1700 partners from Industry and academia, CRF conducts collaborative research initiatives at the national and international levels in partnership with all the key public and private stakeholders concerned with Sustainable Mobility, targeting specifically the industrial exploitation of research.
CRF develops research and innovation along the three principal axes of sustainability: Environmental Sustainability, which encompasses all aspects relating to energy efficiency as well as to the reduction of the impact on the environment over the entire lifecycle of the vehicle; Social Sustainability, focusing on the safety of transportation systems through the development of active, passive, preventive and cooperative solutions while addressing the mobility of all users irrespective of their specific needs; Economically sustainable competitiveness, oriented towards CRF participates with a leading role in several key European Technology Platforms. As part of Stellantis, CRF is also part of EUCAR association and specifically with a leading role in Affordability and Competitiveness Pillar dealing with materials and manufacturing and CLEPA, the European Association of the Automotive Suppliers. In Zevra, CRF is the owner of novel paradigm of design and manufacturing of cast Aluminum components for the vehicle body structure.
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of €39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.
The Tires group sector has 24 production and development locations worldwide. Continental is one of the leading tire manufacturers with 57,000 employees and posted sales of €14 billion in 2022 in this group sector. Continental ranks among the technology leaders in tire production and offers a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles as well as two-wheelers. Through continuous investment in research and development, Continental makes a major contribution to safe, cost effective and ecologically efficient mobility. The portfolio of the tire business includes services for the tire trade and fleet applications, as well as digital management systems for tires.
The EDAG Group is a globally leading, independent engineering services provider that combines excellent engineering with the latest technology trends. With a global network of some 60 branches, the EDAG Group realizes projects in the Vehicle Engineering, Electrics/Electronics and Production Solutions segments.
Drawing on more than 50 years of engineering experience, EDAG’s Proprietary 360-degree development approach has become a hallmark of quality in the holistic development of vehicles and smart factories. The company’s interdisciplinary expertise in the areas of software and digitization provides it with crucial skills to actively shape dynamic transformation processes as an innovative partner.
Endurance is the European Holding Company (since 2006) that manages the European Companies of the Group (Endurance Technologies Limited, founded 1985 in India). All plants 3 in Germany and 9 in Italy, are focused on automotive market and our business is connected with the most important Carmakers. Endurance is focused on casting, machining and assembling of aluminium parts (high pressure casting, gravity casting and forged) iron casting and steel forged parts and on injection molding.
Endurance offers to its Customers a complete service: from the projecting to the prototyping, from the industrialization to the production. Endurance delivers more than 30.000.000 of components every year. Most of which are ready to be assembled on cars, and is present on about 25% of the vehicles produced in all Europe.
FORVIA, 7th global automotive technology supplier, comprises the complementary technology and industrial strengths of Faurecia and HELLA. With over 290 industrial sites and 76 R&D centers, over 150,000 people, including more than 15,000 R&D engineers across 40+ countries, FORVIA provides a unique and comprehensive approach to the automotive challenges of today and tomorrow.
Composed of 6 business groups and a strong IP portfolio of over 14,000 patents, FORVIA is focused on becoming the preferred innovation and integration partner for OEMS worldwide. FORVIA aims to be a change maker committed to foreseeing and making the mobility transformation happen. We have committed to reaching CO2 Net Zero by no later than 2045, and our ambition is validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, based in Germany, is the world’s leading applied research organization. By prioritizing key technologies for the future and commercializing its findings in business and industry, it plays a major role in the innovation process. A trailblazer and trendsetter in innovative developments and research excellence, it is helping shape our society and our future. Founded in 1949, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany. Around 30,800 employees, predominantly scientists and engineers, work with an annual research budget of roughly €3.0 billion, €2.6 billion of which is designated as contract research.
Eurecat, Technology Centre of Catalonia, brings together the expertise of more than 750 professionals who generate a volume of income of 65 M € per year. Serving two thousand companies, Eurecat is involved in more than 200 projects of R&D national and international with high strategic value and has 200 patents and 10 technology companies.
With the Havel Lite® series, Havel metal foam has specialised in the development and production of aluminium foam and aluminium foam sandwiches – highly innovative lightweight construction materials. Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, a unique production technology has been developed with which this new type of material can be manufactured industrially. With the diverse Havel Lite® product range, completely new solutions for lightweight construction can be realised in many industrial sectors.
NTNU is a university with an international focus, with headquarters in Trondheim and campuses in Ålesund and Gjøvik, Norway. NTNU holds also an office in Brussels (NTNU Brussels Office). NTNU has a main profile in science and technology, a variety of programmes of professional study, and great academic breadth that also includes the humanities, social sciences, economics, medicine, health sciences, educational science, architecture, entrepreneurship, art disciplines and artistic activities. NTNU has eight faculties, the University Museum and University Library, and currently over 9000 full-time equivalent employees.
The involved entities of NTNU in Zevra project are the Dept. of Manufacturing & Civil Engineering and ASEMlab (Laboratory of Advanced & Sustainable Engineering Materials, (www.asemlab.no)), of NTNU Campus Gjøvik.
Politecnico di Milano is a leading Italian technical university where 40,000 engineers, architects and designers are educated each year. The Manufacturing and Production System Lab is part of the Mechanical Engineering Department (POLIMI-MECC). Its main research topics concern the area of transformation processes of industrial products ranging from mechanical and technological characteristics of transformed materials to methodologies and tools for designing processes, as well as the planning, management and control of manufacturing and assembly systems.
POLIMI is ranked in the EU top 10 for Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering. POLIMI-MECC has extensive experience in the development and coordination of large innovation projects, including EU funded projects, as well as in the transfer of technological innovations to industry.
Polymeris is the competitiveness cluster for rubber, plastics, and composites. It draws on 15 years’ expertise and experience to support companies, providing in-depth knowledge of the techniques and markets of tomorrow. A benchmark for innovation in the rubber, plastic, and composite sectors, we work in France and internationally to promote a dynamic, innovative industry, via a network of major public and private players at regional, national and European level. Polymeris provides services to all manufacturers, helping them to develop new R&D projects, drive and promote innovation, and expand their international operations.
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA/ Euronext Milan: STLAM/ Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. It’s best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, while creating added value for all stakeholders.
Raffmetal is Europe’s largest manufacturer of recycled aluminium alloys. With an annual productive capacity of over 350,000 tons/year, 420 employees, 2 production plants, the company is able to respond to the needs of international customers operating in different sectors. The total control of the supply chain and the application of technological solutions among the most advanced in the treatment and selection of scrap, allow us to offer high quality alloys with a low carbon footprint.
RISE is Sweden’s research institute and innovation partner. Through our international collaboration programmes with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the Swedish business community on an international level and contribute to a sustainable society. Our almost 3300 employees engage in and support all types of innovation processes. RISE is an independent, State-owned research institute, which offers unique expertise and over 130 testbeds and demonstration environments for future-proof technologies, products and services.
Škoda, one of the world’s oldest car manufacturers, was founded in 1895 by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement. Since becoming part of the Volkswagen Group in 1994, Škoda has expanded its presence to approximately 100 markets globally. The company is committed to providing products and services that benefit everyday drivers, businesses, and communities. Škoda considers sustainability to be a transformative process and takes a holistic approach to the topic, emphasizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Its “Best-in-class in ESG” strategy sets clear goals across these pillars, outlining the path to achieving them for the benefit of the environment and all stakeholders.
TU Braunschweig is one of the leading universities of technology in Germany (TU9). The Institute for Engineering Design at TU Braunschweig provides approaches, methods and tools for the development of modern products that meet various physical, human, economic and normative requirements. The Institute for Engineering Design has over 50 years of experience in engineering design research, working with other research institutions and industry.
VTT, as one of Europe’s leading research institutions owned by the Finnish state, pioneers over 80 years of experience in cutting-edge scientific research providing high-end technology solutions and innovation services. VTT advances utilisation and commercialisation of world-class applied research and technology in commerce and society, turning large global challenges into sustainable growth for businesses and society. VTT’s extensive activities in carbon-neutral solutions, sustainable products and materials and digital technologies help its clients and stakeholders to undertake new and sustainable business activities. This is how VTT creates sustainable growth, jobs and wellbeing, bringing together people, business, science and technology that contribute to a brighter future and bring exponential hope.
Sisecam was founded in 1935 to establish Turkey’s glass industry in line with the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a great leader respected worldwide. Today, Sisecam is a major global player in the fields of glass and chemicals. Sisecam is the only global company operating in all core areas of glass production – including flat glass, glassware, glass packaging, and glass fiber. Currently, Sisecam ranks among the world’s top two manufacturers of glassware and the top five producers of glass packaging and flat glass. Sisecam is one of the three largest soda ash producers in the world and the world leader in chromium chemicals.
Sisecam plays a leading role in the flat glass, glassware, glass packaging, chemicals, automotive, glass fiber, mining, energy, and recycling business lines. Sisecam operates production facilities in Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russian Federation, Georgia, Ukraine, Egypt, India, and the USA in addition to Turkey.
Thanks to its competent human resources and smart technologies, Sisecam takes firm steps towards its goal of becoming one of the world’s top 3 manufacturers in its main fields of activity. Şişecam continues to transform its digital infrastructure and culture by considering the future necessities uninterruptedly. Sisecam who has 89 years of experience, more than 25 thousand employees, production activities in 14 countries on four continents, and a sales network of more than 150 countries, continues its growth journey in line with its “Global Excellence” strategy and with an inclusive approach that supports the development of company’s entire ecosystem.
Sisecam takes responsibility for protecting the planet, empowering society, and transforming life with its CareForNext strategy, which is compliant with and centered around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sisecam uses all its experience and competencies to promote sustainable development in every aspect.
Sisecam sees sustainability as the focal point of its operations and a core component of its business model. The Company plans and realizes all its investment decisions and product and process development activities by considering social and environmental impacts. Sisecam aims to expand its sustainability vision to include all its stakeholders in every aspect of its value chain – from raw material supply to post-consumer recovery.
The University of Northumbria at Newcastle (UNN) is a research-intensive modern university in the United Kingdom, ranked 23 for research power in the recent national Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 exercise. UNN has been named University of the Year 2022 in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards. UNN hosts approximately 25,000 students from over 137 countries, including nearly 10,000 postgraduate students, and employing 3,000 core staff working across four faculties in disciplines ranging from fine art to material physics. UNN is dedicated to supporting the career development of all researchers, evidenced by the European Commission HR Excellence in Research status, which it has held since 2013. UNN also has substantial experience as partner or coordinator in many national and international funded research projects.
The Volkswagen Group, with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and commercial vehicles the largest carmaker in Europe. It operates globally, with 114 production facilities in 19 European countries and ten countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. Ten strong, independent core brands that meet every mobility need leverage synergies within the Group. They are divided into the brand groups ‘Core’, ‘Progressive’ and ‘Sport Luxury’. With our brands, business units and financial services, we are shaping the zero-emission and autonomous future of mobility. With our Group strategy we are paving the way for the biggest change process in our history. The focus is on the main multidisciplinary areas addressed by our four technology platforms – mechatronics, software, battery & charging, and mobility solutions.
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