All art materials are prone to degradation; in particular, the introduction of new creative manufacturing techniques in the 20th century art has yielded artworks with short lifetime expectancy. Fading, yellowing and discolouration are the most common degradation effects that result from the exposition to UV and visible light and oxidizing agents. The result of the degradation is the irreversible alteration of the appearance of contemporary artworks, which is a patrimony of mankind. This PoC project aims to develop innovative, multi-functional graphene-based products (graphene ‘veils’ and inclusions) that provide UV shielding, de-acidification, oxygen and humidity barriers for the protection of old and modern paintings and artworks. Recent advances in the understanding of the mechanical integrity of large graphene membranes as well as of innovative graphene-transfer processes through the current ERC Tailor Graphene has made possible the emergence of this application of strong societal value. The transparent protective graphene veil can be easily removed so it does not constitute an irreversible intervention on the art object. Moreover, for such an application the price of graphene does not hamper its business potential since the quantities are minimal. Two different classes of products are envisaged; CVD graphene membranes directly deposited to artworks for which transparency is required and graphene flakes that will be dispersed to colour paints and varnishes so as to bestow enhanced UV, oxidation and humidity resistance. The latter paves the way to extend this application to the huge market of architectural paints. A multi-disciplinary approach will be pursued for the implementation of this PoC and involves experimentation with CVD graphene sheets of various morphologies and sizes and the dispersion of nanographene as additives in paints. Finally, the development of a Business Plan will be undertaken in collaboration with business developers and patent specialists.

SPREAD2INNO brings together different innovation stakeholders – incubators, accelerators, innovation businesses, research organizations, consultancies and networks – from crucial European innovation regions: Germany, Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Greece and Italy. The goal is implementing scalable, replicable and holistic 2 year program for the provision of high quality business services, and collaboration between different entities of well-connected and less connected regional innovation ecosystems, with immediate impacts on the local and EU level. In order to create a sustainable and replicable model easily adopted by the rest of EU, the consortium will implement a set of activities for enhancing capacity and competitiveness of both business acceleration entities and SMEs and start-ups, particularly: - 6 local events that will provide insight of networking and exploring opportunities across Europe that relate to scaling-up of businesses, along with training courses aimed at improving business and marketing case of businesses, including roundtables for acceleration entities for educational and practical exchange and cross-contamination; - An online platform as a single point of reference for information exchange between different innovation ecosystems about opportunities, events and funding accessible in these regions; - 2 intensive educational/training Academies as well as tailor-made feasibility studies for participants; - A one-week business case and investor training for finalists (at least 50% woman-led businesses) delivered through collaboration of developed and less developed innovation ecosystem entities. The SPREAD2INNO unique and interdisciplinary methodology will enhance business activities in less developed innovation regions, reinforce their acceleration capacity and enable entrepreneurs to scale their concept to a fully concrete solution with strong market potential, subsequently enhancing the development and competitiveness of these regions.

Faced with the challenge of climate change, Europe aims to implement a decarbonised economy by 2050, using a renewable and sustainable energy system. Hydrogen as a means to store wind-powered and solar electricity is an essential part of this energy transition, and the use of these clean and carbon-free technologies is rapidly growing. However, to support the development of a hydrogen economy, a conjunction of factors needs to happen: 1/ technological advancements, 2/ bringing technology to market, 3/ public awareness and education. Over 30 months, HySchools has focused on giving young people and their educators across Europe the knowledge and tools to understand the challenges ahead and get involved in finding the energy solutions of the future.HySchools aimed at: -Increasing teachers’ confidence in teaching Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (HFCT) by providing a range of accessible and practical educational resources-Aligning HFCT education and industry needs through mixed stakeholders input to ensure that the new curriculum developed meets the skills required in the clean energy industry-Increasing general understanding of how HFCE can benefit Europe in achieving its carbon reduction targets The project focused on the following target groups:-Teachers and students from secondary schools and colleges-Teacher training providers -Industry -Policy-makersProject activities and results obtainedTo help the development of educational resources that would match teachers’ needs, HySchools carried out an extensive survey in which 590 teachers were involved, to identify the type of content, methods and activities they require to confidently teach HFCT. In parallel, partners developed a state-of-play of each partner country’s education system (including where HFCT is/could be taught) and its HFCT industry. Analysis of the findings led to the production of a research report, articulating a set of recommendations that informed the development of educational resources.The HySchools resources are a range of practical and free educational resources accessible online, aimed at secondary schools and colleges, organised in 11 topics relevant to HFCT, including topics beyond traditional science subjects. Each topic comprises of a teacher guide, PowerPoint presentations for students, additional resources and subject knowledge for teachers, insights from energy and technology companies, specially selected videos via the HySchools YouTube channel and a range of student activities including Kahoot quizzes.Alongside an extensive content, HySchools partners have developed an innovative teaching method which allows the co-production of learning sessions, and the development of transversal competencies for students, to increase their autonomy and resilience in their learning and their lives.262 teachers from 100 schools across the 6 partner countries have used the HySchools resources either in teacher training settings or in their classroom (to a total of 1332 students). An extensive evaluation was carried out, which highlighted that teachers’ confidence in teaching HFCT increased by 36% in average after using the HySchools resources; 97% said the resources enabled them to differentiate according to age and ability; and 65% said they were likely or very likely to use the resources in future lessons. A range of dissemination activities took place throughout the project, to increase engagement in the project, disseminate the project results, influence curriculum change and local/regional/national strategies focused on clean energy skills, jobs, and growth, and to support general HFCT awareness. It is estimated that dissemination activities reached approximately 29,000 people, ranging from schools, businesses, academics, policy-makers or general public. Two multiplier events were organised, to share the project results, in Italy in March 2019 and the UK in February 2020, attended by a range of target groups representatives. HySchools will continue its legacy, as the resources are available on online, therefore accessible worldwide. Also, a proposal has been submitted in April 2020, to follow on HySchools and create Europe-wide schools competitions on hydrogen and fuel cell education.