Introducing HEClab: Bridging Art-Driven Innovation with Sustainable Food Systems ○ HUNGRY ECOCITIES
We are thrilled to announce the launch of HEClab, our innovation platform designed to bridge the crucial gap between art-driven AI prototypes and real-world applications in the agri-food sector.
Featured image: ACOUSTIC AGRICULTURE, by Helena Nikonole
HEClab Beta: Powering Hungry EcoCities’ Second Open Call
HEClab is currently deployed in its beta version as an integral part of the matchmaking process for Hungry EcoCities’ second open call. Here’s how HEClab is being utilized in this process:
Prototype Showcase:
The platform hosts standardized prototype cards from the outcomes of the first round of Humanizing Technology Experiments and will also feature the prototype cards of artists interested to participate in second round of Paths-to-Progress experiments .
These cards provide a clear, concise overview of each innovation, making it easier for potential partners to understand and evaluate them.
SME Opportunities:
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) selected for the Path-to-Progress Experiments can create opportunity profiles on HEClab, detailing their needs and interests.
Intelligent Matching:
HEClab‘s algorithms suggest potential matches between prototypes and SME opportunities, facilitating connections that might not have occurred otherwise.
This beta deployment serves a dual purpose: it supports the immediate needs of the Hungry EcoCities project while also allowing us to gather valuable user feedback and performance data. This information will be crucial in refining HEClab‘s features and user experience as we move forward.
Looking Ahead: The Future of HEClab
While HEClab‘s current focus is on supporting the Hungry EcoCities project, our vision extends far beyond. We see HEClab evolving into a comprehensive platform for driving sustainable food innovation.
HEClab is designed with the capability to accommodate prototypes from various S+T+ARTS initiatives and beyond. This feature could potentially allow for the cross-pollination of ideas across different domains and geographical regions. It may offer a way to observe emerging trends and identify promising areas for further exploration.
Food consortiums might find value in HEClab as a tool to discover new technologies, identify potential collaboration partners, and stay informed about emerging trends. The platform’s matchmaking functionality, may help other consortiums find solutions that align with their specific needs and challenges.
As we confront the complex task of creating a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system, platforms like HEClab may prove useful.
HEClab is still in its early stages. However, it represents an interesting experiment in fostering innovation in the sustainable food space. By attempting to bridge the gap between artistic creativity, technological innovation, and practical implementation, HEClab aims to contribute to the development and adoption of innovative solutions.
We invite food consortiums and all stakeholders in sustainable food systems to explore HEClab as it develops. By engaging with such initiatives, we can collectively work towards shaping a better future for our food systems and our planet.
The HungryEcoCities project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement 101069990.
