SMAR3TS partner University of Vaasa (UVA), Finland is working to enable Europe’s regions, industries and communities to move toward secure, climate-neutral and affordable hydrogen-based energy ecosystems.
Across Europe, energy systems are under increasing pressure from climate change, geopolitical instability, rising demand and ageing infrastructure. At the same time, renewables, hydrogen and digital technologies offer powerful new ways to create clean, flexible and locally controlled energy — but these opportunities are not yet connected into coherent, workable regional ecosystems.
This I3X Challenge focuses on turning emerging energy technologies into real, functioning regional hydrogen ecosystems that can be used by cities, ports, industrial parks and energy communities.
The goal is to move from fragmented pilots to integrated and resilient hydrogen energy ecosystems that deliver:
- Reliable electricity
- Clean fuels
- Local value creation
- Climate-neutral growth
The challenge focuses on turning emerging energy technologies into real, functioning regional hydrogen ecosystems that can be used by cities, ports, industrial parks and energy communities.
The goal is to move from fragmented pilots to integrated and resilient hydrogen energy ecosystems that deliver:
- Reliable electricity
- Clean fuels
- Local value creation
- Climate-positive growth
Thus, this Innovate3X (I3X) invites innovators, researchers and practitioners to work together through funded secondments to design, test and scale these next-generation hydrogen energy ecosystems.
SMAR3TS project partner - University of Vaasa (Department of Efficient Powertrain Solutions / School of Technology and Innovations) is looking for innovative approaches to develop future fuels and integrated combustion concepts.
Express your interest in SMAR3TS secondment - Your opportunity at the University of Vaasa (Vaasa, Finland)
This Innovate3X (I3X) challenge is initiated by the University of Vaasa within the SMAR3TS project and requires a secondment with a minimum duration of 30 days. Fully funded by the European Commission, the four-year SMAR3TS project started in October 2025 and unites 35 partners worldwide to accelerate resilient, restorative and regenerative transitions through research and innovation mobility.
For more info: please see the details in the attachments.
Please note: the secondments are open only to SMAR3TS Consortium Partners.
Necessary skills and capabilities across disciplines
This I3X brings together technology, innovation and system-building expertise needed to make hydrogen work in practice at scale.
To develop solutions, participants can contribute knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Renewable energy and smart grids
- Hydrogen and clean fuel systems
- Digital and data-driven energy solutions
- Business models, finance, and investment
- Energy policy and regulation
- Community and stakeholder engagement
The core challenge is not only technical — it is about connecting technology, markets, governance, and people into viable regional hydrogen ecosystems.
Examples of challenges that need to be addressed
I3X at the University of Vaasa – About the initiator
1. Background info
University of Vaasa combines expertise in energy transition, business renewal, and leadership of societal transformation, and is part of EnergyVaasa - the largest energy technology hub in the Nordics.
Website: www.uwasa.fi
2. Research Group/Company Department
The research group supports the end-to-end process of powertrain development from fuel to energy and emission management, while its research focuses on combustion engines.
Link to the website: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/research/groups-and-focus-areas/efficient-powertrain-solutions
Contact info:Maciej Mikulski, Professor, maciej.mikulski@uwasa.fi
See attachment: Expertise and available technologies at the University of Vaasa within the SMAR3TS project and examples of strategically relevant I3X Initiatives.
Alignment to Work-Packages (Nutrition, Mobility, Energy, Housing)
SMAR3TS domains that are relevant to the work of the University of Vaasa organization/research and innovation team:
This I3X relates to the domains of energyandmobility.
Alignment to Resilience, Restoration, Regeneration (R3)
The suggested I3X supports restoration and contributes to regeneration.
Note:
The expression of interest for this secondment must be submitted via the platform. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and you will be contacted as soon as possible. For any questions, please contact: info@smar3ts.eu
SMAR3TS (Staff Mobility to Action Resilient, Restorative, & Regenerative Transitions & Societies) enables secondments (staff exchanges), between 36 partners, across 16 countries (and 4 continents), to undertake cutting-edge research and innovation on resilience, restoration, regeneration (R3) across four sectors: energy, mobility, nutrition and housing, to accelerate pathways to economic, environmental and societal impact.
SMAR3TS is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Staff Exchange Program Project ID: 101236376.
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