CTA has travelled to Zagreb to participate in the Training Days of the AeroSTREAM project, which aims to strengthen research and innovation capacities in higher education institutions in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the 7th, 8th and 9th of October, Silvia de los Santos Trigo, technical manager of the Aerospace and Production Processes sector at CTA, and María Jiménez, innovation consultant at CTA, offered two specialised workshops in the framework of the consortium meeting of this project.

The first workshop, entitled ‘Training for spin-off creation’, given by Silvia de los Santos, aimed to guide participants through the process of creating spin-offs, highlighting their importance in fostering innovation and generating quality employment. During the session, crucial topics such as intellectual property protection, financing strategies, and ways to overcome the challenges faced by entrepreneurship in emerging sectors were addressed.

In addition, case studies of successful spin-offs were presented, demonstrating their positive impact on different industries. This training proved to be a valuable tool for those interested in transforming innovative ideas into thriving and competitive companies.

The second workshop, ‘Managing Horizon Europe projects’, delivered by María Jiménez, provided attendees with a practical approach to the management and implementation of projects funded by the Horizon Europe programme. Participants were able to familiarise themselves with best practices in project management and explore innovative strategies to maximise the impact of EU-funded initiatives.

During this training, emerging challenges in the European research ecosystem were discussed, as well as the opportunities Horizon Europe offers for institutions and companies. These trainings not only equipped attendees with essential knowledge, but also provided a space for the exchange of ideas and solutions on the latest challenges in the innovation landscape.

AeroSTREAM and Drone Days 2024: A step forward for research and innovation

The trainings and the annual face-to-face meeting of the AeroSTREAM project took place in the context of Drone Days 2024, an international event that in its fourth edition in Zagreb remains a reference in the world of aerial robotics.

DroneDays is a two-day workshop on unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), which includes guest lectures, panel discussions and a company exhibition, focusing on drone applications in various industries and among end users. DroneDays serves as a meeting point for experts from industry and academia, as well as regulatory bodies in the region.

In this edition, the event has covered topics on the application of drones in emergency response, from police and fire to rescue services. It will also explore their use in industry and agriculture, as well as in natural resource management and urban administration.

In addition, international research achievements and competitions have been presented. And there has also been discussion on how to connect research and the startup ecosystem, along with best practice examples from abroad.

With prominent participation in events such as Drone Days, the AeroSTREAM project continues to establish itself as a key initiative for scientific cooperation and boosting technological innovation in Eastern Europe.