PBN HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH NEWS SUMMARY
2025-04-07
In March, the Pannon Business Network concluded an intensive month of activities: the SMART CIRCUIT conference, focusing on the digital and circular transformation of manufacturing SMEs, was held in Szombathely, while transnational training sessions showcasing the application of AI were organized in both Slovenia and Hungary under the BrAIn project. The annual reviews of the WE.Circular and DECORATOR projects confirmed the successful cooperation among partners, while the NOTRE project explored new opportunities in healthcare robotics through a Finnish-Hungarian professional exchange program. Additionally, the international meetings of the BEST DIH and KARMA projects were of great significance, along with the CIRCES initiatives aimed at engaging the younger generation.
BrAIn - Transnational training series
Topic1: Artificial Intelligence in agriculture
Building on its initial success, the second transnational training session on AI in manufacturing convened in Murska Sobota, Slovenia, from March 11-12. This event gathered experts to discuss the impact of AI in agriculture and food production. The session covered advanced topics like AI-driven soil analysis, precision irrigation, crop monitoring using machine learning, and the application of IoT in smart agriculture. Practical demonstrations and field visits to Zelena Tocka and Kmetija Cigut showcased AI tools in action. Supported by ITC - Innovation Technology Cluster, this training series continues to influence sustainable agricultural advancements through AI.
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Topic2: Artificial Intelligence in healthcare
On March 13-14, the final session of the AI-focused transnational training series was hosted by the Pannon Business Network in Szombathely, Hungary. The conference gathered experts and healthcare professionals to discuss AI's role in medicine, latest developments, and enhancing healthcare system efficiency. Participants explored AI's impact on diagnostics, personalized medicine, patient-centred care, and the ethical and regulatory aspects of data management. Practical demonstrations and workshops, such as the "Meet Ameca" session, showcased AI applications in practice.
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Seinajoki NOTRE staff exchange
In the framework of the project NOTRE, five Finnish stakeholders from our South Ostrobothnia Wellbeing Technology Ecosystem participated on a 3-day visit at our PBN led Western Hungarian Digital Health Ecosystem in Hungary as well as in Austria. The objective was to identify business collaboration opportunities for an automated medicine dispenser robot. The delegation consisted of VC owner, start-up CEO, Seinäjoki Applied Science University representatives. Having visited PBN facilities – am-LAB advanced manufacturing laboratory, that at-home senior care digitalization centre – the delegation successfully met an intermediary professional to the German speaking markets. Multiple German regions were identified as market entry points.The following day, the teams met the Head of the Institute Nursing Science & Programme Director at Krems University of Applied Science, where another agreement was outlined for testing the medication unit.
WE.Circular – First-year review
The first-year review meeting of the WE.Circular project took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia, in March, organized by the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the meeting, the achievements of the project’s first year, financial management, and the status of the work packages were reviewed. The detailed feedback from participants and the joint discussions provided valuable guidance for the continuation of the project. A representative of the Joint Secretariat also attended the event in person and found the project’s progress to be on track, confirming the partners’ commitment and the success of the joint efforts.
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BEST DIH - Interregional creative workshop on good practices
On 26–27 March, BEST-DIH project partners met for a Creative Interregional Workshop, focusing on matchmaking Good Practices and exploring Improvement opportunities of partners' policy instruments. Organized by Axencia Galega de Innovación (GAIN), the event brought together regional partners from Romania, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Italy and Hungary for two days of interactive sessions, study visits, and strategic dialogue.
Smart Circuit - “Digital and Circular Transformation of Manufacturing SMEs” Conference
The “Digital and Circular Transformation of Manufacturing SMEs” conference, held in Szombathely, Hungary on March 5th, was successfully organized by Pannon Business Network within the SMART CIRCUIT project. The event brought together 65 participants — both onsite and online — including SMEs, policymakers, and Digital Innovation Hubs, to explore green and digital solutions for the manufacturing sector. Attendees engaged in high-level panels, site visits, and expert-led masterclasses focused on real-world circular economy practices and strategic innovation. A highlight was the merged panel discussion that emphasized the vital link between technology, education, and workforce upskilling. The full conference is available online, offering insights and inspiration for those shaping the future of circular manufacturing.
Conference link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDIGC5nnP2Y&t=1447s
KARMA - Construction waste management study visit
The PBN participated in the 6th KARMA Partner Meeting in Flanders, which focused on circular economy practices in the construction sector. The event took place from March 25 to 27, in Mechelen and included expert discussions, project presentations, and site visits. A key highlight was the discussion on circular strategies in urban development, with insights from industry professionals and researchers. Participants also visited sustainable construction projects like the Cocon initiative and the Rotor Deconstruction reuse centre. The program featured networking opportunities, guided tours, and presentations on policy and innovation in circular construction.
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AI REDGIO 5.0 – AI in manufacturing
The AI REDGIO project's full partnership plenary meeting was held in Santiago de Compostela, with the participation of a representative from PBN. During the meeting, partners, including PBN, presented the results of their developments using artificial intelligence solutions. PBN’s development uses AI to improve energy efficiency and recycling by making smart real-time decisions based on data from various sources, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
AIRISE – Milestones and future plans
In the second half of March, the city of Patras in Greece hosted a two-day international partner meeting of the AIRISE project. During the event, participants not only reviewed the project's key milestones — in just under two years, AIRISE has supported European SMEs through 35 experiments and 8 pilot calls to help them integrate AI-based solutions into their manufacturing processes — but also discussed next steps and explored options for long-term financial sustainability.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the field visit to the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems & Automation (LMS), where partners had the opportunity to see cutting-edge automation and robotics innovations in action. Additionally, the AIRISE Ambassadors — key players in supporting SMEs and promoting AI adoption — took part in a hands-on training session to further strengthen their skills and expertise.
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Decorator - First Year Review meeting highlights and pilot activity planning
The first-year review meeting of the DECORATOR project took place in Budapest with the personal attendance of the Joint Secretariat (JS), who confirmed that everything was in order. The agenda included a detailed overview of the project's progress and financial management, as well as the status of various work packages. Pilot activities planned for 2025 were discussed extensively, focusing on their implementation. These pilots aim to support construction companies in adopting circular solutions. The approach is aligned with the principles of the New European Bauhaus and Cradle to Cradle design philosophy.
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Circes - Workshop for school groups on circular economy
On March 10, PBN visited Jurisich Miklós High School in Kőszeg, where they introduced the Circes project during an English class. The session included a brief lesson on the linear economy, its impacts and consequences, as well as an introduction to the concept of the circular economy and design. To conclude the lesson, students participated in an interactive team activity focusing on sustainable fashion, conscious clothing purchases and alternatives for handling garments that are no longer in use.
The MCC High School Program offers a unique initiative for students in grades 9–12, operating for over 20 years. It provides a continuous educational path from upper primary school through the Leadership Academy and even to doctoral studies. The organization’s goal is to prepare students for successful further education and support them in planning long-term career paths. Bringing together around 4,000 talented students, the organization organizes thematic club afternoons, extra Saturday learning sessions, and foreign language courses for its participants. For this reason, on March 28, a group of students visited PBN’s digital innovation center (am-LAB) to explore the latest digital technologies and development trends. As part of the Circes project, during a workshop they also received education on the differences between the linear and circular economy, as well as on circular design principles.
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BrAIn - Transnational training series
Topic1: Artificial Intelligence in agriculture
Building on its initial success, the second transnational training session on AI in manufacturing convened in Murska Sobota, Slovenia, from March 11-12. This event gathered experts to discuss the impact of AI in agriculture and food production. The session covered advanced topics like AI-driven soil analysis, precision irrigation, crop monitoring using machine learning, and the application of IoT in smart agriculture. Practical demonstrations and field visits to Zelena Tocka and Kmetija Cigut showcased AI tools in action. Supported by ITC - Innovation Technology Cluster, this training series continues to influence sustainable agricultural advancements through AI.
Topic2: Artificial Intelligence in healthcare
On March 13-14, the final session of the AI-focused transnational training series was hosted by the Pannon Business Network in Szombathely, Hungary. The conference gathered experts and healthcare professionals to discuss AI's role in medicine, latest developments, and enhancing healthcare system efficiency. Participants explored AI's impact on diagnostics, personalized medicine, patient-centred care, and the ethical and regulatory aspects of data management. Practical demonstrations and workshops, such as the "Meet Ameca" session, showcased AI applications in practice.
Seinajoki NOTRE staff exchange
In the framework of the project NOTRE, five Finnish stakeholders from our South Ostrobothnia Wellbeing Technology Ecosystem participated on a 3-day visit at our PBN led Western Hungarian Digital Health Ecosystem in Hungary as well as in Austria. The objective was to identify business collaboration opportunities for an automated medicine dispenser robot. The delegation consisted of VC owner, start-up CEO, Seinäjoki Applied Science University representatives. Having visited PBN facilities – am-LAB advanced manufacturing laboratory, that at-home senior care digitalization centre – the delegation successfully met an intermediary professional to the German speaking markets. Multiple German regions were identified as market entry points.The following day, the teams met the Head of the Institute Nursing Science & Programme Director at Krems University of Applied Science, where another agreement was outlined for testing the medication unit.
WE.Circular – First-year review
The first-year review meeting of the WE.Circular project took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia, in March, organized by the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the meeting, the achievements of the project’s first year, financial management, and the status of the work packages were reviewed. The detailed feedback from participants and the joint discussions provided valuable guidance for the continuation of the project. A representative of the Joint Secretariat also attended the event in person and found the project’s progress to be on track, confirming the partners’ commitment and the success of the joint efforts.
BEST DIH - Interregional creative workshop on good practices
On 26–27 March, BEST-DIH project partners met for a Creative Interregional Workshop, focusing on matchmaking Good Practices and exploring Improvement opportunities of partners' policy instruments. Organized by Axencia Galega de Innovación (GAIN), the event brought together regional partners from Romania, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Italy and Hungary for two days of interactive sessions, study visits, and strategic dialogue.
Smart Circuit - “Digital and Circular Transformation of Manufacturing SMEs” Conference
The “Digital and Circular Transformation of Manufacturing SMEs” conference, held in Szombathely, Hungary on March 5th, was successfully organized by Pannon Business Network within the SMART CIRCUIT project. The event brought together 65 participants — both onsite and online — including SMEs, policymakers, and Digital Innovation Hubs, to explore green and digital solutions for the manufacturing sector. Attendees engaged in high-level panels, site visits, and expert-led masterclasses focused on real-world circular economy practices and strategic innovation. A highlight was the merged panel discussion that emphasized the vital link between technology, education, and workforce upskilling. The full conference is available online, offering insights and inspiration for those shaping the future of circular manufacturing.
Conference link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDIGC5nnP2Y&t=1447s
KARMA - Construction waste management study visit
The PBN participated in the 6th KARMA Partner Meeting in Flanders, which focused on circular economy practices in the construction sector. The event took place from March 25 to 27, in Mechelen and included expert discussions, project presentations, and site visits. A key highlight was the discussion on circular strategies in urban development, with insights from industry professionals and researchers. Participants also visited sustainable construction projects like the Cocon initiative and the Rotor Deconstruction reuse centre. The program featured networking opportunities, guided tours, and presentations on policy and innovation in circular construction.
AI REDGIO 5.0 – AI in manufacturing
The AI REDGIO project's full partnership plenary meeting was held in Santiago de Compostela, with the participation of a representative from PBN. During the meeting, partners, including PBN, presented the results of their developments using artificial intelligence solutions. PBN’s development uses AI to improve energy efficiency and recycling by making smart real-time decisions based on data from various sources, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
AIRISE – Milestones and future plans
In the second half of March, the city of Patras in Greece hosted a two-day international partner meeting of the AIRISE project. During the event, participants not only reviewed the project's key milestones — in just under two years, AIRISE has supported European SMEs through 35 experiments and 8 pilot calls to help them integrate AI-based solutions into their manufacturing processes — but also discussed next steps and explored options for long-term financial sustainability.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the field visit to the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems & Automation (LMS), where partners had the opportunity to see cutting-edge automation and robotics innovations in action. Additionally, the AIRISE Ambassadors — key players in supporting SMEs and promoting AI adoption — took part in a hands-on training session to further strengthen their skills and expertise.
Decorator - First Year Review meeting highlights and pilot activity planning
The first-year review meeting of the DECORATOR project took place in Budapest with the personal attendance of the Joint Secretariat (JS), who confirmed that everything was in order. The agenda included a detailed overview of the project's progress and financial management, as well as the status of various work packages. Pilot activities planned for 2025 were discussed extensively, focusing on their implementation. These pilots aim to support construction companies in adopting circular solutions. The approach is aligned with the principles of the New European Bauhaus and Cradle to Cradle design philosophy.
Circes - Workshop for school groups on circular economy
On March 10, PBN visited Jurisich Miklós High School in Kőszeg, where they introduced the Circes project during an English class. The session included a brief lesson on the linear economy, its impacts and consequences, as well as an introduction to the concept of the circular economy and design. To conclude the lesson, students participated in an interactive team activity focusing on sustainable fashion, conscious clothing purchases and alternatives for handling garments that are no longer in use.
The MCC High School Program offers a unique initiative for students in grades 9–12, operating for over 20 years. It provides a continuous educational path from upper primary school through the Leadership Academy and even to doctoral studies. The organization’s goal is to prepare students for successful further education and support them in planning long-term career paths. Bringing together around 4,000 talented students, the organization organizes thematic club afternoons, extra Saturday learning sessions, and foreign language courses for its participants. For this reason, on March 28, a group of students visited PBN’s digital innovation center (am-LAB) to explore the latest digital technologies and development trends. As part of the Circes project, during a workshop they also received education on the differences between the linear and circular economy, as well as on circular design principles.