For the first time in Slovenia, an ERC (European Research Council) grant recipient, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anna Sandak, InnoRenew CoE Deputy director and professor at the University of Primorska, has successfully secured funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) through the Pathfinder Open Call. This marks an important milestone as it is also the first Pathfinder project in Slovenia to be led by a female coordinator.

The EIC has selected the next set of proposals under the 2024 EIC Pathfinder Open call. Among 1110 proposals evaluated, only 45 were selected to receive altogether up to €138 million. These projects aim to develop cutting-edge technologies throughout a wide range of fields, including health, artificial intelligence, computing, environment, and energy.

Among the successful projects is also Dr. Sandak’s project, REMEDY – Archibiome Tattoo for Resistant, Responsive, and Resilient Cities. REMEDY is the third Pathfinder project coordinated by a Slovenian institution, and the consortium brings together six partners from four EU countries: Slovenia, Austria, the Netherlands, and Slovakia. The collaboration includes InnoRenew CoE, University of Ljubljana, Technical University of Graz, TIGER Coatings, Xylotrade B.V., and Qres Technologies with the in-kind support of the University of Primorska as a third party.

The REMEDY aims to achieve a breakthrough in fundamental research in microbiology and synthetic biology, transfer the know-how to materials science in the form of engineered living materials, and develop compatible biofabrication processes that allow personalised design in the architectural context. The tailored and engineered microbial consortia will create a beneficial microbiome, providing resilience and resistance against pathogenic microorganisms, allowing carbon sequestration, oxygen production, and bioremediation. By bespoke decoration and functionalisation of various building surfaces, REMEDY will boost probiotic architecture and introduce metabolic thinking in the circular building industry.

“I am very proud and honoured that the European Innovation Council confirmed the importance of our research idea. We are eager to start working anddevelop a new product – living ink and a new disruptive technology – archibiome tattoo for the building sector ,” said Dr. Anna Sandak.

Image: Aleksander Zdjarsky

The EIC Pathfinder scheme supports the exploration of bold ideas for radically new technologies. It welcomes the high-risk/high gain and interdisciplinary cutting-edge science collaborations that underpin technological breakthroughs.

By receiving this prestigious EIC financing, InnoRenew CoE and University of Primorksa will be able to continue to push the boundaries of cutting-edge research related to engineered living materials, putting Slovenia at the forefront of technical innovation and sustainable architecture.