On 12 May 2026, the kick-off meeting of the new AQUADETECT project (101298573) took place at Lusófona University (Building U, Room 0.2), in Lisbon, Portugal. Some partners who were unable to attend in person participated online via Microsoft Teams.
AQUADETECT is a project funded under the HORIZON-MSCA-2025-SE-01 Call by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) and is coordinated by Lusófona University / Deep Tech Lab. The project started on 1 May 2026 and will run for 48 months.
AQUADETECT – Advanced Quantum Avalanche Detectors for Aquatic Monitoring – aims to develop an advanced optical LIDAR system for the monitoring of aquatic environments and water resources. It aims to improve the detection and analysis of water quality parameters through the use of next-generation optical sensors with high photon sensitivity. The project also aims to create accurate three-dimensional maps of underwater ecosystems in real time, supporting faster and more efficient environmental monitoring. Furthermore, AQUADETECT aims to address challenges caused by climate change, including floods, rising sea levels, and ecosystem degradation. Finally, the project aims to support sustainable water management and contribute to European initiatives for environmental protection and ecological preservation.
The AQUADETECT consortium includes a diverse and highly qualified group of European and international partners, bringing together expertise from academia, research, and technology sectors, including: IST Micro Sensor Teknolojileri A.Ş. (Turkey), Scientific Centre for Aerospace Research of the Earth of the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Ukraine), Nanophoenix SRL (Italy), Innovative Electronics and Detectors Limited Liability Company (Azerbaijan), Republican State Enterprise with the Right of Economic Authority Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda State University of the Ministry of Education and Science (Kazakhstan), and Ressources Ingenierie (Morocco).
During the hybrid kick-off meeting, the AQUADETECT consortium, together with the REA Project Officer, discussed the scientific and organizational structure of the project, including presentations of the partner institutions, work package implementation, coordination activities, and the RP1 roadmap. The meeting was essential for aligning the consortium’s objectives, strengthening collaboration among partners, and ensuring a coordinated approach to the development of advanced aquatic monitoring technologies.
This kick-off meeting marked the beginning of AQUADETECT’s collaborative journey towards the development of innovative and sustainable technologies for aquatic monitoring, bringing together international expertise to address current environmental and climate-related challenges.
Download the agenda meeting here.