WIDEX Virtual Centre & Network

The WIDEX Virtual Centre is an online hub hosted by the Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia (TUKE) focused on green and non-invasive technologies for Critical Raw Materials (CRM).

The establishment of the Virtual Centre is connected with the implementation of the European project WIDEX, which is focused on adopting cutting-edge technologies in the field of raw materials (RM) exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling. It is the engine for impact (exploitation, clustering, dissemination), connecting TUKE’s capabilities with European industry, authorities, researchers, and society. In practice, it is a digital center within the WIDEX website that builds on TUKE’s strengths, brings together state-of-the-art solutions and partners in the RM field, and accelerates knowledge transfer. It is interconnected with the Mine The Gap platform to leverage an EC-funded stakeholder base for networking and partner discovery.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the WIDEX Virtual Centre are:

  • Advisory and consulting services in the field of green & non-invasive CRM technologies.
  • Launching and supporting Dissemination, Communication & Exploitation activities as an impact accelerator.
  • Grow an ecosystem of stakeholders around CRM (with emphasis on green/non-invasive techniques).
  • Interconnect with EU platforms (e.g., S3P) and RIS3 strategies to enable future investments and business.

These objectives are related to TUKE’s strenghth in the field of 1) green and non-invasive technologies for exploration, recovering, processing and recycling of RM and 2) experience in research management, coordination capacities and administrative skills.

IMPACT

  • Increased science and innovation capacity for all actors in the R&I system in widening countries increased science and innovation capacity for all actors in the r&i system in widening countries
  • Reformed R&I systems and institutions leading to increased attractiveness and retention of research talents
  • Higher participation success in Horizon Europe and more consortium leadership role
  • Stronger linkages between academia and business and improved career permeability
  • Improved outreach to international level for all actors

Join the Future of Green CRM Technologies

Connect with experts, explore partnership opportunities, and accelerate impact in Critical Raw Materials

Strategy of the WIDEX networking

The European project WIDEX (Knowledge Transfer for Widened EU Excellence in Advance Technologies, Sustainability And Research Managent) reacts on the increasing demand for critical minerals and elements. The main aim of the project is to establish a strong industrial pole surrounding TUKE and engage and position them in their S3 mining region. To achieve this aim, WIDEX follows three strategic lines: 1) green technologies and methodologies for the exploration, recovery of CRM and restoration of CRM mining sites; 2) driving sustainability, circularity and social assesment and finally, 3) to guide the research management, coordination capacities and administrative skills necessary for performing projects in mining sector.

The project achieved these strategic lines thanks to the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies brought into the project by the consortium formed by a highly interdisciplinary network of key European Excellence Institutions, Excellence Industrial partners (more than 40 industries participate through ISMC and AVENIA) and LCA, LCC, Social Assessment, valorisation & sustainability, and business development partners (MNLT and CONSENTIA). The consortium is completed and reinforced through the presence of the EIT RM CLC East and the Kosice Self-Government Region (Fig. 1). The project aims to transfer the acquired knowledge to industrial partners with the goal of implementing new innovative green methods for CRM extraction.

Contact

Prof. Juraj Janocko
Doc. Ing. Dusan Orac, PhD.
Doc. Ing. Zita Takacova, PhD.