We propose a 6 ETCS Credit Doctoral‐level course to train the next generation of scientists and engineers in the interdisciplinary and rapidly accelerating field of Li-ion batteries. The course consists of three main pillars: (1) online lectures offered by experts (on battery fabrication, characterization, spectroscopy, simulations and advanced diagnostics), (2) working cases and challenges from industrial partners to be solved by student teams and (3) a venture‐creation summer school.

EMeraldinho aims at developing the entrepreneurial mindset and stimulating innovation among the students enrolled in the EIT-labelled Master in Resources Engineering (EMerald). Through a series of extra activities (business school, field trips, job day, ESG seminars, innovation camps, etc.), the project will foster a cross-disciplinary collaborative environment. EMeraldinho actively involves a large RIS region (Adria) in teaching and coaching.

EU Magnesium will produce Mg metal from a site in Romania, owned by WET, out of wastes derived from sodium dichromate production (1.92 mio ton) and micronized dolomite. The future plant will be established in Romania with a capacity of 25,000 tpy contributing to 13.5% of the annual EU demand for minimum 9 years. Mg process production co-produces chrome oxide green, high purity calcium chloride and NaOH with an output of 8,200, 82,000 & 60,000 tpy respectively.

We propose a lifelong learning course with thematic orientation Rare Earth (RE) Magnets and Motors to educate professionals who work or intend to work in the RE value chain industry. These specialists are essential to maintain and increase the resilience of the RE supply chain in Europe. The course uses a blended learning approach. The educational material includes 1 module on basic concepts of magnetism, and 5 modules the content of which covers critical aspects of the RE magnet value chain.

FENICE is a TRL 8 upscaling project on recyclable & biobased Fibre Metal Laminates (FML) and other composites for lighter, more sustainable & safer battery box production, with higher fire resistance. By the end of 2025, FENICE will deliver (1) validated and precertified materials, with customisable characteristics, SDS and TDS; (2) battery box demonstrators & production optimisation; (3) LCA. By 2026, industrialisation in transports will start, aiming at producing 100k-1M battery boxes per year

GEORIS will transfer in the RIS region a novel geopolymerization technology that utilises industrial waste to produce construction materials and a catalytic powder, all exhibiting significant financial, performance and environmental advantages (~25-30% reduction in costs & CO2 emissions). GEORIS targets public authorities responsible for infrastructure development, construction companies, and industrial waste providers, comprising 11 partners from 4 countries (BE, GR, SI, RS).

The project implements a novel pathway for accelerating innovation through Ecosystem Integration Labs (EILs) which will be developed by each participating university company or institution. The EILs will be tailored based on each university’s HEInnovate needs assessment and following the spirit of EU Smart Specialization S3P Mining Industry strategy, which will govern the focus of the envisioned innovation and business projects, Talent Labs and Open Innovation and Training Programs. As a result, this will motivate each higher education institution (HEI) involved to commit to their Innovation Vision Action Plans (IVAP).

Seven universities (Spain, Romania, Germany, Finland, Greece, Ukraine), two RTO - Competence Centers (Serbia, Slovenia) and one SME - strategic and innovation consulting service (Poland), will jointly implement six HEI initiative actions. Also, four other associated HEIs linked to the consortium and other associated partners will collaborate with the HEI4S3-RM knowledge triangle. This enables a realistic Innovation Vision Action Plan (IVAP) to reinforce the innovation capacity building of Europe, aiming for long-term sustainability and circular economy approaches.

The HiPAM-project transfers high purity stainless steel side streams to N2 alloyed Austenitic Ni-Free Stainless Steel (ANFSS) powder products. ANFSS-alloys are one of the most promising candidates for consumer and health care products and a substitute for costly Ti alloys and CRM-containing Co-Cr as well as an answer to the highly fluctuating price of Ni. Outokumpu will start powder production on their new plant and powder is validated in different downstream processes connected to case studies