Foster-xR

Six full partners representing four different European Countries:
France (Actia), Greece (Dimitra, MevgalL, University of Macedonia), Irlande (University College of Dublin), Malta (University of Malta)

beginning of PROJEcT
September 2020

DURation
36 months

2020-1-MT01-KA203-074234

The aim of the project is to introduce new technologies in the food industry and food science and improve the capacity of students, researchers, academics and industry professionals,
in these technologies.
The food and drink industry is a major contributor to Europe’s economy. In 2018, it had a turnover of 1,109 billion, making it the largest EU manufacturing sector and the leading employer (4.57 million people). This accounts to 294,000 companies and 110 billion exports (17.9% of of EU global exports). Given this size, it is important that such organisations are supported in creating competitive, technologically efficient supply chains through innovation, necessitating novel educational strategies. Considering that Europe’s food and drink industry committed to increase value added by 2.5-3.5% per year to 2025, such innovative strategies need to be firmly on track. The food industry is also growing into a data-driven community, responding to the growing demand from the modern consumer for fully nutritious, sustainable and safe foods.

The objectives of the project are as follows:
- To improve the know-how of industry students, professionals, researchers and academics in the use of xR (extended reality) technologies through 2 intensive programmes for higher-education
learners.
- To pilot xR technologies in the food industry through the development of an xR prototype tool adapted for the food industry.
- To develop an E-learning tool on the use of the xR prototype tool, to enable the transfer of knowledge to industry professionals and academia

As a means to achieve these objectives, the following activities will be implemented:
- Training of 30 industry professionals, researchers and academics through 2 intensive study programmes.
- Exchange of best practices through virtual meetings and 8 blended mobilities, for the development of an xR prototype tool and e-learning module.
- 4 transnational project meetings for the effective management and implementation of the project.

The participants of this project will be students, researchers, academics and industry professionals who operate in the fields of food and computer sciences and the food industry.
These participants will take part in the intensive study programmes and blended mobilities.
This project will provide participants and participating organisations with new skills and knowledge about the use of xR tools in the field of food science and production. It will also provide stakeholders and target groups in the food industry with a readily available xR tool which they can use in industries.