The HUCO Labs project, a cutting-edge initiative funded by the European Union under the ERASMUS-EDU-2024-PI-ALL-INNO programme, officially commenced with a highly productive kick-off meeting held in Bari, Italy, on 20-21 January 2025. The meeting set the stage for a transformative three-year collaboration (November 2024 – October 2027) aimed at enhancing research, innovation, and training in Additive Manufacturing (AM) and related technologies.
A Collaborative Vision for Innovation
The HUCO Labs project brings together leading HVET institutions, universities, research centres, and industry partners to create a dynamic ecosystem fostering knowledge exchange and innovation. The kick-off meeting, hosted at Masseria Carriello Nuovo on 20 January and the JR Hotel Grande Albergo delle Nazioni on 21 January, provided an opportunity for project partners to align on key goals and implementation strategies.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
The meeting opened with welcoming remarks from the Lead Partner, ITS Academy A. Cuccovillo Foundation, which provided an overview of the project’s objectives and work packages. Key discussions focused on:
- Project Management & Communication: A structured approach to project coordination was agreed upon, utilising Basecamp as the project management platform, supplemented by Drive for document storage. A three-month trial period was set for Basecamp to evaluate its efficiency.
- Training & Research Development: Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) led discussions on WP2, focusing on designing integrated R&D training for mid-level technicians. Partners collaborated on defining the profile of the “advanced technician.”
- Quality Assurance & Monitoring: The Polytechnic University of Valencia introduced a Quality Assurance and Evaluation Plan, incorporating GANTT monitoring, structured reporting, and systematic stakeholder feedback.
- Communication & Dissemination: EURASHE outlined a strategic plan for outreach, including the launch of dedicated HUCO Labs web pages and the finalisation of the project’s logo and branding materials.
- Vision & Mission Definition: Partners engaged in a structured discussion to co-define success criteria, identifying key values and potential challenges to ensure project sustainability.
Industry & Institutional Engagement
The second day of the meeting featured contributions from key institutional and industry stakeholders, including representatives from the European Education and Culture Agency (EACEA), the Italian Ministry of Education and Merit, and leading companies such as Omron Electronics Spa and Masmec Spa. These discussions reinforced the project’s alignment with European innovation priorities and its potential for long-term impact.
Next Steps
Moving forward, the consortium will focus on refining the HUCO Labs website, finalising the communication strategy, and launching the first phases of research and training activities. Stay tuned for updates by following EURASHE’s LinkedIn and BlueSky accounts and the hashtag #HUCOLabs.
