The MDigi-I Project by the Cyprus University of Technology, funded with €2.8 million, aims to revolutionize the maritime industry through digital innovation. Starting in January 2024, it will develop cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in shipping, creating a national research infrastructure for Cyprus.
What is the MDigi-I Project?
The MDigi-I Project, initiated by the Cyprus University of Technology and funded with €2.8 million, is a three-year project starting in January 2024 aimed at fostering innovation and driving the digital transformation of the maritime industry. It will create a national research infrastructure to develop digital technologies enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in shipping.
The Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak) has recently stepped into the spotlight with its involvement in an ambitious project that could reshape the maritime industry. Known as the Maritime Digital Transformation Research Infrastructure (MDigi-I), this initiative has secured a substantial €2.8 million in funding from the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). Set to commence in January 2024, this three-year endeavor aims to create national research infrastructure for Cyprus, fostering innovation and propelling the digital transformation of the maritime sector.
With the rise of digital technologies, the maritime industry stands on the cusp of a significant transformation. The MDigi-I project is expected to play a pivotal role in this evolution by establishing a strategic research infrastructure. It seeks to spur collaborations and underpin the development and uptake of cutting-edge digitalization technologies in shipping, thereby enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
The Consortium and Its Vision
At the helm of the MDigi-I project is Ioannis Kyriakidis, Director of Research for Maritime Technology at the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI). The project consortium comprises 11 partners, bringing together a wealth of expertise and resources. Among these collaborators is Tepak, whose participation solidifies Cyprus’ commitment to advancing maritime research and innovation.
The overarching ambition of MDigi-I is to create a research infrastructure that serves as a bedrock for collaborations and the development of digital technologies for the shipping industry. This would align with Cyprus’ Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3Cy), which prioritizes maritime and marine transportation activities. The project seeks to establish a Centre of Excellence, focusing on the development, testing, validation, demonstration, and training in digitalization technologies tailored to the maritime domain.
A Network of Facilities and Resources
One of the remarkable aspects of the MDigi-I project is its extensive network of accessible experimental fields and laboratories, which are being organized with a total investment of €1.3 million. These facilities are scattered across key locations, including the Ayia Napa Marina, Limassol Port, CMMI’s Maritime IoT Laboratory, and Columbia Shipmanagement’s floating laboratories.
This infrastructure will not only provide the physical spaces and advanced equipment needed for cutting-edge research but also the human resources and connections to advance digital innovation. Researchers and innovators will have the necessary resources at their disposal to delve into areas such as Internet of Things (IoT), signal processing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and the creation of digital twins, decision support systems, and digital platforms for smart shipping and port operations.
The vision is that this infrastructure will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research, fostering innovation and practical applications for maritime and marine transportation. By providing a collaborative platform, the MDigi-I project aims to enhance the exchange of information and cooperation among individuals, organizations, and cyber-physical systems within the maritime sector.
Nurturing the Ecosystem
Ultimately, MDigi-I stands to be more than just a research project. It’s poised to nurture an ecosystem of innovation in maritime digitalization. By convening expertise from various domains, the project will facilitate joint development efforts, enabling stakeholders to push the boundaries of what’s possible in maritime technology.
As the maritime industry continues to navigate through the digital age, projects like MDigi-I are crucial for driving progress. With its comprehensive approach and backing from prominent institutions, the MDigi-I project is set to chart a course toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable maritime future.
What is the goal of the MDigi-I Project?
The goal of the MDigi-I Project is to revolutionize the maritime industry through digital innovation. It aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in shipping by developing cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the project will create a national research infrastructure for Cyprus to drive the digital transformation of the maritime sector.
Who is leading the MDigi-I Project?
The MDigi-I Project is led by Ioannis Kyriakidis, the Director of Research for Maritime Technology at the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI). The project consortium consists of 11 partners, including the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak), bringing together expertise and resources to advance maritime research and innovation.
What facilities and resources are available in the MDigi-I Project?
The MDigi-I Project boasts an extensive network of experimental fields and laboratories with a total investment of €1.3 million. These facilities, located in key areas such as Ayia Napa Marina, Limassol Port, CMMI’s Maritime IoT Laboratory, and Columbia Shipmanagement’s floating laboratories, provide the necessary spaces, equipment, and human resources for cutting-edge research in digital technologies for the maritime industry.
How will the MDigi-I Project contribute to maritime digitalization?
The MDigi-I Project aims to nurture an ecosystem of innovation in maritime digitalization by fostering collaborations and joint development efforts across different domains. By providing a platform for interdisciplinary research and practical applications in areas such as IoT, signal processing, AI/ML, digital twins, and decision support systems, the project seeks to push the boundaries of maritime technology and drive progress in the industry.
