On October 23–24, 2025, the SMARTChain project, (grant agreement no. 101178919), held its second Consortium Meeting at the Hidria headquarters in Spodnja Idrija, Slovenia. This meeting served as a crucial checkpoint to review the progress made since the first General Assembly and to align on the next steps for the project’s implementation. Over two days, partners engaged in detailed discussions on the advancement of the Work Packages, focusing on technical developments, integration strategies, and the refinement of digital solutions for the steel value chain. Special attention was given to the ongoing work on the Digital Material Passport (DMP) and Digital Product Passport (DPP), connectivity frameworks, and data management solutions, ensuring seamless interoperability across systems. The agenda also included collaborative sessions dedicated to the project’s use cases, enabling partners to share updates, address challenges, and define upcoming actions to optimize production processes, enhance product quality, and reduce environmental impact. These workshops reinforced the project’s commitment to innovation and sustainability within the steel industry.

Beyond the technical sessions, the meeting featured networking opportunities, including a social dinner at Kendov Dvorec Château, and offered participants the chance to explore Idrija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic mercury mine and traditional lace craftsmanship.

The 2nd General Assembly concluded with a clear roadmap for the next phase of SMARTChain, strengthening collaboration among partners and driving forward the goal of seamless digital integration in the steel value chain for high-quality final products.