CSM SPA, the company inside RINA group mainly devoted to R&D sector will act as coordinator, thanks to its extensive experience for the development and application of innovative processes and materials, and hundreds of international collaboration agreements and contracts with the European Commission. CSM SPA activities are mainly related to the development of new materials, optimisation and development of innovative processes, development of innovative pilot plants, creating special testing equipment and to favour the twin digital and green transition, thus it will use its knowledge and expertise in digital technologies, IoT and general design of sensors to develop the low evel of SMARTChain digital platform.
Rina Consulting S.p.A. (RINA–C) is a renowned engineering consultancy firm that specializes in providing innovative solutions across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and environment. Part of these activities are dedicated to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and sustainability strategies. Past and current projects include EU projects funded by the FP6, FP7, H2020 Programmes, the JRC, ESA, World Bank, as well as specific projects for European industry associations and international companies.
The Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), affiliated with NTUA, is one of Greece's largest and oldest research institutes, excelling in fields such as digital communications, automation, energy, and biomedical technologies. With over 800 researchers and participation in more than 4,000 R&D projects, ICCS is a recognized global leader. In the SMARTChain project, ICCS is represented by the I-SENSE Group, a dynamic research unit founded in 2002. Specializing in smart mobility, AI, health technologies, and crisis management, I-SENSE contributes to the project by leveraging its expertise in Connected Cooperative Automated Mobility (CCAM), Circular Economy, and Intelligent Networks, driving innovative and impactful real-world solutions.
Syxis is a European innovation hub focused on systemic transformation through digital, circular, and collaborative solutions. Its mission is to support and connect SMEs, organizations, and research centers across Europe, particularly in the context of research and innovation-funded projects. Syxis provides expertise in methodologies, operations, and technologies, helping companies develop new business strategies based on digital technologies, circular economy principles, and networking. Additionally, Syxis actively participates in European projects, developing technologies, methodologies, demonstrators, and prototypes while contributing to networks and communities.
CIRCE, founded in 1993, is a technology centre focused on providing innovative solutions for sustainable development. It enhances enterprise competitiveness through R+D activities and market-oriented training in sustainability, energy grids, and renewable energies. In SMARTChain, CIRCE analyzes the impact of process stages on steel product quality and develops predictive algorithms for energy consumption and market prices. It also contributes to the traceability framework using Digital Material Passports (DMP) and will analyze results from the demonstration phase, supporting the goal of improving steel manufacturing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
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Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) is the leading scientific research and development organization in Slovenia covering a broader spectrum of disciplines: physics, chemistry, electronics, automation and information technologies, nuclear reactor engineering and energetics. The Department of Systems and Control is directly involved in project activities. Their general focus is on applied research, development of control systems, and transfer of knowledge into industrial applications.
The role of the JSI within SmartChain is focused on the SIJ-Acroni use-case, specifically on data analytics and development of algorithms for in-line prediction of electro-mechanical properties and quality of steel.
Founded in 1970, ACERINOX S.A. has built one of the most advanced stainless steel production facilities in the world. Its Campo de Gibraltar factory employs 1,746 people, including 82 dedicated to research and development. In 2020, the company strengthened its position by acquiring VDM Metals, a global leader in special alloys and high-performance stainless steels, recognized for its innovation. Further expanding its capabilities, Acerinox acquired Haynes International in 2024, an American company with over a century of experience, bringing extensive R&D expertise and a valuable portfolio of patents to the group.
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Philips Drachten is renowned for its expertise in consumer electronics and healthcare products. This production and innovation location focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies and appliances, such as advanced shavers, OneBlade, Sonicare Toothbrushes. Philips Drachten is committed to enhancing everyday life with practical and effective solutions. Through rigorous research and development, they consistently deliver products that meet modern needs and exceed user expectations. By prioritizing quality, user experience, and sustainability, Philips Drachten has established itself as a leader in both the consumer electronics and healthcare industries. Their dedication to innovation makes a positive impact on daily lives.
SIJ Acroni is one of the leading companies within the SIJ Group, specializing in the production of stainless and special steels. Based in Slovenia, it is recognized as one of Europe’s top producers of quarto plates in stainless and tool steels. The company operates with a strong focus on sustainability, following circular economy principles and using recycled steel in its production processes; SIJ Storitve, d.o.o. is a part of SIJ - Slovenian Steel Group, which is the largest Slovenian steel producer, as well as the largest Slovenian vertically integrated metallurgical group. The company offers accounting and IT services, SIJ Storitve excels in various facets of IT, encompassing Research and Development (R&D), helpdesk support, infrastructure management, and project management.
Hidria, a leading Slovenian automotive supplier, ranks among the top 10 global manufacturers of stators and rotors for EV and HEV drivetrains. With expertise in rapid stamping of electrical steel (up to 0.2mm thick) and advanced stacking technologies like bonding, gluing, interlocking, winding, and laser welding, Hidria serves top-tier automotive suppliers and OEMs. The Group, with €400M in annual revenue and 2,000 employees, plays a key role in the SMARTChain project, collaborating with Acroni to enhance manufacturing through data exchange and an electrical steel digital passport for improved tracking of NGO steel properties.
Acciaierie d’Italia (ADI) is Italy’s leading integrated steel producer, with major facilities in Taranto, Genoa, and Novi Ligure. The Taranto plant, Italy’s only integrated-cycle site, specializes in flat carbon steel, producing over 6 million tons of crude steel annually. ADI also operates a cutting-edge R&D Centre focused on innovation and sustainability. The Novi Ligure plant plays a key role in the SMARTChain project, specializing in coated steel products. In the project, ADI works on optimizing oil application, data harmonization, and developing Digital Twin models to improve product quality.
Tofaş’s production capacity, export performance, R&D competencies, and workforce of nearly five thousand make it one of Türkiye’s leading industrial concerns. Türkiye’s trailblazing automotive manufacturer, Tofaş was founded in 1968. 24.3% of Tofaş’s shares are traded on Borsa İstanbul and are included in both the BIST 30 and the BIST 100 indexes; control of the remaining shares is divided equally between Koç Holding Stellantis. Tofaş’s publicly-traded shares are also included in Borsa İstanbul’s Corporate Governance and Sustainability indexes. In SMARTCHAIN Project Tofaş will steel user role. In our press shop, we will control the sheets before production and start the production With this scope we will, create a value with data.
AdV is part of the Pittini Group since 2015, is a steel manufacturing company with a long industrial tradition. Originally founded in 1902, it specializes in the production of wire rods and steel products. The company has undergone significant technological modernization through the "Masterplan" project, enhancing product quality and energy efficiency, including the development of one of the most innovative wire rod mills globally. The production facilities, which are located in Italy and Europe, cover the entire steelmaking cycle from the raw material (ferrous scrap and recycled metals) to the finished product.
Siat S.p.A., founded in 1970, is a leading European manufacturer of cold-drawn and cold-rolled steel products. With two production facilities and an annual capacity of 130,000 tonnes, the company serves clients in over 40 countries. Siat produces cold-rolled flat steel plates and profiles, as well as bright drawn wire, which is ideal for surface treatments such as chrome plating, galvanizing, painting, and plastic coating. The company also manufactures copper wire up to 6 mm in diameter for various applications, along with twisted drawn wire for uses like grilles and fences. As part of the Pittini Group, Siat S.p.A. is committed to sustainability and quality, with continuous growth and innovation in the steel industry.