EKA SRL

Their core work

EKA SRL is a Bari-based Italian SME working at the intersection of digital innovation, manufacturing, and knowledge transfer. They specialize in connecting regional innovation ecosystems with European platforms, particularly through Digital Innovation Hubs and AI-driven services. Their work spans cloud-based manufacturing environments, cross-market knowledge exchange, and building interoperable networks that help SMEs access advanced technologies like AI.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

EKA began in 2015 with industrial manufacturing digitalization (DIVERSITY), then pivoted toward knowledge exchange and emerging market innovation through the MSCA-RISE programme (K.I.T.F.E.M., 2017). By 2021, they had fully shifted to digital ecosystem building, focusing on AI platforms and Digital Innovation Hub interoperability (DIH4AI). The trajectory shows a clear move from manufacturing technology toward innovation intermediation and digital platform services.

EKA is positioning itself as a regional innovation intermediary, connecting SMEs to European AI platforms through Digital Innovation Hub networks — a role likely to expand as EU DIH policies grow.

How they like to work

EKA has always participated as a partner, never leading as coordinator, suggesting they contribute specialized capabilities rather than driving project direction. Across just 3 projects they have built a network of 35 unique partners in 15 countries, indicating they integrate well into diverse, large consortia. Their consistent participant role and broad partner base make them a low-risk, well-connected addition to new consortia.

EKA has collaborated with 35 unique partners across 15 countries in only 3 projects, demonstrating unusually broad reach for a small company. Their network spans multiple EU member states, reflecting their role in pan-European innovation ecosystem projects.

What sets them apart

EKA occupies an interesting niche as a Southern Italian SME bridging manufacturing know-how with digital innovation ecosystem services. Their experience spans both the technical side (cloud manufacturing, AI platforms) and the ecosystem coordination side (DIH networks, emerging market knowledge transfer). For consortium builders, they bring practical experience in connecting regional innovation actors to EU-level platforms, particularly valuable for projects targeting underserved innovation regions.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DIVERSITY
  Their largest project (EUR 469,812) in cloud manufacturing and social software-based product-service engineering, forming their industrial technology foundation.
• DIH4AI
  Most recent and strategically significant project, positioning EKA within the AI4EU ecosystem and European Digital Innovation Hub network.