STICHTING SAXION

Their core work

Saxion University of Applied Sciences is a Dutch polytechnic in Enschede that bridges applied research with practical implementation, particularly in energy systems, smart materials, and circular economy. Their H2020 work focuses on translating technical concepts — from biomimetic exoskeletons to community energy systems — into real-world applications with strong user-centered and participatory design methods. They bring an applied engineering perspective to EU consortia, contributing expertise in prototyping, testing, and integrating technologies in living-lab or community settings.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Saxion's early H2020 work (2016–2018) centered on wearable technology and smart materials, with projects like XoSoft exploring biomimetic exoskeletons and AIOSAT building tracking systems — a distinctly digital and health-tech profile. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward energy and environment: circular economy in CityLoops, then two concurrent community energy projects (SERENE, SUSTENANCE) dealing with heat pumps, demand response, and carbon neutrality. The transition from assistive devices to sustainable communities marks a clear institutional pivot toward green applied research.

Saxion is consolidating around local energy transitions and circular urban systems, making them a strong candidate for future projects on district-level decarbonization or citizen engagement in energy communities.

How they like to work

Saxion has participated exclusively as a partner — never as coordinator — across all five H2020 projects, suggesting they contribute specialized applied research within larger consortia rather than leading them. With 69 unique partners across 14 countries, they maintain a broad but non-concentrated network, joining different consortia each time rather than building repeat partnerships. This makes them a flexible, low-friction partner to onboard: experienced in diverse teams but without the overhead of coordinating.

Saxion has collaborated with 69 distinct partners across 14 countries, indicating a wide European network without heavy concentration in any single region. Their partnerships span universities, municipalities, and technology companies across Western and Southern Europe.

What sets them apart

As a university of applied sciences, Saxion occupies a niche between pure research universities and industry: they focus on practical implementation and testing rather than fundamental science. Their consistent emphasis on user-centered and participatory approaches — visible from exoskeleton design through to community energy planning — means they bring the human and social dimension to technical projects. For consortium builders, Saxion is the partner that ensures technology actually works for end users in real settings, particularly in the Netherlands and similar urban contexts.

Highlights from their portfolio

• XoSoft
  Unusual topic for a Dutch polytechnic — soft biomimetic exoskeletons combining smart materials, advanced textiles, and connected health in a single project.
• CityLoops
  Demonstrates Saxion's circular economy capability with hands-on work in construction waste, soil reuse, and participatory urban planning.
• SERENE
  Largest single EC contribution (€517K) and represents Saxion's current strategic direction in integrated local energy systems including EV sharing and heat pumps.