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DIH4CPS · Project

A Network of Digital Hubs Helping SMEs Connect Their Machines and Systems

digitalPilotedTRL 7
dih4cps.eu

Imagine you run a small factory and your machines speak different digital languages — your sensors can't talk to your software, your robots ignore your planning system. DIH4CPS built a Europe-wide network of expert centers (Digital Innovation Hubs) that help companies like yours plug everything together so machines actually cooperate. They ran over 20 real-world experiments across industries from aquaculture to manufacturing, proving that even small companies can afford smart, connected production. Think of it as a one-stop shop where SMEs get matched with the right tech experts to digitize their operations without needing a massive IT department.

By the numbers
34
consortium partners across Europe
10
countries represented in the network
14
SMEs in the consortium
11
initial application experiments funded
10+
additional experiments with external companies
47%
industry participation ratio
58
total project deliverables produced
The business problem

What needed solving

Most European SMEs struggle to digitize because their machines, sensors, and software systems were never designed to work together. Hiring integration experts or building custom middleware is too expensive for small companies. Without interoperability, factories cannot automate, track products reliably, or optimize production — leaving them stuck with manual processes while larger competitors pull ahead.

The solution

What was built

The project built a pan-European network of Digital Innovation Hubs focused on cyber-physical systems interoperability, and ran 21+ real-world application experiments. Concrete prototypes include: a capacity planning solution for changing production environments, a track-and-trace system for products in open/hostile environments, a safe and sustainable aquaculture farming prototype, a personalized interactive tourist platform, and a 3D audio-visual immersive installation — all documented through preliminary and final prototype phases.

Audience

Who needs this

Small manufacturers with disconnected production equipment needing integrationLogistics companies requiring real-time product tracking across complex environmentsAquaculture and agriculture businesses looking to automate monitoring systemsRegional industry clusters wanting to connect SMEs with digital technology providersTechnology companies seeking to test their CPS solutions with real industrial users
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Manufacturing
SME
Target: Small and mid-size manufacturers struggling with disconnected production systems

If you are a manufacturer dealing with machines and software that cannot communicate with each other — this project built a network of Digital Innovation Hubs that tested capacity planning solutions to optimize workflow in changing production environments. Through 11 initial application experiments and at least 10 additional ones, they demonstrated how SMEs can embed interoperability into their factory floor without massive IT investment.

Logistics & Supply Chain
any
Target: Logistics companies needing real-time product tracking across complex supply chains

If you are a logistics company struggling to track products through open and unpredictable environments — this project developed and tested a track-and-trace system using cyber-physical systems that follows scheduled products even in hostile conditions. The prototype was built and refined across two development phases, with lessons learned documented for adoption by external companies.

Aquaculture & Agriculture
SME
Target: Aquaculture farms looking to automate monitoring and safety systems

If you are an aquaculture operator dealing with manual monitoring of water quality, fish health, or environmental conditions — this project built a Safe and Sustainable Aquaculture Farming Prototype connecting sensors and control systems into one interoperable platform. The solution was developed through a 34-partner consortium spanning 10 countries, giving it cross-border applicability.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does it cost to access the DIH4CPS network or similar services?

The project provided outstanding funding for SMEs and Mid-Caps through application experiments — meaning participating companies received support to digitize. Now that the project has closed, the network infrastructure (built on the IVLab structure) was designed to sustain beyond the project. Specific pricing for post-project services is not available in the project data.

Can these solutions scale to my production environment?

The project ran at least 21 application experiments (11 initial plus at least 10 additional) across different sectors and company sizes. Solutions like the capacity planning tool and track-and-trace system were developed through two phases — preliminary prototype and final prototype — specifically to validate real-world applicability for SMEs and Mid-Caps.

Who owns the intellectual property from these experiments?

Based on available project data, IP arrangements are not explicitly detailed. However, with 34 partners including 14 SMEs and 16 industry organizations across 10 countries, IP is likely governed by consortium agreements. Companies interested in specific prototypes should contact the coordinator at UNINOVA in Portugal.

Is this compliant with EU industrial regulations and standards?

The project was specifically focused on interoperability standards for cyber-physical systems, which is a core concern for EU digital manufacturing compliance. The IVLab network backing the project is an established organization focused on interoperability. Specific regulatory certifications are not detailed in the available data.

How long does it take to implement these solutions?

Based on deliverable timelines, prototypes moved from preliminary versions at month 18 to final documented prototypes at month 30 — roughly a 12-month development and refinement cycle. For companies adopting existing prototypes rather than building new ones, implementation could be significantly shorter.

How do these solutions integrate with our existing systems?

Interoperability is the core mission of DIH4CPS — the entire project was built around making different cyber-physical systems work together. The network connects regional clusters with a pan-European expert pool specifically to solve integration challenges across different domains and technology stacks.

What ongoing support is available after the project ended?

The project was designed for sustainability through the IVLab structure, which existed before and continues after DIH4CPS. The network was intended to become a vibrant, cross-sector one-stop-shop for collaboration between SMEs, Digital Innovation Hubs, and technology providers beyond the project duration.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a large, industry-heavy consortium of 34 partners across 10 European countries, with 47% coming from industry and 14 being SMEs — a strong signal that the work was driven by real business needs rather than purely academic interests. The coordinator, UNINOVA in Portugal, is a research institute, but the consortium includes 16 industry players and 8 research organizations providing deep technical backing. The geographic spread (Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, UK) means the solutions were tested across diverse regulatory and market environments, making them more transferable. With 6 other organizations rounding out the team, this is one of the broader Digital Innovation Hub networks funded under Horizon 2020.

How to reach the team

UNINOVA - Instituto de Desenvolvimento de Novas Tecnologias, Portugal. Use the project website contact page or search for the DIH4CPS coordinator at UNINOVA.

Order a report on this consortiumSee UNINOVA-INSTITUTO DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DE NOVAS TECNOLOGIAS-ASSOCIACAO profile →
Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to connect with the DIH4CPS network or access their interoperability solutions? SciTransfer can arrange a direct introduction to the right partner for your specific technical challenge.

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