Innovate
Find out more about U!REKA’s knowledge transfer and entrepreneurial commitment
Challenges and solutions
European cities, companies and NGOs face a myriad of urban challenges: ranging from the rise of digitalisation to societal inequalities, climate change and environmental degradation. Through multidisciplinary education and hands-on projects, we create solutions to address these issues – together with students, experts and partners.
Discover some examples of our human-centric solutions for climate-neutral communities, circular societies, and innovative governance:
How to detect microplastics in water to improve water quality
Microplastics pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. U!REKA’s solution tackles this issue by developing an accessible, reliable, and scalable detection system. The project combines on-site sample collection with remote data processing to analyse microplastics in water effectively. With fieldwork conducted in Lisbon and laboratory analysis in Ostrava, this initiative exemplifies scientific research and technological innovation aimed at environmental sustainability.
An IPL student and researchers at IPL (Lisbon) and VSB-TUO (Ostrava) worked together with the municipalities of Oeiras and Lisbon on this solution.
How to make transport more sustainable
The logistics sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions due to inefficiencies like empty and partially loaded transport trips. The research project Transport4AllManKind (T4AM) addresses this challenge by creating a centralised digital platform that optimises unused cargo capacity. By leveraging real-time algorithms, this solution reduces emissions, operational costs, and inefficiencies, paving the way for a hyper-efficient, carbon-neutral logistics ecosystem. This project demonstrates U!REKA’s commitment to environmental and economic sustainability.
Researchers and students at IPL (Lisbon) worked on this solution.
How to enhance access to electric car charging
The project ElectraPole reimagines urban electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by installing chargers on lampposts and slim street poles. Powered by solar panels and second-life EV batteries, this solution transforms buildings into clean energy hubs. Residents without private parking can conveniently charge their vehicles, while the system stabilises energy costs and minimises grid dependence and space usage. ElectraPole showcases U!REKA’s dedication to inclusive, community-based solutions for sustainable mobility.
Students from AUAS (Amsterdam), Edinburgh Napier University, Frankfurt UAS and IPL (Lisbon) worked together on this solution.
How to improve efficiency of energy use in buildings
Future cities require intelligent energy solutions, and U!REKA’s ‘Energy sponge’ initiative turns apartment buildings into energy hubs. These buildings produce, store, shift, and share energy intelligently, supplementing the public energy grid. By combining environmental, economic, and social sustainability, this solution demonstrates how urban living can be transformed to support a greener future.
Students at Metropolia (Helsinki) worked on this solution during a ‘hackathon’ programme, in collaboration with Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council.
How to create climate-oriented ratings for energy investments
The project ElectraPole reimagines urban electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by installing chargers on lampposts and slim street poles. Powered by solar panels and second-life EV batteries, this solution transforms buildings into clean energy hubs. Residents without private parking can conveniently charge their vehicles, while the system stabilises energy costs and minimises grid dependence and space usage. ElectraPole showcases U!REKA’s dedication to inclusive, community-based solutions for sustainable mobility.
Students from AUAS (Amsterdam), Edinburgh Napier University, Frankfurt UAS and IPL (Lisbon) worked together on this solution.
As European university we are involved in external research, teaching, and administrative projects funded by the EU. Find out more about our engagement.
