TECES and the members of the Strategic Research and Innovation Partnership Smart Buildings and Home with Wood Chain (SRIP PSiDL) have achieved significant success in the public call JR RR PROGRAMI (TRL 3–6), implemented by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS). TECES successfully coordinated the preparation and submission of the programme proposal, bringing together 12 SRIP PSiDL partners from both research and industrial environments.

The programme, with a total value of €8.23 million, has been awarded €5 million in public co-funding, confirming the quality of the proposed solutions, the high level of partner competencies, and the effective integration of knowledge for the development of advanced smart and sustainable living environments.

The project also represents an important step in implementing TECES’ strategic vision in the field of smart and sustainable buildings, which TECES, both as a founding member and as part of the three-partner consortium leading SRIP PSiDL, systematically advances through programmes and projects at different levels of technological readiness across both civil and defence sectors.

 

SMART-LIVING: Implementing TECES’ Strategy in Smart and Sustainable Buildings

The programme Smart, Sustainable Modular Innovations for Future Living (SMART-LIVING) is a strategic initiative aimed at developing advanced, sustainable, and modular building solutions in line with EU objectives for the green and digital transition. Through close collaboration between five leading Slovenian research organisations and seven prominent industrial partners, the programme bridges the gap between research and innovation and covers the full R&D spectrum from TRL 3 to TRL 6.

At the core of the SMART-LIVING programme is the “Quadruple Zero” (Q0C) concept, which aims to create building environments with zero emissions, zero energy consumption, zero health and safety risks, and zero stress for occupants. This holistic approach integrates high-performance bio-based materials, circular economy principles, energy-efficient technologies, and AI-driven smart devices.

“SMART-LIVING represents an important foundation for implementing our strategy in the field of smart and sustainable buildings. At TECES, we systematically connect projects across different levels of technological readiness and combine civil and defence aspects of development. Knowledge and solutions developed at lower TRLs are upgraded and transferred to higher TRLs, where they gain real practical value,” emphasises Matej Gajzer, Director of TECES. TECES is part of the three-partner consortium leading SRIP PSiDL and has been a founding member since 2017. Within SRIP PSiDL, TECES focuses on building operations and management, including energy generation, storage, and use; water and waste management; integrated building management; energy self-sufficiency; resilience; and integration with the surrounding environment.

From Research to Solutions: 12 Advanced Technologies and 11 Prototypes

The programme consists of eight interconnected R&D projects, which will deliver 12 advanced technologies and 11 prototypes, tested in a modular demonstration building unit. Key technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, photonics, and digital twin systems support cross-sector innovation. In addition, the programme promotes open science, citizen engagement, equality, and social inclusion. Its final solutions address the growing global demand for green construction solutions and smart living environments. SMART-LIVING is thus positioned as a catalyst for sustainable innovation and a model for next-generation research and development collaboration.

Connecting Slovenian Partners into a Unified Innovation Ecosystem

The SMART-LIVING programme brings together leading Slovenian research organisations and companies, whose complementary knowledge and expertise form a comprehensive development ecosystem. The consortium includes the University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty (coordinator), the University of Maribor, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, and the companies Gorenje d.o.o., REM d.o.o., DANFOSS TRATA d.o.o., M SORA d.d., SMARTIS d.o.o., JUB d.o.o., and PIKTRONIK d.o.o.

“The key to success was building a strong consortium that brings together SRIP partners with complementary competencies and a clear shared vision. It is essential that this vision is grounded in an understanding of development trends and industry needs. The SMART-LIVING programme represents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how Slovenian companies and research organisations can jointly develop cutting-edge solutions and successfully bring them into practice,” emphasises Uroš Malbašić, Senior Project Manager at TECES, who coordinated the proposal preparation.

The programme will run for 36 months, with a total budget of €8.23 million, of which €5 million is publicly co-funded.