The“Coastal Fishing Vessels Powered by Zero-Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cells” project partner meeting took place in La Rochelle, France, this time hosted by the project partner Genevos. The company specializes in developing hydrogen fuel cell engines and is a key collaborator in implementing this innovation project.

Within the framework of Horizon Europe research projects, industrial partners are playing an increasingly important role alongside scientific institutions. The European Commission aims to ensure that innovations do not remain confined to laboratories but are transformed into real products and services. That is why Genevos’s involvement in the H2-SEAS project is crucial, as the hydrogen fuel cell engine they develop will be the central element of the upcoming vessel.

Within the project, a zero-emission coastal fishing vessel is being designed and built, powered by the hydrogen fuel cell engine developed by Genevos. The new vessel will be tested and compared with similar types of vessels equipped with traditional internal combustion engines. Such a comparison will allow for an objective assessment of hydrogen technology’s potential and sustainability in real working conditions.

After the project concludes, the vessel will become the property of Riga Technical University and will be used in future research initiatives. Meanwhile, the sensor system developed by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences will continue to operate on the vessel, collecting data on vibrations, noise, and air pollution. This information is essential not only for assessing environmental impact but also for evaluating human well-being and occupational safety.

“The H2-SEAS project demonstrates how important the collaboration between science and industry is on the path toward sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solutions—especially in the context of transforming the maritime sector,” says the lead researcher, Associate Professor Ph.D. Oskars Java.

From November 29 to December 10 ViA team - Agita Livina, Edmunds Jansons, Lauris Taube, Arnis Cirulis, Mārīte Balaņuka, and Galina Bukovska - are visiting the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) in Hyderabad, India, to continue work on the ErasmusPlus capacity-building project in higher education, SIPAS (“Advancing Sustainability and Technology in Tourism, Hospitality and Service Studies through Strategic Industry Partnership”).

During the visit, ViA colleagues are organizing and participating in a tourism-focused conference, a virtual reality hackathon, and conducting ICT training sessions for Indian academic staff. The project’s steering committee is also meeting to review and evaluate the first year of the project and to strategically plan the next steps.

Profesor Dr.oec. Agita Līviņa, in her opening speech at the conference, called for elevating the prestige of tourism through professionalization, better training, and recognition of tourism workers as skilled professionals. She emphasized that sustainability, innovation, and meaningful, culturally rich experiences must shape the future of the industry. Tourism is portrayed not only as an economic sector, but as a source of national pride and cultural exchange. By delivering exceptional experiences and valuing the people who make them possible, the industry can build long-term respect, trust, and admiration for generations to come.

On December 4, the Institute of Environmental Protection and Heat Systems of Riga Technical University held a seminar titled “Energy and Transport Models on the Path to Climate Neutrality.” The event featured presentations of decision-making models developed within the national research programme project “Climate Neutrality Decision Models in Action.”

The project aim to create a unified national decision-support tool to help Latvia reach its climate-neutrality target. During the seminar, particular attention was given to modelling the impact of policy decisions on the future of the energy and transport sectors.

“This practice—presenting and discussing project results with stakeholders before preparing the final version—is not only a good way to inform the public but also an opportunity to obtain valuable feedback,” noted #ViA lead researcher Ph.D. Oskars Java.

Participants were introduced to results that help answer the key question of how climate neutrality can be achieved in the transport and energy sectors. The discussion brought together sector professionals, policymakers, representatives of associations, ministries and municipalities, entrepreneurs, and other interested parties for whom this topic is essential for Latvia’s sustainable future.

Did you know that improving your eating habits can meaningfully support your mental health? That's why over just 3 intense days in Innovation Co-creation laboratory, researchers, students, and key stakeholders co-created a prototype aimed at helping patients with depression break out of the debilitating loop that affects 332 million people worldwide.

Meet "MotivAte "— a concept designed for the Strenči Hospital outpatient clinic, with plans to expand to other patient groups, including individuals with Alzheimer’s and more. 
The vision goes further:
- AR to visualize engaging educational materials
- XR for remote support groups
- Empathy-building tools for family members
These are just a few of the future possibilities already in sight.
Mentor of the team was ViA researcher and project LEAPXR member Linda Lancere.
We thank the Strenči Psychoneurological Hospital team, and especially Project Manager Ilona Rāviete, for their cooperation and support.

This work was made possible through the Innovation Co-Creation Laboratory, organised by the Vidzeme Open Innovation Centre as part of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, within the E³UDRES² European University and LEAPXR projects, with support from the Valmiera municipality.